How-To – Use a Map and Compass

GoBag.One™ | GoBag or Stay Home™

Batteries die, satellites fail, and signals drop when you need them most. A map and compass never run out of power. Whether you’re evacuating by vehicle or moving on foot, navigation without electronics can keep you alive.

GoBag or Stay Home™ means knowing where you are and where you’re headed—no excuses.

🧾 Navigation Basics

• Orient the map: Always align the map with north. Turn the map, not yourself.
• Understand bearings: A bearing is simply a direction in degrees (0°–360°).
• Read terrain: Rivers, ridges, and roads are landmarks. Use them to confirm your location.

🧭 Core Compass Skills

• Set a bearing: Point the compass where you want to go, read the degree, and lock it in.
• Follow straight lines: Hold the compass steady at chest height. Pick a distant object on your bearing and walk to it—don’t stare at the needle.
• Triangulation (basic): If you see two landmarks on your map, shoot bearings to each. Where the lines cross = your position.

🛠 Improvised Navigation

• Sun shadow stick: Place a stick upright in the ground. Mark the tip of its shadow. Wait 15 minutes, mark again—the line shows east–west.
• Watch method: In the northern hemisphere, point the hour hand at the sun. Halfway between the hand and 12 = south.
• Terrain association: Follow rivers, ridges, or roads when gear fails.

🔥 Field Tips

• Always mark your start point—on paper or in memory.
• Re-check your heading often; small errors add up fast.
• Practice navigation in familiar areas before you rely on it in the wild.

✅ Pro Tip

Never trust only one method of navigation. Combine compass bearings, terrain features, and pacing. Practice on foot and in a vehicle—day and night. If you can’t get home without GPS, you’re not ready.

If you want to keep learning, go here → Advanced Survival Skills

GoBag Essentials | Rural Bug-Out Checklist | Emergency Comms & Power Checklist

© 2025 GoBag.One™. All Rights Reserved. | GoBag or Stay Home™ | Always Be Ready to Go Camping™