How I Use a Map & Compass to Navigate Off Trail - The Basics

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 เม.ย. 2020
  • This is how I use my Suunto compass to navigate off trail in the woods while hiking.
    IG: @climbwithchristina

ความคิดเห็น • 485

  • @bigdave6194
    @bigdave6194 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I love all my gadgets. But the battery never goes dead in a compass. I taught all of my sons and grandkids how to accomplish land navigation with a compass and map.

  • @thexoftexas4267
    @thexoftexas4267 3 ปีที่แล้ว +335

    I was in the Army 20 years when a map and compass were the only navigation aids. Your explanation was exactly correct. It is so refreshing to see that someone can actually navigate by using their God given talents. Great video.

    • @incorectulpolitic
      @incorectulpolitic 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi, All I want is a liquid free compass with global needle that shows me accurately/precisely the magnetic north, that lasts, preferably a lifetime, does what I want exist? If yes, can you recommend me some products(brands, product names)? Thank you

    • @rtoguidver3651
      @rtoguidver3651 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@incorectulpolitic Yes, your moral compass !

    • @slipknnnot
      @slipknnnot ปีที่แล้ว +3

      They teach this in middle school geography class lol....

    • @avleathercraft648
      @avleathercraft648 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      It's not a god given talent, It's a learned skill, she wasn't born with it

    • @SDPBALLCOACH
      @SDPBALLCOACH ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@avleathercraft648
      Exactly and she had map n compass made by man..

  • @lew5268
    @lew5268 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    You're a natural born teacher (clear and concise, focus on the facts, no rambling, excellent and pleasant speaking voice). GREAT JOB CHRISTINA!!!!

  • @TobinHolz
    @TobinHolz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    I've watched a dozen or more YT videos looking for the simplest guide for land navigation using a compass. Yours is the most straight forward and includes some gotchas that other don't mention. I like that you don't spend 30 minutes explaining magnetic declination but just simply adjust for declination based-on your map. It may have been worth mentioning the declination screw adjustment that comes on many compasses. The only other thing was that I really wanted to see how you go about finding your current coordinates on the map. I'll have to look to see if you have a video on triangulation to find your location on the map. It is also useful to line up your map and compass facing Grid North and look around in the real world for any landmarks that may appear on your map... that can give you a pretty good idea of where you are on the map.

    • @lampoyo
      @lampoyo ปีที่แล้ว +2

      My brain took me to another video to explain declination because I hoped she had explained what it was haha unfortunately that person just said "it's because north isn't true north"- in about 30 minutes 😆 And now I'm off to another video to explain why it isn't true north... sigh

  • @MikeJones-xw3te
    @MikeJones-xw3te ปีที่แล้ว +49

    Christina, great video of a subject that was and to some extent close to my heart.
    I'm ex British Army, where we used both the prismatic and Silva compasses.
    I presented this subject on training days in my regiment and to new recruits during basic training.
    I still carry a Silva compass and maps with me when my wife and I travel, but being 66 years old and what we call a grey nomad (towing our caravan), down here in Australia, we just stick to the roads, using map reading skills.
    It's so refreshing to see a young person like yourself using the older ways.

  • @hankhager8561
    @hankhager8561 4 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    You did an excellent job explaining map and compass one of the best videos I’ve seen yet

  • @evanwindom3265
    @evanwindom3265 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    TIP: Don't eyeball trying to get the lines on the bottom of the dial parallel with the index lines on the map. Slide your compass back and forth along your course line until one of those lines is under the dial. Now you get it much more accurate. No guesswork needed.

    • @SergeantExtreme
      @SergeantExtreme 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Sliding the compass is going to be just as inaccurate as eyeballing since small movements off the original course are going to occur as you're moving the compass.

    • @evanwindom3265
      @evanwindom3265 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@SergeantExtreme I did say "along your course line."

  • @djohnson8182
    @djohnson8182 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    In a recon platoon in vietnam we used the shoot a point and count steps method, often only a few yards between points.Two or three guys were counting steps, putting rocks from one pocket to another to keep track every hundred steps.we were able to hit small clearings after moving thousands of kilometers of dense brush and jungle.Important as these were assembly points for widely separated troops.

