How to Use a Compass || REI

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  • čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
  • Navigation is one of the Ten Essentials and most outdoor speople take a compass with them on every adventure. But how do you use them? In this REI Expert Advice Video, we teach you what you need to know to navigate easily, safely and with confidence. 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.
    To learn more about using your compass, head to your local REI Outdoor School and take a Navigations Course:
    www.rei.com/outdoorschool/nav....
    Find REI’s selection of compasses at: www.rei.com/c/compasses.
    A Co-op Films Production-
    Producer: Mary Beth Lavender
    Director: Jason Lohr-Johnson
    Cinematography: Jonathan Houser
    Content: Braden Van Dragt
    Talent: Joe Saksa
    Editing: Katie Van Fleet
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Komentáře • 1,2K

  • @321bytor
    @321bytor Před 7 lety +1771

    I got lost in the wilderness once, and all I had was a compass. At least I was able to draw perfect circles...

    • @josephturner9926
      @josephturner9926 Před 6 lety +42

      How did you draw a circle if you only had s compass

    • @SukiAbazi
      @SukiAbazi Před 6 lety +177

      He is referring to a compass! A regular compass used for drawing circles. (with a small pencil on the side). Math Compass!

    • @georgetsakanikas5924
      @georgetsakanikas5924 Před 6 lety +2

      xD

    • @bryankautz826
      @bryankautz826 Před 5 lety +27

      LOL, good one!! Did you use the pointy end to help with catching some survival food?? Doubt a bear, but maybe a mouse or squrell?LOL 😂

    • @davidportuese4389
      @davidportuese4389 Před 5 lety +3

      All else fails, read the compass.

  • @alexmontalvo6854
    @alexmontalvo6854 Před 7 lety +1688

    I'm going to have to watch this vid a dozen times

  • @markproulx1472
    @markproulx1472 Před 4 lety +122

    This becomes far more exciting when done in rain and fog.

  • @emancipatedhuman5683
    @emancipatedhuman5683 Před 5 lety +145

    I was super concerned about my brain after watching the video because I only grasped about half of it. Then, I went to the comment section and felt better that I was not the only dumbass that could not catch everything. Okay, I will watch a couple dozen times until I fully comprehend. Thanks!

    • @sandymitchell8182
      @sandymitchell8182 Před 3 lety +3

      HAHAHAHA me too!! I'm kinda glad im not the only one that felt a little WTH after watching this

    • @paulog405
      @paulog405 Před 3 lety +4

      Slowing down the playback speed has helped me a lot with fast taking videos. One thing I am sure about, if the video were two hours long, I would have never started.

    • @robocoastie
      @robocoastie Před 3 lety +1

      I hear you. I am one who has to be shown and do.

    • @slience6371
      @slience6371 Před 3 měsíci +1

      hah

  • @MikeWood
    @MikeWood Před 7 lety +760

    Coming from an infantry and recce background back in the day and doing a lot of map and compass work, this was a straight forward survey explanation on how to read a compass and shoot some bearings and triangulate your position. GPS sure is great and more accurate, but if your phone has a need to connect to data for a maps app and can't, having GPS in your phone won't help much. Old school works. A good skill to have.

    • @mork00001
      @mork00001 Před 5 lety +10

      Well tell me I'm still Lost.

    • @ducksnpucks1192
      @ducksnpucks1192 Před 5 lety +39

      Agreed Mike Wood. A compass certainly doesn't need batteries. I was taught this stuff in boy scouts. It's rather simple if you apply it locally once or twice. Even in town. Get local map and give it a whirl. And learn how to use a compass without a map. It's life saving knowledge. Then again, the people complaining and confused in this thread are those who think their pork magically comes wrapped in cellophane at the market.

    • @rajroy8079
      @rajroy8079 Před 5 lety +1

      Mike Wood ry GE do

    • @williamjamesrapp7356
      @williamjamesrapp7356 Před 5 lety +5

      I carry both -- I was a boy scout then later in life a Marine so I understand how to use a compass but I do also love my gadgets - so I carry both but a compass is only really good with a decent map .

    • @Social_Infidel
      @Social_Infidel Před 5 lety +9

      Most Millenial's would rather ask a bear for directions than give up their phone!

  • @amantedelmondo1787
    @amantedelmondo1787 Před 3 lety +926

    This video has actually helped me a lot...
    It's taught me that I should never go in the woods...

    • @abiyyupanggalih854
      @abiyyupanggalih854 Před 3 lety +8

      🙃🤝

    • @Jollyswagman7
      @Jollyswagman7 Před 3 lety +6

      😂

    • @incorectulpolitic
      @incorectulpolitic Před 3 lety +3

      Hi, All I want is a liquid free compass with global needle that shows me accurately/precisely the magnetic north, that lasts, preferably a lifetime, does what I want exist? If yes, can you recommend me some products(brands, product names)? Thank you

    • @DARTHDANSAN
      @DARTHDANSAN Před 3 lety

      Amen

    • @vamheredur413
      @vamheredur413 Před 3 lety +3

      @@incorectulpolitic Hey, I just got interested in compasses but I saw a video of a military dude recommend a Suunto compass. He said he went basically everywhere and that that thing is bombproof. I believe it is liquid as well. It has a useful bezel and a clip which you can hook to your watch or stuff.

