Many channels out there on UA-cam are explaining the same thing in an understandable fashion. This channel regularly exceeds that bar by explaining things not only in an understandable way, but in a way that you can remember and be able to reference directly from memory years later. It takes talent to accomplish that feat. Dave, thank you for your time and effort on these video uploads.
I have a Silva compass like yours that had a bubble also. I sent Silva a text stating the problem. They said send them a pic showing the bubble and the sent me a brand new one that was a set up from what I had. I had my new compass within 5 days. It was that easy. Lifetime guarantee. I was empress on how easy it was. Good video as always. Bye from Oregon
I always appreciate your ability to teach something with humility. You wing it well and never seem to get bogged down with perfectionism. It's obvious you know what you are talking about and always come across honestly and make all of the fine points clear.
Old school is the best school, i still carry maps with me, even if i use Google maps on the mobile on a car journey, another fancy case for a dead a battery. All the very best to you Dave.
I don't know what but after a few months of learning how to use a compass, I just have to come back and watch your videos again because they/you put a big smile on me. Thanks for chilling out for us beginners here! :)
I got lost in the Blue Ridge Mtns once just off the Appalachian trail. It was sort of scary. I had left my jeep and hiked in a ways. Got turned around and went into panic mode for a bit. Then I spotted an unusually large tree I had seen on my in and headed for it. Once there I could relocate my car. Had no compass. But that trip became an incentive to get one. So...anyone reading this understand that getting lost is not fun so when guys like Dave here share their knowledge....listen to them and learn all about the compass. But you got to have one first Lol Great video, son.
Thank you for sharing that Momma! Getting lost in some places is like a death sentence. Especially up on blue ridge! I'm glad you kept your cool and made it out. Thanks for watching
You really don't have to respond to all my comments because I am doing a marathon with your vids. NOW I understand the whole flip the compass deal. You set your direction of travel and turn until the red is in the shed. I could NEVER understand that. Thanks, buddy!! You da man.
I didn’t know how to read a compass until I saw one of your videos now I know how to read a compass. Thank you for showing how to use two compasses. I will try it out at the weekend hike. Thanks Dave. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Excellent advice. It's good to remember that nature seldom cooperates. In trying to go around one obstacle by using pace beads, you can encounter a second, a third, and even a fourth obstacle you need to go around. Each time this happens, you need your compass. It also doesn't hurt a thing to have pencil and paper. I've done quite a bit of wandering around the wilderness, a lot of hunting, trapping, and general exploring, and it's seldom feasible, practical, or productive to spend much time keeping track of where you are, even in relation to your camp, when engaged in such activities. It isn't even possible, at times. If I had all my gear with me, it often didn't matter where I was. You can't be lost if you don't care where you came from, and don't care where you're going. But when I had a camp to get back to, or a cache somewhere, I often had nothing but a general direction because I might not see the cache for two or three months, and I might quick camp several nights before returning to the main camp. I might know my main camp was east, but whether it was five miles southeast, or fifteen miles northeast, was just a guess. This is why you study a good map before going in. It's why you should learn the major landmarks, and should place a cache or a main camp within sight of some landmark you will recognize for several miles. It's also why you should look behind you frequently when walking away from a camp or cache. Nothing looks the same coming back as it did walking away. If you know the rivers and major streams, and are willing to always camp or set a cache next to one, it makes finding your way back far easier, but it's also very restrictive. I found two types of country where wandering would be very, very dangerous for anyone not used to wilderness travel, and where even a compass could be extremely difficult to use. One is canyon country where one canyon leads to another that shoots off in a different direction, only to do the same thing over and over every little bit. The other is country where you can't walk half a mile without tripping over a new lake. I learned this one the hard way. I made camp next to a small lake, and then went exploring, thinking finding my way back would be easy. I bypassed, went left, right, right, left around so many lakes over the course of about eight hours that I had no clue where I was, or where my camp was. Fortunately, I never leave any camp without enough food and gear to camp for three nights, which actually isn't very much at all. I was into the third day before I found my camp. Unlike loake country, canyon country can kill you simply through lack of water. Some of it can do so in a single day, so unless you REALLY know what you're doing, don't go exploring. The one great thing about being east of the Mississippi, is that while you can get lost, you should never be unable to walk out of trouble, even if you aren't an expert in navigation with a compass. The one thing I really wish was taught more is primitive navigation. It hasn't been very long since our ancestors managed to find their way all over true wilderness without maps or a compass. If you read history books, journals, and diaries, it can almost seem they didn't think twice about it. They often just walked in with full confidence they could wander all over creation and find their way back. There were no maps, no one had a compass, and GPS would have been pure science fiction. There is no guarantee your emergency will come with a GPS, a cell phone, a map, or a compass. It's amazing how often someone goes on a day hike along a well-marked trail, and then walks off the trail without realiuzing it, or steps off into the brush to answer the call of nature, and then can't find the trail, right about the time the cell phone batteries die. Or a snowmobiler gets reckless and crashes after running all ove rthe place. Same with an ATV or mountain bike.
Well said James! I have zero interest in canyons or canyon travel simply for the reasons you mentioned. I have no clue of what primitive navigation was, or was it just better instinct back then?
@@Reallybigmonkey1 In Australia, the indigenous mob could navigate across the whole continent by remembering what are called song lines, literal songs that describe the journey. Pretty wild!
Cheers David, thanks for the kind replies. It's easier than I made it sound! Honestly! 1. Approach obstacle (red in the shed) 2. Turn - let's say, left (red goes to E on bezel) 3. Walk with red on E pace counting. 4. OK to get round obstacle? Turn right. (red back in shed) 5. Walk parallel with bearing, past obstacle. 6. Round obstacle? Turn R (red now goes to W on bezel) 7. Walk with red on W pace counting 8. Count same number as before. 9. Turn left. (red goes back in shed). 10. Back on bearing, round obstacle, go! (If you started by turning R instead of L just reverse order of E/W) No need to touch compass or remember degrees. Good when cold, wet and tired. Now why didn't I put it like that in the first place! I'll sign off now David and leave you in peace, and I'll keep on watching your videos. I'm learning so much and they're a delight to watch. All the best, Ged
I've watched a few videos about how to read a compass, and pacing, etc. and couldn't understand a thing. Your video made it very clear how to do them. Thank you!
Hi Dave,another great tutorial and very entertaining,don’t doubt yourself mate, you make perfect sense even to me across the pond in the uk ,once again cheers for sharing your skills
Daddy taught me to read a compass when I was about ten years old. First time he took me out in the woods a left me there with nothing but a compass, I was sure glad I paid attention. Hey Dave, the first time I heard the expression "Clear as mud" is back when I was in the military going through survival training. I often think back to that time every time I hear someone say it. You've made another great video. Informative and easy to understand. Thank You Sir!!!
That was very very helpful! I know at the beginning I had trouble following you, but then, when you went back to the gear room and drew it out, I got what you were saying. And it’s so good to explain this because a lot of people think you’re just if you’re heading north you just keep that compass needle on north and just keep walking. I mean you could be off by a big old bunch, if you didn’t use these what is that you showed on here excellent video, Dave!
I'm glad you liked it! Correct! Walking and staring at a compass can easily get you off course over a matter of time. This method shown is the most accurate I've found. Thanks for watching
I spent a summer in Fort Benning so this brings back memories...red GA clay, beautiful sunsets, armadillos. Of course you being in N. GA is very different geography.
