Maps
Read a topo, plan a route, and not get lost.
Read the lines
A topo map is a picture of the ground. Lines close together mean steep. Lines far apart mean a ridge you can sleep on.
Before you go
orientation where north is, and where you are features peaks, rivers, saddles — your landmarks distance pace it, don't guess it escape the shortest way back, marked
The rule
A map is only as good as the look you take at it. Check it before you need it.