Do You Use a Compass?

[ghostdog]

Since we almost never follow trails to get in the places we like to travel, a compass, map and GPS are used in tandem. My GPS is always loaded with all the maps for the places we will be. I like a more detailed paper map and use it as much or more than the GPS. The compass is indispensable when navigating. There are times you hit juniper/pinion forests and to keep the correct heading towards your unseen destination, the compass shows the way. It is much better than following a GPS pointer. The sun is another good indicator but you do have to adjust as the hours go by with that method.

I carry spare batteries for my GPS, headlamp and camera.

Just because you carry a compass and map and shun GPS does not mean you cannot screw up your navigation. It is very possible and people do it all the time. In the terrain where we travel it is a good idea to shoot a couple of bearings to mark camp before we set out for a day of exploration. The compass must be read very carefully and it does not hurt to double check it. The bearing should be written down on that essential piece of paper with the writing instrument you always carry. Some of the places are a real hall of mirrors and it is going to be hard finding ones way back through the looking glass without a few clues.

I have a friend in Florida who just can’t understand why it is so hard to navigate in canyon country. He believes if there is a known point one should be able to walk right to it with GPS, or map and compass. I try to explain why his world, Atlantic Plain is a far cry from Intermontane Plateau system. Compass, map and GPS are all just tools. They only help with navigation, they don’t assure it.

Anyway, yes my compass rides in either my shirt pocket or my cargo pocket where I can grab it to shoot bearings or follow vectors. It is a jewel of an instrument.

[wvbreamfisherman]

Well said, Ghostdog. Belt and suspenders. Biggest thing is to know your capabilities and your equipment.

[oldsarge]

Ghostdog, I agree, the more tools the better. I actually have two compasses with me just in case.

[Cappy]

We have several routes picked out through the Atchafalaya Swamp that we use to take folks on rides when they visit. Peggy and I load 4 others in my 17 ft wide bottomed aluminum bass boat. Pack a lunch and give family and friends who visit a private swamp tour. One of the favorite activities for the grand kids and friends who visit is before we set out i give them a topo map with our route highlighted. explain where we at where we going and the route and set out down the winding bayous of the swamp. After zipping along for around 10 minutes making several binds and passing side canals I coast to a stop in the middle of a 5 way intersection and say now which way do I go. Its as much fun for me as for them, watching them look up at the map at the compas and the gps and figure out which canal to take. The Grand kids love it and always want to navigate for me when I take them for a ride. Adult friends enjoy it too. It always amazes me how much trouble some folks have orientating. But those are the ones who aint "happy campers" like you and me. :-D

[ghostdog]

vwbreamfisherman, I absolutely agree, like one of Clint Eastwood’s famous line, a man must know his limitations. I have overstepped mine at times but at least I wasn’t sitting in front of the tube at home.

Sarge, I like your style. I take a backup along too but mine is just a button compass, it tells you the cardinal directions but not so well for map work or sighting a precise bearing. I probably wouldn’t cry like a six year old girl if I lost my main sighting/baseplate compass but I might cry like a seven year old girl. I have had the GPS fail to acquire satellites once but that just showed the rest of the crew how incredible the old floating magnetic needle is without anything else, even a map. The accuracy was and is eerie. It’s like magic. I think it is easier to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of a compass over electronics though I use both.

Cappy, good for you! The younger, learning adventurers need someone like you to mentor them, take the time to patiently show them the older, tried and true methods of navigationas well as the newer ways. I get the feeling you teach them many more important skills and that is a fine and valuable thing for you and them.

[Dwayne Oakes]

I won't go into the woods even the front country without my compass and topo.
Also I will only go into a wilderness areas if there is a very long linear line feature in the
area like a hydro cut, river, train tracks, road etc to get back to. It is my safety net.
I don't use GPS.

Take care,
Dwayne Oakes
Dream Wonder Images

[Pathfinder1]

Dwayne Oakes;
I won't go into the woods even the front country without my compass and topo.
Also I will only go into a wilderness areas if there is a very long linear line feature in the
area like a hydro cut, river, train tracks, road etc to get back to. It is my safety net.
I don't use GPS.

Take care,
Dwayne Oakes
Dream Wonder Image




Hi...


Interesting...and valuable...backup plan...!!

[Esperahol]

I tend to have a map and a compass, because I only needed to get lost one time to learn my lesson. I also started to carry my spelunking tapper after a friend managed to get lost and break his leg. The tapper is a little bottle filled with florescent paint that you can dab on rocks or what have you as you progress. I don't use the tapper unless I'm like in the deep woods and hopelessly lost.

[shaun]

A compass is an essential piece of kit when out hiking in the wild. My Dad taught me how to use a compass and how to read maps at a young age, I think it's an important life skill. My compass is fitted into my Swiss Army knife.

[TroyS]

My son actually asked me a few days ago while I was teaching him how to use a compass if there are times when they won't work. I have to admit I was a bit dumbfounded by it. I told him "No," but after reading here that there are some that bring more than one compass, I just have to ask if it is possible that a compass can become inaccurate?