How to use a compass when lost: Safety Bearing

In this video I get lost in the woods using a blindfold, then demonstrate how a safety bearing works to find the way back to safety.
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Adventures In Reach (AIR) hopes to expand what adventures are possible for you, teach the skills to help make that happen, inspire you to get out of a rut, and increase your confidence outdoors. We encourage you to challenge yourself and try something new, from a backyard adventure to an expedition. Although all outdoor adventures are fair game, AIR generally focuses on small sailboat or Sunfish sailboat sailing and camping, rappelling, knots, ropes, hammock camping, outdoor adventures with dogs, compass orienteering, canoeing, wilderness travel, outdoor gear, camping, hiking, and cold weather camping and survival.
My name is Matt, and my experience includes:
--6+ years of Search & Rescue
--Thru-hiking the 2,168 mile Appalachian Trail
--Cycling 4,000 miles cross country
--Canoeing/sailing the entire 1,815 mile Yukon River
--A Bachelors in Psychology
--3.5 years of coursework in Adventure Education
--11 years in the mental health/psychology field
--17 years leading outdoor trips
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Leave a comment with questions and I'll try to answer in the comments or in a future video. Thanks for watching!
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#lost #buildconfidence #findingyourself #usingacompass #I'mlost #whattodowhenlost

[@AdventuresInReach]

Enjoy this? Check out this "Get Lost, then Find Your Way" playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLNcpRGw7T0bhJbOc5SaMyqn_j37kmI60I Please consider liking and subscribing!

[@muddyshoesgardener]

Thanks!

[@oakclass7306]

thanks

[@armorvestrus4119]

Has anyone ever invented a homing beacon compass that will point just to your own personal car? If not they should hikers would love it, and a person could self-rescue without having to alert a 100 busy people from their jobs. I think this would be easy and practical, and it would sale like crazy to most hikers. All it needs is a homing Arrow that points to the location of the car, no maps no hard complicated adjustments, just follow the arrow. How cool is that. Now make it sale it and I will buy one.

[@senadapasic1732]

First person who made this understable. I was distraught from watching so many complicated videos. It also taught me to plan which direction I am going in. i wish he would do a map and compass video.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Thank you! I truly do want my content to be digestible and useful. Here's my orienteering playlist if you're interested: kzbin.info/aero/PLNcpRGw7T0bhJbOc5SaMyqn_j37kmI60I ...and I added a map and compass basics video to my list to make.

[@williamramos3350]

Like how you broke it down to the most basic. Explaining that the sun can also be used as a guide...shows that you know your stuff. Greatly appreciated.

[@Thechist781]

The sun is useful as long as is close to the horizon. If is too straight up the only good thing is that you’ll have sunlight for several hours to help you find your way.

[@johnmaxfield1147]

Best video I have found. Many others (including the instructions that come with a compass) know how to use a compass but are unable to explain it simply.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Thank you. I really appreciate your comment. I have adventure education training and have been teaching for a while. I'm glad that my explanations are useful to you. In will be working on a follow up video to this one in the near future so keep a lookout.

[@muddyshoesgardener]

Once, when I was hiking a simple trail a swarm of bees found me.....I went running off. This taught me that getting lost was soooo easy. I haven't been in the woods since. I really want to learn how to use a compass in case something like this happens again. They are correct when they say....."I thought this wouldn't happen to me"!

[@AdventuresInReach]

Thanks for this comment. Now I have questions: How did you find your way out? How long ago was this? And, where, approximately are you located? If you're close enough, it might be fun to do a video where I teach you, then we go get lost and try it out.

[@muddyshoesgardener]

You are very kind. Im 62 and prefer to watch videos..... Your videos are wonderful ! I really love trail walking..... however Im a lot more cautious now. Also- that comment that everyone makes....“ This wont happen to me” now makes me smile. I sure learned my lesson. My goal this year is to learn how to use a compass.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Absolutely. That comment generally doesn't lead to anything good. If you're interested, I have this compass playlist. Let me know if it helps. Get Lost!...then find your way.: kzbin.info/aero/PLNcpRGw7T0bhJbOc5SaMyqn_j37kmI60I

[@camilleedwards9286]

This was the best compass video I have yet seen! You kept it simple and now I feel confident I know how to read a compass. Thank you.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Awesome, thank you! Stay found.