Ah good ole Fort Benning, I visited Columbus Ga. many a times. They have just about the best military supply stores in Georgia! Yeah they have more red clay than us no doubt.
Another crystal clear navigation video, Dave, really supports the truly understanding a compass video, I think we should be calling these videos professor Dave videos. Great to see the bug out bike again too. Thanks Dave 😃👍
Oh My! I can follow what you are saying and you make so much more sense than anyone that has tried to explain it to me but ultimately I think I’m just destined to wander the Earth having to remind myself that “not all those who wander are lost” 🥴.. I may have to watch this multiple time to digest all this! Thanks for your efforts!
I really appreciate you taking the time to pass on your knowledge and skills in a very understandable and down to earth way. Thank you so much Dave. You are helping people build solid foundations for self reliance and fun in the woods!
Dave another great teaching video. I learn something from you each video you do and more importantly my boys learn from you as well. Thank you my friend
Hi David, Ged from the UK here! Have you tried this one? Walk towards the obstacle - any bearing, (red's in the shed). When you get there just turn yourself and the compass - let's say, left. No need to touch it. Red comes out of the shed and when it points to E on the bezel of the compass, you're at right angles to your original bearing. Keep on that new bearing (keeping red on E) counting your paces. When you can see to get round the obstacle, turn right until red's back in the shed. You're now back on your original bearing; walk past the obstacle. When you're past it, turn your whole self right again. Red comes out of the shed again and when it points to W on the bezel you're at right angles to your original bearing again. Walk on that bearing (keeping red on W counting the same number of paces you did before. When you've reached that number, turn yourself and the compass left. When red goes back in the shed, you're on your original bearing again, hopefully round the obstacle, and off you go! (if you first turned right at the obstacle it's exactly the same, just red points to E first detour, then W second) It just means you don't have to remember the degrees or change anything on the compass. Clear as mud!?! Here's hoping I've got this right after all that, and that you haven't lost the will to live while reading it! I'm a mountain walker rather than a bushcrafter. I've just discovered your channel. It's a joy to watch. All the best David to you and your family, Ged
Well, 2 minutes in and already worth watching this video. My Silva compass has a bubble in it and my brother (2 years ago) remarked on that and said that he would throw it away (I didn't). You just told me how it developed and how to get rid of it. I'll try your advice and see if it works. Thanks, saved me the money of having to buy a new one (maybe ?).
Nice'n Dave . 315 , ranger beads , add or subtract 180 for a back azimuth . Having messed it up a time or 2 . I like the 45 deg method if I am POSITIVE my line of travel will clear the end of the obstacle , if not I box it out . One more thing I was taught in the Army . If you leave a trail you want to get back to and then follow it back to your camp etc . When you shoot your back azimuth , shoot a deg or so left or right of your return azimuth so you know wether to turn R or L on the trail when you hit it on the return . Course I am talking a klick in or so , not miles !!! As you know a degree off followed for a farther length just puts you off that much farther . Great video , excellently explained !!!! BG
Thats how I was taught also, because no matter how accurate you think you are you will be off. If you account for that you will know exactly where you are.
You've opened the mystery of the compass for me and, I'm sure, many others in your charming and humble way. Thank you so much for tackling such a tough subject with much forethought. I'm enthusiastically going through your full series on this subject that I've avoided due to the overwhelming depth of the subject. Now I can navigate it with confidence (pun). You are a good teacher.
I don't adjust the dial of the two compasses for a back heading. I site the needle backwards on the return. Reduces setting errors, and right-left-right-left becomes white-red-white-red. For long straight headings with multiple obstacles, this makes it even simpler. Only have to set both compasses once at the beginning. Hopefully you remember the order of the switchbacks.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Instead of walking in circles, you would be walking in squares. lol. always stop when i pivot to make sure of what is happening next. then march like i was taught.
Thanks for the video Dave! you have cleared the mud. I remember your older video. Going back and forth from the field to the dry erase board really helped, I remember your older video you had done something similar. I think this one sunk in better in my numb skull. I made the same mistake years ago and had a compass that I spent a lot of money on stored in the basement and it developed a bubble also. I was very upset too! I emailed the company and they told me to sit it by a window on a sunny day for a few hours. I put mine on the kitchen window sill on a nice warm sunny day for a few hours and the bubble went away. I keep my compasses upstairs now, hoping that won't happen again. Hopefully it will work for you too. Can't wait for your next video Brother.
Great video. I was taught the 90 degree technique was called 'boxing the obstacle' many years ago. If you have a map, check the way you plan on going on your 90 degrees too. I used it to try and clear a huge pile of blown down trees. Turned right 90 degress and walked almost into a swamp. Had to back track and go 90 the other way.
Enjoyed the video. I definitely would have to watch this a few times to understand. It's not you it's me. Love the dry erase board, it helps. Thank you
For folks who think they can rely on GPS, especially phone based GPS, I can take them to many places in Texas where that will not work. Batteries are hard to come by out there too... A bit of toilet paper wrapped on the tree can make that back bearing a lot easier. Always carry a compass, and know how to use it! Great video Dave.
Nice video (as usual) Dave. As a person with a mathematical bent, I thought up the 45 degree method while I watched you explain the 90 degree method. And then you presented it and I thought... "Ha! cool!" FWIW, it wouldn't have to be 45 degrees - it could be anything as long as you then do the opposite (for example, if traveling due north, you could go 330 degrees followed by 30 degrees). Sketch it out! My math says that the pace count with the 45 method should be more tolerant of error than the 90, because part of the error is thrown in the direction of travel where it doesn't matter (as long as you get the directions correct). Indeed, the less you depart from the desired direction of travel, the less that error will matter.
Thanks Jim, I'm glad you liked it. Yes, you are correct it doesn't have to be 45 degrees but with it being a teaching type video, I tried to keep it as simple as possible to get the basic idea. The 45 deg method is more simple but the paces have to be dead accurate. Thanks for watching
Hello Dave from the UK, very informative and useful I'm like you Dave I don't like GPS as you say if the batteries go flat you're in deep s**t where as a compass will get you out of trouble everytime when I go out I always have a compass with me a absolute essential piece of kit excellent video as always thanks for sharing
Dave you were not rambling about the bubble. I have One That Developed A Bubble, Now I Have An Idea How To Get Rid of It. As always thanks again Dave. Will also be trying the 45 method. Sounds like it would save a lot of steps.
Yep, stick it in the window, sun or heat and let the heart pressurize it. The 45 method does save a lot of steps but the pace count has to be dead accurate. Thanks for watching
Hi Dave, I hope that you and your family are doing good. You are always in my prayers. I am so glad that you did another compass video, I finally clued in, lol. Thank you for that.
Killer video Dave! One of the most significant flaws in modern-day navigation is to trust only in the man-made technology of GPS; hence your quote, "expensive case for dead batteries." Batteries will fail even if you carry a solar panel recharge system, you can never predict when that item will refuse to accept a charge. So learn old school now and practice it because unless there is a sudden magnetic pole shift... north will always be north. Loved the video as always. See you in the next one, : ).
