CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESPowerless GPS units and broken compasses spell disaster for the over-reliant and unprepared. Arm yourself with Active Junky’s ways to navigate by nature. No matter how many compasses break, you’ll never be lost again.
You’ve heard the legend: moss grows on the North side of trees and rocks (South side in the Southern Hemisphere). Yes, it’s generally true; moss grows best in moisture and shade. Northern exposure provides these nurturing factors better than Southern. However, dense forest, tilted trees and other factors create numerous exceptions to the rule.
Common to the Southwest, the Barrel Cactus (also called the Compass Cactus) leans southwards, toward the sun.
A magnetized needle (or piece of wire) floating on water will behave like a compass.
To magnetize the needle, rub one end on one side of a magnet, the other on the opposite side (about twenty times per side). Then, stick it through a section of cork or cardboard. Even a leaf will work if it keeps the needle afloat. The needle provides a (magnetic) North-South line; use the sun to complete the compass.
Note: the closer to the equator you get, the less effective most methods become.
For more info, check out The Survival Handbook: Essential Skills for Outdoor Adventure
