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I assume that many people on here know how to use a compass, especially those trained in the military and/or scouts. I did not know how to use a compass, other than knowing that it points North.
http://www.squidoo.com/howtouseacompass
I found this very helpful link that lays everything out in pretty easy to understand steps. The page has links to a map reading page, and then a page about combining a map with a compass. I thought it was great info to pass along.
Hell, in this age of GPS, it's hard to find anybody that knows how to read a MAP!
There is a 3 part team race that some of my friends do that sounds pretty fun. You get two people, and you have to stay together the whole time. I think you start out swimming, then mountain biking, then orienteering, then finally running. The challenge is that if one person is the better runner, while the other person is the better mountain biker, you have to still stay together the whole time. I guess there are four parts. Either way, it sounds pretty fun. My friend said that a lot of people would totally screw the pooch on the orienteering part of the race.
The biggest thing I found with map/compass work is that you only really understand your skill level when you HAVE to rely on the tools. No GPS for a "second opinion," no wandering through familiar terrain.
A good compass is next on my list to build my BoB; and there is a great mountain that I'd like to try out some navigating on.
Yep. Ever since I was 10yo.
Since GPS it's getting to be a dying skill. When batteries die or GPS on a cell isn't available people are screwed nowadays. It's a good basic survival skill that should be known by anybody that believes in SHTF. [Beer]
Orienteering is very easy provided you understand a few basics. The primary being the difference between true north and magnetic north.
The hardest part of navigating with a map and compass is making sure you're adding/subtracting correctly for declination when going from map to compass or vice versa.
An easy way around this is to buy a compass that you can adjust the declination on.
I'm planning a small basic orienteering survival co-op in the spring
that would be good, i have no idea how to read a compass. i would like to go on a 2-3 day survival camp this next summer to get a real experience.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wulf202
If you want to test yourself with a compass, go find you a flat forest. That'll tell you if you're doing it right or not. When we used to do landnav down at Ft. Carson, it was soooo easy because you could terrain associate most everything. Try that in the woods at Ft. Benning, and it won't work too well for you.
Truth^^^^Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertB
Mine was at Ft Dix.
This one gets it done.
http://www.thecompassstore.com/military27.html
A compass without a map can be like having a flashlight without batteries. Military maps are best. Topo's are next best. Folding waterproof maps with excellent scale is what you are looking for in a map.
I picked up this one for $22.99 today. http://www.greatoutdoorsdepot.com/silva-trekker.html This was the next one down from the Silva Ranger CL (Kevden put on his BoB list), and was half the price.
I want to order a few of these later: http://www.countycomm.com/trainingcompass.htm
So I was sitting in my car trying to use this compass, and thought that it was broken because I couldn't get it to read the same while I was sitting in a parked car, not moving. I finally figured out that the needle would move depending on where I held it in the car. Once I got out of the car, and tried it other places, it is fine. The only thing that I don't like about it, is that it has a scale for declination, but I can't set it and leave it. I have to just account for it every time. Other than that, I'm a bit worried at it being delicate without a metal cover.
Anyone know what the declination for Denver is supposed to be? I looked it up real quick before I left and found something that said 14 degrees East, but that was taken in 1964. I'm going to look for a more updated list and maybe write down the settings for all 50 states and just keep a little card with the compass. Maybe get it laminated or something.
This is definitely a skill I've been wanting to get back (used to be able to use a compass and map together while I was in the Boy Scouts over 30 years ago).
I've been wanting to get a tritium G.I. compass (much like the compass in the link SA Firday posted, but the tritium version) for more than 20 years. Perhaps that'll be what I get myself for Christmas this year.
All of my hunting partners and I use GPS devices. As stated above, batteries die and the devices fail too. To top it off, what if something happened to the satellites that our devices rely on? Every one of those satellites could be taken out in less than 10 minutes. Then what?
On my laptop (I'm on my families desktop now), I've got several files that I need to print off and put into a binder that take you through full orienteering skills. I found all of the info online. If I added the URL's I got the files from into the files themselves I'll post them in this thread. They tend to be a bit more advanced than the information Stu provided. I like the link Stu provided since it can aid the novice and get them to the point that the more advanced stuff can be understood.
While I haven't purchased any of them yet, there are many plastic templates that (as I recall) they call "computers" that you can use for more advanced compass to map orienteering. If I have the links for those I'll post that as well.