  • @chrismoose64
    @chrismoose64 Před 5 lety +273

    Piece of cake as a 14 year old. 40 years later and I’d get lost in a shipping container.

    • @fkerpants
      @fkerpants Před 5 lety +10

      You're not alone, brother.

    • @MsAnon4223
      @MsAnon4223 Před 5 lety +4

      😂

    • @jammin6816
      @jammin6816 Před 4 lety +6

      Haha, same here. Seemed so simple 50 years ago

    • @jayus2033
      @jayus2033 Před 3 lety

      Chris you need to get cybernetic implants

    • @alphalunamare
      @alphalunamare Před 3 lety +1

      I like the way I shine my torch on it and then go get my glasses. Then come back and think Wow!! but have forgotten what I got the torch for.

  • @epramatarov
    @epramatarov Před 5 lety +88

    make sure you save this video for offline watching before hiking anywhere

  • @Rectitude4U
    @Rectitude4U Před 5 lety +40

    Unfortunately if you’re confused, this was a really good explanation. The only way to get it, is to do it. I made a bunch of maps for my cub scouts in a large park with “treasures” for the course. It taught them how to take a bearing, follow a waypoint, etc. Working on a smaller scale makes it easier to practice. There might be an orienteering club in your area that does this.

    • @4n-Dx
      @4n-Dx Před rokem

      Am I just able to pull up a map on my laptop or phone and practice using that?

    • @Rectitude4U
      @Rectitude4U Před rokem

      @@4n-Dxit’s best to use a printed map or draw one.

  • @MarzThe7
    @MarzThe7 Před 4 lety +46

    Halfway through the video, paused it and immediately ordered a handheld GPS

  • @TyJee28
    @TyJee28 Před 7 lety +126

    Magnetic declination adjustment was explained nicely. A few things to keep in mind:
    a) a 1 degree bearing error will result in being about 92 feet off course after walking one mile. A 4 degree bearing error will put you off course about 368 feet at one mile (92 x 4).
    This error can come from how accurately you read the bearing or from drifting left or right as you walk toward the destination.
    b) compasses like the Suunto M-2 typically are only accurate to 2 degrees. With practice using correct bearing reading technique you should be able to take a bearing within 4 or five degrees of accuracy.
    c) that is why it's important to understand magnetic declination and correctly account for it. In their example of 14 degrees east mag declination if it wasn't accounted for after walking one mile toward the destination you would be off course by about 1,288 ft. (14 x 92) or 429 yards. { actually to make the math easier & make it easier to remember just remember - a 1 degree error at 1 mile = 100 feet. Close enough}
    d) to get mag declination correct just remember that the north end of the needle should be right of the N on the bezel for east mag declination & left of N on the bezel for west mag declination. iow - imagine the 2 arrows of the mag declination diagram are printed on the top of the compass housing -- the 2 arrows originating at the needle pivot. One points to N on the bezel, & the other points to magnetic north. Thereby your direction of travel arrow on the compass base plate will be pointing in the correct direction when the north end of the needle is under the mag north arrow.
    e) if your compass isn't adjustable for magnetic declination the compass may still have a mag declination scale printed inside the compass housing. ( the scale will show upto 50 deg west and 50 deg east mag decl.)
    To use it - just let the north end of the compass needle point to the correct number of degrees on that scale, rather than pointing to the N on the bezel. Examples: 14 deg. East. Or 9 degrees West.
    f) fortunately mostly mag declination is only in double digits in New England (West ) or in the Pacific North West (East mag declination).
    If you live along a curving line running from NE Minn. through Miss. Mag declination is only 1 or 2 degrees and can be ignored, it will be less than the accuracy of the compass or your ability to read the bearing that accurately.

    • @frankenberry9670
      @frankenberry9670 Před 7 lety +15

      Why you adjust was explained well, particularly with the animation and moving the compass around the map. They missed mentioning how most topographic maps include an estimate of yearly variation. The declination will be as stated at the time of the last update. You then have a variation per year. This is how much magnetic north is drifting around.For example say you have a declination of 5 degrees West, a variation of 1/2 degree East per year and a map that is 6 years old then your current variation is 5W +( 6 x 1/2E) = 5W+3E = 2W. The older the map the less accurate the drift estimate is so if its really old checking for the current variation via other means is a good idea.
      Another thing that was implied but not accentuated is that the grid lines on the map point to true north, not magnetic. Thats another reason for having to figure out the current declination, the compass points to magnetic north and the alignment lines are aligned with the true north grid lines.

