Reddit Reddit reviews Be Expert with Map and Compass

We found 5 Reddit comments about Be Expert with Map and Compass. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.

Sports & Outdoors
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Hiking & Camping
Hiking & Camping Excursion Guides
Be Expert with Map and Compass
Wiley Publishing Be Expert w/Map & Compass Book by Bjorn Kjellstrom - 470407654
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5 Reddit comments about Be Expert with Map and Compass:

u/hobbes305 · 29 pointsr/Survival

Youtube is loaded with videos on the subject:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Map+and+Compass+Skills


Also: http://www.amazon.com/Staying-Found-Complete-Compass-Handbook/dp/0898867851

http://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Navigation-Finding-Altimeter-Mountaineers/dp/1594859450/ref

http://www.amazon.com/Expert-Map-Compass-Bjorn-Kjellstrom/dp/0470407654/ref


One great practice to get into is to use your more advanced navigational aids primarily to confirm or correct what you have already determined by more basic methods.


For instance, get used to reflexively observing your surroundings (Especially stopping every 100 paces or so to look at and study your back trail). Practice estimating the distances/direction that you have walked and the times elapsed. Become aware of the position of the sun or the prevailing winds (Observing the effect that these winds have over time on local vegetation).


Even jets flying overhead can provide clues as to general directions. In my area of Upstate NY, the vast majority of jets flying at altitude maintain a roughly east/west flight path. Even on a cloudy night when the stars and the moon are totally hidden, I can often see the lights of jets blinking through the cloud cover, giving me a clue as to whether or not I have begun traveling in a circle in the dark.


A GREAT read: http://www.naturalnavigator.com/tristan-gooley

http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Navigator-Rediscovered-Letting-Nature/dp/1615190465/ref


Several times a day, without looking at your map estimate your location and heading direction/distance to your starting point and your destination. Once you have done this, take out your map and confirm your estimates. If you have a good vantage point, take several bearings with your compass on significant features (Focusing on contour features on your topo map) and then triangulate to determine your location.


The most important practice is to primarily rely on your GPS as a means of confirming and correcting your earlier navigational estimates. As you get more accomplished and as your confidence levels rise, you will find that observational navigation will become second nature to you.


u/barry_baltimore · 7 pointsr/CampingandHiking
  • Do water filters on the market make all stream water safe to drink?
    No. No one backcountry water purification method can handle every single situation. No filter is capable of removing ALL chemical contaminants (some remove none), and many filters do not remove viruses. If you are hiking in North America viruses are not generally considered a problem. (See: 1)

  • How do i know if a stream or lake i'm hiking near contains contaminated water?(biological and chemical)
    You don't. But you can minimize the risk by only purifying water that you would feel reasonably comfortable drinking without purification -- eg: running water, no funny smells, some small wildlife living in the water (lack of toxins), no strange colors.

  • How much water do i need to bring on an all day hike for two people?
    Depending on weather and conditions, I'd go with no less than 3 liters per person for an all-day (dusk to dawn) affair. SectionHiker goes into great detail about managing water on a hike.

  • How do i get a hold of maps for the areas i plan on hiking in?
    You can buy maps at a local outfitters, from National Geographic, or download and learn to read the USGS maps. If you are asking this question, you should also learn how to stay found -- I recommend Be Expert with Map and Compass

  • How do i know if i can have a campfire?
    Ask the regulatory agency responsible for the lands you are on.

  • What about going to the bathroom? Do i just make a hole go or..?
    For pooping: Dig a hole with a small trowel about 8 inches deep and 6 inches wide. Do your business. Put your toilet paper in the hole, and using a found stick mix it up with a splash of liquid (pee or water) and some dirt. Cover the hole thoroughly and pack it down. For peeing: Take care to pee on rocks or sturdy trees. Don't pee on fragile plants.

  • What kind of soap or hand cleaners are the best to bring?
    Biodegradable soap or Dr. Bronners if you must use soap. Most people use Purell instead to save water.

  • How do i know if animals are a danger in the area?
    Consult the regulatory agency responsible for the lands you are on or local experts (gear stores).

  • How do i deal with a potentially dangerous animal?(bears, cougars, snakes, or spiders)
    Leave them alone. Make plenty of noise so you don't surprise them. If you are wearing your pack and attacked by a stalking-type animal, curl up into a ball and cover your neck and get on your hands and knees. Cook and store your food about 50 feet downwind of where you make your camp.

    (1) Water purification: Keep in mind that none of these will work on chemicals found in the water like arsenic or toxins made by blue-green algae.

  • UV works on: bacteria, protozoa, viruses. (Doesn't work on tapeworm eggs, which are typically only a problem in Isle Royale.)

  • Filters work on: bacteria, protozoa, parasites, maybe viruses. (Works on viruses if it has a 0.1 micron filter or an iodine membrane.)

  • Chlorine dioxide works on: all biological entities.
u/meaty_maker · 3 pointsr/WildernessBackpacking

I'm reading this book now: Expert with Map and Compass and then will be look at this one: Wilderness Navigation

edit: readability

u/burritoace · 2 pointsr/pittsburgh

It's not too complicated, you could also just pick up a book like this one.

u/CreativeCthulhu · 1 pointr/LifeProTips

All but the absolute cheapest compasses have declination adjustment. A $9 Silva or Suunto has the adjustment and to suggest that someone needs to spend Brunton money to get an accurate compass is ridiculous (and I HAVE a Brunton). Fake edit: I just remembered that Brunton makes normal compasses and not just transits and geology tools, not all their products are $300+ although they’re REALLY nice!

My Brunton transit is the only compass I have with E/W flipped because it’s a direct read compass. None of my others, including my Suunto MC-2G read that way. The majority of compasses that anyone will ever have will read normally, there’s no need to complicate this.

Here is more compass than most people will ever need and includes the clinometer functionality of the higher-end Brunton compasses. Less than $40.

Spend half that on a cheaper compass and buy a book like this and/or this one (I have no preference, I own both) and spend some time with them.

Also, if you print your own maps it doesn’t hurt to invest in waterproofing, it also makes them last longer!

If you REALLY want to hone your nav skills, find a local orienteering club! It’s a lot of fun, and once you’re past the initial investment (a compass) there’s not really any other cost other than time.

Source: Have been wandering around in the woods for 30-odd years and have spent much time teaching other people to not get lost in the woods.