How to Use a Compass: A Simple Guide for Bushcraft and Outdoor Navigation

How to Use a Compass: A Simple Guide for Bushcraft and Outdoor Navigation

In the age of smartphones and GPS, many people forget that the most reliable navigation tool is still one of the oldest – the compass. For bushcraft, survival, or even a simple woodland hike, knowing how to use a compass is a vital skill that can keep you safe and confident in the outdoors.

This guide will walk you through the basics of how to use a compass so you’ll never lose your way, even if your batteries die or your phone signal disappears.

Parts of a Compass You Need to Know

Before you can use a compass, it helps to understand its key parts:

  • Baseplate – The flat, clear plastic plate that helps you line up your compass with a map.

  • Direction of Travel Arrow – The arrow on the baseplate that shows the direction you need to walk.

  • Rotating Bezel (Compass Housing) – The circle that turns, marked with degrees from 0°–360°.

  • Magnetic Needle – The red end always points north.

  • Orienting Arrow – Inside the bezel, this is where you line up the needle.

Step 1: Hold Your Compass Correctly

Hold the compass flat in your hand at waist height so the magnetic needle can move freely. The red needle will point to magnetic north.

Step 2: Set Your Bearing

If you want to travel in a specific direction, turn the bezel until your desired bearing (for example, 90° for east) lines up with the direction-of-travel arrow.

Step 3: Align the Needle

Now turn your whole body (not just the bezel) until the red magnetic needle sits inside the orienting arrow. This is often called “putting red in the shed.”

At this point, your direction-of-travel arrow is pointing the way you need to go.

Step 4: Start Moving

Follow the direction-of-travel arrow, keeping an eye on landmarks ahead (a tree, a hill, or a rock) so you can walk in a straight line. Check your compass regularly to stay on course.

Step 5: Using a Map and Compass Together

For longer journeys, you’ll want to use your compass with a map:

  1. Place the compass on your map with the edge along the line of travel.

  2. Rotate the bezel so the orienting lines match the north-south grid lines on your map.

  3. Turn your body until the magnetic needle sits inside the orienting arrow.

  4. Your direction-of-travel arrow now shows the exact route to follow on the ground.

Why a Compass is Essential for Bushcraft

  • Never relies on batteries – unlike GPS.

  • Works in all weather conditions – rain, snow, or fog.

  • Lightweight and portable – easy to carry in your kit.

  • Builds real navigation skills – helping you understand the land, not just follow a screen.

Conclusion

Learning how to use a compass is one of the most valuable bushcraft skills you can develop. It keeps you safe, helps you explore with confidence, and ensures you’ll never be completely lost in the wilderness.

If you’re serious about outdoor adventure, a good quality military compass or army surplus navigation kit is a must-have – durable, affordable, and built for reliability.

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