    • @TyJee28
      @TyJee28 Před 7 lety +9

      Actually the UTM grid lines do not point to true north, only the longitudinal meridian lines on the sides of the map point to true north. However, in most places true north and grid north are less than 2 degrees different. Not enough different that it would matter for most recreational navigation, with a compass that is only accurate to 1 or 2 degrees. (in only a few places, mostly very remote areas, do grid north and true north differ by 3 degrees or more.) And usually on a topo map there is a note by the declination diagram stating - UTM Grid and Magnetic Declination at Center of the Map. Or Magnetic Declination of x degrees at center of the map. So even the magnetic declination is not dead accurate over the whole map, and it varies a little daily or hourly, but only enough to be of concern to surveyors. Yearly change in magnetic declination is very important. You might find this interesting and enlightening. This morning I was reviewing or comparing information in Cliff Jacobson's book Map and Compass, Bob & Mike Burns book Wilderness Navigation, and Kevin Walker's updated book, Mountain and Moorland Navigation.The Jacobson book was printed in 2008, maybe it was not updated since original publication in 1997. It shows a diagram of magnetic declination across America, only in the continental USA. It shows the north end of the Agonic Line in Mich., and the Southern end in Fla. But for years now the north end of the agonic line has been in eastern Minnesota and the southern end in Louisiana. That shows how much magnetic declination has moved. The Burns book (2004 2nd edition) showed the Agonic Line about where it is today. A good illustration of why you should check the current value of magnetic declination.

    • @coveybaby
      @coveybaby Před 5 lety +2

      Thanks for the very informative explanation guys!

    • @mork00001
      @mork00001 Před 5 lety +2

      Are you kidding ! This is why I bring Tonto!

    • @dalegray934
      @dalegray934 Před 5 lety +2

      @@TyJee28 The difference between UTM lines and true north are probably not discernible with a hand-held compass in actual use. I have been using UTMs as north in my work for decades and unless I am taking the time to be hyper accurate, can't tell the difference. Same with yearly variations on declination.

  • @theearthisntflatpleasestop9899

    The absolute state of teaching skills. A person knows a subject in depth, and they teach it to you like they're refreshing your memory.

  • @dalegray934
    @dalegray934 Před 5 lety +43

    I have been using hand-held compasses in my work for the last 30 years. Indeed, I have worn out about five of them. I watched this video and found it to be good basic information. I would add that orienting lines in the compass are usually lined up with UTM lines (black lines that form squares in most USGS maps) within the map, not map edges. Using a compass with a GPS unit is a powerful system to find your way through the wild. If you are going to be working/playing in the wild, a good working knowledge of both compass and GPS are not just a good idea, they are essential.

    • @vishwasretharekar2905
      @vishwasretharekar2905 Před 4 měsíci

      What is the name of this compass. Where will I get it. I leave in India

  • @jpmcan
    @jpmcan Před 7 lety +252

    I learned how to to do this in the Air Force then immediately forgot it as soon as we moved on to other things in training. It is hard and takes total repetition to take root.

    • @dimidomo7946
      @dimidomo7946 Před 2 lety +5

      Honest comment. Learning a new language would require daily usuage and repetition like you mentioned about reading a compass with confidence. My brain requires the aforementioned 👍.

    • @dillanparker4670
      @dillanparker4670 Před rokem +1

      They must of phased this out because I never got any training like that and I joine Feb 2021

    • @mtadams2009
      @mtadams2009 Před rokem +4

      Thanks for your honesty. I found this truly confusing.

    • @legendofcha
      @legendofcha Před 10 měsíci

      @@dillanparker4670 They were probably in SERE or something.

  • @nicolaeb3942
    @nicolaeb3942 Před 5 lety +78

    This may be useful to people who ALREADY kind of know how to use it. Otherwise, it's presented in a fast forward mode, with music in the background, and not too easy to concentrate on ...

  • @erer-wn6nl
    @erer-wn6nl Před 5 lety +199

    I’ll be shouting help until I die then

  • @opwave79
    @opwave79 Před 2 lety +21

    This is a very useful video to get folks started in navigation! Buying a compass with an adjustment for declination takes a lot of guesswork out of navigating. But if your compass doesn’t have one, remember this rhyme: West is best; East is least, Add West, subtract East to the compass bearing and you’ll get the true bearing. Example:
    Known declination is 4 degrees W. Compass reads 50. True bearing = 50 + 4 = 54.
    Known declination is 4 degrees E. Compass reads 50. True bearing = 50 - 4 = 46.

  • @AliceAttentionWhore
    @AliceAttentionWhore Před 2 lety +87

    Timestamps:
    0:00 Intro sequence
    0:03 Introduction
    0:19 Contents
    0:35 1. Parts of the compass
    1:58 2. Setting declination
    3:22 3. Taking a bearing from a map
    5:06 4. Taking a bearing in the field
    7:04 Endcard

  • @Lycan_24_7
    @Lycan_24_7 Před 6 lety

    I have taken the REI course for land navigation a few years ago as a refresher. We practiced these techniques with the along with other activities. I recommend people taking the class so you are able to understand from a hands on perspective. Practice, practice, practice.

  • @carpetcleaner513
    @carpetcleaner513 Před 4 lety +2

    Hi from SE England. I have to teach a group of teenagers how to use a compass tomorrow morning. I've looked at several youtube tutorials, and yours is by far the clearest explanation. So, thanks.

