This becomes far more exciting when done in rain and fog.

I got lost in the wilderness once, and all I had was a compass. At least I was able to draw perfect circles...

Piece of cake as a 14 year old. 40 years later and I’d get lost in a shipping container.

I was super concerned about my brain after watching the video because I only grasped about half of it. Then, I went to the comment section and felt better that I was not the only dumbass that could not catch everything. Okay, I will watch a couple dozen times until I fully comprehend. Thanks!

I'm going to have to watch this vid a dozen times

This video has actually helped me a lot... It's taught me that I should never go in the woods...

make sure you save this video for offline watching before hiking anywhere

Coming from an infantry and recce background back in the day and doing a lot of map and compass work, this was a straight forward survey explanation on how to read a compass and shoot some bearings and triangulate your position. GPS sure is great and more accurate, but if your phone has a need to connect to data for a maps app and can't, having GPS in your phone won't help much. Old school works. A good skill to have.

Halfway through the video, paused it and immediately ordered a handheld GPS

Unfortunately if you’re confused, this was a really good explanation. The only way to get it, is to do it. I made a bunch of maps for my cub scouts in a large park with “treasures” for the course. It taught them how to take a bearing, follow a waypoint, etc. Working on a smaller scale makes it easier to practice. There might be an orienteering club in your area that does this.

This may be useful to people who ALREADY kind of know how to use it. Otherwise, it's presented in a fast forward mode, with music in the background, and not too easy to concentrate on ...

This is a very useful video to get folks started in navigation! Buying a compass with an adjustment for declination takes a lot of guesswork out of navigating. But if your compass doesn’t have one, remember this rhyme: West is best; East is least, Add West, subtract East to the compass bearing and you’ll get the true bearing. Example: Known declination is 4 degrees W. Compass reads 50. True bearing = 50 + 4 = 54. Known declination is 4 degrees E. Compass reads 50. True bearing = 50 - 4 = 46.

I’ll be shouting help until I die then

I learned how to to do this in the Air Force then immediately forgot it as soon as we moved on to other things in training. It is hard and takes total repetition to take root.

Magnetic declination adjustment was explained nicely. A few things to keep in mind: a) a 1 degree bearing error will result in being about 92 feet off course after walking one mile. A 4 degree bearing error will put you off course about 368 feet at one mile (92 x 4). This error can come from how accurately you read the bearing or from drifting left or right as you walk toward the destination. b) compasses like the Suunto M-2 typically are only accurate to 2 degrees. With practice using correct bearing reading technique you should be able to take a bearing within 4 or five degrees of accuracy. c) that is why it's important to understand magnetic declination and correctly account for it. In their example of 14 degrees east mag declination if it wasn't accounted for after walking one mile toward the destination you would be off course by about 1,288 ft. (14 x 92) or 429 yards. { actually to make the math easier & make it easier to remember just remember - a 1 degree error at 1 mile = 100 feet. Close enough} d) to get mag declination correct just remember that the north end of the needle should be right of the N on the bezel for east mag declination & left of N on the bezel for west mag declination. iow - imagine the 2 arrows of the mag declination diagram are printed on the top of the compass housing -- the 2 arrows originating at the needle pivot. One points to N on the bezel, & the other points to magnetic north. Thereby your direction of travel arrow on the compass base plate will be pointing in the correct direction when the north end of the needle is under the mag north arrow. e) if your compass isn't adjustable for magnetic declination the compass may still have a mag declination scale printed inside the compass housing. ( the scale will show upto 50 deg west and 50 deg east mag decl.) To use it - just let the north end of the compass needle point to the correct number of degrees on that scale, rather than pointing to the N on the bezel. Examples: 14 deg. East. Or 9 degrees West. f) fortunately mostly mag declination is only in double digits in New England (West ) or in the Pacific North West (East mag declination). If you live along a curving line running from NE Minn. through Miss. Mag declination is only 1 or 2 degrees and can be ignored, it will be less than the accuracy of the compass or your ability to read the bearing that accurately.

people need to watch many times to get，that's why this video get so many views

The absolute state of teaching skills. A person knows a subject in depth, and they teach it to you like they're refreshing your memory.

I'd better pack a LOT of extra food.

I'm even more lost than before after watching this video.

I have been using hand-held compasses in my work for the last 30 years. Indeed, I have worn out about five of them. I watched this video and found it to be good basic information. I would add that orienting lines in the compass are usually lined up with UTM lines (black lines that form squares in most USGS maps) within the map, not map edges. Using a compass with a GPS unit is a powerful system to find your way through the wild. If you are going to be working/playing in the wild, a good working knowledge of both compass and GPS are not just a good idea, they are essential.

Timestamps: 0:00 Intro sequence 0:03 Introduction 0:19 Contents 0:35 1. Parts of the compass 1:58 2. Setting declination 3:22 3. Taking a bearing from a map 5:06 4. Taking a bearing in the field 7:04 Endcard

Just head west, you'll get there. If you hit the beach back track a little.