Well Dave, 3 days later and I get to watch the video. I learned how to use a compass in the 82nd Airborne , along with Ranger beads and Pace counting . This was a good video, it is always a good idea to refresh your mind no mater how many times you have done it. Good job Dave , have a good day, can’t wait for the next video. 😎 By the way, that lake looked nice. 🦆
Dave, that was a whole lot clearer than mud, brother. One thing it might occasionally help to remember is that a rectangle is just a special case of a parallelogram. And a trapezoid can be just as useful as either, depending on the terrain. If you are in a region with multiple blacking features, three 90° turns might not work because you can see that another blocking feature will cross your 90° bearing before you get past the first one. But you can see that a 70° turn will get you between them. So from due North, you turn to 70°NE counting paces as you pass between them till you're past the first one as you walk that bearing. Then if you aren't yet past it on your North bearing, go North til you are. Then you may have to take a bearing of 70 + 180 = 250° the same no. of paces to get back to your original line. That would be the parallelogram. But that would also be taking you in a Southwesterly direction (partial backtrack). So if you have a clear path, you could go 360 - 70 = 290° NW THAT SAME NO. OF PACES to get back to your original line. That would be a trapezoid, which you might think of as a variation on your 45° left, 45° right triangle solution.
Thanks for making it easy to understand I have been trying to teach my wife to read a compass for over 25 years with no luck but thanks to you she finally gets it thank you “sincerely “
Thank you a very good and informative video on a very complex and a hard to film subject I love your videos and I think you did a great job on this one I first started watching your videos a couple of years ago I had both my knees replaced in surgery I wasn't able to walk for quite some time found myself totally housebound I've always loved being Outdoors and camping watching your wonderful videos what's my window to getting out in the woods and being in the wild so thank you so much for all you do I'm now able to walk short distances with a backpack I can get out on short trips and hammock or ground sleep I love it and I'll still keep watching your videos as long as you keep making them all the very best to you from the UK
You are very welcome Kevin and I'm glad you liked it and the others. Good to hear I helped pass the time during your recovery. I hope your time in the woods will be as fun as ever! Thanks for watching
Like you Dave, I like a map & compass, neither need more energy than you have in your body. You could also use the V notch in the top of the mirror plate as well as the little window. When I taught Navigation in the military find your position on the map take grid bearings around the object to your destination. This is known as boxing the barrier, you then check your original bearing by taking a back bearing and move off.
That was very helpful, David. Thanks for sharing. I think I can use this method now. But to proof it, I will first navigate around the table, count my paces, use my second compass, turn it 90°, try to find my kitchen, make me a nice cup of coffee, turn backwards and try to navigate to my couch again. When it works well, I have a good place to drink my coffee. If not, I have to sit on the floor. Haha. Just kidding a bit. All the best, Christian
I watch your videos and you start off with "Hey there everybody" and I'll be like "Hey there buddy". It's just because I am often being humorous or silly, as it helps me avoid insanity, due to my lifetime of things happening, the way people have treated me and so on. The stress just builds up so much more if I don't bother trying to be funny. I don't go too far with it of course and have every body hating me so much or nothin' like that. But often enough to keep insanity from happening. Anyway... been enjoying your videos for days now!
"clear as mud ... (followed by Daves giggle)" lol. Very usefull video and very well explained. You surely get extra points for the dry erase board additional explanation. I have had a lot of instructors in school, army and university that could learn from your way to explain stuff. Great work!
Me myself being a woman love those compass 🧭 i’ve been out there all twisted around and not knowing where I was at. I like the one you have I think I’ll go look for one,.. going camping this summer 👏👏👏 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🙋🏻♀️🙋🏻♀️🙋🏻♀️ thank U
Love your videos and enthusiasm. Brilliant. I'm still learning this stuff but I think it helps with taking a bearing or sighting to say 'of North' so in the video 320 degrees off north. This way if you spin around and get sort of lost. You can set to magnetic north 'red in the shed' and set your 'direction of travel to 320. this, of course, won't work accurately if you have moved but you will be heading in the correct travel not necessarily the correct sighting. Keep up the great work, real helpful. and all teh best
I thought it was very clear and understandable, Dave. Now, I have to go out and get two compasses and find a place to use them! Although I have to admit that the best times I have had in my life were when I was completely lost somewhere. ;) Thanks for the useful lessons. Doc Tom
"Clear as mud" LOL I understood and I've not come across anyone else trying to explain it on youtube. I'm pretty sure I would have to jot down any bearing changes, I can't even remember a grocery list. It's so hard to find maps these days, everyone uses gps :(. Great video Dave, can't wait for the next one
Lol, I'm glad you liked it. Nothing wrong with jotting it down, that's a sure thing there. I like the two compass method because it rules out forgetting anything. Thanks for watching
great job, appreciate your time and energy! Surveyor's tape (or cat's eye tape at night) hung from a limb works well for spotting your landmark if you're not worried about being followed. Just pull them off when you trace back. Otherwise leaning a stick against the tree works for daytime use.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Jeff. Yes, as long as it will be in your return path and you wont be leaving it there forever. Ive hiked trails before and the trees were littered with all kinds of tape and ribbons. Makes it impossible to see which is yours from a distance. Thanks for watching.
Dave, you are always so creative and a great communicator. I understood perfectly without the white board, but the "gear room" tutorials helped me to remember the principles even better. Thank you again, for a great video -- always waiting for the next upload! Sharon from Habitat Homestead YT Channel
David, you would have been a great Surveyor, back in the day they traveled across America using only a compass and a 66 foot Gunter's chain and mapped the whole place. Your skills are right on the same page with how they did a lot of that. As they encountered objects in the line of travel they needed to off-set the course and than re-set back on line. Here is a little known fact, all east-west lines are always curved beyond three miles but North-south lines are always straight lines. The first surveyors found this out the hard way when things did not meet correctly at the corner sections of the 36 mile townships. So they had to compensate for it. Note, I am not referring to declination but another odd feature that happens over a larger range of distance. Anyway I love to hear talk about navigation.
Thank you so much for your effort. I know it's hard work to get all that stuff on video. I like compasses, and I use a map as well. If I don't have a map of the area, I don't go to that area to hike. See you on the next one.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. I only use maps half the time, or even less. I just use a compass to find my way in and find my way out. Thanks for watching
Excellent bro. Easy to follow instructions. Also. The Velcro tab on your shirt is to hold your fishing rod in place while you tie on a new jig or replace bait. Keeps you from laying your rod down and stepping on it. Just rest the reel end on the ground, Velcro the rod to your shirt and go to work on your line with 2 hands free.
Absolutely GREAT video. I love land nav and your earlier video on getting "unlost" using a compass when off trail and finding the trial again. I first learned navigation doing ocean nav and I really enjoy all of your compass and navigation videos!
I've watched a lot of your compass videos............and yep......its still "clear as mud". lol. I guess I need to actually buy one and try to use it following your directions. Thanks for doing these videos for us. Take care
I think you did an awesome job explaining it brother... Compass work is one of those things that make sense in your head, but is always almost impossible to explain... I think you did an excellent job... Math 'n all... LOL Hope all is well ! Good to see you again !
I was mesmerized by the beautiful background. I learned some of this when I was in the army, it’s just been a long time since I really use the compass affectively.
john white I went through basic training at Fort sill Oklahoma, as part of our infantry training, map reading was a part of it. In the beginning, I was going to end up as an artillery surveyor, so I think that was part of the training. I ended up being a 71 Mike.
thank you for another fun and interesting lesson! i used to mark power poles when i did engineering reviews with kid's sidewalk chalk. washes off easy and a good way to mark stuff. those bright plastic ties work well too. just another little item to help out and can be seen with a pair of binoculars from a good distance. i might need all the little helps i can get! looking forward to trying some of these lessons out around red top mtn to get in some practice!
