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:
1. Point the direction of travel arrow towards your destination.
2. Rotate the bezel until the orienting arrow is aligned with the magnetic needle (red end).
3. Read the bearing at the index line (where the direction of travel arrow meets the bezel).
Map Method:
1. Place the compass on the map with the edge of the baseplate along your desired route.
2. 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.
3. Hold the compass and map together, ensuring they do not move, and rotate them until the magnetic needle aligns with the orienting arrow.
4. 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