  • @MusiqTruth
    @MusiqTruth Před 3 lety +15

    I took this class over the weekend and it is was great! I learned a lot and felt very comfortable and welcomed. I also loved looking around and seeing folks from many different ages, genders and backgrounds- all there with a common interest to be helpful and learn the application of the skill. Connecting with nature and doing it no harm is freeing on so many levels. Thanks REI!

    • @rei
      @rei  Před 3 lety +3

      You're so welcome! Thanks for coming out and checking out our classes. What will be your next class?

    • @danniedwards5750
      @danniedwards5750 Před 10 měsíci

      Ye I need a class and to be actually shown in person as this video pickled me😂

  • @fgorr
    @fgorr Před 7 lety +27

    GREAT VIDEO!!!
    Thank you. Your video was easy to understand and straight to the point.
    Apparently, compasses seem to attract the Sheldon Coopers of the world and over the last hour I must have reviewed a dozen of thier "fun with compasses" type videos. I now know more useless crap about compasses than I ever wanted or thought possible.
    Fortunately, just before I was going to give up, I came across your video which simply and easily answered my quesitons about using the declination scale from a practical standpoint.
    Very Well Done.

  • @bixbybixby
    @bixbybixby Před 7 lety

    Well, this is about as clear as you can get, really well done. Brief, precise, simple. Notice no one says anything here about 'first you have to orient your map'...because you DON'T have to (if you want to you can of course). Obviously there are other ways and means of using a map and compass too, but this is very good at laying out what it does here.

  • @sypiou1
    @sypiou1 Před 2 lety +1

    without a doubt the best straight forward lesson in map and compass within the federation!!!
    thank you so much for your time in doing so...iou

  • @woodrowclose
    @woodrowclose Před 7 lety +891

    I'm even more lost than before after watching this video.

  • @blipco5
    @blipco5 Před 7 lety +925

    I'd better pack a LOT of extra food.

  • @user-nc4fr7em7z
    @user-nc4fr7em7z Před 5 lety +242

    people need to watch many times to get,that's why this video get so many views

    • @shardulshetty1789
      @shardulshetty1789 Před 5 lety +2

      I rather might download it once and watch it as many times i want.data saved. Thats why CZcams has download feature.

    • @laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587
      @laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587 Před 4 lety +5

      and so many dislikes from frustration

    • @annoyed707
      @annoyed707 Před 4 lety

      Save to your watch later list, or get a browser extension that helps you save videos for later. It will save data usage and bandwidth if you have to go over things again, or you need a refresher offline.

    • @goku445
      @goku445 Před 2 lety

      @@shardulshetty1789 CZcams has a download feature? That's a new one.

  • @PeterDStephens
    @PeterDStephens Před 3 lety +2

    One of the clearest and most practical videos on the subject! Thanks guys!

  • @OutdoorAccess
    @OutdoorAccess Před 6 lety +7

    These simple tutorials can be life saving. Everyone should get outdoors but you have to be prepared. Great job REI!

  • @paulgjackson
    @paulgjackson Před 7 lety +53

    excellent explanation of declination!

    • @louisanderson8806
      @louisanderson8806 Před 7 lety +1

      Paul Jackson what's variation and deviation? :) you need to be aware of both.

  • @StevenTorrey
    @StevenTorrey Před 7 lety +1

    That was great! Hikes for me are rarely that long, complicated, or distant/isolated that a compass becomes necessary. What is necessary for every hike is a map, and a watch. (And remember the camera can substitute as a watch, if need be.) I cannot imagine taking any hike without either one of those, they are as important as water.

  • @susantau
    @susantau Před 11 měsíci +1

    I was always so baffled by everything on my fancy compass. Now I'm a pro! Thank you!!!

  • @lifeguardeight742
    @lifeguardeight742 Před 5 lety +78

    Just head west, you'll get there. If you hit the beach back track a little.

    • @daled8221
      @daled8221 Před 5 lety +9

      If your here in Cali that'll work but if your in jersey you better get more food!

    • @DBLRedRibbon
      @DBLRedRibbon Před 5 lety +3

      You should watch a movie called "Wagons East"

    • @MsAnon4223
      @MsAnon4223 Před 5 lety +2

      But which way is west 🤣

    • @yoy58913
      @yoy58913 Před 4 lety +1

      @@MsAnon4223 where ever the sunsets that's West

    • @annoyed707
      @annoyed707 Před 4 lety +1

      @@yoy58913 In a polar winter? In a cloudy night? At midday?

  • @boomanchu2
    @boomanchu2 Před 5 lety +5

    No matter where you go, there you are.

  • @johndufford5561
    @johndufford5561 Před rokem +1

    Always wondered how one navigated with a compass in the SOUTHERN hemisphere.
    A friend told me that down under one needs a "Tate's Compass" which has the other end of the needle magnitized, so it points to magnetic south.
    He said that, because if one used a Tate's Compass in the northern hemisphere they could die, international law REQUIRES that the bezel by engraved (not printed) with a large "T".
    That's where, he went on to explain, that old expression comes from:
    "He who has a Tate's is lost".
    ...Thanks a lot, Tom. Very helpful...
    (In truth, a regular compass works fine in either hemisphere. But I must admit, for a minute there, he hooked me like a trout...)

