Quick Answer
Essential compass features for survivalists include the ability to accurately orient the compass, adjust for declination, and use the magnetic needle to navigate. A reliable compass can mean the difference between life and death in the wilderness. Key features such as a clear dial face, reliable needle, and durable construction are must-haves.
Understanding Declination
Declination is the difference between magnetic north and true north, and it varies by location. In the United States, declination ranges from -20 to 20 degrees, with some areas having a declination as high as 30 degrees. To accurately navigate, you must adjust your compass for declination. To do this, locate your declination on the compass dial and adjust the bezel ring to match. For example, if your declination is -15 degrees, you would turn the bezel ring clockwise by 15 degrees.
Reading the Compass
To read the compass, place it level and stable on a surface, and align the direction-of-travel arrow with the top of the compass. Rotate the bezel ring until the magnetic needle is centered between the orienting lines. This indicates that the compass is oriented to magnetic north. To navigate, use the compass to determine your direction of travel, and follow the direction-of-travel arrow.
Additional Features
In addition to the basic features of a compass, look for one with a rotating bezel ring, a clear and readable dial face, and a reliable magnetic needle. A compass with a built-in declination chart or a resettable declination adjustment can also be useful. When choosing a compass, consider the environment in which you will be using it – a compass designed for use in dense forests or urban areas will have different features than one designed for use in open deserts or at high altitudes.
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