I was always so baffled by everything on my fancy compass. Now I'm a pro! Thank you!!!

Always wondered how one navigated with a compass in the SOUTHERN hemisphere. A friend told me that down under one needs a "Tate's Compass" which has the other end of the needle magnitized, so it points to magnetic south. He said that, because if one used a Tate's Compass in the northern hemisphere they could die, international law REQUIRES that the bezel by engraved (not printed) with a large "T". That's where, he went on to explain, that old expression comes from: "He who has a Tate's is lost". ...Thanks a lot, Tom. Very helpful... (In truth, a regular compass works fine in either hemisphere. But I must admit, for a minute there, he hooked me like a trout...)

I took this class over the weekend and it is was great! I learned a lot and felt very comfortable and welcomed. I also loved looking around and seeing folks from many different ages, genders and backgrounds- all there with a common interest to be helpful and learn the application of the skill. Connecting with nature and doing it no harm is freeing on so many levels. Thanks REI!

im currently in the woods... this video brought me to a pack of bears

as a black woman trying to spend more time outside, this video was very helpful. Thank you!

without a doubt the best straight forward lesson in map and compass within the federation!!! thank you so much for your time in doing so...iou

No matter where you go, there you are.

I just wander around.

Hi from SE England. I have to teach a group of teenagers how to use a compass tomorrow morning. I've looked at several youtube tutorials, and yours is by far the clearest explanation. So, thanks.

Life-saving skill.

These simple tutorials can be life saving. Everyone should get outdoors but you have to be prepared. Great job REI!

East is least, West is best. East declination subtract. West declination add. I like the Red in the shed, that's a good one. Also you could show how to use the sun and a stick to make a quick emergency compass incase your without one. It is so easy here is how to do that. Take a stick and stick it vertically in the dirt. Mark the tip top spot of the shadow from the stick. Now wait about 15 min or more. Now after some time has past now mark the tip top of the sticks shadow again. Now draw a line from tip top spot to tip top spot and that is East and West! 90° from that draw another line, There is North and South. works everytime! Go outside and try it, it's pretty cool. All you need is a stick about a foot or so long a place to set the stick vertically and the Sun.

One of the clearest and most practical videos on the subject! Thanks guys!

I have taken the REI course for land navigation a few years ago as a refresher. We practiced these techniques with the along with other activities. I recommend people taking the class so you are able to understand from a hands on perspective. Practice, practice, practice.

GREAT VIDEO!!! Thank you. Your video was easy to understand and straight to the point. Apparently, compasses seem to attract the Sheldon Coopers of the world and over the last hour I must have reviewed a dozen of thier "fun with compasses" type videos. I now know more useless crap about compasses than I ever wanted or thought possible. Fortunately, just before I was going to give up, I came across your video which simply and easily answered my quesitons about using the declination scale from a practical standpoint. Very Well Done.

excellent explanation of declination!

One of the better videos on how to use a compass. Thanks!

This is very good to understand different compass

First time ever seeing how a compass works. Watched the video twice and I understand how it works. Stop with all the negative comments and open your minds.

I have this exact compass and a masters degree in electronics and have watched this video and I still have no idea how to navigate with this compass

That was great! Hikes for me are rarely that long, complicated, or distant/isolated that a compass becomes necessary. What is necessary for every hike is a map, and a watch. (And remember the camera can substitute as a watch, if need be.) I cannot imagine taking any hike without either one of those, they are as important as water.

Well, this is about as clear as you can get, really well done. Brief, precise, simple. Notice no one says anything here about 'first you have to orient your map'...because you DON'T have to (if you want to you can of course). Obviously there are other ways and means of using a map and compass too, but this is very good at laying out what it does here.

If you get lost, if you can find a creek or stream follow it down the way the water flows. It usually will take you to larger streams or a river and eventually to help.

I'm glad that they make these videos. Being a Senior patrol leader for my troop, i need to know a lot, thanks for the valuable info

I sincerely find this tutorial was put as very easy to understand. I know a little about the topic and can say that the technical details were right as well.

James Noon just wrote it before me, but i find you all people making video Absolutely AMAZING ...with the NEED to add Loud background music ..!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ponder, Why,...especially when willing to try to Teach something that requires a full brain' attention (not being distracted by having to do Two things at the same time; 1) Focusing on subject matter 2) Clearing/Fading Out unnecessary/unrequired/unrequested music beats..) Why..ohh .WHY, ALL of yous are attained with the same....sickness ..?????!!!?????

Wow! I didn’t realize all there was to a compass. I’m really excited to buy one and feel that false sense of security as I lose my way through the woods... I’m very worried.

How are you certain that magnetic north is not the location of Santa's workshop?

Excellent presentation. Clear, precise and to the point. Thank you.

Have watched a few of these videos, this is definitely my favourite so far.

This was great ! thank you

still don't get it

Great tutorial ! I found it to be direct , informative , and taught with simplicity without a lot of needless vocabulary. Great coverage on basic procedures and highly understandable for any novice. Viewing multiple times could make compass use second nature. Great job on this one !

