Hiking 411 | How to Use a Compass

The tradition of using a compass as one of your hiking accessories is quickly succumbing to GPS (Global Positioning System) devices. However, compasses are usually less expensive and it's not a bad thing for hikers to know how to use one.

Many millennia ago, it was first discovered that a specific type of metal floating on a leaf in a pool of water always oriented itself to point in a distinct direction. Only just a few centuries ago was it uncovered that the Earth's magnetic field was accountable for this, and that the Earth acts kind of like a huge magnet.

That epiphany has grown, becoming included into modern compasses, which are oftentimes very complex.

A well-made compass has very thorough and precise sets of degree lines. Most generally have the North-pointing tip colored red, making it simple to differentiate from the South-pointing tip. Rarely will they align to true geographic north. That distinction is known as magnetic declination.

Reason being is there's an excessive concentration of ore underneath the Earth's exterior. It is about 1000 miles distance from the North Pole and it causes a compass needle to stray from its direction based on the Earth's magnetic field. Many compasses have workings that permit you to alter this, based on your current location. You will have to refer to local maps to determine just how greatly to adjust,

In most areas, the discrepancies are slight and you worry typically which direction you're traveling, and not the realistic one. So, just by sloping the map a bit and not worrying too about 'true' north, you'll be able to visually adjust.

A rather simple method for using your compass to determine your position is to pick a landmark near you that you can find on your map. Using a pencil, because you'll want to re-use the map, draw a straight line from that landmark to the position where you think you are. Find another 45 degrees or more from the first and draw another line. Where they meet is a fairly accurate approximation to your current position.

Using a compass, you can orient approximately by coupling what you see on the dial with basic skill. The sun sets in the West and rises in the East. So, early in the morning, if you face the sun, you are facing approximately East. Likewise, facing the sun late in the afternoon, you'll approximately be facing West. Remember - this is only a rough estimate - based off your latitude your reading can be off.

If you're facing West, obviously, East is behind you. Jot an imaginary line going that direction and compare with the compass. No reading is absolute, but the more data you have, the better off your readings will be.

Oftentimes, just being aware of the general bearing you are on or want to journey is extremely valuable. You can get lost very easily by climbing up and down hills and around bending hiking trails. Just knowing the approximate route back to your desired position can help keep you from becoming too lost.

When you walk off the trail, make certain to record the direction you are heading when you do. Log any twists and turns you make. If you get lost, and can't find your trail, you can use your compass to help you get back.

Hiking Accessories

How to Use a Compass