Here's Compass Dude
I'm just some dude that spent much of my life in the mountains. I enjoy hiking cross-country and backpacking. Every year, I read about people that have gotten lost and disappear forever - just look at the recent news below. I believe nearly all of those could be prevented with a little knowledge and skill practice with compass and map - plus a bit of uncommon sense.
I'm also one of a group of Outdoors Dudes that are working on putting together a bunch of outdoors skills sites to hopefully help spread good information. We figure that will help all of us enjoy the great outdoors more and be safe doing it.I hope you find time to explore my pages and then go explore the real world out there.
All who wander are not lost!
(think about it)
Search Google News for more 'Lost Hiker' news items. |
10 Oct 2024 - Daughter of Wendy Rose holds out hope as search for missing hiker continues in Alabama forest |
11 Oct 2024 - Lost, cold hikers use dying cellphones for light to descend mountain, NY officials say |
19 Sep 2024 - A month lost in the North Cascades without food or shelter |
24 Sep 2024 - 'Not giving up' |
07 Oct 2024 - Lost Youth Hiker Located in Webster |
20 Sep 2024 - Four years later, searchers haven’t given up on finding lost hiker from Park City |
Comments:
Mar 15, 2016 - Karen
I've just recently been learning about navigation. I have looked at many, many online
sites and by far you are the best!!! Thank you! Have you consider doing videos?
There is a need for some good ones. ~ Karen
Mar 16, 2016 - SalonaThanks for your ideas ! By the way I am from Nepal, you said
that you love hiking and spend times in mountains, you are
heartlh welcome in our country of mountains and hills.
Apr 22, 2016 - RonGreetings from Raymond, WA.
I have a compass with adjustable declination. I looked up my location and I believe Raymond, WA. was 15 deg. Positive
Looking at my compass, I have no idea if I turn the bezel/adjustment Left or Right to get the 15 deg. adjustment. can you give me a step by step to set my compass so it is adjusted for declination. Also, do you have a favorite compass for field use?
Apr 22, 2016 - Compass DudeI have a compass with adjustable declination. I looked up my location and I believe Raymond, WA. was 15 deg. Positive
Looking at my compass, I have no idea if I turn the bezel/adjustment Left or Right to get the 15 deg. adjustment. can you give me a step by step to set my compass so it is adjusted for declination. Also, do you have a favorite compass for field use?
@Ron - Checking at NOAA, the
magnetic declination for Raymond, WA is 15° 57' East. That
means the north compass needle is actually pointing about 16
degrees east rather than straight north.
The best I can do to explain declination and how to adjust your compass is on this page.
You'd twist your declination adjustment clockwise so the "orienting arrow" is 16 degrees clockwise (or to the right) from the North mark on the dial.
Now, when the north end of the compass needle is aligned with the orienting arrow, and the North mark on the dial is aligned with the direction-of-travel arrow, you will be facing north.
The parts of the compass are described on this page.
Sep 08, 2016 - bruceThe best I can do to explain declination and how to adjust your compass is on this page.
You'd twist your declination adjustment clockwise so the "orienting arrow" is 16 degrees clockwise (or to the right) from the North mark on the dial.
Now, when the north end of the compass needle is aligned with the orienting arrow, and the North mark on the dial is aligned with the direction-of-travel arrow, you will be facing north.
The parts of the compass are described on this page.
Thanks for your great site.
I've been trying to locate an orienteering class near our cabin in the Sierra. Closest one is a couple of hours away so I bought a couple of books and have been studying.
You've made your info very easy to understand.
Trying to learn UTM also, Harrison maps are 1:63,360 scale. Why is there no tool for this scale map? I see 1:50,000 1:24000 etc but no 1:63,360.
May 22, 2017 - ShI've been trying to locate an orienteering class near our cabin in the Sierra. Closest one is a couple of hours away so I bought a couple of books and have been studying.
You've made your info very easy to understand.
Trying to learn UTM also, Harrison maps are 1:63,360 scale. Why is there no tool for this scale map? I see 1:50,000 1:24000 etc but no 1:63,360.
Greetings from Belarus (it’s between Poland and Russia). Thank
you very much for your site. My son did radio direction finding 
when he was 9 and developed a love for maps. Still missing his
hobby, hopes to resume next year He is 12 now and he learns
English at school and I think he will enjoy your site. The
information is comprehensive and so easy to understand. I
haven’t seen many sites of this kind, yet I think yours is the
best – I found everything I was interested in and the
information is such clear and concise. Thank you so much
Nov 24, 2018 - Cindy HarrellDuring Hurricane Florence this summer, many residents from
Charleston and lower part of state of SC were evacuated because of
storm. Now FIRE in CA. Makes us realize just how real we may NEED
TO KNOW HOW TO USE a map and compass. I am using these experiences
to teach 3 nieces and nephews about their uses (for Christmas).
Ages are 13, 10, and 9. Any suggestions for a Compass for each? &
What about for their Dad & Mom? Also, is the info on your website
available in "Book" form and at what cost, or is it ok to print it?
Aug 29, 2020 - Chris I just wanted to drop a line and tell you how much I enjoy your site, and was curious if you had a YouTube channel that also teaches map and compass skills?
Thanks, and keep up the good work with the site.
Aug 29, 2020 - Compass DudeThanks, and keep up the good work with the site.
@Chris - Thanks. No youtube channel. :-( I present navigation
skills in-person so I really should record a few activities - we'll
see.
Aug 09, 2024 - DiabloI have an existential question! I'm looking to buy a new
compass and which one would be better? Baseplate or Mirror to
use in the field. I'll plot the hike at home on a map, then
bring the map and compass with me. I was thinking of a mirror
one, and hesitating between the SILVA Expedition (not S, not
4) and the Suunto MC-2 (not global).
Aug 10, 2024 - Compass Dude@Diablo - Mirror compasses tend to be heavier and bulkier, and I've
not found the benefit worth the weight. Â But, then you'd also have
a mirror for other uses.
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