Do you know how to use a compass?

[Bitter Clinger]

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.

[KevDen2005]

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.

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

[SNAFU]

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.

[Sharpienads]

Pace count,pace count,pace count,,uphill,down hill,over flat terrain,and again at night,,you tend not to take full strides.

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:

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.