[@gothamcity007]

Thanks for sharing this video, awesome content! This type of stuff we should of learned in school.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Absolutely. That along with first aid, treading water and investment. I'm glad you liked it. Here's the playlist with some additional navigation videos if you're interested. Get Lost!...then find your way.: kzbin.info/aero/PLNcpRGw7T0bhJbOc5SaMyqn_j37kmI60I

[@armorvestrus4119]

That was a very good demo, everyone who goes in the woods should first learn to use a compass and practice with it. I got lost one time and I had to use the sun and shadows from the trees to help me find my way back

[@AdventuresInReach]

Nice work using the sun. As basic as that might seem, many people get nervous and stop thinking in that scenario. I agree that anyone in the woods should ideally have that basic knowledge and skill.

[@billmimms]

You are awesome! Thanks for the video. This is what I wanted: To actually SEE someone in a situation. I know it was a small situation, but it was great....and with just using a compass. I was in the Boy Scouts and never could understand how to find my way around using a compass.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Well thank you. It's certainly helpful to have this base level information and skills then add a map or gps and make things easier. Compasses almost always work though. If you are interested in more orienteering videos you can check out this playlist: Get Lost!...then find your way.: kzbin.info/aero/PLNcpRGw7T0bhJbOc5SaMyqn_j37kmI60I

[@cliffspicer6555]

50 Shades of Navigation. Great video and I found it very helpful. Thanks for making it.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Funny. Thank you. Did you/are you going to try it? Let me know if you have any other videos related to the topic that you would like to see.

[@xionix4]

Part of the reason I started learning survival, bushcraft, etc was that I wanted to revisit the feeling of being lost (long story - lost in the woods with my mom when I was young). Mostly, I've encountered opposition when expressing this desire/idea. "You're going to waste SAR's time and probably die" etc... This video was a nice bit of affirmation. Thank you. :)

[@AdventuresInReach]

You're certainly welcome. I'm on a SAR team and am certainly not recommending getting lost in an uncontrolled manner because it can be dangerous and require others to get involved. However, getting lost in a controlled manner like this where you are hemmed in with roads or obvious features is a great way to practice. You could also do this but have a GPS in your pack as a backup. I do understand the desire to live on the edge although I've never really enjoyed the feeling when I've been momentarily lost.

[@xionix4]

@@AdventuresInReach I appreciate your understanding. I also used to want to learn to sail just enough to take navigation books and a packing list prepared by a trusted/skilled friend on a sailboat alone with a month of supplies and get lost on the ocean, then learn to find my way back only after I was out there. :P I was talked out of it by my mom, lol. What's strange for me is it seems no-one else likes the feeling, but I enjoyed the feeling of the woods being endless and not knowing where to go, and now that I'm separate from my family, it has sentimental value as well. Maybe I'll be surprised and find that I no longer like it, but for now it's a deep longing. Don't worry; I am a planner, and I always have a backup for my backup. :) Thanks again.

[@OmerTamer]

Very well simulated lost scenario, and very simple helpful tips. Thanks.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alfredoverno9674]

Great job. I'll watch more. Thank you for jumping right into the subject matter. I feel that I don't like real long "intros".

[@AdventuresInReach]

Hello. You're welcome. I try to keep my intros fairly brief. You might like this video about finding the trail again: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5PKqYBpnLZ9oZI

[@robinlarson3958]

Thank you for your "plan on getting lost" preparation.

[@AdventuresInReach]

You are certainly welcome! I hope it comes in handy...or rather that you never have to use it, but would be ready just in case.

[@Andy-wx4wx]

Really good breakdown of how to use a compass...

[@AdventuresInReach]

Thank you!

[@mitch60mccoy]

Hey, nicely done. Thanks for walking through each step. I've got a button compass (Suunto Clipper) that attaches to my watch band and it's great for ultra light gear on thru-hikes like the PCT. It was comforting watching your video as a refresh and good compass basics. Kudos to you for a well-done video. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

[@AdventuresInReach]

You're welcome. Thanks for the comment. I've checked out the Suunto Clipper before but haven't used one. It sounds like you recommend it? I have a couple more compass videos coming over the next two weeks: one demonstrating the effect of not using declination, and one about practicing in the snow.

[@mitch60mccoy]

@@AdventuresInReach Ok, I just subscribed and will keep an eye out for these two new compass videos. Thanks!

[@AdventuresInReach]

I posted another compass video today in case you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2Tdn42FmrR_m8U

[@chris5115]

I like to do this kind of exercise but I use my dog, Hector, I just get lost and follow him. Hector is a lurcher and loves to get home, back to to the car or just find his bed and relax, safe and warm. Yes, I do my homework, look at the map, take a compass, use it and it's sooo nice when Hector and myself are in agreement on our direction of travel.

