If you're serious about being able to navigate... don't cheap out on the compass. Get one with a mirror and adjustable declination, and you will be able to navigate while walking as well as adjust declination as you travel interstate to backpack. Declination changes sometimes over time as well - some older maps of my area show different declination than newer ones.

And if you are hiking with a group - make sure everyone knows to use the declination on the map they are using so you all wind up in the same general area if you are separated. Better, make sure you all have the same map.
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"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki

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