    • @Frombie_01
      @Frombie_01 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      Mate, 1,000s of kilimetres would put you in Mongolia.

  • @magnus9165
    @magnus9165 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    We used to play Orienteering games in the Army. It brings a little stress into finding your way, which is good. Who would not want to do this in the fall in Bavaria? What a beautiful place.

  • @stog9821
    @stog9821 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    That was good. You might have pointed out two things. The vertical lines on the map are longitude. I think most people would know that, but if they don’t it wouldn’t hurt to learn. The other is that most good compasses can be adjusted for declination so north points north without making a second calculation. Of course, it needs to be kept up to date, and if you go to a new area you’ll need to reset that adjustment, but google declination for whatever area you’re in and you’ll get the figure.

  • @Lue_Ghosted
    @Lue_Ghosted ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Six of the seven years that I spent long distance hiking on the National Scenic Trails and survival living in cold climate National Forests across the USA I used nothing more than my old Army compass and paper maps I acquired along my travels..... It wast til my seventh year that I purchased a phone with the Gut Hooks trail GPS map aps ... I never did buy or use one of the SPOT devices.
    I'm pleased to see a video showing the skills of land navigation explained so clearly.... Very well done young hiker 👍 ❤ 👣 The only information that would also help in this video would've been that every person wanting to learn this form of land navigation, would be to learn the types of land formations on a map and to be able to recognize said land formations by visual sight

  • @JB-171
    @JB-171 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Excellent video. The whole concept was explained clearly and was so easy to follow and understand. The “bras with underwire” comment, though very salient, absolutely cracked me up!

  • @marcmartel3088
    @marcmartel3088 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Planning to use your video in an English second language class. You are easy to follow, understand and there is no background music. Good work!

  • @terrystephenson984
    @terrystephenson984 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    You did a great job with this video. Clean, simple, and no BS. Well done!

  • @chedbaker4954
    @chedbaker4954 4 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    Nice job, Christina! Clearest explanation to date I've seen, and I really appreciated the tips of things to watch out for. Good job on the flipped direction, too. Keep it up!

  • @ruvanvitharana1739
    @ruvanvitharana1739 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you Chistina, it's nice video explaining the basic skills to use a compass very well. Great job.

  • @gregoryhorwitz7373
    @gregoryhorwitz7373 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really appreciate your effort in keeping this simple. Good information. I hope you make more videos.

  • @googleboughtmee
    @googleboughtmee 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    What an awesome video. Also jealous of your NH back yards and mountains.

  • @bowlineobama
    @bowlineobama 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love the way you explained it. I have seen other videos on it, but they just confused me. Greatly appreciated.

  • @sherryflavour3791
    @sherryflavour3791 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    bruh i watched 10 videos and this is the only one that made sense. thanks

  • @simifrost5119
    @simifrost5119 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You did a great job explaining this! Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

  • @colinkeane6634
    @colinkeane6634 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Beautifully clear explanation, especially when walking south. Thank you

  • @williambrennan9662
    @williambrennan9662 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The best video on compass/map navigation You are a natural teacher simple and concise

  • @mattfox2716
    @mattfox2716 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for uploading this, I really appreciate it.

  • @shvideo1
    @shvideo1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very informative video, so very well explained, covering all the bases. Thank you very much for sharing!

  • @meanderingwithmuddypaw
    @meanderingwithmuddypaw ปีที่แล้ว

    That was an awesome explanation! Thank you so much for making it plain and simple! - Muddypaw 🐾

  • @nicktate926751
    @nicktate926751 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for the video! you explained it the simplest out of all the videos i've seen! Can't Wait to hit the trails!

  • @vancemccolm6309
    @vancemccolm6309 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great job! Clear and concise instructions.

  • @charleneledbetter511
    @charleneledbetter511 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Just to add on, the best video we've found. Clear, concise, can't wait to get out and start picking landmarks. We're hiking the back country of Scotland in a few weeks and I now feel like we can actually use a compass and map if necessary! Thank you!

