Mar 30, 2025 · How do you use a compass? Hold the compass so it's flat on your palm with your palm centered in front of your chest. Use the magnetic needle for guidance—it will spin unless you're …

It's one of the Ten Essentials, but do you know how to use your compass? Learn the basics of declination, bearings and how to use them.

Jul 8, 2025 · Here’s a step-by-step beginner’s guide to using a compass, so you can learn the basics of how to navigate with a map. We’re going to assume you are working with the most common type of …

Watch to learn the parts of the compass, how to set your declination and how to take a bearing from a map and in the field.

This visual step-by-step guide for how to use a compass makes the process super straightforward and enjoyable.

Learning how to use a compass is one of the most important skills you need as an outdoors enthusiast. Inside, I'll break this skill down bite by bite.

Put the compass on your palm, keeping the elbow at 90 degrees at the chest level. The magnetic needle shouldn’t touch the top or the bottom of the compass housing. Keep your hand as steady as possible …

Jul 7, 2025 · Every hikers needs to know how to use a compass. Practice with these tips and you'll never get lost again, even without a GPS.

Jan 19, 2025 · To take a bearing, lay your map flat and orient it to true north using your compass. Then, mark your starting point and desired destination. I recommend using a pencil to draw a line between …

Apr 15, 2024 · I’ve put together a step-by-step guide to learning the science of using a compass based on my experience hiking with a compass and map. I’ve also researched the best outdoor navigation …