Two Minute Tips: How to Use a Compass

[@raycatlin3554]

👍🥳

[@thibodeauoutdooradventures]

Thank you

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

In aviation a memory jogging phrase I was taught is for magnetic variation "west is best" "east is least" so in areas with west variation we add that to the compass reading and subtract variation from compass reading in areas with east variation.

[@thibodeauoutdooradventures]

That’s a good way to remember it. When I was in the Army I did most everything on the east coast. So I just knew it as add the number. Then I went to a training on the west coast and I had to relearn how to do it. It stuck with me pretty well after that.

[@geoffc376]

Topsham here. I like how you use a magaz!ne and a barrel in your tutorial!🤣 2A 💯

[@thibodeauoutdooradventures]

Absolutely, have to keep it realistic too.

[@Apollo809]

To navigate using a map, you need to know true north, so you must adjust your compass reading to account for the difference between magnetic north and true north.

[@thibodeauoutdooradventures]

I’m not sure if you are making a statement or if you are asking it as a question. So I will respond like it was a question. This video was directed more towards using a compass without a map in the woods. In which case, you need to go off magnetic or else you will be turned around. As for using a compass and map, you are somewhat correct. To orient yourself to your position you want the map itself oriented to true north. Which means you would take the compass, turn the bezel so that you’re at 0 degrees or north depending on your compass, and make sure that is lined up with the arrow, box, and the line indicator for degrees. Once that is done orient the map. Keep in mind it’s a different process for gazetteer and USGS maps. In order to find a front and back azimuth that you can travel by, you need to orient your map to the magnetic declination. USGS maps will provide that for you, a gazetteer will not. Like I said in the video, I have a more detailed video in the description explaining map and compass use for gazetteers.

[@markfletcher4964]

You are totally wrong my friend. You only need to adjust for declination if you are taking a bearing from a map and applying that bearing to the field and vice-versa. Your compass already points to magnetic North.

[@thibodeauoutdooradventures]

Not incorrect, just preference. It's just how I prefer to do it so when I look at the map I don't need to figure it out. It makes it easier in the field. Thank you for the comment.