How to Use a Compass (And Why It Still Matters)
How to Use a Compass: A Beginner’s Guide to Navigating Outdoors
At Red Beard’s Outfitter, we believe that getting outside is about more than just reaching your destination—it's about knowing where you are. Sure, most people rely on GPS these days, but there’s something deeply grounding and satisfying about reading the land with your own eyes, a map, and a compass.
Using a compass isn’t complicated—and it still matters. Here's how to use a base-plate compass, a simple and timeless tool for backcountry travel.
Step-by-Step: Using a Base-Plate Compass for Outdoor Navigation
1. Point the Arrow
Start by holding your compass flat in your hand. On the base plate is a direction-of-travel arrow—this is your guide. Point it toward where you want to go: a trailhead, a ridgeline, or your next campsite.
2. Turn the Ring
Surrounding the compass is a rotating bezel, or dial. Slowly twist it until the orientation lines align with your desired direction. Inside the clear housing, you’ll see a narrow red box—often called “the shed.”
3. Put the Red in the Shed
The needle has two ends, and the red side always points north. Rotate the ring until the red needle sits inside the red box—this is called “putting the red in the shed.” Now your compass is aligned with the Earth’s magnetic field.
4. Read Your Heading
Look back at the arrow on the base plate. The number on the bezel directly behind the arrow is your heading in degrees. For instance, if it reads 90°, you’re facing east.
🧭 Pro Tip: Practice using your compass in a local park or familiar area before heading into the backcountry.
Why Use a Compass in the Age of GPS?
You might wonder—why bother when GPS is so fast and reliable?
Because GPS tells you where you are. A compass teaches you how to think about where you are.
Learning to use a compass:
- Builds situational awareness
- Helps you understand the land around you
- Keeps you calm when electronics fail
It’s not just navigation. It’s orientation—both physical and mental. You’re not simply following instructions—you’re engaging with the terrain and gaining confidence.
Pack One. Use One. Trust It.
Now you know: point the arrow, put the red in the shed, read your number.
Whether you’re hiking the Smokies or paddling the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, a compass belongs in your pack. Not because it’s trendy, but because it works:
- No batteries required
- No signal needed
- Trusted by generations of explorers
🧭 Pick up your new compass here
📍 Or visit us in-store—we’ll show you how it works in person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know which way I’m facing with a compass?
Once the needle is aligned with the ring (red in the shed), the number at the base-plate arrow shows your heading. For example, 270° = west.
Can I use a compass without a map?
Yes! A compass alone can show direction. But pairing it with a topographic map allows for full navigation and route planning.
Do compasses work everywhere?
Generally yes—but keep them away from magnets, electronics, or metal objects that can interfere with the magnetic needle.
Want to Learn More?
We’re passionate about helping people get outside safely and confidently. Stop by Red Beard’s Outfitter and we’ll walk you through how to use a compass—and everything else you’ll need for your next great adventure.