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Posts Tagged ‘compass’

The most commonly used type of compass for outdoor recreation is called a protractor, orienteering , or baseplate compass. These compasses usually have a clear plastic baseplate, a magnetic needle, and a dial that can be twisted to set the compass. Other types of compasses include lensatic and pocket compasses. These work a little differently, and will not be covered in this article, which focuses only on the baseplate type of compass.

First, learn how to hold the compass properly. Keep the compass flat and level, so that you are looking down at it (or across the top of the needle and into the mirror with a mirrored compass). Point the compass so that the direction of travel indicator at the top of the compass dial is facing away from you. If you dangle the compass from your neck by the lanyard, it will be facing the correct direction when you lift the compass and hold it flat in the palm of your hand.

Observe the Magnetic Needle: The most important thing to remember about the needle is that red end of the needle ALWAYS POINTS NORTH. When you start using a map with your compass you will have to make a correction for magnetic north, which compasses point toward, and geographic (also called true north) that maps line up with. For now, just practice using your compass to navigate with and worry about the adjustments for magnetic and true north (called magnetic declination) after you start to use the compass with a map.

Next, sight an object or direction you would like to travel: face in the direction you would like to determine or travel, whether it is toward a landscape feature like a hill or just a path you plan to hike. Now, carefully line up the direction of travel indicator with the object or direction you wish to travel. You can do this by looking at the object then glancing down at the properly held compass while slightly adjusting the way your body is facing until everything lines up. Always keep your body and the compass lined up and moving as a single unit.

Now, set the compass: Holding the compass still in the direction you sighted, twist the dial until the hollow orientation arrow lines up beneath the needle. When the needle is “boxed” in this manner, the compass is set.

Read the Compass: The number on the compass dial that lines up with the direction of travel indicator at the top (front) of the compass dial is your bearing, or compass direction. The bearing can be expressed in a few different ways, depending on the type of compass you have. The azimuth method is moth common and easiest. It is a single number between 0-360 degrees. East is at 90 degrees, south at 180, west at 270, and north at 360 (which is also 0).

Practice these 5 steps until you are comfortable using bearings to navigate around your neighborhood. Learn how to adjust for magnetic declination and read a map before doing any serious or off-trail hiking.

Need to know more about compasses? Check out Compass-HowTo.com to learn all you need to know about this and many other compass how-to topics. You’ll see compass recommendations and reviews, and resources for learning how to use a compass.

Many people, mistakenly believe handheld GPS units completely replace the old standby — a handheld compass (and its map companion). For short hikes on your home turf, perhaps, but for serious outdoor activities, here are three reasons why you should bring your compass and map.

Determining Directions with GPS Only Works while Moving

If you are standing on top of a mountain trying to figure out which direction you are facing, you can forget getting an accurate direction from a GPS unit. The navigation arrow will bounce all over the place.

Higher-end GPS units and newer iPhone models include built-in electronic compasses that detect the Earth’s magnetic field rather than relying on satellite communications. These will produce roughly the same 2 to 5 degrees of accuracy you get with a regular compass, and can be a good substitute, but consider some of the other reasons you will want your compass and map.

Distant Terrain Features are Easier to Work With when Using Map and Compass

The overview you get from studying a map, which always displays its finest-scale features, provides great information about distant features that you may be able to recall when you need to. GPS screens either have to be panned or zoomed, or both, to show you the same information. So a good old-fashioned paper (laminated) map is a must for adventurers. Unfortunately GPS units and phones make poor protractors for plotting courses on a paper map. A baseplate compass does the job perfectly.

GPS Is Power Hungry

A handheld compass is less likely to break or malfunction than more complex instruments like GPS units and other mobile devices (although some GPS units are very rugged). A more likely scenario involves the pack of AA batteries sitting on your dashboard back at the trailhead. Carry a GPS unit, and use it to store waypoints and periodically double check your progress, but consider using the compass and map to track your route. It will help you get a feel for the terrain, and helps cut down on battery waste.

Need to know more about why you should have both a compass and GPS? Head to Compass-HowTo.com to learn all you need to know about this and all kinds of other compass topics. You’ll find compass recommendations and reviews, and helpful information on learning how to use a compass.

Serious outdoor enthusiasts are divided on the question of whether to pack a lensatic or baseplate compass. Here’s a quick rundown of the differences between these two types of compasses in terms of ease of use, precision, and packability to help you take sides.

A baseplate, compass, also called a protractor or orienteering compass, uses a magnetic needle dampened by fluid in a clear, plastic housing. A rotatable dial, called a bezel, is used to set the compass. Many models have a folding mirror that is used to read the compass bearing while sighting a distance object at eye level.

A lensatic compass uses a lens to allow the user to read the compass bearing with just a quick downward glance while sighting. These compasses generally use a magnetic disk rather than a needle, and dampening with either fluid or, in the best models, electromagnetic induction.

Ease of Use

The lensatic compass is very easy for beginners to use because a dial does not have to be set as it does with the baseplate compass. A person can face different directions and watch the card move to indicate the direction seen through the lens. A baseplate compass, in contrast, must be set by adjusting the dial before reading the direction. This is an extra step, but it allows the baseplate compass to have an adjustable setting to correct for magnetic declination rather than having to make a mental calculation as is required with the lensatic compass.

Which Has the Highest Level of Precision?

Used properly, both types of compass can produce reasonably precise readings, but the lensatic compass has a slight edge. The narrow, magnified field of view seen through the lens, with just a glance down to read the direction, is a powerful combination. However, for most outdoor recreational activities like backpacking and hunting, a degree or so extra precision probably isn’t going to be the deciding factor.

Packability

Weight is factor that could be very important in any type of long-distance activity. A Suunto MC-2G weighs less than half of the lensatic compass’ 7oz., and is only about a half inch thick. A Lensatic compass, by comparison, is closer to two inches thick and much less streamlined. That weight and bulk is due to the sturdy aluminum design. Lensatic compasses like the Cammenga Model 27 have a reputation for being nearly indestructible.

Want to learn more about choosing a lensatic compass? Go to Compass-HowTo.com to learn everything you need to know about finding the perfect compass for your needs. You’ll also see compass recommendations and reviews, and helpful information on learning to use a compass.