Find your Declination (angle formed by magnetic north needle and true north)- West declination is added. East declination is subtracted. Know the degree for each area. Mark on your map where you are, then mark where you are going. Be sure to do this before you leave on your hike. Place compass on your map, the edge of your baseplate will join the two points. Point the "N" on your compass to magnetic north on your map. Make sure your compass is level in front of you. Holding your compass, turn yourself so that the north-pointing end of your compass needle is directly over the needle pointing to "N." The direction of your travel arrow should now point to the area you are intending to hike. Repeat until you find your target area. To return, point your travel arrow direction to where you started. Backtrack. *Note: Metal affects your compass. Always keep a spare compass (preferably in your survival kit). Other Ways to Find Direction Use Watches Watch needs hands (non-digital). Hold a straight matchstick (or straight toothpick/twig) vertically from center of watch. Turn yourself till the shadow of matchstick falls onto the hour hand. North is halfway between hour hand and 12 o'clock. Use Stars Find the North Star. Aim a stick at the North Star. Leave the stick propped in such a way as to show the direction of north in the morning. (Use a sturdy rock or forked stick). NEVER travel at night. |
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