How to Use a Compass for Survival

If you have a compass in your possession, you have what you need to determine your direction of travel. The trouble is, knowing how to use it. It is possible to learn how to use a compass alone for survival.

The red and white arrow on your compass is called the compass needle. The first thing you need to know, is that the red arrow is always pointing to the magnetic north pole of the earth. Don’t confuse this with the black or white arrow on your compass. This is a common mistake.

If you want to travel north, you have it made. But, what if you want to travel in another direction? Now, what do you do with it?

The compass housing is the thing on the compass that turns. There is usually a scale on the edge of the compass housing. The scale typically goes from 0 to 360 or 0to 400. These represent the degrees or the azimuth.

The letters N, E, S, and W, represent the directions North, East, South, and West, respectively. Let us assume that you want to travel northwest in the direction of the nearest town. What do you do next?

Locate northwest on the compass housing. Turn the housing until northwest is aligned with the large travel arrow on your compass.

Hold the compass flat in your hand so that the arrow can freely move. Now, turn your entire body, hand and compass until the compass needle is in line with the lines on the compass housing. Make certain that the compass housing has not turned during this step. If the compass is not relatively flat, it will not be able to work effectively. This will throw off your direction.

Be careful that you note the red arrow is pointing toward the north portion of the compass housing. If the south or white arrow is pointing in that direction, you will begin walking in the exact opposite direction of where you want to travel. This is a common mistake, so take the time to double check for accuracy.

Once you have started walking in the desired direction, it is important to stay on track by checking your compass frequently. Do not continuously stare at the compass. Maybe choose an item off in the distance to aim for, then check the compass to make sure you are on course. For instance, you want to walk toward the tall tree or mountain
In the distance.

Walk toward help by being aware of the direction of a local town, highway, or river. Coupling your compass with a map can further assist you to finding your way, but when maps are not available, the compass can provide your life the direction it needs.

Your compass is a tool for survival. Learn how to use it properly before you need to use it to save your life. Practice using your compass in this method in areas that are familiar to you. This will give you a method for mastering this survival skill without the risk of danger by getting lost or disoriented.

Affordable Camping Tents

Camping is a relaxing and fun activity. The main attraction of camping is that it offers a golden opportunity to spend some time in the vicinity of nature. Camping tent is one of the most important accessories for camping. Tents are considered as an integral part of all outdoor events. They are available in various sizes, materials and quality. You can get more information about the tents on various websites. While accessing these sites, you may come across different types of tents as well as some affordable camping tents.

Whenever you plan to go for camping and think about its requirements, camping tents will be at the top of your list. Generally, camping tents are available in various sizes to accommodate different number of people. These tents are designed in such a way that they can be transported by a car. The time required to pitch the tent depends upon the size of tent and number of people involved. For those who prefer solo camping, there are smaller tents which are light enough to be carried on back or bicycle. Large tents can accommodate more number of people and they should be transported by a car or other vehicle.

The cost of camping tents depends on type, size and material used for making the tents. Various types of camping tents available in the market are ridge tents, frame tents and dome tents. Ridge tents have a ridge at the top with steeply sloping sides, almost like a ridged roof. Frame tents are larger suitable for family. The main advantage of frame tents is useful inside space and efficient use of ground area. Dome tents available in all sizes have become very popular nowadays. Ridge tents and dome tents are relatively affordable camping tents.

Camping tents are made from variety of fabric such as canvas or cotton, polyester and nylon. Since cotton absorbs water, it becomes very heavy if get wet. Polyester and nylon are much lighter and do not absorb much water just like cotton. However, they may get deteriorated over time. Selection of camping tent depends on type of camping and season of camping.

The most popular type of tents today is self erecting camping tents. The reason for their popularity is that these tents are designed in a very convenient way so that they can be comfortably erected by anyone. Once you are familiar to erect the camping tent, you can do this task within a very short time. The most parts of self erecting tents are unbreakable and these tents can be folded for a compact storage. These durable and lightweight self erecting tents are one of the affordable camping tents that can be used for all seasons.

The best way to find the affordable camping tents is to shop around as well as search on different websites. When you are purchasing the tents online, it is better to ensure about their brand, quality and type. You can visit to several shops and stores to get to know about the prices of camping tents. You can get good quality tents at affordable price by bargaining.