    • @rei
      @rei  Před rokem

      We definitely understand. Amazing how things can be simple & complicated at the same time. So happy this helped! We're all learning together 💚#HappyTrails

  • @Uns_Maps_8
    @Uns_Maps_8 Před 4 měsíci

    I sincerely find this tutorial was put as very easy to understand. I know a little about the topic and can say that the technical details were right as well.

  • @parkeraskew
    @parkeraskew Před 3 lety +4

    I'm glad that they make these videos. Being a Senior patrol leader for my troop, i need to know a lot, thanks for the valuable info

  • @davidvalenzuela1587
    @davidvalenzuela1587 Před 5 lety +5

    First time ever seeing how a compass works. Watched the video twice and I understand how it works. Stop with all the negative comments and open your minds.

  • @chrisheggie952
    @chrisheggie952 Před 6 lety

    Excellent explanation thanks. It's a long time since I did any serious orienteering so it's good to have a refresher. Technically however, the magnetised end of the compass needle points to the South magnetic pole and the other end points to the North!

  • @MrNatureboy2010
    @MrNatureboy2010 Před 6 lety

    Great tutorial ! I found it to be direct , informative , and taught with simplicity without a lot of needless vocabulary. Great coverage on basic procedures and highly understandable for any novice. Viewing multiple times could make compass use second nature. Great job on this one !

  • @yourpersonaldatadealer2239
    @yourpersonaldatadealer2239 Před 4 lety +14

    I have this exact compass and a masters degree in electronics and have watched this video and I still have no idea how to navigate with this compass

  • @the10thleper
    @the10thleper Před 7 lety +13

    East is least, West is best. East declination subtract. West declination add. I like the Red in the shed, that's a good one. Also you could show how to use the sun and a stick to make a quick emergency compass incase your without one. It is so easy here is how to do that.
    Take a stick and stick it vertically in the dirt. Mark the tip top spot of the shadow from the stick. Now wait about 15 min or more. Now after some time has past now mark the tip top of the sticks shadow again. Now draw a line from tip top spot to tip top spot and that is East and West! 90° from that draw another line, There is North and South. works everytime! Go outside and try it, it's pretty cool. All you need is a stick about a foot or so long a place to set the stick vertically and the Sun.

    • @bixbybixby
      @bixbybixby Před 7 lety

      Or 'dog in the doghouse', same thing.

    • @louisanderson8806
      @louisanderson8806 Před 7 lety

      Can't for get UNOS either!

    • @JohnPearsonIowa
      @JohnPearsonIowa Před 6 lety +1

      "East is least, west is best" works only for obtaining a true bearing from a map and then applying it to a compass. Need to reverse that if going from compass to map.

  • @liamterpenes2288
    @liamterpenes2288 Před rokem

    I learned how to use a compass as a kid. This video was really helpful to brush-up on my old schools and learn some new techniques

  • @mesugo
    @mesugo Před 5 lety +2

    This is the most straightforward and efficient video on using a compass that I've found so far...good job REI! It'll take practice but I feel like I finally "get it" enough to not get lost and die :D

  • @trort2714
    @trort2714 Před 7 lety +206

    I just wander around.

    • @Sacapuntas69
      @Sacapuntas69 Před 7 lety +12

      Maps and compass will help me to avoid being eaten by a bear? Sweet!

    • @dougefresh133
      @dougefresh133 Před 7 lety +11

      Sacapuntas No, but a .44 magnum will! 😊

    • @1iananderson
      @1iananderson Před 7 lety

      Mr. V

    • @woolval2049
      @woolval2049 Před 7 lety +14

      I think we passed each other. You pointed me in the wrong direction.

    • @mikeconley9590
      @mikeconley9590 Před 7 lety +4

      Woolval that was me.
      I had just burned a fatty.....
      My bad.

  • @thebigmootie
    @thebigmootie Před 3 lety +8

    im currently in the woods... this video brought me to a pack of bears

  • @thewickedwild1821
    @thewickedwild1821 Před 5 lety

    Awesome video! I just added a video to my channel on what to take on a day hike, and of course I included a compass as an essential item. Now I can add a link to this video so my viewers can learn more. Thank you!

  • @jeffreysymonds5395
    @jeffreysymonds5395 Před 3 lety

    My compass came with a very good, instruction sheet. I keep it with the compass. I tried it a few times and made some notes on the pamphlet. I haven't used it in years due to GPS, but I still carry it and a good map when backpacking. They weigh next to nothing and a good map is easier to use than an app to get the big picture of an area. If you're lost off trail and know approximately where you are on the map in relation to a trail, it can give you a bearing toward it and help keep you on it. That said, I've never had to do that. It might be worthwhile to try in a local forest. Of course, I'd also have a phone app and make sure I had cell coverage just in case.

