Compass – Especially on camping vacations, longer hikes or real survival trips, it can happen that you lose your bearings.
Are you in the middle of the forest, equipped only with a rucksack and the most necessary equipment and have lost your way?
Then a compass is definitely a useful piece of equipment that can really help you in an emergency.
But what exactly is a compass and how does this little device work?
Here you can find out everything you need to know about how to use it correctly.
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Camping Ratgeber:
A compass in nature serves this purpose
A compass is an important accessory if you are going to be outdoors for a long time.
It is therefore one of the most important pieces of equipment when camping.
For example, if you decide to go on a hike away from the roof tent and campsite, you should definitely have your compass with you.
This is an instrument that shows the direction of the earth’s magnetic field.
You can use it to easily determine the direction of the Earth’s north and south poles and thus also the other points of the compass.
A compass is used for this purpose:
- For orientation in the open air
- Indicates the direction of the earth’s magnetic field
- Determining the direction of the North and South Poles
- Determination of all cardinal points
With a compass, you are guaranteed to find your way back to the campsite quickly! 
How do I use a compass?
A compass fits in every pocket, is very easy to use and is therefore an essential companion!
To use it, simply align the edges of the compass with the start and end points.
Now you have to turn the entire housing until the orientation arrow and the lines on the map point to N.
Finally, turn the compass until the red end of the compass needle points north.
Now you know where north is and can orient yourself accordingly to all points of the compass.
This is how a compass works:
- Align the edges of the compass with the start and end points
- Turn the housing until the orientation arrow points to N
- Turn the compass until the red end of the needle points north
How does a compass work on a cell phone?
In the meantime, a classic compass has become almost old-fashioned.
However, nowadays there is also a digital compass that almost everyone is guaranteed to always have with them – on their own smartphone!
Most smartphones have a built-in sensor that is used to determine the cardinal points.
Just like a conventional compass, the digital compass aligns itself with the earth’s magnetic field so that you can easily determine the orientation of your device and find your bearings.
Orientation with map and compass: 3 important steps
In the following video, you can watch some helpful tips on how to use a compass correctly together with a map.
In three steps you will learn how to orient yourself in the survival, bushcraft and outdoor sector: The three steps are:
- Determine location
- Determine the direction of travel
- Taking bearings in the field
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