How to Use a Compass

Ever found yourself deep in the woods, unsure of which direction leads home? Or perhaps you’ve been on a camping trip, map in hand, but still feeling a bit lost? Knowing how to use a compass can transform your outdoor adventures from uncertain to confidently navigated. Let’s dive into the basics of using a compass, and before you know it, you’ll be navigating like a pro!

What is a Compass?

A compass is a simple yet ingenious tool that helps you determine direction. It’s been around for centuries, guiding explorers, hikers, and adventurers through unknown territories. At its heart, a compass has a magnetic needle that aligns itself with the Earth’s magnetic field, always pointing north. Sounds like magic, right? Well, it’s just good old science!

Types of Compasses

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of using one, let’s briefly touch on the types of compasses you might encounter:

• Baseplate Compass: Perfect for beginners, it has a transparent base so you can read the map underneath.
• Lensatic Compass: Used by the military, it has a flip-up lens for precision aiming.
• Thumb Compass: Popular in orienteering, it’s small and attaches to your thumb for quick reference.

For simplicity, we’ll focus on the baseplate compass in this guide.

Getting Started: The Basics

First things first, let’s get familiar with the parts of a baseplate compass:

• The Baseplate: The clear, flat part of the compass. It often has a ruler on the side.
• The Direction-of-Travel Arrow: An arrow on the baseplate that shows where to go.
• The Compass Needle: The magnetic needle that points to magnetic north.
• The Rotating Bezel: A ring around the compass with degree markings.
• Orienting Lines and Arrow: Lines and an arrow inside the bezel that you align with the map.

How to Hold a Compass

Holding a compass correctly is the first step in using it effectively. Here’s a simple way to remember:

1. Hold the compass flat in your hand.
2. Keep it level to ensure the needle moves freely.
3. Make sure the direction-of-travel arrow points straight ahead.

Taking a Bearing

Taking a bearing means finding the direction from your current location to another point. It’s like saying, “Which way do I need to go?”

1. Point the Direction-of-Travel Arrow: Aim it at your destination.
2. Rotate the Bezel: Turn it until the orienting arrow lines up with the red end of the compass needle.
3. Read the Bearing: Look at the degree marking where the direction-of-travel arrow meets the bezel. That’s your bearing!

Following a Bearing

Now that you have your bearing, here’s how to follow it:

1. Hold the compass flat in front of you.
2. Turn your body until the red end of the needle aligns with the orienting arrow.
3. The direction-of-travel arrow now points where you need to go. Walk in that direction!

Using a Compass with a Map

Maps and compasses are like peanut butter and jelly – they’re good on their own, but together, they’re fantastic. Here’s how to use them together:

Aligning Your Map and Compass

1. Lay your map flat.
2. Place the compass on the map with the edge of the baseplate along a north-south grid line.
3. Rotate the map and compass together until the needle points north on the map.

Taking a Map Bearing

1. Place the compass on the map so the edge of the baseplate connects your current location to your destination.
2. Rotate the bezel until the orienting lines are parallel with the map’s north-south grid lines.
3. The direction-of-travel arrow now shows the bearing from your location to your destination.

Dealing with Magnetic Declination

Magnetic declination is the difference between true north (the North Pole) and magnetic north (where your compass points). This can vary depending on where you are in the world. Check a local map or online resource for the declination in your area. Here’s how to adjust for it:

1. Find the Declination Angle: It might be written on your map.
2. Adjust the Bezel: Some compasses allow you to set the declination directly. If not, mentally add or subtract the declination from your bearing.

Practical Tips and Tricks

• Practice Makes Perfect: Start in a familiar area to get the hang of it.
• Stay Calm: If you’re lost, take a deep breath and retrace your steps.
• Check Your Bearings Often: Ensure you’re on the right path.
• Trust Your Compass: It’s easy to doubt it, but it’s rarely wrong.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Holding the Compass Level: This can cause inaccurate readings.
• Ignoring Magnetic Declination: This can lead you off course.
• Using a Broken Compass: Always check your gear before heading out.