  • @backwoodstrails
    @backwoodstrails Před 7 lety +4

    This video is very well done and has excellent instruction on how to use a compass. It would be good to produce a video on how to adjust for declination with a non-adjustable compass using just formulas, both map to compass and compass to map with an easterly declination and with a westerly declination. There are times when you could find yourself with a non-adjustable compass and knowing the simple formulas to convert true (map) to magnetic (compass needle) and the reverse would be quite helpful.

    • @txmichaels
      @txmichaels Před 7 lety

      TB = MB + (-/+ declination)
      TB = True Bearing
      MB = Magnetic Bearing
      East declination = positive (+) declination
      West declination = negative (-) declination
      MB = TB - (-/+) declination (use this to compute your needed MB when measuring a bearing from map)
      Example: (east declination)
      MB = 140 deg
      east declination = 3 deg
      TB = 140 + (+3)
      = 143 deg
      Example: (west declination)
      MB = 140 deg
      west declination = 3 deg
      TB = 140 + (-3)
      = 137 deg

  • @BillyBob-ep7em
    @BillyBob-ep7em Před 5 lety +3

    If you get lost, if you can find a creek or stream follow it down the way the water flows. It usually will take you to larger streams or a river and eventually to help.

    • @Myaccisbanned
      @Myaccisbanned Před 3 lety

      Streams where bears fish and drink? No thanks

  • @887Rabbit
    @887Rabbit Před 5 lety +1

    I'd forgotten about true/ magnetic north lol. Thanks for the great video. Very easy to follow and really informative. Hoping not to get too lost now.

  • @LeopoldVDH
    @LeopoldVDH Před 6 lety +1

    Excellent presentation. Clear, precise and to the point. Thank you.

  • @ChanEspy
    @ChanEspy Před 3 lety +18

    Wow! I didn’t realize all there was to a compass. I’m really excited to buy one and feel that false sense of security as I lose my way through the woods... I’m very worried.

    • @daved57
      @daved57 Před 2 lety +1

      If you do get lost, tell people you forgot your compass.

    • @Sweetherbicetea
      @Sweetherbicetea Před rokem

      Nest comment! 🤣🤣

  • @nanettecormier8513
    @nanettecormier8513 Před 5 lety +5

    How many times do I have to listen to this before I get it?

  • @scottbminer
    @scottbminer Před 3 lety +1

    One of the better videos on how to use a compass. Thanks!

  • @amraa23
    @amraa23 Před 4 lety

    Watching it second time makes lot of sense than watching it for the first time. If i go out there i'd definitely download this video to my phone.

  • @millenium2003
    @millenium2003 Před 7 lety +526

    still don't get it

    • @Noeman2009
      @Noeman2009 Před 7 lety +20

      millenium2003 Learn about map scale and compass bearing then buy a topographic map consist of at least two visible landmarks (a mountain, a lake, a light House, etc) or you can print out a screenshoot from the google earth. Basically a navigation is determining a position using known objects on a map, we call it back traversing. All you have to do is to point your compas to a known landmark, measure the bearing then plot the bearing on the map. Repeat this step with the 2nd known landmark, you'll get your approximate position. If you add another landmark, the accurary would be slightly better. Since a compas uses magnetic bearing, the bearing you get from measurement is refered to the magnetic north and you have to compensate on map because maps use the true north. Differences between the north pole and the magnetic pole (varies depend on the time of year) we call it the magnetic declination, is shown on topographic maps.

    • @energypalace
      @energypalace Před 7 lety +5

      millenium2003 me too:(

    • @generalzzodd595
      @generalzzodd595 Před 7 lety +9

      Jack Busboom. Like learning spanish.

    • @elexust730
      @elexust730 Před 6 lety +6

      I K good for you, I still don't get it.

    • @elexust730
      @elexust730 Před 6 lety +1

      I K Teach me!! I probably go pick up at the library and learn.

  • @toddbell152
    @toddbell152 Před 6 lety +72

    How are you certain that magnetic north is not the location of Santa's workshop?

    • @teeremraf5394
      @teeremraf5394 Před 5 lety +2

      Because it's not! Everyone knows that!

    • @korykent5645
      @korykent5645 Před 3 lety

      Pole shift I'm guessing lol

    • @jmannii
      @jmannii Před 3 lety

      Good question. 😃

    • @Nomad-Drifter
      @Nomad-Drifter Před 3 lety +1

      Because people like me followed it and found a sign saying HaHa!

  • @theodoresweger4948
    @theodoresweger4948 Před 4 lety +1

    Your way of showing visually how declination changes is great, I would like to have seen it a little longer.

  • @NikeTao
    @NikeTao Před 4 lety +1

    And I thought I knew how to use a compass and a map.
    Great explanation, really useful skills!

  • @LegitDelmar
    @LegitDelmar Před 7 lety +3

    This was great ! thank you

  • @mega00760
    @mega00760 Před 5 lety +16

    the magnetic north makes it twice as hard to understand, thanks Canada

  • @rexel763
    @rexel763 Před 6 lety

    Have watched a few of these videos, this is definitely my favourite so far.

