Mazamas Wilderness Navigation class handouts

Is my compass adjusted for declination?
1. Turn your compass so North is at the direction of travel arrow. Now look at your red orienting
arrow (ignore the magnetic needle).
2. If the red arrow is pointing directly at the “N”, your compass is NOT adjusted for declination (left
photo).
3. If the red arrow is pointed about 17 degrees to the right of the “N”, (or about 1 o’clock), then your
compass IS adjusted for declination in the NW (right photo).
Backbearings
A backbearing is the 180 degree
opposite bearing of the one you are on.
This is useful to know if you need to
retrace your route. Easiest math-free
way to determine a backbearing: just
look at the other “end” of the compass.
Aiming off
Handy when your goal is
along a linear feature, like
a trail, stream or road.
Intentionally “aim off” to
one side, (usually the
uphill side) so you’re sure
of which way to turn at
the linear feature.
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Resources . . .
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