[@AdventuresInReach]

That's great! Animals are awesome at direction finding. I've wanted to do a video testing just that.

[@r.a.wskillsadventuresandbu5571]

Great skill to know, Confidence in your skills and gear is a huge thing. Keep the videos coming.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Absolutely. I see you have a good set of outdoor skills yourself. Nice work. I've got a bunch of videos ready to go, so stay tuned.

[@andimom2010]

Yes I just took this class. Great help and information

[@AdventuresInReach]

What/who was the class through? Thank you for the comment.

[@alexblue6991]

Once my wife and I went into the woodlands walk in Scotland a trail we walked most weekends we thought we new the area like the back of our hand didn't even take a mobile phone or anything else as we just going for an hour or so only this day we had stormy weather with heavy snow which covered all the trails it took us ages to find our way back

[@AdventuresInReach]

That can be a scary experience, even when you know the place. Thanks for sharing. I've been out on a search and rescue call and just "felt" like I was going the wrong way even though my compass and GPS told me otherwise. I even called base and had them double check because I was questioning it so much. I also had a high school student on a canoe trip I was guiding say they could easily find their way back from the woods. We blindfolded him, walked him out only about 200' (dense brush) and asked him to walk back to camp. Everyone at camp was instructed to stay quiet and after 45 minutes of wandering the student gave up and we led him back. I've always found it comforting to have several skills to fall back on when there's a potential to get lost.

[@EspenFrafalne]

Great video! I have previously been looking for videos showing navigation in practice, but only found theoretical videos about it... (EDIT: I see you already have this tip in one of your videos, but ill just leave it here anyway) A tip for the end part... If you know approximately what direction your car will be located, then dont aim for the car, but instead try aiming so you are confident you will end up on either the right or the left side of the car (depending on which side you think is the shortest or safest route to the road). That way when you reach the road, you will hopefully know which direction to go to find your car.

[@AdventuresInReach]

If you are looking for more practical videos for navigation, and haven't found this yet, feel free to check out my navigation playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLNcpRGw7T0bhJbOc5SaMyqn_j37kmI60I I have a couple more planned for this summer as well. Aiming off is a great tip. It's certainly saved me some confusion on many occasions. I used to work at a wilderness program in Utah and travel almost exclusively cross country. We used this technique on a daily basis and it worked wonderfully. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@EspenFrafalne]

@@AdventuresInReach I watched the entire playlist already. Thanks for making these videos 👍

[@MrCabimero]

Simple but effective. Thanks so much.

[@AdventuresInReach]

You're welcome. It is simple, but then again people panic when lost and don't think through it. If you want another technique, I included the link for steps to re-find a lost trail. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5PKqYBpnLZ9oZI

[@karhukivi]

Here's one for you! I was on fieldwork in a forest in Sweden a few years ago. It was November and beginning to get dark as I walked with my colleague along a line we had marked every 50 metres with flagging tape back to the cars. My colleague then remembered he had left a battery pack at the far end of the flagged line but he was in a hurry to go visit some friends, so I told him I would get the battery pack and off he went. I had already stowed my backpack in the car but decided to go back without it forgetting that my GPS, compass and torch were still in the backpack. It will only take fifteen minutes, I thought. Big mistake. No cell phone coverage, so I didn't have that either. I got to the battery pack in about 20 minutes but the light was fading and it had begun to snow lightly. When I turned around to go back to the car, i couldn't see the line as snow was already covering it and my tracks - panic! I knew that walking back in the general direction was not good as the road where the car was in line with our flagged lines. If I missed it I could be in the forest for another 20 km. No stars in the sky with the cloud cover, not that that would have helped either. The only thing I had was a notebook, but I had to find the next flag 50 m away, and then the next one until I got back to the car. I tore out a page and walked until I could hardly see the flag I had left behind me, and then placed another page on the ground, and so on. When I had gone more than 50 metres with no flag in sight, I returned picking up the pages and tried another direction. On the third attempt I found the next flag, so I now had the direction, and found another flag on the line after some more experiments now in almost total darkness. Halfway back to the car it got a bit easier as we had blazed the line with extra flagging tape on the trees. It took me two hours to get back in total, frozen and shivering, but fortunately had a hot drink in the car. That taught me a lesson! Since then I always carry a notebook, a second small torch in a pocket, and a second compass that clips onto a watch strap. My car keys have a tritium light and a fluorescent tape on the keyring. Losing those items in bad conditions can be fatal!

[@maivezonk]

Thanks for showing a button compass!

