They used to call me "The Man who Walks on Maps" when I was in the Army. I would also teach Land Navigation to our local Sheriffs and other Law Enforcement Agencies. I sure miss those days (21 years served) but I had a ton of fun also. Love your channel and I love learning new things.
I love navigation, I've also heard the north needle referred to as "Red" and the arrow referred to as "The Shed" so you say "Put Red in the Shed" when lining up the north needle and arrow, really looking forward to the follow-up video!
Good stuff, a compass is essential here flat terrain, heavy bush and often no idea where the sun or stars are due to heavy cloud cover. I usually hold the compass at arms length, metal snaps, buckles or neck knives etc. will mess with the readings. Be aware of ferrous metals when using a compass. Cheers.
Thanks for making this vid. I've watched a hundred vids on this topic, and seem to garner a nugget of information from each one. This is the first one I've seen where the mirror is mentioned.
Nice presentation Dan. I always try to subscribe to the ‘Kiss’ principle: Keep It Simple Son! (I.e. some folks say stupid instead of son!) The compass doesn’t have to be complicated as long as we understand the operation and TRUST the instrument.
wow!! cant say enough how you laid it out in laymans terms bud. I was sooooo confused with all the other sites that just overcomplicated it!! Thanks for your knowledge and skills that who knows? could save a life, maybe mine if I stuck it out with the other explanations!
Is that the same compass you sell on your website? There was not a lot of pictures on the site, but the one you have here would do everything I need in a compass, and the price on your site was very reasonable. I guess that was why I was skeptical about buying it. I didn’t think it would have all the features for that price. 🙏🏼
Simply explained, ... however, I think that when you discuss the usage of a compass, "declination" should be part of the equation or you will be off in your calculations. Thank you Sir, for your video.
@@healthyrootsstrongwings538 - Sorry, I just saw your question. The beads are used for determining distance. You have to know how many paces (double step) you take to go 100 meters or 1/10 of a mile if you choose. Then you count your paces as you walk and slide a bead every time you get to your designated number. Lots of vids on YT about Ranger or pace beads.
Ahhh cheers for the explanation! I used to scuba dive and we would count kickcycles while navigating underwater. Gues this is the same but without the bubbles :)
Awesome video. I did have a small little hiccup at 3:32, seemed like a little jump cut there so I missed the bezel actually being turned. It was so smooth on the edit I missed it the first time through
What make and brand is that compass that you have and where can I get one exactly like that thank you for your videos very inspiring again thank you very much. PS please help
I think that if you hold the compass with straight arms, further from the eye, the possible error is smaller. So the closer to the eye is to the compass, the bigger the angle can differ, the bigger the error can be. Okz - just an additive ; )
Question. Is it possible to ajust for DECLINATION {Tru North} by using a compass alone. Can you use the sun as a guide for it being that the sun comes up in the east and sets to the west.
I just purchased two compasses exactly like yours my issue is if I'm heading east it says it's going west and when I'm heading west it says it's going East I'm sure it's something really simple but I've never used a brand new Compass before is is there something that I need to do to get it lined up if you could help me out that would be amazing I appreciate you
Wait, wait, wait-is this which follows correct? 1.) orient the map north using the straight lines and “N” marking on bezel. 2.) ROTATE THE ENTIRE MAP until red is in the shed. 3.) lay the compass between where you are and where you want to go. 4.) put red in the shed using the bezel. 5.) the direction of travel arrow or marking now shows the bearing you want to take to get to the next chosen point. 6.) turn your whole body until red is in the shed. 7.) follow a straight line using the direction of travel arrows, to your next point of destination.
But dont you have to keep the needle in the doghouse at all times when walking to know you are maintaining the bearing if you lose sight of the original target? If so, why dont videos mention it?
I think the idea is that you sight a target (tree, rock, bush) along your bearing/azimuth and just walk to that object (you can have your compass in your pocket as you are walking.) Once you get to the target, you pull you compass back out and sight another target in the distance that is along the bearing and walk toward it. Repeat this process until you get to your destination.
Try to pick a tree (or other landmark) that is a little bit different than the other trees around it. Or take a pic with your cellphone so you don't forget which tree you are heading to.
Nice stuff except for the sighting demo. The demo given is for a lensatic compass that have a sight setup for that, a mirror compass should be held at arms length with shoulder straight. Lensatic like a rifle, mirror like a hand gun. Good stuff, get lost and find your way home.😁
Muy mala brújula al medio año que la compre se formo una burbuja en el centro de la cápsula que no permitia el movimiento libre de la aguja, fui por la garantía a suunto mexico y me negaron el servicio y me dijeron que es común pero que ya No tenia arreglo aquí en México ni en EEUU y que me comprara otra.
Say Heah Coalcracker, Also on a map, when you identify two distances on a map where your looking at, then draw two lines from those distances on the map, where they cross is where your at. Dilly Dilly.,,.p
I just watched about 10 of these, and yours made the most sense. “Stay in the woods…” awesome.
