Using a compass without a map-The Easy Way ;), by Survival Segments on YouTube. 4 min 55 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 55 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Hold the compass flat in your open palm at waist height. Keep it away from your phone, keys, belt buckle, car and fence wire so the needle can swing freely.
Let the needle settle, then turn the rotating bezel until the direction of travel arrow points at the spot you want to reach, such as a ridge or a lone tree.
Turn your whole body until the orienting arrow under the bezel lines up with the red end of the needle. Read the number at the direction of travel arrow. That is your bearing.
Look up on that bearing and pick a landmark you can actually see. Walk to it, then take a fresh bearing and repeat. Do not stare at the compass while walking.
Count your steps as you go and note the number for every 100 metres. That pace count turns your compass into a rough distance measure when you have no map.
Adjust for magnetic declination before you start. Look up the declination for your area and turn the bezel by that many degrees, east or west, or set it on the declination scale.
To walk back, add 180 degrees to your bearing if it is under 180, or subtract 180 if it is over. Set that number at the direction of travel arrow and follow it.
If you lose sight of your landmark, stop, take a back bearing to something behind you, and re-check your line before moving again.
Tips and common mistakes
Metal on your wrist or chest pulls the needle, so take off the watch and hold the compass clear of your body.
Check your declination once for the area you hike in and write it on the compass base in marker.
Tell someone your route and expected return time, and carry water and a whistle as backup.
Walking on a bearing means walking straight, so sidestep obstacles and return to your line rather than drifting around them.
Questions
Do I really need to bother with magnetic declination?
Yes, if you plan to walk more than a few hundred metres. The gap between magnetic north and true north can be several degrees, which puts you well off course over a kilometre.
How do I judge distance without a map?
Use a pace count. Count your steps over a known 100 metre stretch, then use that number to estimate distance as you walk your bearing.
What if the needle will not settle?
You are probably near metal, a magnet or electronics. Move a few metres away and hold the compass level again until the needle stops swinging.
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.
