What is orienteer?

An orienteer is someone who participates in the sport of orienteering. Orienteering is a competitive outdoor sport in which participants navigate through unfamiliar terrain using a map and compass, trying to find a set of checkpoints in the fastest possible time.

Orienteering is a popular sport throughout the world, with many countries having their own orienteering organizations and competitions. The sport requires both physical stamina and mental concentration, as participants must move quickly through rough and sometimes treacherous terrain while simultaneously reading maps and making quick decisions about the best route to follow.

Orienteering events can range from short courses lasting only a few minutes to multi-day competitions that cover tens or even hundreds of kilometers. Participants can compete individually or as part of a team, and both recreational and competitive events are available for people of all ages and skill levels.

Orienteering is often used as a training exercise by military and law enforcement personnel, as well as outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, backpackers, and hunters, as it can help improve skills such as map reading, navigation, and decision making in difficult or unfamiliar terrain.