Ultimate Survival Guide: Finding Your Way in Any Situation!
Adventure start here: Why you should Always carry a Compass and Map as backup
It is essential to know how to use a compass, it is a skill that everyone who enjoys the outdoors; trekkers, orienteers, kayakers and sailors will find indispensable.
A map and a compass are still my basics for navigating and locating my position with confidence and ultimately surviving the wilderness; it gives you the choice to deviate from the trail and explore! I want to tell you more about my extraordinary journey.
Steps to Use a Compass
1. Holding the Compass
- Hold the compass flat in your hand at waist height, level with the ground, ensuring the baseplate is pointing straight ahead.
- 2. Taking a Bearing
- Direct Method:
- Point the direction of travel arrow towards your destination.
- Rotate the bezel until the orienting arrow is aligned with the magnetic needle (red end).
- Read the bearing at the index line (where the direction of travel arrow meets the bezel).
- Map Method:
- Place the compass on the map with the edge of the baseplate along your desired route.
- Rotate the bezel until the orienting lines are parallel with the map’s north-south grid lines, and the orienting arrow points to the map’s north.
- Hold the compass and map together, ensuring they do not move, and rotate them until the magnetic needle aligns with the orienting arrow.
- The direction of travel arrow now points towards your destination. Read the bearing at the index line.
- 3. Following a Bearing
- Hold the compass flat and turn your body until the magnetic needle aligns with the orienting arrow.
- Move in the direction of the travel arrow, keeping the needle and orienting arrow aligned.
- 4. Adjusting for Declination
- Declination: The angle difference between magnetic north and true north. This varies by location.
- Check local maps or online resources for the declination in your area.
- If your compass has a declination adjustment, set it accordingly. Otherwise, adjust manually:
- For west declination, subtract the declination angle from your bearing.
- For east declination, add the declination angle to your bearing.
Practical Tips
- Stay Level: Keep the compass level to ensure accurate readings.
- Avoid Metal: Stay away from metal objects or electronic devices that can interfere with the magnetic needle.
- Practice: Regular practice in various environments will improve your skills and confidence.
By understanding and practicing these steps, you can effectively use a compass for navigation in outdoor settings.
My favourite is the navigation Suunto MC-2 G Mirror Compass, and a great sighting compass for global mountaineers; insensitive to water pressure, handy for sailor and adventurous kayakers. It is accurate, durable and able to handle the difficult conditions encountered in our changing world….
- Fast globally balanced needle with jewel bearing
- 20 degrees tilt margin for easier readings
- Adjustable declination correction
- Liquid filled capsule for stable operation
- Mirror for sighting bearings and signaling
- Sighting hole and notch for accurate bearings
- Clinometer
- Luminescent markings for working in low light
- Metric UTM scales and inch ruler
- Baseplate with magnifying lens
- Detachable snap-lock lanyard with wristlock. Easy to detach for working with the map
- Suunto limited lifetime warranty
