How do you use a compass?

Here in MN we have some forests up north that you could get lost in pretty easily, due to there hugeness and all that jazz. I have always been hesitant to go too deep for fear of getting lost. I have a gps but I was told once by an experienced western hunter that a GPS is only helpful until the batteries die or you drop it. With that said I would like to buy a quality Compass and some maps, but they don't do me any good if I don't know how to use them. That is where guys come in.

62kodiak, I use a compass to orient my map and to head toward a handrail. In addition to dakotabow's post do a search for a post entitled "Navigation and Orienteering Principles." It may be helpful. The handrail concept is probably the most important confidence builder for going deep. Have fun and reach out as you journey inward:)

Spauldo wrote:62kodiak, I use a compass to orient my map and to head toward a handrail. In addition to dakotabow's post do a search for a post entitled "Navigation and Orienteering Principles." It may be helpful. The handrail concept is probably the most important confidence builder for going deep. Have fun and reach out as you journey inward:)

That's a great thread. I basically use my compass/map the same as Spauldo, but my distances aren't usually that long so you've got a little more margin for error. A couple of miles is about it around here. If you've got any specific questions shoot me a pm or email - I can't claim to be a super navigation expert, but I'm pretty good with the maps.