How to Use a Compass
Take a bearing and follow it, even when the trail disappears.
A compass is only useful if you can take a bearing and walk it. The skill is simple, and it works when your phone battery does not.
Hold the compass flat in your palm so the needle swings freely.
To follow a bearing from your map, set the number on the dial, then turn your whole body until the red needle sits inside the outlined arrow. The direction-of-travel line now points where you need to go.
Pick a landmark along that line, walk to it, and repeat. This keeps you on course without staring at the compass every step.
Step by stepHow to do it
- Hold the compass flat so the needle swings free.
- Set your bearing on the rotating dial.
- Turn your body until the needle sits in the arrow.
- Sight a landmark along the travel line and walk to it.
AnswersCommon questions
Do I need to adjust for declination?
For short distances a rough bearing is fine, but for serious navigation set your compass declination to match your region.