Hello Dave. From all the video's that I have seen about how to use a compass, this is the first time I get it how it works. Thank you for your explanation that was loud and clear. Greetings from the Netherlands. YHWH's blessings🙏🤗
Hello David … Excellent !! A little info on pacing that you might enjoy …. Engineers in the Civil War , especially the Yankees , because a lot of the Deep South wasn't mapped too good in the 1860s, used the compass and counted the gaits of their horses to record mileage … I metal detect and the Official Reports on the Yankee side are very descriptive of small battles and skirmishes... Through the years I have found that when they report " My command moved 12 and 1/4 miles south down the Ridge Road to Mr Jones' homeplace , you can bet your bucks that Mr Jones' homeplace is within 50 yards of this location..... Pacing is very accurate ...
i have a gps, love it, works great. problem is, in tall thick timber it can't get a good reading. its fun to play with, but if it fails and you were depending on it, you may be lost because you weren't really paying attention to where you are. done that, was lost a while. carry a compass, use it and pay attention. compass is a great back up, i always carry one. great video, thanks to your detail makes it easy to use.
Thank you for demonstrating this, Mr. Pearson. I think I avoided studying the compass use videos but this could be the most important thing to have some experience with sometime.
Very good video Dave. I never thought of using two compasses to navigate the back woods, I usually only bring out one. It's funny because I have multiple compasses in my gear collection. Now I think it's time to pair them up. Using the method of, one knife is no knife two knife is one, it does make sense to carry a second compass. Time to look for a second wife. LOL
Thanks Daniel, I'm glad you liked it. Yep, never hurts to carry two as light and as small as they are. Knives too, don't quote me on the wives. LOL. Thanks for watching
Thank you Dave, I am guilty of using the ease of gps & have not used a compass in years and years. I’m going to practice and get back into using compass again. Battery life, cost of replacement and possibility of the grid going down in a SHTF scenario all point to getting reacquainted with the “old school “ compass navigation system.
This was a great video. I have the Wilderness Navigation book I keep in my pack at all times.....looking forward to testing these methods out! I liked seeing it on the dry erase board as well as in the field! :)
If you don't have ranger beads a pocket full of small stones will work as well, every time you count up to 100 take a stone out and put it in your other pocket.... Great video David
@@Reallybigmonkey1 yea I always had a hard time reading a compass even in boy scouts I guess my scout leader wasn't good at explaining or maybe he didn't care about teaching 10 year olds lol but now that I'm in my 30's I understand lol
This is where the phrase, a picture is worth a thousand words. . Came from... Words may have different meanings.. or are misunderstood. .. Thanks for your good work. Now , all I have to do is, not rely on the spellchecker.
Many channels out there on UA-cam are explaining the same thing in an understandable fashion. This channel regularly exceeds that bar by explaining things not only in an understandable way, but in a way that you can remember and be able to reference directly from memory years later. It takes talent to accomplish that feat. Dave, thank you for your time and effort on these video uploads.
Thanks! Brother that's great to hear I am explaining things that's easy to remember!
Cuz he's clear as mud!
I have a Silva compass like yours that had a bubble also. I sent Silva a text stating the problem. They said send them a pic showing the bubble and the sent me a brand new one that was a set up from what I had. I had my new compass within 5 days. It was that easy. Lifetime guarantee. I was empress on how easy it was. Good video as always. Bye from Oregon
Really? I never knew about that lifetime guarantee! Thanks for the info Richard and thanks for watching brother
I always appreciate your ability to teach something with humility. You wing it well and never seem to get bogged down with perfectionism. It's obvious you know what you are talking about and always come across honestly and make all of the fine points clear.
Thanks Mark, I'm glad you like the way I do things.
Old school is the best school, i still carry maps with me, even if i use Google maps on the mobile on a car journey, another fancy case for a dead a battery. All the very best to you Dave.
I agree Tom! Old school and hard maps will never let you down. Thanks for watching brother
I don't know what but after a few months of learning how to use a compass, I just have to come back and watch your videos again because they/you put a big smile on me. Thanks for chilling out for us beginners here! :)
Fantastic to hear that my friend! Thanks for watching again!
I got lost in the Blue Ridge Mtns once just off the Appalachian trail. It was sort of scary. I had left my jeep and hiked in a ways. Got turned around and went into panic mode for a bit. Then I spotted an unusually large tree I had seen on my in and headed for it. Once there I could relocate my car. Had no compass. But that trip became an incentive to get one. So...anyone reading this understand that getting lost is not fun so when guys like Dave here share their knowledge....listen to them and learn all about the compass. But you got to have one first
Lol Great video, son.
Thank you for sharing that Momma! Getting lost in some places is like a death sentence. Especially up on blue ridge! I'm glad you kept your cool and made it out. Thanks for watching
A compass will also keep you from walking in circles if you are lost.
You really don't have to respond to all my comments because I am doing a marathon with your vids.
NOW I understand the whole flip the compass deal. You set your direction of travel and turn until the red is in the shed. I could NEVER understand that. Thanks, buddy!! You da man.
Yes, now you got it!
I didn’t know how to read a compass until I saw one of your videos now I know how to read a compass. Thank you for showing how to use two compasses. I will try it out at the weekend hike. Thanks Dave. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
That's great to hear Michelle!
I just bought my map compass but didn’t know how to use it either.
Thanks for explaining again in more detail and how easy it will be to remember. Thanks for sharing your time again, sharing is caring!
I'm glad you liked it and it's great to hear it was easy to understand! Thanks for watching
Excellent advice. It's good to remember that nature seldom cooperates. In trying to go around one obstacle by using pace beads, you can encounter a second, a third, and even a fourth obstacle you need to go around. Each time this happens, you need your compass. It also doesn't hurt a thing to have pencil and paper.
I've done quite a bit of wandering around the wilderness, a lot of hunting, trapping, and general exploring, and it's seldom feasible, practical, or productive to spend much time keeping track of where you are, even in relation to your camp, when engaged in such activities. It isn't even possible, at times.
If I had all my gear with me, it often didn't matter where I was. You can't be lost if you don't care where you came from, and don't care where you're going. But when I had a camp to get back to, or a cache somewhere, I often had nothing but a general direction because I might not see the cache for two or three months, and I might quick camp several nights before returning to the main camp. I might know my main camp was east, but whether it was five miles southeast, or fifteen miles northeast, was just a guess.
This is why you study a good map before going in. It's why you should learn the major landmarks, and should place a cache or a main camp within sight of some landmark you will recognize for several miles. It's also why you should look behind you frequently when walking away from a camp or cache. Nothing looks the same coming back as it did walking away.
If you know the rivers and major streams, and are willing to always camp or set a cache next to one, it makes finding your way back far easier, but it's also very restrictive.
I found two types of country where wandering would be very, very dangerous for anyone not used to wilderness travel, and where even a compass could be extremely difficult to use. One is canyon country where one canyon leads to another that shoots off in a different direction, only to do the same thing over and over every little bit. The other is country where you can't walk half a mile without tripping over a new lake. I learned this one the hard way. I made camp next to a small lake, and then went exploring, thinking finding my way back would be easy. I bypassed, went left, right, right, left around so many lakes over the course of about eight hours that I had no clue where I was, or where my camp was.