  • @andyd4137
    @andyd4137 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a fantastic video. This was really well explained and easy to follow. Thanks so much.

  • @robinlarson3958
    @robinlarson3958 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for your "Here's how to do it, now do it" approach. I've been practicing, readying for a trip to Iceland. I appreciate your clarity. Thanks!

  • @wr6594
    @wr6594 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Adding my voice to the many comments of praise. I’m an absolute newbie and have struggled understanding these concepts after watching so many videos. You are a great teacher. Direct and to the point. Clear explanations. No extra junk thrown in. Brava!

  • @philipvankampen3394
    @philipvankampen3394 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the best video I have found on using a compass! Thanks!

  • @kfcordeiro
    @kfcordeiro 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Super easy to follow and helpful video. Thanks Christina!

  • @jeffb5781
    @jeffb5781 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Have watched a lot of compass videos. You have the best most clear one. Thank you.

  • @EricHillAuthor
    @EricHillAuthor 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great job. I'm trying to get the hang of maps and compasses and you've helped a bunch!

  • @kailiann9426
    @kailiann9426 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I agree with previous comments. I’ve been searching for a simple guide to navigation for beginners and this is the best one I’ve found! Thank you

  • @bendover4496
    @bendover4496 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    As others have said, this is an excellent presentation with clear explanations.
    An alternate method of accounting for declination is to orient the map to the compass at the beginning, while offsetting for declination. Then, as long as you don’t move the map after it’s oriented, each bering that you take from that point on will be a magnetic bering that has already had declination accounted for. This cuts down on the possibility for errors. Also, all you have to focus on is putting red in the shed. It also helps with triangulation, if you don’t know where on the map you are located. The big thing is knowing the declination for the area you are operating in.

    • @jacklowe3788
      @jacklowe3788 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This is way I learned- oriented compass to msp allowing for true North - Red on shed shoot yo farthest point Go to that point then keep repeating till arrival destination - Knowing pace count is a plus- Triangle yo find your location us great skill as well- - If your trying to get lost just follow Infantry Lt Plt Leader-

  • @JessieGau
    @JessieGau หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for your time making this video. I’ve searched several video but your explanation is so easy to understand! Thank you!

  • @Jennie-vw4bv
    @Jennie-vw4bv ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Best explanation I’ve seen yet. Thank you!!

  • @jecagutierrez5084
    @jecagutierrez5084 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The way you explained it is much easier to understand than all of the videos I watched. Thanks a lot!

  • @toddb930
    @toddb930 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank You for the good examples and clear instructions.

  • @jesus-wm5wl
    @jesus-wm5wl 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like the zeroing out first, set my orientation. And was a good reminder of earliest tutoring. Cheers!

  • @kaylac.238
    @kaylac.238 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you so much for the time you put into this video. I'm finally feeling confident and hopeful thanks to your instructions! 💗

  • @danielmarquez467
    @danielmarquez467 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you, Christina. This is way easier than my Land Nav days in the Corps.

  • @intellegence63smart
    @intellegence63smart 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Christina, you're the absolute bomb. My good ol' friends and I are going to head out into the wilderness that is crown land and explore our beautiful nation.

  • @karenscanine-care2855
    @karenscanine-care2855 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Best explanation I've seen, simple and concise - Thank You

  • @dixiegarr4654
    @dixiegarr4654 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    OIC - great job of explaining! Best I've seen

  • @stuartknight2174
    @stuartknight2174 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Christina ..... nice and basic ... exactly what I needed .... great video !

  • @larryfitzgerald2373
    @larryfitzgerald2373 ปีที่แล้ว

    An easy to follow description. Good teaching! Thanks!

  • @99jkane
    @99jkane ปีที่แล้ว

    I love this explanation. Well done.

  • @greggaul25
    @greggaul25 ปีที่แล้ว

    BEST and SIMPLEST description I have ever seen for using a compass with a map. Thank you!

  • @stuartrobinson2983
    @stuartrobinson2983 ปีที่แล้ว

    best basic map /compass navigation video I have seen, excellent.

