While the digital age has made navigation and finding one’s bearings a walk in the park, a compass is a great tool to have in a bind. A magnetic compass is one of the most used devices and is a compact addition to your bag.
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Are you not sold on adding a compass to your hiking backpack? Here are a few reasons you should include this handy device in your packing list.
What is a compass useful for in the modern day?
It doesn’t require internet or batteries
Often, the best hiking takes place in the most remote areas. However, this can have challenges, as a phone signal is not always accessible in these hard-to-traverse areas. A compass is a trusty device that ensures you stay on course without relying too heavily on a phone’s GPS.
An authentic hiking experience
While glamping is trendy and luxurious, sometimes navigating the world by yourself can be fun. It’s a rewarding experience to move and trek your way through nature with nothing but your trusty compass and wits.
Skill Building
Surviving in the wild is no easy feat, so by equipping yourself with navigation skills, you’ll have the knowledge to thrive in the wilderness in style (if it comes down to it).
How to use a compass
- Practice makes perfect. Before setting foot into the wild, you’ll need to do a test run and practice the steps below to determine if you are correctly determining and reading the compass. Be sure to check your destination’s magnetic declination before you start.
- You’ll need a map to work off to use the compass efficiently. Place the compass on a levelled surface, rotate, and shift the map’s north-south gridlines so the red needle points to the top (Be sure to turn the dial to shift the North indicator aligned with the red needle towards how you are walking).
- Now, you’ll need to determine your bearings. You’ll locate yourself on the map, place your compass on the levelled surface, and determine your direction to reach your chosen end point. Make sure the compass lines within align with the maps’ lines.
- Once lifted off the map, you’ll rotate until the red end of the needle and your north indicator are parallel.
- Keep your eye on the compass to stay on course while reaching the end point.
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