Fortunately, I never leave any camp without enough food and gear to camp for three nights, which actually isn't very much at all. I was into the third day before I found my camp. Unlike loake country, canyon country can kill you simply through lack of water. Some of it can do so in a single day, so unless you REALLY know what you're doing, don't go exploring.
The one great thing about being east of the Mississippi, is that while you can get lost, you should never be unable to walk out of trouble, even if you aren't an expert in navigation with a compass.
The one thing I really wish was taught more is primitive navigation. It hasn't been very long since our ancestors managed to find their way all over true wilderness without maps or a compass. If you read history books, journals, and diaries, it can almost seem they didn't think twice about it. They often just walked in with full confidence they could wander all over creation and find their way back. There were no maps, no one had a compass, and GPS would have been pure science fiction. There is no guarantee your emergency will come with a GPS, a cell phone, a map, or a compass.
It's amazing how often someone goes on a day hike along a well-marked trail, and then walks off the trail without realiuzing it, or steps off into the brush to answer the call of nature, and then can't find the trail, right about the time the cell phone batteries die. Or a snowmobiler gets reckless and crashes after running all ove rthe place. Same with an ATV or mountain bike.
Well said James! I have zero interest in canyons or canyon travel simply for the reasons you mentioned. I have no clue of what primitive navigation was, or was it just better instinct back then?
"I've never been lost in my life, though I was bewildered once for 3 days". A famous quote attributed to Daniel Boone I believe.
You don't need paper and pencil - use the camera feature of your cellphone.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Celestrial navigation and reading the signs of nature - "The Lost Art of Reading Nature's Signs" by Gooley.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 In Australia, the indigenous mob could navigate across the whole continent by remembering what are called song lines, literal songs that describe the journey. Pretty wild!
Cheers David, thanks for the kind replies. It's easier than I made it sound! Honestly!
1. Approach obstacle (red in the shed)
2. Turn - let's say, left (red goes to E on bezel)
3. Walk with red on E pace counting.
4. OK to get round obstacle? Turn right. (red back in shed)
5. Walk parallel with bearing, past obstacle.
6. Round obstacle? Turn R (red now goes to W on bezel)
7. Walk with red on W pace counting
8. Count same number as before.
9. Turn left. (red goes back in shed).
10. Back on bearing, round obstacle, go!
(If you started by turning R instead of L just reverse order of E/W) No need to touch compass or remember degrees. Good when cold, wet and tired.
Now why didn't I put it like that in the first place!
I'll sign off now David and leave you in peace, and I'll keep on watching your videos. I'm learning so much and they're a delight to watch.
All the best,
Ged
I've watched a few videos about how to read a compass, and pacing, etc. and couldn't understand a thing. Your video made it very clear how to do them. Thank you!
Great to hear that!
You are the FIRST I've seen showing how to use a compass! THANK YOU! I now have it saved in my "Learn This! " file!
Great to hear that!
Very informative. Going over the issue several times reinforces the point very well. Liked the accent as well. All the best from the UK.
Thanks Richard, I'm glad you liked it Brother
Sir, I can't thank you enough for your time and effort in these videos.
Greetings from Perú.
You are very welcome and I'm happy you like them!
I agree. That’s why I don’t skip the ads in his videos
Hi Dave,another great tutorial and very entertaining,don’t doubt yourself mate, you make perfect sense even to me across the pond in the uk ,once again cheers for sharing your skills
Thank you my friend!
Again......thanks! As said by others..."Old School" is best, but I did learned something "new" today....
Great to hear that my friend!
Awesome and easy to understand . I loved (expensive case for dead batteries).Quote...! cheers Dave 👍
Thanks brother! I'm glad you liked it
I've watched a lot of orienteering videos and he is my favorite. Love your teaching style.
Thank you my friend, that's great to hear!
Awesome show. Had the same training in the military but had forgotten things. Great reminder
Thanks Ronald! I'm glad you liked it. It never hurts to refresh this stuff
Daddy taught me to read a compass when I was about ten years old. First time he took me out in the woods a left me there with nothing but a compass, I was sure glad I paid attention.
Hey Dave, the first time I heard the expression "Clear as mud" is back when I was in the military going through survival training. I often think back to that time every time I hear someone say it.
You've made another great video. Informative and easy to understand. Thank You Sir!!!
Sounds like your Daddy prepared you well! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Thomas
That was very very helpful! I know at the beginning I had trouble following you, but then, when you went back to the gear room and drew it out, I got what you were saying. And it’s so good to explain this because a lot of people think you’re just if you’re heading north you just keep that compass needle on north and just keep walking. I mean you could be off by a big old bunch, if you didn’t use these what is that you showed on here excellent video, Dave!
I'm glad you liked it! Correct! Walking and staring at a compass can easily get you off course over a matter of time. This method shown is the most accurate I've found. Thanks for watching
I spent a summer in Fort Benning so this brings back memories...red GA clay, beautiful sunsets, armadillos. Of course you being in N. GA is very different geography.
Ah good ole Fort Benning, I visited Columbus Ga. many a times. They have just about the best military supply stores in Georgia! Yeah they have more red clay than us no doubt.
Another crystal clear navigation video, Dave, really supports the truly understanding a compass video, I think we should be calling these videos professor Dave videos. Great to see the bug out bike again too. Thanks Dave 😃👍
Thank you Mike! Man these navigation videos are the hardest to plan out and film. Thanks for watching brother
Oh My! I can follow what you are saying and you make so much more sense than anyone that has tried to explain it to me but ultimately I think I’m just destined to wander the Earth having to remind myself that “not all those who wander are lost” 🥴.. I may have to watch this multiple time to digest all this! Thanks for your efforts!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and can follow it! Thanks for watching
I really appreciate you taking the time to pass on your knowledge and skills in a very understandable and down to earth way. Thank you so much Dave. You are helping people build solid foundations for self reliance and fun in the woods!
Thanks Edith! Im always glad to help.
Dave another great teaching video. I learn something from you each video you do and more importantly my boys learn from you as well. Thank you my friend
Thanks Tom, I'm glad you liked it and that's great to hear! Thanks for watching
Thank you! You are the compass guru. Would love to see you make lots of compass videos for the summer.
You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it!
Hi David, Ged from the UK here!
Have you tried this one? Walk towards the obstacle - any bearing, (red's in the shed). When you get there just turn yourself and the compass - let's say, left. No need to touch it. Red comes out of the shed and when it points to E on the bezel of the compass, you're at right angles to your original bearing. Keep on that new bearing (keeping red on E) counting your paces. When you can see to get round the obstacle, turn right until red's back in the shed. You're now back on your original bearing; walk past the obstacle. When you're past it, turn your whole self right again. Red comes out of the shed again and when it points to W on the bezel you're at right angles to your original bearing again. Walk on that bearing (keeping red on W counting the same number of paces you did before. When you've reached that number, turn yourself and the compass left. When red goes back in the shed, you're on your original bearing again, hopefully round the obstacle, and off you go! (if you first turned right at the obstacle it's exactly the same, just red points to E first detour, then W second) It just means you don't have to remember the degrees or change anything on the compass.
Clear as mud!?! Here's hoping I've got this right after all that, and that you haven't lost the will to live while reading it!
I'm a mountain walker rather than a bushcrafter. I've just discovered your channel. It's a joy to watch.
