Originally Posted By balzaccom
That works if you are going due South or due North, but if you are hiking a trail that runs SW to NE and you head off trail to take a leak to the NNW...you'll need a reciprocal bearing to get back to the trail. Also called a back bearing, I guess.

Or you could leave a trail of breadcrumbs to follow back to the trail--no wait, that's not a good idea of witches are around...or birds.


No, it works regardless. If you were headed SE to take that leak, the other end of the needle (silver) is pointing 180deg away...behind you. Now, if you turn the compass around and follow where the silver part of the needle is pointing, you're headed NE.
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