[@AdventuresInReach]

You bet!

[@James_Bowie]

You might also like to do a video on how to use your compass and a base point to find your way back to the trail if you leave it (without taking a bearing) and get turned around -- which I guess you know accounts for a very high percentage of people needing to be rescued.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Will you clarify what you mean by using a compass without taking a bearing?

[@wmluna381]

It would be cool to hear a lost/survival tips video that dovetails with some of your real life SAR scenarios of things people actually did (or rather didn't do) to save themselves the pain and anxiety of the situation.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Thanks for the idea. I like that...and have some stories.

[@aikido775]

Maybe, just maybe, we were both Swiss-German-Americans who believed in instrumentation and were avid readers of Popular Mechanics, Ha! (obviously both, are NOT requirements for survival) Later, in a challenging day camp program my folks enrolled us in (my best buddy and me), we were blindfolded, driven deep into the Sierra woods, spun around (with water and snacks) and told to "get back" to base camp in a "timely" fashion. We had a map and two ww2 compasses (this was in 1962, so not that old.) We were so confident in the ability to land within 50 feet of the camp (arrogant or prepared?) that we both took telescoping fishing rods and salmon eggs (not allowed but just in case)! The map showed 2 promising lakes SW of the camp so we fished! Not only did we get back safely, and in record time, we had a 10 trout to share for dinner and just missed getting in trouble for "wandering from the objective!" (they loved the trout, by the way) Compass familiarity, when all systems are down (which could happen today), is crucial! Get a good topographical map with elevation (so u don't kill yourself steeply climbing all day), lakes, streams and rivers and you can hold out! Also...it makes me CRAZY to read about folks straying from their trail to pee, or whatever, and being unable to get back and hopelessly lost and being found dead years later!. Compass familiarity should be a REQUIRED course in middle school, throughout the country. Applicable brain/hands- on stuff! Love your channel, BTW. Sorry for the rant..

[@AdventuresInReach]

That's a great story! I guess if you're not going to follow the guidelines, bringing fish is a great way to get out of trouble. I'm certainly a proponent of learning the basics skills very well since you will generally have to rely on them once something goes wrong.

[@rlgroshans]

This is great information!

[@AdventuresInReach]

Thank you. I hope it helps someone from truly getting lost. Did you check out the rest of the videos in my playlist about orienteering? Get Lost!...then find your way.: kzbin.info/aero/PLNcpRGw7T0bhJbOc5SaMyqn_j37kmI60I

[@rlgroshans]

@@AdventuresInReach to be honest, I just found your channel and plan on digging into it a bit more. This basic information made me think of a news story where a woman was solo walking the Appalachian train. At one point she got off of the trail and got lost. When they found her remains, quite a long time later, if memory serves me....she was not very far from the trail. This type of knowledge may have saved her life.

[@AdventuresInReach]

I haven't heard that particular story but I have heard a few similar to that. I've also found a few people in searches who were close to the trail.

[@wymandyer6261]

love your trusty dog,,,thanks

[@AdventuresInReach]

She was amazing. Jenga is no longer with us, but she was such a great adventure companion. Here's a video of her sailing overnight with me on my Sunfish. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIm3mXtufpxlgZY

[@wymandyer6261]

thank you@@AdventuresInReach

[@lucymooch5821]

Thanks, very helpful video and well said at 4.09.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Thanks. Many people freak out, stop thinking, and do things that make it worse. Did you try this exercise?

[@lucymooch5821]

@@AdventuresInReach I hike solo alot of the time, map and compass as essential as water.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Absolutely. It's interesting how many people don't believe that or don't know how to use them-- especially those who i get called to find on searches.

[@edwarddemedeiros3607]

Excellent advice!

[@AdventuresInReach]

Thank you. I've been on many lost person searches and most could have been easily avoided with a little planning. Thanks for watching.

[@Nocturnal440]

Thank you!

[@AdventuresInReach]

Thank YOU for watching! I hope that helps out.

[@DirtDigglerDetecting]

My wife an i try to look at sun an guess what time it is hehehe Great Advice.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Absolutely. I did a video short about how to tell how much time is left in the day with your fingers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKapZoZ8qLOInKs That's fun to guess time, and this technique might give you an advantage over your wife. Ha.

[@Rambl-n_Man]

Great video, Thank you

[@AdventuresInReach]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffargo7095]

yes thank you brother!!