One of the best tools ever created. So awesome.

How many times do I have to listen to this before I get it?

This video is very well done and has excellent instruction on how to use a compass. It would be good to produce a video on how to adjust for declination with a non-adjustable compass using just formulas, both map to compass and compass to map with an easterly declination and with a westerly declination. There are times when you could find yourself with a non-adjustable compass and knowing the simple formulas to convert true (map) to magnetic (compass needle) and the reverse would be quite helpful.

The first twenty seconds of this video have me overwhelmed. I am off to the next video....

Watched this video like 10+ times. Thank you!

the magnetic north makes it twice as hard to understand, thanks Canada

I guess I’ll end up in a gulag in siberia

This is one of the best videos about a compass. Thank you!

I learned how to use a compass as a kid. This video was really helpful to brush-up on my old schools and learn some new techniques

Please keep in mind the magnetic pole has increased the speed of its movement, and may not be where an older map would indicate. Very important for some aircraft navigation operations.

3:17 You should have shown her setting the declination on the compass.

An awesome compass trick is the back azimuth exploring. Let's say you see some juicy unknown woods at 30 degrees and want to explore without getting lost. Simple, walk a predetermined distance (lets say 2 miles), then add 180 degrees to the original 30 (giving you the exact opposite bearing), this will take you right back to where you started. If the original bearing is more than 180 degrees, lets say 270, subtract 180, giving you 90 degrees.

This video made me so happy because the compass I pulled out happen to be this exact one

6:20 The red is not in the shed while pointing direction of travel at the object. This is probably editing mistake. If you are transferring the bearing to the map, the red should still be in the shed because that's how you got the bearing in the first place and now you are simply layering the true object, the true north and the map together. Granted though, the method is correct in the video; the bearing, after MD has been adjusted is only relative to TN and should be called TN bearing. However, it still bugs me that the red is not in the shed when it really should. What should be said is that, after you got the bearing which is simply the angle from TN line to the direction of travel line, you can move the map around, sit under a tree, and use the compass as a protractor to match up the angle on the map, then draw the line. This is why the needle doesn't matter anymore.

I'm sure this video is informative, but could we get a version without the loud music?

You packed a lot of information into a short, concise video - well done!

And I thought I knew how to use a compass and a map. Great explanation, really useful skills!

This is bread and butter stuff for pre GPS grunts. It definitely takes some practice with good maps and a good pace count you can adjust for terrain. Not all compasses are equal for sure ...

She is using a compass that can compensate for the declination. Remember if you don't have this type of compass you need to add or subtract declination for this example too work.

This is the easiest explained tutorial I have found. Thank you. 👍

Excellent explanation thanks. It's a long time since I did any serious orienteering so it's good to have a refresher. Technically however, the magnetised end of the compass needle points to the South magnetic pole and the other end points to the North!

wow. this is why i don't travel without google. lol really useful skills to learn though. thanks!

What? I still don't get it.

Watching it second time makes lot of sense than watching it for the first time. If i go out there i'd definitely download this video to my phone.

Awesome video! I just added a video to my channel on what to take on a day hike, and of course I included a compass as an essential item. Now I can add a link to this video so my viewers can learn more. Thank you!

I was lost, but after this video I triangulated myself.

Whats with the loud background music? Spoilt what would of been a great video. Shame.

Reviews are essential and important. Thanks for this.

This is the most straightforward and efficient video on using a compass that I've found so far...good job REI! It'll take practice but I feel like I finally "get it" enough to not get lost and die :D

Music distracts

I get lost in the same areas I’ve been lost before because it looks kinda familiar.

My compass came with a very good, instruction sheet. I keep it with the compass. I tried it a few times and made some notes on the pamphlet. I haven't used it in years due to GPS, but I still carry it and a good map when backpacking. They weigh next to nothing and a good map is easier to use than an app to get the big picture of an area. If you're lost off trail and know approximately where you are on the map in relation to a trail, it can give you a bearing toward it and help keep you on it. That said, I've never had to do that. It might be worthwhile to try in a local forest. Of course, I'd also have a phone app and make sure I had cell coverage just in case.

This was a great video to relearn what I learned and forgot 14 years ago!

The * * * boom boom boom * * * in the background makes it impossible to focus on the words being spoken in the video.

I need a Compass, my life has no direction.

Your way of showing visually how declination changes is great, I would like to have seen it a little longer.

I am on my 3 time :) I think i can Prove the World is Round. Really though i am watching this again, an again. i must know this knowledge.

This was so confusing!

I wondered for a small moment why my compass doesn't have a declination line. Then I realised I'm in the UK... North IS true North. Get in.

Glad you found it useful!🧭

Great video! This helped jog my memory on minor details forgotten from military days.

Instead of showing people standing around, show the actual compass

She is probably reading instructions from a very high altitude, she is running out of oxygen. Vocal fryerrrrrr

I'd forgotten about true/ magnetic north lol. Thanks for the great video. Very easy to follow and really informative. Hoping not to get too lost now.

Very nice Video! Covering all we need while navigating