I'm gonna have to watch this again when I'm sober..
I have camped at locus lake
Hahaha
LMAO
That’s a solid choice!
They used to call me "The Man who Walks on Maps" when I was in the Army.
I would also teach Land Navigation to our local Sheriffs and other Law Enforcement Agencies.
I sure miss those days (21 years served) but I had a ton of fun also.
Love your channel and I love learning new things.
Just got my Sunnto MCB a couple days ago. Your directions were very easy to follow with the compass in my hands. Thank you sharing 🤘
I love navigation, I've also heard the north needle referred to as "Red" and the arrow referred to as "The Shed" so you say "Put Red in the Shed" when lining up the north needle and arrow, really looking forward to the follow-up video!
Good stuff, a compass is essential here flat terrain, heavy bush and often no idea where the sun or stars are due to heavy cloud cover. I usually hold the compass at arms length, metal snaps, buckles or neck knives etc. will mess with the readings. Be aware of ferrous metals when using a compass. Cheers.
Excellent Explanation!!! I struggled with Compass use and a lot of my previous instruction was over complicated!!! Clear and Concise instruction!!!
Thanks for making this vid.
I've watched a hundred vids on this topic, and seem to garner a nugget of information from each one.
This is the first one I've seen where the mirror is mentioned.
I love watching your videos because you don't confuse the subject....your videos are great learning tools....master instructor for sure....
I’m currently working on this exact skill and this video was SUPER helpful!!!! Thanks a ton!
Awesome compass, been using it for years, just used it in North central Wyoming on mule deer hunt.
Best practical technique I've found on line. Thanks...
Nice presentation Dan. I always try to subscribe to the ‘Kiss’ principle: Keep It Simple Son! (I.e. some folks say stupid instead of son!) The compass doesn’t have to be complicated as long as we understand the operation and TRUST the instrument.
Thank you Dan! You have finally made it clear and simple. Others seem to totally confuse you.
Good compass intro, you should mention other aiming/sighting methods in next video in case people have a different model compass.
I'm glad I bought a lensatic and learned how to use it with a map. Makes me far less frightened of getting lost in the woods.
You're only lost when you are on pavement.
If I wasn't lost, I wouldn't be having any fun!
Cool info man !!! No confusion at all. Unlike all the other nuckleheads. It's all rock & roll to me man !!!!
Thanks, Dan. An excellent video. Simple and easy to understand. There aren’t many videos like this. Best wishes from the San Francisco Bay Area.
Your more comprehensive than I have see with others. Thanks
Clear and concise. Excellent video!
wow!! cant say enough how you laid it out in laymans terms bud. I was sooooo confused with all the other sites that just overcomplicated it!! Thanks for your knowledge and skills that who knows? could save a life, maybe mine if I stuck it out with the other explanations!
Excellent presentation! The information was presented in a very clear and concise manner... but you always do.
I had watched many tens of videos and this was the only one that ever made sense. Thank you so much!
Thanks for educating in a simple easy to understand way!
A good and simple explanation of basic compass use. Good video and very practical.
WayPoint Survival q
Your videos are so awesome and informative. Thanks for your knowledge.
Thanks you made it easy to understand..will check out your other video to see if shows how to set for declination
Thank you! good stuff. not over complicated.
Hey Dan, it was great to meet you today at the Great American Outdoor show. Keep the great videos coming!!
Nice meeting you too
a ton easier than what I thought
Thanks Dan
Thank you for making this so clear and simple
Good, clear, concise demo.
Great presentation. Keep a compass in your EDC.
Is that the same compass you sell on your website? There was not a lot of pictures on the site, but the one you have here would do everything I need in a compass, and the price on your site was very reasonable. I guess that was why I was skeptical about buying it. I didn’t think it would have all the features for that price.
🙏🏼
Awesome nice and quick and well explained!!!
Simply explained, ... however, I think that when you discuss the usage of a compass, "declination" should be part of the equation or you will be off in your calculations.
Thank you Sir, for your video.
You're a great teacher man! Thanks!
That explained it the simplest an best for me to understand. Thanks
And with that set of Ranger Beads on the lanyard, you have a full woodsman navigation system. Very nice!!
Outdoor Dauber what do you use the beads for?
@@healthyrootsstrongwings538 - Sorry, I just saw your question. The beads are used for determining distance. You have to know how many paces (double step) you take to go 100 meters or 1/10 of a mile if you choose. Then you count your paces as you walk and slide a bead every time you get to your designated number. Lots of vids on YT about Ranger or pace beads.
Ahhh cheers for the explanation! I used to scuba dive and we would count kickcycles while navigating underwater. Gues this is the same but without the bubbles :)
@@healthyrootsstrongwings538 - Something like that! 😁
Very excited for this one and what’s coming next. I don’t have a compass with a mirror though. I’m sure the same applies, just more peeking?
Simply explained! Nice job.
Not complicated. Very simple. It's going to work for my son and my climb on Sunday.
Finally yes. I needed this video.
