Compass Hints for Wilderness Navigation

On the mountains mistakes are fatal. — Mark Udall

There are many things you can do to improve your use of a Magnetic Compass

To become a good wilderness navigator you must learn to always Trust Your Compass. Everyone in a group/party MUST CARRY A COMPASS to ensure that if separated each member of the group can still navigate. Quality compass are manufactured for a particular region of the world, make sure you only a compass made for the region you are in. Would you trust your life to a poor quality rope? Not very likely, so Purchase a Quality Liquid-filled, clear base plated sighting compass with adjustable declination. A Romer on the base plate is also a good idea and comes with nearly all quality compasses.

A few Hints to allow you to use your Magnetic Compass better:

• Trust Your Compass.
• Hold your compass level.
• Remember that your compass takes time to settle (Upto 30 seconds, more if close to any metal objects).
• Each compass has an individual error (Quality compasses have smaller errors).
• Do not take bearing near metal objects or power lines (i.e. power poles, power lines, cars, buildings, pipelines, fence posts, etc.).
• Purchase a Compass balanced for the Magnetic Region (Magnetic Inclination) you are planning to use it in.