All the best David to you and your family,
Ged
Hello Ged! Man, I gotta read that a few times and try it for myself and see how it works
The land nav series is hands down, my favorite of all of your vids.
Great to hear that Harry!
Well, 2 minutes in and already worth watching this video. My Silva compass has a bubble in it and my brother (2 years ago) remarked on that and said that he would throw it away (I didn't). You just told me how it developed and how to get rid of it. I'll try your advice and see if it works. Thanks, saved me the money of having to buy a new one (maybe ?).
I'm happy to hear it helped! Never throw anything away. Lol.
Nice'n Dave . 315 , ranger beads , add or subtract 180 for a back azimuth . Having messed it up a time or 2 . I like the 45 deg method if I am POSITIVE my line of travel will clear the end of the obstacle , if not I box it out . One more thing I was taught in the Army . If you leave a trail you want to get back to and then follow it back to your camp etc . When you shoot your back azimuth , shoot a deg or so left or right of your return azimuth so you know wether to turn R or L on the trail when you hit it on the return . Course I am talking a klick in or so , not miles !!! As you know a degree off followed for a farther length just puts you off that much farther . Great video , excellently explained !!!! BG
Thanks! I like that R or L back azimuth idea! I've never heard that. I'm glad you liked the video, thanks for watching BG
Thats how I was taught also, because no matter how accurate you think you are you will be off. If you account for that you will know exactly where you are.
Its a good method
Best video on Compass use I've seen yet thank you for making it easy do you understand
To understand Dan Boston accent
Thank you Kevin!
You've opened the mystery of the compass for me and, I'm sure, many others in your charming and humble way. Thank you so much for tackling such a tough subject with much forethought. I'm enthusiastically going through your full series on this subject that I've avoided due to the overwhelming depth of the subject. Now I can navigate it with confidence (pun). You are a good teacher.
You are very welcome my friend and I'm glad you liked it!
I don't adjust the dial of the two compasses for a back heading. I site the needle backwards on the return. Reduces setting errors, and right-left-right-left becomes white-red-white-red. For long straight headings with multiple obstacles, this makes it even simpler. Only have to set both compasses once at the beginning. Hopefully you remember the order of the switchbacks.
that's a simple method if, like you said "you remember the order of switchbacks" I would forget so I'll always put the red in the shed.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Instead of walking in circles, you would be walking in squares. lol. always stop when i pivot to make sure of what is happening next. then march like i was taught.
Dave, your vids have always been about pointing us in the right direction while being in the woods with gear, techniques and skills. Another good one!
Thank you my friend!
Thanks for the video Dave! you have cleared the mud. I remember your older video. Going back and forth from the field to the dry erase board really helped, I remember your older video you had done something similar. I think this one sunk in better in my numb skull. I made the same mistake years ago and had a compass that I spent a lot of money on stored in the basement and it developed a bubble also. I was very upset too! I emailed the company and they told me to sit it by a window on a sunny day for a few hours. I put mine on the kitchen window sill on a nice warm sunny day for a few hours and the bubble went away. I keep my compasses upstairs now, hoping that won't happen again. Hopefully it will work for you too. Can't wait for your next video Brother.
I'm glad you liked it. That's pretty cool they told you the window sill trick! I didn't know they were aware of it. Thanks for watching
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Yeah, the compass is a Brunton.Always heard mixed reviews for their brand.
Great video. I was taught the 90 degree technique was called 'boxing the obstacle' many years ago. If you have a map, check the way you plan on going on your 90 degrees too. I used it to try and clear a huge pile of blown down trees. Turned right 90 degress and walked almost into a swamp. Had to back track and go 90 the other way.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. That is some good thinking! Check ahead on the map before going right or left. Thanks for watching
Enjoyed the video. I definitely would have to watch this a few times to understand. It's not you it's me. Love the dry erase board, it helps. Thank you
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Claudine. Watch , practice, watch, practice. Thanks for watching
For folks who think they can rely on GPS, especially phone based GPS, I can take them to many places in Texas where that will not work. Batteries are hard to come by out there too...
A bit of toilet paper wrapped on the tree can make that back bearing a lot easier.
Always carry a compass, and know how to use it! Great video Dave.
Very well said! The toilet paper is a great idea if youre gonna leave it behind.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 TP is usually available, and has the advantage of being biodegradable too!
@@Reallybigmonkey1 "Leave it behind"? Must be a pun!
@@usernamemykel lol! I just realized what I typed!
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Yep - that was a cheeky one. Happy Charmin to you, Dave!
2 compass method is brilliantly simple - I'm going to give you full credit for it, even if it's plagiarized. Thank you!
Fantastic to hear that Brother!
As always,great job,David. Enjoyed it very much.
Thanks Randy! I'm glad you liked it brother
Nice video (as usual) Dave. As a person with a mathematical bent, I thought up the 45 degree method while I watched you explain the 90 degree method. And then you presented it and I thought... "Ha! cool!" FWIW, it wouldn't have to be 45 degrees - it could be anything as long as you then do the opposite (for example, if traveling due north, you could go 330 degrees followed by 30 degrees). Sketch it out!
My math says that the pace count with the 45 method should be more tolerant of error than the 90, because part of the error is thrown in the direction of travel where it doesn't matter (as long as you get the directions correct). Indeed, the less you depart from the desired direction of travel, the less that error will matter.
Thanks Jim, I'm glad you liked it. Yes, you are correct it doesn't have to be 45 degrees but with it being a teaching type video, I tried to keep it as simple as possible to get the basic idea. The 45 deg method is more simple but the paces have to be dead accurate. Thanks for watching
Great job, love your style. And you're the best so far at explaning this .
Thank you Alfred!
Hello Dave from the UK, very informative and useful I'm like you Dave I don't like GPS as you say if the batteries go flat you're in deep s**t where as a compass will get you out of trouble everytime when I go out I always have a compass with me a absolute essential piece of kit excellent video as always thanks for sharing
Hello Norman! A GPS would be fantastic if batteries grew on trees in the woods. Lol. A compass will never let you down. Thanks for watching!
Dave you were not rambling about the bubble. I have One That Developed A Bubble, Now I Have An Idea How To Get Rid of It. As always thanks again Dave. Will also be trying the 45 method. Sounds like it would save a lot of steps.
Yep, stick it in the window, sun or heat and let the heart pressurize it. The 45 method does save a lot of steps but the pace count has to be dead accurate. Thanks for watching
Hi Dave, I hope that you and your family are doing good. You are always in my prayers. I am so glad that you did another compass video, I finally clued in, lol. Thank you for that.
Hello Nicole! All is well here, I hope its good your way. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Killer video Dave! One of the most significant flaws in modern-day navigation is to trust only in the man-made technology of GPS; hence your quote, "expensive case for dead batteries." Batteries will fail even if you carry a solar panel recharge system, you can never predict when that item will refuse to accept a charge. So learn old school now and practice it because unless there is a sudden magnetic pole shift... north will always be north. Loved the video as always. See you in the next one, : ).
Thanks Lainey and very well said! Anything can go wrong with anything electronic or powered by any battery. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Well Dave, 3 days later and I get to watch the video.