[@P_RO_]

What I teach novices is to just use all compasses directly off the dial. First, put the pointer on north if you have a baseplate compass. Now imagine yourself standing on the center pivot of the dial, then look for the direction you want to go and follow that heading to a target where you check the compass again in the same way. Works for every compass and requires no extra steps to remember about orienting a baseplate to direction of travel. Always hold the compass at arm's length to read it or set it down on something non-metallic, as metal or magnetism on your person can greatly affect accuracy. Cellphones, radios, and more have magnets in them which makes them bad to have anywhere near a compass, but all metal needs to be kept away from the compass including bracelets and wristwatch devices. Forget about declination at novice level; a rough bearing is enough for this, as is finding the 8 cardinal directions. Even a 9 year old can learn to do this in just a few minutes. Something equally important is dealing with obstacles like impenetrable brush. cliffs, steep hills, lakes etc which you can't easily go straight across or through. First, use the compass and face the direction you wanted to go. Next, decide whether you should go left or right to bypass the obstacle. Look in that direction for a target and see what the compass reads toward that with you 'standing on the center pivot' just as before. Go from point to point same as before, in the new direction counting how many steps you take until you clear the obstacle. Now go back to using your compass on your original bearing. When you pass the obstacle go the same number of steps in the opposite direction straight across the dial from where you changed course then revert to your original bearing. If the obstacle is large you can use a time count instead of steps, like 5 minutes walking to the left followed by 5 minutes walking to the right once you're past the obstacle. Again this is stuff a 9 year old can remember and do but it's rarely taught in novice compass instruction, and I didn't see it in this video even as important as it is. And perhaps the most important thing is to never travel in the dark even if you have light unless you are on a very-well cleared and distinct trail because you can't see obstacles or hazards well enough and you don't want to get even more lost or injured. If it's safe to do so, build a fire even if it's hot because that will help searchers locate you, and even if you don't expect anyone to be looking for you it gives your mind something to focus on instead of your plight, plus it will deter any scary critters from approaching too close and it gives you light to see around you. Don't wait till it's fully dark to start the fire, give yourself enough daylight to find a good spot to stop and gather enough wood to get through the night. Chances are you'll run out of firewood before daybreak but that's OK- just wait it out in your good spot where you already know what's around you till it's light enough to safely travel again. In cold weather that fire becomes vital, so then give yourself plenty more time to gather enough wood to get through the night. Bad enough to be panicky from being lost- don't add to that.

[@AdventuresInReach]

I like this method you describe of picturing yourself standing in the center of the dial. Like you say, it seems like something that anyone could learn in 2 minutes.

[@miguelsantillan954]

Your dog will lead you home...dogs have internal compass and beacon...am sure of that.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Absolutely. I'm sure Jenga knew the way back. The funny thing with her is she really only follows me. She doesn't venture out on her own much, so I doubt very much that she would lead the way back. We did have a Border Collie, Jumar, with us when we paddled the Yukon River. He led us back over a mile in the dark from a hot spring back in the woods. We just told him to "go to the tent" and he knew exactly where to go.

[@wmluna381]

@@AdventuresInReach I love dog stories like that! Someone mentioned something like this in another comment somewhere. After walking around in the woods and getting diverted while it was getting dark they finally had to admit to themselves that they were lost after walking around and getting nowhere. They told their dog to take them back to X spot and the dog proceeded to lead them through an unconventional path full of crazy brush, but the dog, sure enough, got them back to their car or wherever it was they wanted to be. ☺️

[@jonwarren9392]

I used to have a lab that I took to the woods with me everyday. She knew the moment I decided to head back home and would start going home and all I had to do was follow her. Now... If for some reason I was headed in the direction of home and she took that as a clue to go home and I was not ready I would call to her and she would be like "oh ok we are still exploring" and go about her own exploring adventure. She never failed to get me back if I happened to get lost though.

[@wmluna381]

@@jonwarren9392 Very cool story. Always love to hear how smart and intuitive animals are in such situations. 😊

[@tyronep5611]

My dog ran off, haven’t been back since…2years maybe his compass is iff

[@frankblangeard8865]

His advice if you are truly lost 5:08 is to stay put so that you can be found. That may work if you have told someone what area you will be in and when to contact search and rescue if you do not check in by a certain day and time. If you haven't done that...