  • @larryzapotocky1363
    @larryzapotocky1363 Před rokem

    This is one of the best videos about a compass. Thank you!

  • @randomstuffyouwontseeinyou8786

    I guess I’ll end up in a gulag in siberia

  • @cpierce3277
    @cpierce3277 Před 2 lety +7

    Please keep in mind the magnetic pole has increased the speed of its movement, and may not be where an older map would indicate. Very important for some aircraft navigation operations.

  • @kickassv8
    @kickassv8 Před 6 lety

    I always use to think that REI was for hippies and rich city folk. But, uh, this was a great tutorial. Your other videos are pretty good too.

  • @salmonella508
    @salmonella508 Před 7 lety +1

    Check the map key for direction of the true north lines before taking a directional reading. To avoid printing several maps for a specific area, map makers will tilt the area at an angle so the entire area can be put on one map. I have a few of these maps from the NYNJ Trail Conference.

  • @dukesilvergold
    @dukesilvergold Před 5 lety +7

    6:20 The red is not in the shed while pointing direction of travel at the object. This is probably editing mistake. If you are transferring the bearing to the map, the red should still be in the shed because that's how you got the bearing in the first place and now you are simply layering the true object, the true north and the map together. Granted though, the method is correct in the video; the bearing, after MD has been adjusted is only relative to TN and should be called TN bearing. However, it still bugs me that the red is not in the shed when it really should. What should be said is that, after you got the bearing which is simply the angle from TN line to the direction of travel line, you can move the map around, sit under a tree, and use the compass as a protractor to match up the angle on the map, then draw the line. This is why the needle doesn't matter anymore.

    • @dustinjang94
      @dustinjang94 Před rokem

      THANK YOU. I was learning and was deeply confused by this.

  • @dharyalrasheed557
    @dharyalrasheed557 Před 5 lety +26

    I'm sure this video is informative, but could we get a version without the loud music?

  • @andyclark1173
    @andyclark1173 Před 3 lety

    This is the easiest explained tutorial I have found. Thank you. 👍

  • @Musiclover-qh2mv
    @Musiclover-qh2mv Před 3 lety +1

    This video made me so happy because the compass I pulled out happen to be this exact one

  • @edwardvinhateiro4240
    @edwardvinhateiro4240 Před 7 lety +12

    This is bread and butter stuff for pre GPS grunts. It definitely takes some practice with good maps and a good pace count you can adjust for terrain. Not all compasses are equal for sure ...

  • @TheOsfania
    @TheOsfania Před 5 lety +13

    3:17 You should have shown her setting the declination on the compass.

    • @rickalexander2801
      @rickalexander2801 Před 3 lety

      Agreed. I'm sure a lot of people do not know how to do this even though they might have a compass with an adjustable declination feature.

  • @kensendelofski3761
    @kensendelofski3761 Před 5 lety

    I actually have several different makes. very useful tool. Thanks for the video. also on the lighter side I usually carry a map that reads you are here. but I really do collect them thanks for the video enjoyed it.

  • @JayLarson
    @JayLarson Před 5 lety

    One of the best tools ever created. So awesome.

  • @noamdsi123
    @noamdsi123 Před 4 lety +11

    I was lost, but after this video
    I triangulated myself.

  • @triplebbb1484
    @triplebbb1484 Před 7 lety +53

    What? I still don't get it.

    • @CWGminer
      @CWGminer Před 4 lety

      Well, now we know why the mongol empire collapsed

    • @djantem0917
      @djantem0917 Před 4 lety +1

      Hang on Genghis, your lot just kept heading west!

  • @thelughxperience6971
    @thelughxperience6971 Před 4 lety

    Watched this video like 10+ times. Thank you!

  • @XJonAye
    @XJonAye Před 3 lety

    I'm going to have to watch this a few times and then practice before I'm fully confident that I could use a compass in a serious situation

  • @juniperspringz
    @juniperspringz Před 5 lety +11

    The * * * boom boom boom * * * in the background makes it impossible to focus on the words being spoken in the video.

  • @phoebegraveyard7225
    @phoebegraveyard7225 Před 5 lety +4

    I get lost in the same areas I’ve been lost before because it looks kinda familiar.

  • @KI4ASK
    @KI4ASK Před 2 lety +1

    You packed a lot of information into a short, concise video - well done!

  • @otakuleveledup8458
    @otakuleveledup8458 Před 4 lety

    Literally learning this stuff to make simple gps software from scratch taking in data from a devices sensors as an extended student project although it requires a lot of knowledge in other fields. In this day and age someone’s got to know this or we can’t make them.

  • @365sojourner
    @365sojourner Před 6 lety +4

    She is using a compass that can compensate for the declination. Remember if you don't have this type of compass you need to add or subtract declination for this example too work.

    • @brettsandford4146
      @brettsandford4146 Před 6 lety

      Thank you, I couldn''t figure what was going on. Now I kinda get it, my compass doesn't compensate and so this video is all but useless to me if not actually dangerous.

