Suunto KB 14 Classic compass

T

turkeyman

Joined
Dec 31, 2001
Messages
158
I just received the Suunto KB 14, Classic compass and really do like it! The overall quality is the best I have ever seen. I wanted it to just get bearings and it is so fast and stable, it is much quicker than my military Lensatic compass.
I'm getting interested in using a compass with a topo map, can anyone recommend a good book that a normal person can understand? Thanks!
 
I'm sure you will find books. There are many that describe the process. I can't think of titles off the top of my head but I can get you started...

1. Use your compass to find magnetic north and stand facing it (magnetic north)

2. Orient your topo map so that its magnetic north arrow points exactly where the compass is pointing...

You are now 4/5 of the way toward learning to use a topo map with a compass...
 
If you have access to a drafting table or a large protractor and a steady hand you can draw "magnetic north lines" on your topo before your trip. Then you can forget about declination and just slap your compas down with its edge on one of the lines and orient the map and compass to magnetic north fast.

Another tip: check out TopoZone. Just type in a place name and state and click "Search." TerraServer is pretty cool, too. Just click on a place and keep drilling down. You can toggle between sattelite images and topographical maps.

P.S. I second the Kjellstrom book below.
 
Good books:

Be Expert With Map & Compass, Bjorn Kjellstrom

Land Navigation Handbook, W.S. Kals

Finding Your Way In The Outdoors, Robert L. Mooers, Jr.

The Wilderness Route Finder, Calvin Rutstrum

All very good books to get you acquainted with map and compass, especially the first three.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top