I learned how to use a compass in the 82nd Airborne , along with Ranger beads and Pace counting . This was a good video, it is always a good idea to refresh your mind no mater how many times you have done it. Good job Dave , have a good day, can’t wait for the next video. 😎
By the way, that lake looked nice. 🦆
Very cool your were in the 82nd Airborne! Yep, never hurts to brush up on this stuff. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Johnny
Dave, that was a whole lot clearer than mud, brother. One thing it might occasionally help to remember is that a rectangle is just a special case of a parallelogram. And a trapezoid can be just as useful as either, depending on the terrain. If you are in a region with multiple blacking features, three 90° turns might not work because you can see that another blocking feature will cross your 90° bearing before you get past the first one. But you can see that a 70° turn will get you between them. So from due North, you turn to 70°NE counting paces as you pass between them till you're past the first one as you walk that bearing. Then if you aren't yet past it on your North bearing, go North til you are. Then you may have to take a bearing of 70 + 180 = 250° the same no. of paces to get back to your original line. That would be the parallelogram. But that would also be taking you in a Southwesterly direction (partial backtrack). So if you have a clear path, you could go 360 - 70 = 290° NW THAT SAME NO. OF PACES to get back to your original line. That would be a trapezoid, which you might think of as a variation on your 45° left, 45° right triangle solution.
Yep, that will work too Craig. As long as you have your degrees right on your right and left deviations.
Right. And I know trying to get all that across in one video would've been a tall order.
Always enjoy your compass videos, it helps to revisit them to reinforce the method. Stay safe brother.
I'm glad you liked it. Yep, gotta stay in practice! Thanks for watching
Great job. It was easy to understand. Thank You. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos..
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching and see ya in the next one Rod
Thanks for making it easy to understand I have been trying to teach my wife to read a compass for over 25 years with no luck but thanks to you she finally gets it thank you “sincerely “
I'm glad you liked it and that's great to hear man! Thanks for watching
The problem now is that you can't tell her to get lost.
You do one hell of a good job my friend ... the people need to view you'r videos :)
Thank you Robert!
Thank you a very good and informative video on a very complex and a hard to film subject I love your videos and I think you did a great job on this one I first started watching your videos a couple of years ago I had both my knees replaced in surgery I wasn't able to walk for quite some time found myself totally housebound I've always loved being Outdoors and camping watching your wonderful videos what's my window to getting out in the woods and being in the wild so thank you so much for all you do I'm now able to walk short distances with a backpack I can get out on short trips and hammock or ground sleep I love it and I'll still keep watching your videos as long as you keep making them all the very best to you from the UK
You are very welcome Kevin and I'm glad you liked it and the others. Good to hear I helped pass the time during your recovery. I hope your time in the woods will be as fun as ever! Thanks for watching
Great video! I am trying to understand and get better with a compass. Your videos have helped so much. A big Thank You!
Thank you Lonnie and that's great to hear!
Like you Dave, I like a map & compass, neither need more energy than you have in your body. You could also use the V notch in the top of the mirror plate as well as the little window. When I taught Navigation in the military find your position on the map take grid bearings around the object to your destination. This is known as boxing the barrier, you then check your original bearing by taking a back bearing and move off.
Never heard the term boxing the barrier and never thought about that top v notch, thanks for sharing that Dave!
That was very helpful, David. Thanks for sharing. I think I can use this method now. But to proof it, I will first navigate around the table, count my paces, use my second compass, turn it 90°, try to find my kitchen, make me a nice cup of coffee, turn backwards and try to navigate to my couch again. When it works well, I have a good place to drink my coffee. If not, I have to sit on the floor. Haha. Just kidding a bit. All the best, Christian
Thanks Christian, I'm glad you liked it. LOL, sounds like a fun test to me! Thanks for watching
I watch your videos and you start off with "Hey there everybody" and I'll be like "Hey there buddy". It's just because I am often being humorous or silly, as it helps me avoid insanity, due to my lifetime of things happening, the way people have treated me and so on. The stress just builds up so much more if I don't bother trying to be funny. I don't go too far with it of course and have every body hating me so much or nothin' like that. But often enough to keep insanity from happening.
Anyway... been enjoying your videos for days now!
This is your stress free zone!
Great Video Dave. Your compass videos have help me out lot hiking in the hills of Kentucky!
Great to hear that Jesse!
"clear as mud ... (followed by Daves giggle)" lol. Very usefull video and very well explained. You surely get extra points for the dry erase board additional explanation. I have had a lot of instructors in school, army and university that could learn from your way to explain stuff. Great work!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and understood it! This stuff is so hard to explain on video. Thanks for watching
GREAT compass vid....saved this in my Outdoors Vids... Thanks dave.
Fantastic to hear that Julius!
Me myself being a woman love those compass 🧭 i’ve been out there all twisted around and not knowing where I was at. I like the one you have I think I’ll go look for one,.. going camping this summer 👏👏👏 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🙋🏻♀️🙋🏻♀️🙋🏻♀️ thank U
I'm too the point now where I refuse to go into the woods without a compass! Thanks for watching
Love your videos and enthusiasm. Brilliant. I'm still learning this stuff but I think it helps with taking a bearing or sighting to say 'of North' so in the video 320 degrees off north. This way if you spin around and get sort of lost. You can set to magnetic north 'red in the shed' and set your 'direction of travel to 320. this, of course, won't work accurately if you have moved but you will be heading in the correct travel not necessarily the correct sighting. Keep up the great work, real helpful. and all teh best
Thanks, I'm glad you like the videos and that's a good point you brought up
I thought it was very clear and understandable, Dave. Now, I have to go out and get two compasses and find a place to use them! Although I have to admit that the best times I have had in my life were when I was completely lost somewhere. ;) Thanks for the useful lessons. Doc Tom
Thank you Dr.Tom! Get out and test this. Not only is it fun but you never know when this will come in handy.Thanks for watching
"Clear as mud" LOL I understood and I've not come across anyone else trying to explain it on youtube. I'm pretty sure I would have to jot down any bearing changes, I can't even remember a grocery list. It's so hard to find maps these days, everyone uses gps :(. Great video Dave, can't wait for the next one
Lol, I'm glad you liked it. Nothing wrong with jotting it down, that's a sure thing there. I like the two compass method because it rules out forgetting anything. Thanks for watching
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Great idea. Keep the notes with the compass for when your tired/stressed.
As usual, fabulous instructive video. Thanks very much
Thanks Marco, I'm glad you liked it
great job, appreciate your time and energy! Surveyor's tape (or cat's eye tape at night) hung from a limb works well for spotting your landmark if you're not worried about being followed. Just pull them off when you trace back. Otherwise leaning a stick against the tree works for daytime use.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Jeff. Yes, as long as it will be in your return path and you wont be leaving
it there forever. Ive hiked trails before and the trees were littered with all
kinds of tape and ribbons. Makes it impossible to see which is yours
from a distance. Thanks for watching.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 You need to move away where there are less people!!! lol
Dave, you are always so creative and a great communicator. I understood perfectly without the white board, but the "gear room" tutorials helped me to remember the principles even better. Thank you again, for a great video -- always waiting for the next upload! Sharon from Habitat Homestead YT Channel
Thanks Sharon, I'm glad you liked it and the way I do things! Thanks for watching
David, you would have been a great Surveyor, back in the day they traveled across America using only a compass and a 66 foot Gunter's chain and mapped the whole place. Your skills are right on the same page with how they did a lot of that. As they encountered objects in the line of travel they needed to off-set the course and than re-set back on line. Here is a little known fact, all east-west lines are always curved beyond three miles but North-south lines are always straight lines. The first surveyors found this out the hard way when things did not meet correctly at the corner sections of the 36 mile townships. So they had to compensate for it. Note, I am not referring to declination but another odd feature that happens over a larger range of distance. Anyway I love to hear talk about navigation.