    • @johnriver2593
      @johnriver2593 Před 5 lety

      when do you compensate using a compass that only has a declination scale? do you add the degree compensation onto the bearing?

  • @kneedownpuppy
    @kneedownpuppy Před 6 lety +20

    Whats with the loud background music? Spoilt what would of been a great video. Shame.

    • @stephenschwake524
      @stephenschwake524 Před 5 lety +2

      That was the natural sound of the wilderness. Every raccoon thinks he's a DJ these days, I'm afraid. I keep telling people not to leave their turntables outside where wildlife can get ahold of them, but nobody listens.

    • @joscram1129
      @joscram1129 Před 5 lety

      @@stephenschwake524 😂😂😂😂pricless👌👏👍

  • @stephengonzalez5578
    @stephengonzalez5578 Před 5 lety

    Reviews are essential and important. Thanks for this.

  • @drengmike
    @drengmike Před 6 lety

    Awesome video and easy to understand. The Suunto M-3 is a great all around campus for the price!

  • @AGuyWhoPunkUMama
    @AGuyWhoPunkUMama Před 7 lety +5

    wow. this is why i don't travel without google. lol really useful skills to learn though. thanks!

    • @woolval2049
      @woolval2049 Před 7 lety

      Joel, don't listen to Eric. You just have to hold your phone up high, maybe even stand on your tip-toes. They do it in the movies all the time and it works! Except for maybe the Mojave Desert...

    • @StevenTorrey
      @StevenTorrey Před 7 lety

      Before I even take a hike, I note what trails I am to anticipate, how long those trails are. And I memorize those trails. Keeping in mind that it takes about 20 minutes to walk one mile (add 10 minutes going up-hill) then you have a good idea of how long the hike can be. A compass is not really as crucial as a map of the trails, no matter how rudimentary.

  • @jamesnoon6648
    @jamesnoon6648 Před 7 lety +191

    Music distracts

    • @paulbroderick8438
      @paulbroderick8438 Před 7 lety +8

      Agree.

    • @Research_Lavon_Affair
      @Research_Lavon_Affair Před 6 lety +3

      I stopped watching as soon as I heard a dumb bitch's voice.

    • @agimasoschandir
      @agimasoschandir Před 6 lety +8

      +google Lavon Affair
      That's in your head and understandable as it would represent someone smarter than you

    • @stevek8829
      @stevek8829 Před 6 lety +2

      google Lavon Affair Stop hating your mommy, she loves you.

    • @tjwash5118
      @tjwash5118 Před 5 lety

      James Noon music on how to videos blows my mind, why?

  • @shybinok
    @shybinok Před 7 lety

    Very nice Video! Covering all we need while navigating

  • @californyaeh
    @californyaeh Před 7 lety

    James Noon just wrote it before me, but i find you all people making video Absolutely AMAZING ...with the NEED to add Loud background music ..!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I ponder, Why,...especially when willing to try to Teach something that requires a full brain' attention (not being distracted by having to do Two things at the same time;
    1) Focusing on subject matter
    2) Clearing/Fading Out unnecessary/unrequired/unrequested music beats..)
    Why..ohh .WHY, ALL of yous are attained with the same....sickness ..?????!!!?????

  • @MrLee-qz3gy
    @MrLee-qz3gy Před 4 lety +4

    I need a Compass, my life has no direction.

  • @dallas5374
    @dallas5374 Před 7 lety +78

    This was so confusing!

  • @Hamada_Intifada
    @Hamada_Intifada Před 6 lety

    this video saved me from ever getting lost in the mountains again, thanks!

  • @SutherlJ20
    @SutherlJ20 Před 3 lety

    Great video! This helped jog my memory on minor details forgotten from military days.

  • @Haze1434
    @Haze1434 Před 6 lety +6

    I wondered for a small moment why my compass doesn't have a declination line. Then I realised I'm in the UK... North IS true North. Get in.

    • @7Earthsky
      @7Earthsky Před 5 lety +1

      The u.k is near standing room only....You'd need a compass here to find humans like a fish needs a bike.

  • @kevinsullivan171
    @kevinsullivan171 Před 7 lety +99

    Instead of showing people standing around, show the actual compass

    • @LoganCartwright
      @LoganCartwright Před 7 lety +7

      Wasted too much time with this. I already know what people look like.

    • @TheOsfania
      @TheOsfania Před 5 lety +7

      The people are wearing the latest REI clothing, which is available at their stores and online. Don't forget, more than anything else this is a commercial for REI gear.

    • @mth280268
      @mth280268 Před 5 lety +8

      Agreed, particularly referencing declination, without a shot of how this set on the compass and then announcing "now we've set the declination"!

    • @jeremoe1
      @jeremoe1 Před 5 lety +2

      I agree. She didn't show us how to move the declination arrow on the compass. Gotta go check another video!

  • @rei
    @rei  Před 2 lety +1

    Glad you found it useful!🧭

  • @bharathu5354
    @bharathu5354 Před 4 lety

    Thank you so much. This was made simple & intelligible 🙏