[@AdventuresInReach]

That is mostly correct. Absolutely tell someone where you're going if possible. Carrying a Spot beacon or InReach is another potential solution. In Robert Koester's "Lost Person Behavior" book he outlines the research about how far someone travels in the woods when lost. Birders, hunters, hikers, etc. statistically all walk different differences and make it different radius's from the point when they were last found. When we search for someone we check those statistics, but search starts at the Last Known Point, which is generally pretty closer to where they were originally lost than where they end up. However, we do need a starting point. You may also try finding the spot where you were last found by using a methodical approach like outlined in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5PKqYBpnLZ9oZI

[@Inkling777]

There's a when-lost technique that works in well-watered forests. (1) Walk downhill. You will eventually reach a stream. (2) Go _down_ the stream. That stream will join to another. (3) Continue downstream. Eventually the stream will reach a road or a human settlement. This technique may not be the shortest way out, but it is sure and has a major advantage. You won't be wandering in circles like many lost people do.

[@DirtDigglerDetecting]

Episode of the Office ? LOL great video thank you.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Yeah, that could be. Thank you for the compliment. I'm working on another one along these lines about what to do when you forget your safety bearing and realize you are lost. Stay tuned.

[@DirtDigglerDetecting]

@@AdventuresInReach Funny i always thought i knew how to use a compass. NOT EVEN CLOSE. That will be a great Video i like it. :)

[@AdventuresInReach]

I do have some other compass videos as well. The one about compass exercises might be the most helpful if you want to become more proficient.

[@cyberprincejr1807]

This is excellent and awesome demonstration i ever encounter. I hv one rather odd question, what if we hv been kidnap to the point we don't know where is the current location.. how do we know we walk toward civilization/safe place (if we dont have map or pre-setting safety bearing) ? should we remember and use our home/last known place direction as our reference/safety bearing?

[@AdventuresInReach]

This skill really requires having an idea of what direction to go in order to intersect a road. If you saw where you were being taken you could have an idea of a direction when leaving. Otherwise, I would guess that the first priority would be getting away. Either way, you would likely want to travel in a straight line. There's a book called Lost Person Behavior by Robert Koester that all about the distance away from their point last known that people wander depending on their age and activity. When people wander without going in a straight line they generally circle around and are predictably found within the distance that the data suggests. So even without a compass, lining up trees/objects and traveling in a straight line would get you further.

[@cyberprincejr1807]

@@AdventuresInReach Thank you for the explanation and advise. This certainly useful. you are right at certain point we have to go back to the basic without depending on GPS or smart phone.

[@Jack_Hunt]

Very helpful

[@AdventuresInReach]

Thank you. Happy to help.

[@corypiette9421]

I couldn’t quite Grasp it but will try again. So you’re saying to just pick a bearing and keep following it? How’d you know to select that bearing?

[@AdventuresInReach]

Hey, thanks for asking. You don't just pick a random bearing... instead, you look at a map ahead of time (like when you don't have one to bring but we're able to look at one online or on a wall somewhere, or if the map wasn't very detailed) and figure out what direction/ bearing would bring you to a road or obvious trail. This would need to be something linear that you would intersect in that direction from anywhere you might be traveling that day.

[@corypiette9421]

@@AdventuresInReach ok that makes more sense. Thank you

[@lesleywillis6177]

Shoulda put them safely specs on top of the blindfold?

[@AdventuresInReach]

Double layer protection.

[@ZoomTrainerGuard]

It was a great video. Thanks man 🔥⚔️

[@AdventuresInReach]

Glad you liked it! I have more compass navigation videos coming tomorrow and next Sunday. Did you try it?

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Just as a backup. Do it with a real GPS or phone app as a backup only while you are practicing. The phone can be faulty due to loss of signal.

[@AdventuresInReach]

Agreed! I suggested finding a small area hemmed in by roads to practice, but having a backup is always a good idea. Thanks for the comment!

[@1stFlyingeagle]

@@AdventuresInReach Always welcome knowledge is free.

[@realsydney7327]

Dog thinks: "He's lost again. I know the way home. He can follow me later when I get hungry."

[@AdventuresInReach]

I've wondered that. She seems to live following more than leading and generally walks behind me when backpacking. It's pretty convenient for hiking, but might not be too useful when lost.

[@TheFrog767]

Very interesting 🎯🍻👏👏

[@AdventuresInReach]

Thanks. I really hope to give people tools to avoid getting lost. I just finished editing another video about finding the trail again if you get lost...without using a compass. I'll post it next weekend. If you haven't already, you night consider subscribing with notifications so you don't miss it.

