Every Compass Type In 13 Minutes, by The Map Reading Company on YouTube. 12 min 55 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 55 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Start with the baseplate compass, the clear flat one most walkers use. It sits on a map, has a rotating bezel and a red magnetic needle, and works well for map bearings.
Look at a mirror compass next. The hinged mirror lets you sight a distant object while keeping the needle and bezel in view, which improves accuracy when taking a bearing.
Check the lensatic compass, common in military use. A lens and wire sight line up on the target, and the dial is read through the lens for precise bearings.
Compare the prismatic compass. A prism lets you read the dial while looking at the target, giving very accurate sighting bearings for survey and military work.
Note the box compass, a simple design with the needle inside a square case. It is basic and sturdy, best for rough direction rather than fine bearings.
Try a thumb compass if you orienteer. It straps to your thumb and stays on the map, so you can run and read direction without stopping.
Consider a wrist compass for running or cycling. It is small and worn on the arm, handy for quick checks but less precise than a baseplate model.
Test a digital compass app on your phone. It is convenient and free, but needs battery power and can drift near metal or magnets.
Keep a button compass as a backup. It is tiny and light, good for a survival kit, but too small for accurate map work.
Finally, understand the disk and needle difference. A needle compass has a floating magnetic needle, while a disk compass has a rotating card, and each suits different uses.
Tips and common mistakes
Match the compass to the job: baseplate for map work, thumb for orienteering, lensatic or prismatic for precise sighting.
Keep magnets, phones and metal objects away from the compass when you take a bearing.
A cheap button compass is fine as a backup but not as your main navigation tool.
Practice taking a bearing on a known landmark before you rely on the compass on a real walk.
Questions
Which compass is best for beginners?
A baseplate compass is the easiest to learn. It works directly with a map and is cheap and light for hiking.
Do I need a mirror or lensatic compass for hiking?
Not usually. They help with accurate sighting on distant objects, but a baseplate compass covers most walking and map reading.
Can I use my phone as a compass?
Yes, a compass app works for quick checks. Carry a physical compass as backup since phones run out of battery and can be affected by magnets.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
