Navigate Compass Canoe Wilderness Outdoors
Navigating with a map and compass is one of the most satisfying ways to find your way through the lakes and trails of the Boundary Waters. In this video, we show you the step by step process of taking a bearing, keeping yourself on the map, and finding your way. First, we’ll look at the easy way to keep yourself on the map. It simply involves placing the compass in the map case, on top of the map. Hold the map case flat and turn it so the magnetic needle — the red end — in the compass points to the north of the map. This will give you a quick sense of what direction you are facing and traveling, and where features such as peninsulas and islands are relative to your direction of travel. It’s not precise, but this simple method is certainly enough to keep you on the map. This works well to generally keep you on the map, but there are times you need to plot a more precise direction. To do this, you need to do what is called “taking a bearing.” Here’s how to take a bearing: Begin by selecting two points on the map, where you are and where you are going: Point A and point B. Be sure this is not too far away. Place the edge of the compass on point A and the forward edge of the same side of the compass on point B to make a line between where you are and your destination. Make sure the direction of travel, or top of the compass, is pointed in the direction you are traveling. Hold the compass in place on the map and rotate the bezel so that “North” is lined up with north on the map. Use the edge of the map to help you line this up. The number at the index line will give you the bearing to follow. Do not move your bezel or compass housing! Keep the compass level, and rotate until the magnetized needle (red) rests in the orienteering arrow (the shed). This called “putting red in the shed.” Once red is in the shed, you will be facing your direction of travel. Pick a landmark that lies in your line of travel, such as a large pine or a depression in the shoreline and aim for that. Once you reach this landmark, take out your map and repeat. The process of plotting your course and finding a bearing can be very rewarding, and is a great activity to do with kids or newbies to the BWCA. It inspires confidence and how cool is it to make your way through a wilderness with no need of electronics! Get your BWCA permit - https://www.friends-bwca.org/explore/boundary-waters-permits/ Explore BoundaryWaters Routes - https://www.friends-bwca.org/bwca-canoe-routes/ Donate to keep the Boundary Waters Wild - https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ Note: No footage was taken within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Please abide by regulations and the strict no drone policy in the Wilderness area. Music License: MB01LLSTYQEV9D5
Navigating with a map and compass is one of the most satisfying ways to find your way through the lakes and trails of the Boundary Waters. In this video, we show you the step by step process of taking a bearing, keeping yourself on the map, and finding your way. First, we’ll look at the easy way to keep yourself on the map. It simply involves placing the compass in the map case, on top of the map. Hold the map case flat and turn it so the magnetic needle — the red end — in the compass points to the north of the map. This will give you a quick sense of what direction you are facing and traveling, and where features such as peninsulas and islands are relative to your direction of travel. It’s not precise, but this simple method is certainly enough to keep you on the map. This works well to generally keep you on the map, but there are times you need to plot a more precise direction. To do this, you need to do what is called “taking a bearing.” Here’s how to take a bearing: Begin by selecting two points on the map, where you are and where you are going: Point A and point B. Be sure this is not too far away. Place the edge of the compass on point A and the forward edge of the same side of the compass on point B to make a line between where you are and your destination. Make sure the direction of travel, or top of the compass, is pointed in the direction you are traveling. Hold the compass in place on the map and rotate the bezel so that “North” is lined up with north on the map. Use the edge of the map to help you line this up. The number at the index line will give you the bearing to follow. Do not move your bezel or compass housing! Keep the compass level, and rotate until the magnetized needle (red) rests in the orienteering arrow (the shed). This called “putting red in the shed.” Once red is in the shed, you will be facing your direction of travel. Pick a landmark that lies in your line of travel, such as a large pine or a depression in the shoreline and aim for that. Once you reach this landmark, take out your map and repeat. The process of plotting your course and finding a bearing can be very rewarding, and is a great activity to do with kids or newbies to the BWCA. It inspires confidence and how cool is it to make your way through a wilderness with no need of electronics! Get your BWCA permit - https://www.friends-bwca.org/explore/boundary-waters-permits/ Explore BoundaryWaters Routes - https://www.friends-bwca.org/bwca-canoe-routes/ Donate to keep the Boundary Waters Wild - https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ Note: No footage was taken within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Please abide by regulations and the strict no drone policy in the Wilderness area. Music License: MB01LLSTYQEV9D5