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Orienteering / Compass Use?

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destillat

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So, in preparation for a wilderness trip I am planning for next summer, I would like to learn how to properly use a compass.
There seem to be plenty of books on Amazon / Chapters about the topic, but I really have no idea which are the best. I'll be reading reviews, but I thought I would post here to see if by chance anyone has any experience with printed material on the subject (or even better, if any organization offers courses on this)?
 
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basketcase

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Internet and going out and playing works. It isn't really that hard. I find there isn't a huge need to be super accurate as long as you can read a topo map. Depending on where you are going knowing the magnetic declination can be significant.

MEC might have a course or links to people who run them.
 
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destillat

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basketcase said:
Internet and going out and playing works. I find there isn't a huge need to be super accurate as long as you can read a topo map. Depending on where you are going knowing the magnetic declination can be significant.
Click to expand...
Yes, I'll be north of the arctic circle, so I need to learn about magnetic declination.
I found www.akuni.com... waiting to hear back from them... looks like they offer a 2 day practical course.
 
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CapitalGuy

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http://fas.org/irp/doddir/army/fm3-25-26.pdf

Page 13 begins an explanation of what maps are.

Page 21 starts an explanation of symbols, legend and marginal information.

Page 27 starts an explanation of grids. (Gets a it technical lol - see page 38 for the practical information)

pp 56-60 talk about measuring distance.

Page 62 is important - how to count your paces.

Page 67 starts the discussion on direction

Declination on page 73 (very important)

Resection on page 81 (find your location if you're lost)

pp 111 - 125 is practical info on compasses etc, again on page 149

165 has great stuff on route planning

193 for how to fold a map

GPS explained on 233

There is a brief pamphlet called "A soldier must be able to use a map". It's very practical. MEC might carry it.

Depending where you are going and who with, this could be life or death. You are quite right with your thoughts of taking a course. Read the Army books then do the course. Its tough in the bush. But...... Enjoy!!
 
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destillat

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Aug 29, 2001
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CapitalGuy said:
http://fas.org/irp/doddir/army/fm3-25-26.pdf

Page 13 begins an explanation of what maps are.

Page 21 starts an explanation of symbols, legend and marginal information.

Page 27 starts an explanation of grids. (Gets a it technical lol - see page 38 for the practical information)

pp 56-60 talk about measuring distance.

Page 62 is important - how to count your paces.

Page 67 starts the discussion on direction

Declination on page 73 (very important)

Resection on page 81 (find your location if you're lost)

pp 111 - 125 is practical info on compasses etc, again on page 149

165 has great stuff on route planning

193 for how to fold a map

GPS explained on 233

There is a brief pamphlet called "A soldier must be able to use a map". It's very practical. MEC might carry it.

Depending where you are going and who with, this could be life or death. You are quite right with your thoughts of taking a course. Read the Army books then do the course. Its tough in the bush. But...... Enjoy!!
Click to expand...
Cool, thank you!
 
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explorerzip

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I would have thought that orienteering with a compass died out with all the cheap GPS technology out there, especially since those units are so cheap. I remember doing orienteering activities in summer camp and Scouts decades ago. If you want a real challenge, learn to sail and navigate the ocean using a sextant. Now there's a lost art.
 
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basketcase

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explorerzip said:
I would have thought that orienteering with a compass died out with all the cheap GPS technology out there, especially since those units are so cheap....
Click to expand...
I usually carry a GPS too but find that map and compass are more relaxing as it actually requires you to stop and think rather than just press a button. Then there's that sense of satisfaction of accurately finding your location by sighting a couple of landmarks.
 
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escapefromstress

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basketcase said:
I usually carry a GPS too but find that map and compass are more relaxing as it actually requires you to stop and think rather than just press a button. Then there's that sense of satisfaction of accurately finding your location by sighting a couple of landmarks.
Click to expand...
I've travelled many thousands of miles in the back country and really enjoyed navigating without a GPS. It does give you sense of accomplishment when you make it out alive.
 
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destillat

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basketcase said:
I usually carry a GPS too but find that map and compass are more relaxing as it actually requires you to stop and think rather than just press a button. Then there's that sense of satisfaction of accurately finding your location by sighting a couple of landmarks.
Click to expand...
And considering the remoteness of my planned trek, I want to be able to survive in the event of a technology failure.
 
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explorerzip

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Jul 27, 2006
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basketcase said:
I usually carry a GPS too but find that map and compass are more relaxing as it actually requires you to stop and think rather than just press a button. Then there's that sense of satisfaction of accurately finding your location by sighting a couple of landmarks.
Click to expand...
Compass and map will also work in the event of a zombie apocalypse and don't require batteries or line of site with satellites.
 
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destillat

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JaguarTO said:
Yes I would agree, even if you are in Ontario. Map and Compass are the only fail safe methods to navigate the wilderness. However, I would recommend that any course you take has a serious practical component as that is the only way you know you got it. I learned my Map and Compass skills in the army many years ago and you are correct you have to make the proper adjustment for magnetic declination, especially in the north.
Click to expand...
The course I am planning on taking is a 2 day outdoor course... and one of the instructors is in the military.
Once I take it I will have plenty of time to explore and play with my new knowledge before my trip.
 
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