A backpacking compass is an essential tool for any outdoor enthusiast. It allows you to orient yourself, find your way in unfamiliar terrain and accurately determine your position on a map. Knowing how to use a compass can be the difference between a successful expedition and being lost in the wilderness.
The most important part of using a compass is determining direction. You can do this by aligning the needle with the direction of travel indicated on the baseplate of the compass.
This will help you navigate your way between two points or locations with ease. It’s also important to remember that magnetic north is not necessarily true north, so it’s important to adjust for declination when using a compass.
Using a Compass with a Map
A compass can also be used in conjunction with a map to accurately pinpoint your location and plan routes. To do this, you need to lay the map flat and line up its edges with north, south, east and west. Then orientate the compass’s direction-of-travel arrow to match the map’s north arrow – usually represented by an arrow or line of arrows pointing in one direction.
Once you have done this, you can then rotate both the map and compass together until the red end of its needle lines up with north on the map. The bearing you are facing will now be indicated by two numbers marked on either side of the needle – one above it and one below it. This is known as your “azimuth”.
Using Your Compass Alone
You don’t always need a map to use your backpacking compass effectively. If you know where your destination is located, then all you need to do is point yourself in that direction using the direction-of-travel arrow on your baseplate as a guide.
Whichever way you decide to use your backpacking compass, it’s important that you practice first in familiar terrain before venturing out into unknown areas. Knowing how to use this simple but invaluable tool could one day save you from becoming lost in unfamiliar territory.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, knowing how to use a backpacking compass is an essential skill for any outdoor enthusiast.
To use it effectively, start by determining direction by aligning its needle with the direction of travel indicated on its baseplate. Then use it in conjunction with a map or alone depending on what information you have available. Finally, practice first in familiar terrain before venturing out into unknown areas so that one day it may save you from becoming lost!