  • @grand.pitcher
    @grand.pitcher 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The simplest and most complete video about how to use a compass within a map. Thank you!

  • @squeakywheelprod1
    @squeakywheelprod1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great simple, clear explanation for a beginner like myself to understand what had been a bit confusing.

  • @saltees1910
    @saltees1910 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is the best map & compass video I've come across! :)

  • @mizzou126
    @mizzou126 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    A very nice, succinct presentation. Good Job!

  • @stevebarrett_WF3E
    @stevebarrett_WF3E ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well done. About the most thorough and complete instructions I've seen in videos.

  • @ryanarmishaw3305
    @ryanarmishaw3305 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great explanation! You're a natural teacher. Thank you for this.

  • @barteknowak5949
    @barteknowak5949 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hands down the best explanation I've seen so far, thank you very much!

  • @prakashdhage
    @prakashdhage 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    It's the best video I have ever seen on understanding compass, bearings, declination, elevation and use of compass for orienteering... Concept simplified to the core...👍
    Thank you!

  • @sfoeric
    @sfoeric ปีที่แล้ว

    It all makes sense. Will have to give it a try. Thanks for making it all seem so simple.

  • @villanuevafamily4
    @villanuevafamily4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Finally a video with instructions I can understand. Thank you!!!

  • @kan-zee
    @kan-zee ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow...this is a really well done, instructional video...thank you CC, for taking the time to share your teachings with us.

  • @tomylim6022
    @tomylim6022 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This video is so clear! And the example is very useful too. I really learned alot! thank you very much 🥰

  • @RomeoEdward
    @RomeoEdward 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The best compass video I have seen on TH-cam. Land navigation is something I have always been interested in. From my stint in the Army, to hiking trails and bushwacking. Great video work showing the process and good verbal how to descriptions. Everything you need to know it 11 minutes.

  • @henrytheeightheist8091
    @henrytheeightheist8091 ปีที่แล้ว

    A nice concise explanation,for a beginner to understand.Thank you.

  • @soffosbackan
    @soffosbackan 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The best instructions on how to use a compass on YT! Thank you! Greatings from 🇫🇮

  • @johnhines623
    @johnhines623 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Awesome video. I got a little confused with the red in the shed but at first but then you made easy. Thanks a million.

  • @Adam-fj6ls
    @Adam-fj6ls 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great job. Very clear and well presented.

  • @markstilwell4150
    @markstilwell4150 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is the best compass tutorial I've seen. This was time well spent for me, I finally understand how to use a compass for more than just determining direction. Thank you!

  • @fliramor
    @fliramor 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fantastic video! Your explanation and visual demonstration made it easy to follow and I appreciate that you showed a route going north and one going south. The additional bits of info you included were also very useful. I'm excited to practise what I just learned. You should be a teacher :)

  • @erindoyle8740
    @erindoyle8740 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thank you so much for this! I was so confused until I watched this video. You explained it in a way that totally clicked for me, thank you!

  • @carlcapobianco897
    @carlcapobianco897 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very nice job. I’ve watched many videos on how to use a compass. Your video is the best.I love the way you explain things to make it easy to understand. Thank you so much.

  • @volkswagent6raillad850
    @volkswagent6raillad850 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video very well explained thank you

  • @kumadbd
    @kumadbd 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video, this is one of the best I watched about navigation with a compass, thanks a lot!

  • @kenankelly3691
    @kenankelly3691 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great job, Christina!!

  • @glennt8687
    @glennt8687 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very nicely done and good explanation of adding the westerly magnetic declination to your compass bearing off the map.

  • @savage22bolt32
    @savage22bolt32 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I love how you cover compensating for declination. Great for a newbie like myself!
    Even though your compass appears to be adjustable (the small internal red scale on the dial) you showed us in simple terms. Thank you!

  • @xst9880
    @xst9880 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was so good! Enjoyed it thoroughly! Thank you so much! 😊

  • @goboss
    @goboss 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent job! Much better explanation than the hard core woodsmen provide! :) Thank you.