[@sunflower-ic6hc]

These things confuse the heck out of me... lol This may sound like a ridiculous question --- but; Wouldn't going North/West take you further away? As that was the direction you first started walking? When going back --- Wouldn't you set your compass for South/West --- and go back in that direction?🤦‍♀️🤔 Thanks:)

[@AdventuresInReach]

If you for sure know the direction you walked in and where you left from is a wide target, then by all means, turn your compass around and go out the opposite way you came. For my example I wandered in blindfold in np particular direction, knew the road would be NW no matter where in that patch of woods I was, and knew a road was a big wide target. So I walked NW knowing that I would hit it eventually.

[@finnnew]

Let’s go Minnesota!

[@AdventuresInReach]

Lots of thick brush to get lost in up here.

[@BoBoSticks]

so you need to keep a coordinate in mind before getting lost?

[@AdventuresInReach]

Having a GPS with a coordinate of your car, house, or trail head where you left is a great idea. The whole point of this is to have a direction in mind so that if you get lost you can get your self out of that situation. For some, this can provide the confidence they need to go in the first place.

[@BoBoSticks]

@@AdventuresInReach i see sweet i need to get me a gps and a compass thanks for the suplort

[@nickmantello8702]

When heading in to the woods for a hunt I take a bearing of where my truck is parked or road I face the road or nearby truck turn the compass dial until I align red in the shed I don’t touch my compass after that I enter the woods to go back to the spot the road or where truck is turn around until the white part of needle in the shed and walk back with direction of travel

[@BoBoSticks]

@@nickmantello8702 oh thanks

[@randypond7499]

@@nickmantello8702 Is that pinpoint accuracy? How do you know if your truck is up the road or down the road

[@eriklund784]

Where in Minnesota were you here? Great video BTW!

[@AdventuresInReach]

This was in Bear Head State Park. Thank you!

[@szaki]

If the sun is not out, cloudy etc... remember the mosses always grows on the north side of trees.

[@AdventuresInReach]

That CAN be true. Where I live in northern Minnesota, USA the moss grows completely around most trees. The same can is true in many wet areas. Moss can also encircle trees when in a certain biomes within a geographical area. So, moss can be a guideline in certain areas, but certainly not a fully reliable means of navigation.

[@aikido775]

Amazingly, when I was in scouting, many of the boys did not trust their compasses! They argued among themselves as to where to go! My friend and I had looked at the maps (topographical as well as road) and trusted in the ancient army compass we were given. We got back within 100 feet of the base camp in record time. The other guys were out for ever and finally, had to be "rescued" by some of the older scouts. Trust in your compass! (also carry a signalling mirror. It can be seen for miles...)

[@AdventuresInReach]

Nice work on the successful and quick navigation. I've certainly been in the situation of WANTING to question my compass, then followed where it was directing me and made it to the destination. I've seen a few times in northern Minnesota where the iron ore distorts the reading, but the vast majority of cases you just plain trust the compass.

[@aikido775]

@@AdventuresInReach Thank you for that!

[@AdventuresInReach]

Any time. Feel free to ask questions.

[@losvega5004]

May I ask as to what ypu guys carried while working? I'm assuming scouting is referencing the military! I just want to make a good survival bag/kit for my self.

[@DaveSmith-cp5kj]

@@losvega5004 He is referring to boy scouts. One of the requirements to IIRC second class is a orienteering course to show you can use a compass. Boy scouts originated as basically ROTC, giving boys the skills needed to serve in the military if they ever joined. Now Boy Scouts is just a perverse shadow of the greatness it used to be.

[@ruberteric]

Ok, I'm confused. If your traveling in a NW direction, and you get lost going somewhere in that direction, shouldn't you be going back, more or less in a SE direction?

[@AdventuresInReach]

Great question. If you know what direction you are going because you are following your compass in, then absolutely reverse to get back out. The issue is when you don't know what direction you start in at, explore off trail, change your direction of travel, get turned around, and don't know what way will get you back... or you try going back but didn't find your car, trailhead, etc. Then, the safety bearing serves as a second chance where you point yourself toward that long feature (roads are great) and get out to a known feature, have something to follow back, and have a better chance of being assisted by others.

[@nickmantello8702]

You correct what I like to do is stand by where. I’m about to enter the woods off a trail or road I place red in the shed and go in when I want to head back I line up white in the shed and return

[@brandymauldin33]

How do you take a safety bearing if you don't have a map, for instance if I'm starting out from a parking lot and heading into the woods?

[@AdventuresInReach]

Site down the road with your compass to see what direction it runs. If it's north-south, for example, and you go into the woods to the east of the road, then your safety bearing is west. Another example: if you site the road and the bearing in one direction is 240 (WSW), you turn to the left to enter the woods, then your safety bearing is 330 (the same as turning to the right 90 degrees). This will make the most sense if you look at a compass while reading this.