Thanks! And that's very interesting on the East West grid lines!
GREAT advice again Dave...
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Thank you so much for your effort. I know it's hard work to get all that stuff on video. I like compasses, and I use a map as well. If I don't have a map of the area, I don't go to that area to hike. See you on the next one.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. I only use maps half the time, or even less. I just use a compass to find my way in and find my way out. Thanks for watching
Excellent bro. Easy to follow instructions. Also. The Velcro tab on your shirt is to hold your fishing rod in place while you tie on a new jig or replace bait. Keeps you from laying your rod down and stepping on it. Just rest the reel end on the ground, Velcro the rod to your shirt and go to work on your line with 2 hands free.
Thanks brother Jim! Man I never knew that about that loop!
@@Reallybigmonkey1 No problem brother. I learned that from a guy who use to do a lot of salt water fly fishing.
Absolutely GREAT video. I love land nav and your earlier video on getting "unlost" using a compass when off trail and finding the trial again. I first learned navigation doing ocean nav and I really enjoy all of your compass and navigation videos!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and the others! Thanks for watching
I've watched a lot of your compass videos............and yep......its still "clear as mud". lol. I guess I need to actually buy one and try to use it following your directions. Thanks for doing these videos for us. Take care
LOL, clear as mud isnt good. Yes, use a compass. See what it does and learn to trust one. They are a must have item in the wilderness.
Thank you for another excellent lesson Dave 👍👍
Thanks for watching Jeff!
Hey brother so good to see you again.I hope you and your loved ones are fine ,wishing good health and bliss .
Always great to hear from you Angus!
Another great one. Got it right away👍👍🧭
Thanks and that's great to hear!
I think you did an awesome job explaining it brother... Compass work is one of those things that make sense in your head, but is always almost impossible to explain... I think you did an excellent job... Math 'n all... LOL Hope all is well ! Good to see you again !
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Brother and you said it right! I can know it in my own head but it sure is hard to explain. Thanks for watching
Thanks great video no maps needed going to give it a go from Scotland
Thanks for watching Alex!
Thanks for your efforts.I know how hard it is to try to explain compass use much less navigation.
Thanks Jim, I'm glad you liked it. Yep, this is the hardest subject to teach by video on. Thanks for watching
Good vid Dave I remember seeing you build that bike very cool Take Care
Thank you Jim!
Agreed old school is the way !
Really great Channel thnxs 4 uploading
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Old school rules! Thanks for watching
I was mesmerized by the beautiful background. I learned some of this when I was in the army, it’s just been a long time since I really use the compass affectively.
You sound like a 19 Delta , Red . Am I right ?
john white I went through basic training at Fort sill Oklahoma, as part of our infantry training, map reading was a part of it. In the beginning, I was going to end up as an artillery surveyor, so I think that was part of the training. I ended up being a 71 Mike.
Thanks! I've noticed over the years of you don't use a compass you forget some off the tricks with it
thank you for another fun and interesting lesson! i used to mark power poles when i did engineering reviews with kid's sidewalk chalk. washes off easy and a good way to mark stuff. those bright plastic ties work well too. just another little item to help out and can be seen with a pair of binoculars from a good distance. i might need all the little helps i can get! looking forward to trying some of these lessons out around red top mtn to get in some practice!
I love the chalk idea Shelby!
Hello Dave. From all the video's that I have seen about how to use a compass, this is the first time I get it how it works. Thank you for your explanation that was loud and clear. Greetings from the Netherlands. YHWH's blessings🙏🤗
Great to hear that my friend and I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Hello David … Excellent !! A little info on pacing that you might enjoy …. Engineers in the Civil War , especially the Yankees , because a lot of the Deep South wasn't mapped too good in the 1860s, used the compass and counted the gaits of their horses to record mileage … I metal detect and the Official Reports on the Yankee side are very descriptive of small battles and skirmishes... Through the years I have found that when they report " My command moved 12 and 1/4 miles south down the Ridge Road to Mr Jones' homeplace , you can bet your bucks that Mr Jones' homeplace is within 50 yards of this location..... Pacing is very accurate ...
Hello Steve! I'm glad you liked it. Man now that is cool! I never knew they counted horses paces. Thanks for watching
"Fancy case for dead batteries!"
Lol. How true. As always, thanks for sharing this important information!
Take care, Steve. 👍👍
Lol, it's true! Thanks for watching Steve!
i have a gps, love it, works great. problem is, in tall thick timber it can't get a good reading. its fun to play with, but if it fails and you were depending on it, you may be lost because you weren't really paying attention to where you are. done that, was lost a while. carry a compass, use it and pay attention. compass is a great back up, i always carry one. great video, thanks to your detail makes it easy to use.
Very well said Curt! I use a GPS for fishing only. For hiking? Its a compass all the way! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Thank you for demonstrating this, Mr. Pearson. I think I avoided studying the compass use videos but this could be the most important thing to have some experience with sometime.
Glad it was helpful!
Very good video Dave. I never thought of using two compasses to navigate the back woods, I usually only bring out one. It's funny because I have multiple compasses in my gear collection. Now I think it's time to pair them up. Using the method of, one knife is no knife two knife is one, it does make sense to carry a second compass. Time to look for a second wife. LOL
Thanks Daniel, I'm glad you liked it. Yep, never hurts to carry two as light and as small as they are. Knives too, don't quote me on the wives. LOL. Thanks for watching
Thank you Dave, I am guilty of using the ease of gps & have not used a compass in years and years. I’m going to practice and get back into using compass again. Battery life, cost of replacement and possibility of the grid going down in a SHTF scenario all point to getting reacquainted with the “old school “ compass navigation system.
Nothing wrong with a GPS as long as its not youre only measure of navigation. Use it, enjoy it but yes, keep a compass! Thanks for watching Chris.
What a fun video! Thank you for your expertise.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Dana, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
This was a great video. I have the Wilderness Navigation book I keep in my pack at all times.....looking forward to testing these methods out! I liked seeing it on the dry erase board as well as in the field! :)
Thanks Amy! I'm happy you liked it. Test this stuff out whenever you can!
@@Reallybigmonkey1 I actually learned to use a compass from your videos!
If you don't have ranger beads a pocket full of small stones will work as well, every time you count up to 100 take a stone out and put it in your other pocket.... Great video David
Yep, that will work too! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Eric.
Great tutorial. It's always good to have a refresher for stuff like this. I am wondering if their is fish in that lake though.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it John. Yep, theres fish in there. I have kayak fished it a few times. Thanks for watching
Hey Dave, you did a great explanation don't worry . I learned a lot thank you
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and that's good to hear Matthew
@@Reallybigmonkey1 yea I always had a hard time reading a compass even in boy scouts I guess my scout leader wasn't good at explaining or maybe he didn't care about teaching 10 year olds lol but now that I'm in my 30's I understand lol
I always save your compass videos to my phone. Its one topic I always need to keep reviewing.
Great to hear that Louis!
Nice job! Fun to watch.
Thanks George, I'm glad you liked it
This is where the phrase, a picture is worth a thousand words. . Came from...
Words may have different meanings.. or are misunderstood. ..
Thanks for your good work.
Now , all I have to do is, not rely on the spellchecker.
Well stated! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching