Bushcraft Survival: Mental Preparation and Land Navigation
Part II
Introduction:
First Step - Preparedness… Before Its Required!
Always, always have a clear plan going in before you venture out. Know exactly what is in store:
- Terrain
- Weather conditions
- Any foreseeable threats from wildlife in the area (bears, mountain lions, wolves, snakes, etc.) all of which pose a serious threat for obvious reasons.
- All your gear is in good repair
Of course, being completely prepared for every situation isn’t possible. Take a few minutes right now to imagine some unlikely scenarios that could potentially go bad, and then the solutions to improve your dilemma.
Stay Calm, Situational Awareness Is Key!
Staying calm and collected: Your mind is your sharpest tool in any kit load out! Keeping your wits about you is of vital importance. Your mindset can be your greatest ally, or it could be your downfall in a dangerous situation. Embarking on a wilderness journey is more than just an adventure; it's an encounter with oneself.
All aspects of life require a certain sense of situational awareness, wouldn’t you agree? Being focused, aware of your surroundings, the local environmental conditions, and any possible threats to your security are of paramount concern. On that note let’s take a deeper dive!
Finding Your Bearings: Never Be Lost in the Wilderness
Let's start with an age-old trick that even our ancestors used, simple land navigation. Knowing how to find your direction (without GPS) is crucial! Imagine using the sun, stars, or even a trusty compass to guide you. Have you ever tried following a stream downhill? It almost always leads to civilization. However, it’s important to keep in mind that rivers and streams also draw threats, both two-legged and four! These methods might seem like old school, but they can pull you through when modern tech fails. Let’s discuss some basics about compasses and how to use them.
Types of Compasses Used in Land Navigation
Compasses are essential tools for land navigation, helping users determine direction and navigate terrain effectively. Below are the primary types of compasses used in land navigation, along with brief instructional guides for each:
Baseplate (Orienteering) Compass
- Description: A baseplate compass is a simple and versatile tool commonly used for hiking, orienteering, and general navigation. It features a rotating bezel (compass housing), a magnetic needle, and a transparent baseplate with ruler markings for map work.
- How to Use:
1. Set the Declination: Adjust the compass for magnetic declination (the difference between magnetic north and true north) if your compass allows it.
2. Align with the Map: Place the compass on the map with the edge of the baseplate connecting your current location to your destination.
3. Rotate the Bezel: Turn the bezel until the orienting lines inside the compass housing align with the north-south grid lines on the map.
4. Take a Bearing: Hold the compass flat and rotate your body until the magnetic needle aligns with the orienting arrow. The direction of travel arrow on the baseplate now points toward your destination
Lensatic Compass
- Description: A Lensatic compass is a military-grade tool designed for precision. It features a sighting lens, a flip-up cover with a sighting wire, and a rotating bezel. It is commonly used by soldiers and outdoor professionals.
- How to Use:
1. Open the Compass: Fully open the compass so the cover is at a 90-degree angle to the base.
2. Take a Bearing: Hold the compass at eye level and look through the sighting lens while aligning the sighting wire with your target.
3. Read the Bearing: Look at the dial through the lens to read the bearing.
4. Navigate: Use the bearing to guide your movement, ensuring the magnetic needle stays aligned with the bezel's north indicator.
Prismatic Compass
- Description: Similar to the lensatic compass, the prismatic compass is used for precise measurements of angles and bearings. It includes a prism for reading the compass dial while sighting a target.
- How to Use:
1. Hold the Compass Steady: Hold the compass at chest level and look through the prism.
2. Align the Target: Use the sighting slit and wire to align with your target.
3. Read the Bearing: Look through the prism to read the bearing on the compass dial.
4. Follow the Bearing: Use the bearing to navigate toward your target.
General Tips for Using Any Compass
Keep the Compass Level: Always hold the compass flat to ensure accurate readings.
- Avoid Magnetic Interference: Stay away from metal objects, electronics, or magnetic fields that can disrupt the compass needle.
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with your compass and practice navigation skills in a safe environment before venturing into unfamiliar terrain
We will cover more privative forms of land navigation is a future, more focused edition later on in this series By understanding the types of compasses and their usage, you can confidently navigate through various terrains and conditions!
Keep A Look Out!
Deeper discussions of this article and other valuable information will be posted regularly!