[@Inkling777]

You can save yourself some trouble when you return target is in a line like a road, stream or lake. When you return, deliberately aim to miss where you parked the car. For instance, if a road runs N-S and you head out east, don't return directly west. Head a little south of west. Then when you reach the road you know to turn right (north) to reach the car.

[@5ive9inefx]

Thanks!

[@AdventuresInReach]

You bet! Thanks for watching. Also feel free to let me know if you have requests, or if you try it out.

[@5ive9inefx]

@@AdventuresInReach I definitely want to give it a try. I’m familiarizing myself with the compass 🧭 and looking for tips and tricks to help me through my adventures. Stay safe!

[@AdventuresInReach]

Feel free to check out this playlist if you haven't already: Get Lost!...then find your way.: kzbin.info/aero/PLNcpRGw7T0bhJbOc5SaMyqn_j37kmI60I. ...especially the one about compass exercises. That's a great place to start with practice ideas.

[@Nivedithak]

Sometimes its the obvious advice that everyone needs. Keep a map of where you are at, make a mental plan and know where you started. Thank you !

[@AdventuresInReach]

Thank you, and thanks for the comment. I've always found that the basics are generally always what you rely on in the end. Even advanced rope rescue consistently relies in the first knots you learned, simple pulley systems, and basic anchors. I have another follow up video planned that in hoping to film in the next week. Stay tuned.

[@831CROW]

How do I do this in the ocean in a kayak with no trees

[@AdventuresInReach]

Oh boy. Good luck! Without many reference points, not many "handrail" features to intersect, currents, etc. it's really a different animal. You really want to learn to read charts, currents, stars, and a GPS.

[@ginacardarella]

Yes yes!!! this is why I don't go hiking thank you for making this

[@AdventuresInReach]

But this was on purpose...in prep...practice...to prevent actually getting lost. You are welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@oakclass7306]

yo thank u

[@oakclass7306]

lol

[@oakclass7306]

ye

[@AdventuresInReach]

You are very welcome!

[@asifmuniruniverse7732]

Hi, I remembered everything,never for get that

[@AdventuresInReach]

Good to hear. I hope this comes in useful some day.

[@James_Bowie]

People panic when they realize that they are lost. Many -- even experienced hikers -- proceed to do crazy things. Read about The Psychology of Lost here: www.ua-magazine.com/walking-in-circles/

[@AdventuresInReach]

Hey. The link worked this time. Good article. I'm part of a Search & Rescue organization here and we use the Lost Person Behavior book frequently. It's quite helpful.

[@patfromamboy]

So a compass won’t help unless you know which direction you need to go.

[@AdventuresInReach]

100% It can only tell you where the cardinal directions are-- not where you need to go. You either need to have a bit of an overview in mind for a safety bearing, or a map or GPS that can give some context and method to orient yourself.

[@sunflower-oo1ff]

I guess there are no bears and cougars around where you are... here on Vancouver Island...lots of bears and even more cougars...don't think I would do that blindly... ;)

[@AdventuresInReach]

Cougars are spotted rarely, but are around. There are lots of black bears (I filmed this in Bear Head State Park), but I'm not too worried about surprising one while crashing through the woods. I also had my dog with me and she would have sounded the alarm.

[@sunflower-oo1ff]

@@AdventuresInReach Yes, smart to have a dog with you. Thanks for the reply.

[@UAPReportingCenter]

Our dogs are twins

[@AdventuresInReach]

I love your dog already! She's been an awesome adventure buddy... except for during thunder storms.

[@Uns_Maps_8]

You nailed it: use your brain

[@AdventuresInReach]

That's the first step for a lot of skills, especially with navigation.

[@tracysimon2382]

That was not a bright idea. Snakes, holes, tripping accidents all possible.

[@AdventuresInReach]

I agree that there are always risks. I knew that wasn't a location with cliffs or water features nearby. There are no poisonous snakes or spiders here. Tripping could happen. I obviously covered my eyes to avoid issues there. Overall, I felt I was safe and a minor fall wouldn't have been a big deal. I appreciate the concern though. Thanks for watching!

[@rb8582]

None of these tutorials make sense it's frustrating

[@AdventuresInReach]

What do you need clarification on? Maybe I can help.

[@usuario-dc8bb]

9:16 orange backpack dude from the walking dead

[@AdventuresInReach]

At least Glenn is a survivor and not a zombie!

[@rebeccacavanaugh1994]

Thank you!

[@AdventuresInReach]

You bet. Are you going to try it?