A compass can be used for navigation when hiking, climbing, or simply traveling in the great outdoors. A compass can help you save your life in emergency situations, such as when you are lost. However, if you don't own one or have difficulty accessing one, you shouldn't panic.
If you're ever in the woods or out on the sea and don't have a compass, here's an easy trick to tell direction with your analog watch. All you need is a clear view of the sun, and this method can help you get back on track.
First, hold the watch horizontally and align the hour hand with the position of the sun. The middle point between this alignment and the 12 o'clock position on the watch, approximately, indicates south in the Northern Hemisphere.
Next, draw an imaginary straight line that runs from the 12-o'clock position on a watch dial to its center. North is represented as the line connecting this angle.
This is not a perfect method, and it won’t work in the dark, but it’s enough to get out of a jam. It's easy to do.
Analog Watches as a Compass
If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, the best way to use your analog watch as a compass is to point the hour hand at the sun. This can be done by visualizing an imaginary angle between the hour hands and a line running from the 12:35 position to where the watch is at the center. The line from the centre of the watch will bisect that angle and represent north.
For the Southern Hemisphere you will need to apply the same technique but change your point of reference. Instead of pointing your hour hand at sun, you will need to point at the 12 hours mark.
Once you have the angle, you will be able to plot other directions. The compass will only give you an approximate bearing, but that's better than not knowing where you're going at all!
Finding Direction with a Watch
Last tip: The accuracy of a compasses will depend on the watch you use. This can affect your compass readings. It's important to make sure that the watch is correctly set and not powered by daylight savings time or other factors.
This technique can be used even if your digital watch is not working. But it's best that you set the watch to the correct hour. You also need to keep in mind that this technique won't work if you're using daylight savings time, or if the watch isn't being wound frequently.
How to Find Direction with Your Watch
This technique isn’t perfect but it will get the job done. If you travel to unfamiliar places or need precise directions, an electronic map compass may be worth your while.
FAQ
What is the most crucial survival tool for you if you're lost?
The compass will tell you which direction north is. It also shows us how far we have traveled from our starting point. The compass won't always show you the correct direction if you travel to mountains. If you are on a flat plain, however, the compass will most likely give you all you need.
If you don't have a compass, you could use an object such as a rock or tree for reference. Even though you still need a landmark to help you orient yourself, it's a good idea to have one.
What can you do to survive in an emergency situation?
You don't have much time to think about what to say next. Prepare for everything. Make sure you know how to react when confronted with an unexpected problem.
If you aren't sure what to do, you must be able to adapt.
In a survival situation, there are likely to be problems like:
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Being stuck in a remote location
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Getting lost
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Food supplies are limited
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Running low on water
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Facing hostile people
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Face to face with wild animals
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Finding shelter
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Predators can be defeated
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Making fire
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Tools
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Building shelters
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Hunting
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* Fishing
How do I stay calm during a survival situation
Calmness and patience will serve you well in most situations. It is easy to panic when you are in a survival situation. You can be calm and patient no matter what happens.
It is important to remember that it is impossible to change the outcome. Only you have control over how you respond. You can feel good about yourself, even if your goals weren't met.
You must be calm and collected when you're in a survival situation. You must be mentally and physically prepared.
Mental preparation includes having a clear goal in mind and setting realistic expectations for yourself.
Physical preparation is ensuring you have enough food for the rescue and water.
Once you have done both of these things, you are free to relax and just enjoy the experience.
How long does it take before you find help?
It all depends on several factors.
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Where you are
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Which terrain are yours?
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It doesn't matter if your cell phone reception is good
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Whether someone has seen you
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No matter if you're hurt
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Whether you are dehydrated
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Whether you have been drinking water
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You can tell if you've eaten in the last 24 hours.
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Wearing appropriate clothing is important
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Whether you are carrying a map or compass
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How familiar are you with the area
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How many years has it been since your loss?
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How long have you spent searching for help?
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How long does people take to notice you are gone?
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It is amazing how quickly they search for you
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How many rescuers attract you?
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How many rescues has your family received?
Statistics
- Not only does it kill up to 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and parasites, but it will filter up to 1,000 liters of water without the use of chemicals. (hiconsumption.com)
- so you can be 100 percent hands-free, and there's less chance you'll put your torch down and lose it. (nymag.com)
- We know you're not always going to be 100% prepared for the situations that befall you, but you can still try and do your best to mitigate the worst circumstances by preparing for a number of contingencies. (hiconsumption.com)
- The Dyrt PRO gives 40% campground discounts across the country (thedyrt.com)
External Links
How To
How to Build a Lean To Shelter
The United States has many small structures called lean-tos. They are typically made of wood, metal poles covered with tarps. The roof is typically added after the walls, floor, or ceiling have been built.
A lean to is a temporary shelter that can be built at the side or roof of a building in case the weather doesn't permit permanent shelter. It is also known as a "leaning to shed", "leaning to cabin," or "leaning to house."
There are many types to lean-tos.
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A simple wooden frame with a tarpaulin covering. This type of lean-to is commonly seen in rural areas.
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Lean-to tent made up of a frame of poles that supports a tarpaulin.
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A lean-to-cabin, also known "cabins-on-frame", consists primarily of a platform supported via beams and posts.
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A lean to shed, also known as "shelter–on-a-pole” or "paddock shed", is a structure of poles and supports that has a cover.
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A lean-to-garage, also known as "garage -on-stilts", or "overhang", is composed of a steel structure that rests upon concrete stilts.
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A lean-to studio, also called a "studio-on-a-frame" or "studio-on-a-post," consists of a framework made up of two parallel horizontal members (posts) and one perpendicular member (beam).
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A lean-to greenhouse, also called a "greenhouse-on-a-post," consists of three parallel horizontal members (posts), one perpendicular member (beam), and a canopy.