I've been wanting to go do a little advanced recon and set up an orienteering course with little rewards at waypoints to the final destination with a bigger prize. I'll be providing the teams with the training data I've obtained so that they can learn how to use the map & compass effectively. Once I have the course laid out I'll be setting a date for a campout weekend. Each team will be responsible for having their own compass(es) and map(s) for the pre-identified area - NO GPS devices will be allowed. The plan is to then bring all of the teams together and provide them all with a different starting waypoint (to keep one team from cheating off of another and keeping them from tripping all over themselves). Each waypoint will have a little something as a prize (candybar's, drinks, etc) and the next waypoint. Every team will eventually hit all of the same waypoints which will bring them all to the final destination. The first team to reach the final destination will receive the grand prize.
The plan is that this will teach everyone how to use the tools in more than just a book environment, test those skills, & make it fun as well.
Metal objects, buildings, electrical power lines, equipment - these can all throw off your compass and it's best to move away from them as best as you can to get true readings.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuart
THANK YOU for the link to those training compasses - great price for a pretty decent compass. I definitely want to buy a few (for the family).
The idea of getting information printed on cards and getting them laminated is a great idea. I would add to that the idea of punching a hole in one corner of the laminated card and putting any cards that you have for your compass together on a split-loop ring (keyring).
I'm still planning on coming to the fire one this Sunday at 9:00am. There is an excellent chance that I'll be a few minutes late, but since I have to drop my fiance off at another appointment at 9:00 am sharp as well, I'll hopefully be on time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wulf202
No problem Ginsue, that website is basically like an online Army Surplus store with a little bit better stuff. I like your idea for the Orienteering contest. That would be awesome. I was thinking of heading up to Grand County and being dropped off near the Sol Vista Ski resort, and seeing if I can find my way back to my cabin a few miles away through the mountains. I really have no idea how to go about doing that though. It wouldn't be until spring probably anyway though, so I have some time to figure it out. All that land USED to be Federal land that you could ride dirt bikes, snow mobiles, camp, etc on, but now that it is owned by Sol Vista, you can only hike and mountain bike up there.
What's this about a fire? Bonfire get-together?
Nevermind - I just re-read the thread (http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28451) Firestarting co-op
Oh yeah, I just checked the NOAA site, and it said the declination for Westminster was around 9 degrees. Not the 14 from that 1964 figure I saw earlier.
EDIT: I've decided that I don't like this compass very much and will take it back tomorrow. I don't like how you can't adjust the declination, as I already mentioned. Also, the needle is very fat and I have a very difficult time trying to add the 9 degrees onto this thing the same way every time. I can sit in a chair, set up the compass to show me my bearing. Then, spin it around in a circle, or move the compass, then I can't seem to get the same bearing again. I'll be off at least two degrees. I think I'll go look at their selection a little closer since I know a little bit more what to look for this time. The store I went to had a few of the metal cased military style kind like I posted.
Thanks for all the input so far from everyone here.
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Originally Posted by glock21
I have a Suunto M3. It's a great compass for what I use it for and has adjustable declination. You adjust it using a small eyeglass screwdriver.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuart
Good point. I've always had the luxury of having geographical features for reference.Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertB
I'm not sure I would know where to begin if in flatlands
I ran across the Suunto while reading a review of the Silva Ranger. I'd pick the Suunto over the Ranger as well. Looks like a great compass.Quote:
Originally Posted by d_striker
This will be simply navigating through a pre determined course around a park. after a basic class. If you want I can loan you a book to learn on your own as I don't know when I'll have time for the class just yet.Quote:
Originally Posted by glock21
Made me go look in the gear closet-I have one stamped March 7,1975 made in Beverly,Mass. A friend and I picked ours up at Tanner several years ago for a real good price because we both bought one. [Beer]Quote:
Originally Posted by theGinsue
Went to the store to return the compass, but the only one they had that let you set the Declination was the one that cost twice as much. The other ones didn't even have a declination scale (I guess you don't really need one) and I found them just as difficult to read. Oh well.
My Grandpa recently showed me one from when he was in Vietnam. I didn't even know what I was looking at, at the time though.Quote:
Originally Posted by StagLefty
Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertB
Been there done that!!! Benning is no bueno!
Stuart, if you are looking at compasses I really like Silva's. I used to use a Silva in the Army, because I hate lensatic compasses so much, but it is still good to know how to do both. I have the Silva Ranger, it runs about 40 bucks but worth it.
That would be my thoughts and what I like to do.
You know I specifically mentioned both Silva compasses and you in this thread?Quote:
Originally Posted by KevDen2005
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuart
Ha ha. That's awesome, I went back to look through the posts to see it.
I do agree that the scales for declination are very nice, but not necessary for price and saving money when putting together a BOB or Rescue Pack as we referred to them while I did search and rescue or Ruck Sack as we referred to them in the Infantry. When it comes to declination if you know what the degree is (which should tell you on the map) then just factor that in to your magnetic heading.
I would also certainly go to Wulf's class, I would never ever consider myself an expert in anything and I have been doing this type of stuff for almost 15 years, but I would certainly go my self if I wasn't sleeping all day after working the night before. People sharing ideas is always a good idea I think because two experts might do things differently and you could always learn from someone.
Just got through reading in another forum that the Silva quality is not what we used to buy. I have several older ones myself. The recommendations were Suunto or Cammenga. [Beer]Quote:
Originally Posted by KevDen2005
Quote:
Originally Posted by StagLefty
I have had my silvas for at least 8 years or more. I did not realize that they went down hill, when did that start happening?
It didn't say but that forum is pretty gear/survival related and I get a lot of good info from real experiences.Quote:
Originally Posted by KevDen2005
Just got a lensatic Phosphorus, not tritium) from JimUSMC who had one in the Trading Post area.
Similar to this one:
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/thecompassstore_2128_25810764
Now, I just have to re-learn how to use it.
mine is near identical to that one, but ive got no idea how to use it. Ill peruse the links all of you provided, but i really am more of a hands on learner any way. maybe I will get a topo map of the area I go fishing and camping at up near kremmling. I know the area, so at least I wont get lost. Ive been going there since I was about 5 or 6 years old. It really would be fun I think.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bitter Clinger
Lensatic compasses are really good and do the job for sure. I would say it is always important to know how to use different pieces of equipment. It has been my experience that people should learn on a different type of compass
Best link in this thread is The Compass Store. Not only great info on their site. But good quality compasses.
Been using a compass since knee high to a grasshopper. ;),,back in '70.
3 other thing you should know,,sun rises in the east,sets in the west.
Where to locate the North star.
Pace count,pace count,pace count,,uphill,down hill,over flat terrain,and again at night,,you tend not to take full strides.
Really want to test skills? Fort Sherman triple canopy jungle.
Or the desert,,29 Palms. Then do them while night land naving.
For a "baseplate" compass I suggest the Sunnto M3G {Globale needle}
If you want a "sighting" compass try the Brunton Eclipse,has the added benifit of quick reference cards.
Oh my past lives,,Marine Recon,,Sunnto/Katidyn/Primus sales rep
Used to do Orienteering races with my old LtCol,and Mr Gookin of Gookinaide drinks.
Map, compass, and pace count... the trifecta. A protractor is nice too. But pace count is key, unless you want to be doing resections every 30 minutes or so (if you even have terrain features to use). I learned my land nav skills at Hurlburt Field, FL, which I think is fairly similar to Benning. Sucks big time, especially at night. Here's a link that will give you an idea for determining your pace count:Quote:
Originally Posted by SNAFU
http://www.armystudyguide.com/conten...ount-to-.shtml
Just remember that just about everything will affect your pace count: terrain, weather, how much gear you're carrying on your back, etc. Ranger beads are the best way to keep track of your pace count, IMHO, but just about anything will work, except your memory.
Awesome thread.
If you wanna learn the nuts and bolts I still have my book and protractor etc from the Benning course. I need to get a good compass though, I have been useing a POS the last few years for hunting just becuase I dont really need it other then teaching my son.Quote:
Originally Posted by glock21
They run monthly classes at the Federal Center in Lakewood. I have a link to the GPS class:
http://www.cr.usgs.gov/gpsworkshops/index.php
They do map/compass classes too.
Sweet, thanks for the tip.
I think Wulf is planning on doing a map/compass class pretty soon here. I hope I'm not working and can make it.
I learned to use a compass and map as a kid.
flying definitely helped out a lot as we had to use a compass as well, not quite the same but at least it kept the skill alive.
now I have a badass GPS, I bring extra batteries and I can walk the same steps back and forth. if SHTF, I will still be able to revert back to basics, although I will be rusty, I will still remember