Survival guides · Shelter & Fire

Use a Compass

WHEN TO USE THISNo GPS, no signal. A compass needs nothing.

1. Know the parts

   
   • Needle — red end points to magnetic north.
   • Bezel — the ring marked 0–360.
   • Direction-of-travel arrow — on the baseplate.
   • Orienting arrow — inside the bezel.

2. Find north

   • Hold it flat in front of you. Let the needle settle.
   • The red end points to magnetic north.
   • Turn the bezel until the orienting arrow lines up under the red needle. "N" now points north.

3. Walk a bearing

   • Turn the bezel until your bearing lines up with the direction-of-travel arrow.
   • Hold it flat. Turn your whole body until the red needle sits inside the orienting arrow — "red in the shed."
   • The travel arrow now points your way. Pick a landmark on that line; walk to it. Repeat.

4. Adjust for declination

   • Magnetic north isn't true north. The gap varies by place.
   • US: about 20° east (Pacific Northwest) to 20° west (New England).
   • Short distances: don't worry. Long ones: adjust your bearing.

Sources: US Army FM 3-25.26 Map Reading and Land Navigation · USGS Compass Declination Data

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.