Most people usually stick to the trails when they hike, and they desire to use systems and roads already established – as well they should. Venturing off the trail can lead to a complicated set of problems that affect not only the hiker, but also the system hiked in to. There are, however, times when doing hiking off the beaten path is the hiker’s whole intention. Of course, this shouldn’t be attempted by everyone, but for the hiker looking for a new challenge, ‘rogaining’ is a perfect solution.

Rogaining is a hiking trip directed by direction and orientation. You face yourself in a certain direction, and utilizing systems of maps, compasses, and perhaps even global-positioning systems, you set out across a given country or land plot to your ultimate destination. Some people will have certain landmarks they wish to find on their rogaining trip, and orient themselves that way.

Rogaining gets its name from the first names of the principle men and women who invented the sport, Rod Phillips, Gail Davis and Neil Phillips, an Australian ‘rover’ crew who set out to explore their country in a 24-hour cross-country excursion. ROGAINE can also mean ‘Rugged Outdoor Group Activity Involving Navigation and Endurance,’ and either use is correct.

The sport as a whole involves a lot of endurance, agility, speed, and know-how for navigating the complexities of any country’s geography and geology. You may happen upon a river, a canyon, a gorge, or an impasse, and know how to navigate those obstacles quickly, without losing track of your eventual destination. The sport is a good way to learn the countryside and implement endurance and survival skills. And if you’re good enough, you can join the annual Rogaine championships, usually held in Australia or New Zealand.

But the true attraction to the sport is its versatility. Pick your own checkpoints, make your own competition. Have fun.