Using A Compass To Find Your Way
Using a compass to find your way may sound old-fashioned, but it is valuable knowledge to have. As a prepper, you do not have to be told that you must be adequately prepared for every circumstance, much more one as crucial as finding your way.
Sure, many don’t see the need for a compass anymore, thanks to GPS, which is available on nearly every phone. And while I appreciate technology, we must agree that it has failings at times. You don’t want to be stranded on an island because your phone is out of power. And, trust me, there are several other reasons not to depend on technology entirely. If SHTF and all you have to find your way is a phone that’s so prone to damage, I’m not sure you’ll be in a good position. You could be missing for days, weeks, and even months.
Understanding How A Compass Works
The common image nearly everyone has of a compass is a small circular clock-like object, and while this is understandable, you should note that there are various types of compass. The most common, however, remains the liquid magnetic compass, which means it’s the one 80% of us will ever use. As a result, this article will focus on how a liquid magnetic compass works.
A compass always has a spinning needle, much like the second hand of the clock. This needle is controlled by Earth’s natural magnetic field, and as such, always points toward the magnetic north.
Note that magnetic north isn’t the geographical north, you know— no, it isn’t the North Pole. Magnetic north has no fixed location as Earth’s magnetic field is always on the move. Presently, the magnetic north is slowly orbiting the Canadian Arctic.
The mechanisms of a compass can be explained further, but you don’t need the knowledge to find your way. What you must, however, know is that a functional compass will always point toward the magnetic north.
Fundamental Parts of A Compass
We’ll be looking at just three parts of a compass because it is necessary to do so.
- Baseplate: the baseplate is the plastic foundation of a compass. It is typically a transparent plastic, which allows you to place it on a map and yet see the map details. A baseplate often has one straight edge to help make bearings on the map. At the top of the baseplate, you’ll find the “travel arrows”, which is your journey guide, while on the side, there’s usually some rulers, which help to measure distances on the map. Importantly, there’s the index line, which is what allows you to read bearings.
- Rotating Bezel: Rotating Bezel, also called azimuth ring, serves as the spinning basis for the needle casing. By constantly rotating, the azimuth ring helps to get accurate bearings apart from the magnetic north.
- Needle Housing: Obviously, this is where the needle lives. This casing contains fluid to assist the ceaseless spinning of the needle. A needle housing houses the needle, which is the most important component of any compass, the orienting arrow, which is the red, hollow arrow in the casing and the orienting lines, which align the compass with a map’s grid lines.
Steps For Using A Compass To Find Your Way
Using a compass can be done in two ways: with a map and without a map. In this article, we’ll focus on how to use without a map as it is the worst scenario, right? Luckily, it is arguably an easier method.
Using your compass without a way involves two things only, which are taking a bearing and following a bearing.
Taking A Bearing
Taking a bearing simply means ascertaining the location of a monumental object, for example, a mountain, according to your current position. This is much more effective and useful when your location is an open field, from where you can see your destination. Do note that it is difficult or even possible to have evident sightlines throughout the walk.
Steps In Taking A Bearing
Taking a bearing is an easy thing if you keep to the following set of instructions:
- Steady The Compass: Taking a bearing requires a perfectly level compass so the needle can work properly. Without steadying the compass, you can hardly get an accurate bearing.
- Face The Object In Focus: If you steadied the compass while having away from where you are going, you might have a little problem. Anyway, to do this, turn your body completely to face the monument you’re going to.
- Put Red Fred In The Shed: This simply means rotating the bezel. To do this, keep the compass steady and proceed to spin the bezel until the needle’s red end is napping in the orienting arrow.
- Translate The Bearing: This is the last step. Having positioned red Fred in the shed, read the values below the index number, and you have the bearing to your destination.
Note that these steps must be right done, else you’ll have the wrong bearing.
Following A Bearing
Following the bearing you’ve taken isn’t as easy as you’re thinking. In a normal setting, steadying a compass until you reach an object is pretty straightforward. But not when you’re navigating a cumbersome terrain in the wilderness.
Steps In Following A Bearing
Following a bearing can be difficult in the wild due to the terrains. I, therefore, advise that you keep to these:
- Keep The Compass Steady: The first rule doesn’t change. When following what you’ve gotten, keep your hands steady and level. No celebratory dance yet.
- Ascertain Your Bearing: Taking the correct bearing is necessary to reach your landmark. Before you go hence, make sure you’re following the right bearing.
- Choose An Object Directly Before You: As mentioned, it can be difficult to keep seeing your destination when you start walking. A great tip is to pinpoint an object directly before you and pick another when you get to it until you arrive at your final destination.
- Start Walking: Start walking soon as red Fred is positioned in the shed. If you took your bearing correctly, your whole body should be turned towards your destination already, and there should be no delay.
Final Lines On Using A Compass To Find Your Way
Using a compass to find your way can be a lifesaver in the wild. Several scenarios could deprive you of your GPS or whatever little technology on your phone. A compass, on the other hand, is available and reliable 24/7. Let me ask, can you use your GPS as a guide when it’s raining? I doubt it.