  • @danieljames2718
    @danieljames2718 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I came back to watch this a second time as it is made so simple by a great teacher. Thank you young lady for a great vlog.

  • @Havoc_Prime
    @Havoc_Prime 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    From 3 years in the future, this was the most concise and helpful video ive seen so far. Thanks

  • @haihonguyen4914
    @haihonguyen4914 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    great video, long time forgot the compass, refresh me the old tools but easy to follow, love you. hanks

  • @chrisn9574
    @chrisn9574 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is incredibly helpful

  • @michelvanlint8003
    @michelvanlint8003 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Best video I have found on how to use a compass!
    The reminder to keep the red outline on top / up north is very useful - was mistaken myself once.
    Thank you very much!

  • @adrianlw2750
    @adrianlw2750 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Excellent explanation, as others have commented.
    Great that you covered the piece about picking a landmark, like identifying a tree, putting the compass down, walk to the landmark, stop, pick another landmark etc. Indeed, it can be good fun!
    When navigating in difficult situations where you may be unable to see your final destination, it is important/critical that you identify and navigate to intermediate points on the bearing line. Examples being in woodland, in fog.
    I well recall an early experience of mine in fog on an almost featureless gently curving hilltop, where I had to negotiate difficult ground around boggy areas - in that instance I had to sight to tufts of grass 100ft or so ahead as my landmarks, walk to that, stop, sight a new tuft on the bearing, move on etc. It was important that I did not drift off to one side or the other. This go-stop-go was slow progress, but I was chuffed to arrive at the right final destination point about a mile across the hilltop.

  • @drtareqismail
    @drtareqismail 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    At last I understood from this video after much trouble with different videos , Thank you very much 😀🙏

  • @franciscocampospuyol3458
    @franciscocampospuyol3458 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank You, clear explanation, simple and concise.

  • @samanthagoddard809
    @samanthagoddard809 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was such a good & very easy to learn video. Thank you very much. I am going in a hike for a few day in April Solo and this will help me massively. X

  • @mattforde7229
    @mattforde7229 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video , really good to see this, it well well explained and i'm getting to grips with the direction. Quite soothing learning as well.

  • @konradxtofik
    @konradxtofik ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much, super clear and useful!! Greetings from Poland!

  • @stadtrade102
    @stadtrade102 ปีที่แล้ว

    Finally a video I understand. Brilliant.

  • @Psychonaut1974
    @Psychonaut1974 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks! Very easy explanation, great tutoring. I learn't to use a compass + map when i did my army service here in Sweden...many years ago :) Guess what, i forgot how to do it! Now i know again. It just shows how easy it is to forget when you don't repeat something, or do it in a long time. Great video! :)

  • @maryhirt2223
    @maryhirt2223 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I'm a middle school teacher introducing students to hiking and orientation.. this is by far the best video I've found... LOVE your content and hope you produce more! Great resource for my students!

    • @geedova7242
      @geedova7242 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had fun doing this in school.
      Never.Eat.Shredded.Wheat.

    • @prod_neverlookback
      @prod_neverlookback ปีที่แล้ว

      @@geedova7242 never eat slimy worms

    • @geedova7242
      @geedova7242 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nuce

  • @8polyglot
    @8polyglot 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Cool Suunto compass. I just got a Cammenga, but yours reminds me of the one I learned on in Boy Scouts. Thanks for this info.

  • @buchanjay
    @buchanjay ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent, I needed a refresher, Great video well done 👍

  • @scottangel6462
    @scottangel6462 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very well done video, instructions were very well explained, Good job!!!

  • @thormusique
    @thormusique ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've seen plenty of videos that purport to teach viewers map-and-compass navigations. Although I've seen a couple that did it correctly, not one of them was as clear and succinct as your excellent explanation here. Beautifully done. A happy coincidence for me is that I'll be hiking in the White Mountains over the next few days. Cheers!

  • @chasee1563
    @chasee1563 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Subscribed! ive watched about 10 videos on this topic and this is by far the best explanation. You are a very good teacher. thanks for sharing your knowledge