A compass is an invaluable tool for navigating the great outdoors, providing a reliable means of direction even in the absence of GPS or cell signal. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner taking your first steps into the wild, understanding how to use a compass is a crucial skill. So, let's dive into a step-by-step guide designed to help you master this essential skill.
Before we embark on our journey, let's familiarize ourselves with the basic components of a compass. A typical compass consists of a magnetized needle that rotates freely on a pivot, pointing towards the Earth's magnetic north. The compass housing is marked with degrees (usually every 5 degrees), which allows for precise directional readings. Around the edge, you'll find the cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and the intermediate directions (North-East, South-East, North-West, South-West).
Understanding Your Compass
Once you've identified the components of your compass, let's discuss the two primary features that will aid you in navigation: the baseplate and the bezel.
The baseplate is the flat, transparent piece of plastic at the bottom of the compass. It's used to measure distances on maps and to align the compass with your direction of travel. The bezel, also known as the rotating ring, is the outer ring of the compass that you turn to align with your desired direction of travel.
The Baseplate
The baseplate serves two main functions: measuring distances on maps and aligning the compass with your direction of travel. To measure distances, place the edge of the baseplate on the map where you are and rotate the compass until the route you want to take is along the edge of the baseplate. The distance along the edge represents the distance you'll travel in that direction.
To align the compass with your direction of travel, place the edge of the baseplate on the map where you are, then rotate the compass until the route you want to take is along the edge of the baseplate. Hold the compass flat, with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing towards your destination. Then, turn your body until the needle of the compass is pointing towards the same direction. Now, you're aligned with your desired direction of travel.
The Bezel
The bezel, or rotating ring, is calibrated in degrees and allows you to set a specific direction to which you want to travel. To set a direction, rotate the bezel until the degree number that corresponds to your desired direction (e.g., 0 degrees for North, 90 degrees for East, etc.) is aligned with the direction-of-travel arrow on the baseplate.
After setting your desired direction, hold the compass flat and parallel to the ground. The red end of the needle should now point to your chosen degree on the bezel. Again, turn your body until the needle is pointing towards the same direction as the red end. Now, you're accurately aligned with your selected degree and ready to travel in that direction.
Compass Navigation Techniques
Now that you're comfortable with the mechanics of your compass, let's explore some time-tested techniques for navigating with a compass.
Before we dive in, it's crucial to understand that these techniques require that you have a map that corresponds with your current location. This map should be accurately oriented to real-world directions, typically by using landmarks, magnetic north, or a map compass rose.
Two Thumb and Index Rule
The Two Thumb and Index Rule, or the Red-India-Red Rule, is a simple and effective way to plot a course from your current location to a destination. Here's how it works:
1. Place your thumb over the compass housing, with the red end of the needle pointing away from you (red-to-red). 2. Rotate the compass until the direction-of-travel arrow points at your destination. 3. Keep the same angle between your thumb and the direction-of-travel arrow as you move forward. This angle remains constant regardless of how much you rotate the compass.
Whethering and Back Bearings
Whenever you change direction while navigating, the new direction is a 'whether' of the old one. For instance, if you're traveling north (0 degrees) and decide to change course to travel east (90 degrees), north is the 'whether' of east. Conversely, back bearings (or reverse indicators) are directions that point back to where you've come from.
To find a whether or back bearing, subtract or add 90 degrees, respectively, from your original course. For example, to find the whether of east, subtract 90 degrees from 90 degrees (east):
- 90 degrees (east) - 90 degrees = 0 degrees (north)
And to find the back bearing of east, add 90 degrees to 90 degrees:
- 90 degrees (east) + 90 degrees = 180 degrees (south)
To ensure you're on the right track, periodically take a bearing (your direction) and compare it to the direction you should be traveling. If the two agree, you're on course. If not, you've veered off and need to correct your direction.
Mastering the art of compass navigation is a rewarding journey that takes time and practice. The more you use your compass, the more intuitive its use becomes. So, the next time you find yourself in the great outdoors, don't forget to pack your compass and gain confidence by using it at regular intervals. Happy exploring!