Awesome video. I did have a small little hiccup at 3:32, seemed like a little jump cut there so I missed the bezel actually being turned. It was so smooth on the edit I missed it the first time through
Well stated.
Thank you.
Very well explained.
Thank you! Great video.
Your presentation was super helpful thanks! Wish my forestry professor could have made it that clear over video.. ha
You also want the center line on the mirror to be lined up with the pivot point of your needle, or else you could be off a few degrees (or more).
Great tutorial. 👍
Clueless about navigation as I’ve yet to focus on learning it. Now not so clueless. Thanks Dan!
Awesome advice!
What make and brand is that compass that you have and where can I get one exactly like that thank you for your videos very inspiring again thank you very much. PS please help
Very well explained thankyou!
This might have been covered before, but when do we use magnetic and true north? Which one is better? Thank you.
Great video, very easy to understand . Thanks for sharing.
I think that if you hold the compass with straight arms, further from the eye, the possible error is smaller.
So the closer to the eye is to the compass, the bigger the angle can differ, the bigger the error can be.
Okz - just an additive ; )
Great demo Dan!
Thanks for explaining it so simply
Correct, people over complicate it and make it too technical as if you need an engineers degree. Awesome bro, simple
Another clear and helpful lesson!
great job!
Very good video Dan
I have an old compass that does not have a declination adjustment. How do you do you allow for magnetic declination when planning a route?
Hi. I can buy a Suunto MC2 - global version with very good price. Do you know what's version is better - global on maybe standard?
Question. Is it possible to ajust for DECLINATION {Tru North} by using a compass alone. Can you use the sun as a guide for it being that the sun comes up in the east and sets to the west.
❤ this was great
Your videos are awesome
Awesome job
So easy a cave man could do it but don't tell Bigfoot I said that okay. Alright it is a great video and easy to follow thank you for sharing it.
Well that was easy, thanks Dan….
Thanks for sharing.
Good information Dan
Thanks.
Nice! Great job but you should at least mention Magnetic Declination. But thanks and I’ll watch you next video.
Thanks for sharing! :)
Calmpass?? LOL Great video!
Thanks, well done
Canterbury says to hold compass at arms length to read and sight.
I just purchased two compasses exactly like yours my issue is if I'm heading east it says it's going west and when I'm heading west it says it's going East I'm sure it's something really simple but I've never used a brand new Compass before is is there something that I need to do to get it lined up if you could help me out that would be amazing I appreciate you
Did you get it figured out?
I’m a backpacker and I would like to know which compass is best for me - a mirrored or baseplate compass?
I have the same question
A third choice is the lensatic compass. It's not as map friendly as a baseplate though.
Wait, wait, wait-is this which follows correct? 1.) orient the map north using the straight lines and “N” marking on bezel. 2.) ROTATE THE ENTIRE MAP until red is in the shed. 3.) lay the compass between where you are and where you want to go. 4.) put red in the shed using the bezel. 5.) the direction of travel arrow or marking now shows the bearing you want to take to get to the next chosen point. 6.) turn your whole body until red is in the shed. 7.) follow a straight line using the direction of travel arrows, to your next point of destination.
About as clear as mud!!
over confused yup, will watch again
I'm chuckling at Commpass.
But dont you have to keep the needle in the doghouse at all times when walking to know you are maintaining the bearing if you lose sight of the original target? If so, why dont videos mention it?
I think the idea is that you sight a target (tree, rock, bush) along your bearing/azimuth and just walk to that object (you can have your compass in your pocket as you are walking.) Once you get to the target, you pull you compass back out and sight another target in the distance that is along the bearing and walk toward it. Repeat this process until you get to your destination.
Try to pick a tree (or other landmark) that is a little bit different than the other trees around it. Or take a pic with your cellphone so you don't forget which tree you are heading to.
did you ever put the compass & map on rocks with brown spots on them ?
I'm a master at compass navigation w/ and w/o using a map with a gride system. Then when I'm in the field... I'm like wtf what do I do again =)
Hey man, nice shirt
I have a standard compass without a mirror. How do I use that?
What if when you go to aim the compass at whatever degree it is, there is no object it’s just the side of a grassy hill or a area which no features
Nice stuff except for the sighting demo. The demo given is for a lensatic compass that have a sight setup for that, a mirror compass should be held at arms length with shoulder straight. Lensatic like a rifle, mirror like a hand gun. Good stuff, get lost and find your way home.😁
Great
smart!!
Red in the shed.
what if theres a body of water or otherwise unpassable object in your way ?
Noice!
Muy mala brújula al medio año que la compre se formo una burbuja en el centro de la cápsula que no permitia el movimiento libre de la aguja, fui por la garantía a suunto mexico y me negaron el servicio y me dijeron que es común pero que ya No tenia arreglo aquí en México ni en EEUU y que me comprara otra.
Say Heah Coalcracker, Also on a map, when you identify two distances on a map where your looking at, then draw two lines from those distances on the map, where they cross is where your at. Dilly Dilly.,,.p
Now we need a back azimuth.