THIS is how to use a Mirror Compass

Complete introduction to using a mirror compass. Covers everything you need to know — whether you’re a beginner or just want a refresher. This is a practical session (not a classroom in sight) introduction to using a sighting baseplate compass (also called a mirror compass). We’ll walk through every part of the compass, explain what each feature does, and then show you exactly how to use it to navigate — with or without a map. In this guide, you’ll learn how to: ✅ Walk towards something you can see on the ground ✅ Take a bearing from a map and follow it ✅ Find your location using back-bearings ✅ Adjust for magnetic declination ✅ Measure slope angles — with or without an inclinometer I’ve included timestamps so you can jump to the part you need — or treat it like a mini-course and follow along one skill at a time. This isn’t about fancy gear or complicated theory — it’s about using a compass properly, avoiding common mistakes, and understanding how to apply it in the real world. Got questions or something to add? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear how you use your compass in the hills. 00:00 Intro – Baseplate VS Mirror compass accuracy 02:10 ALL parts of a Mirror Compass identified 14:19 How to use Silva Mirror Compass 17:31 Suunto Mirror Gradient Guides 19:08 How to take bearing to a ground feature 23:20 How to stay on a bearing 26:17 How to follow a bearing to a ground feature 29:57 Take a bearing from a map 33:57 Find your location on a map 40:50 Identify a ground feature on a map 46:43 Dealing with / Adjusting for - declination Link to the 5 D's video mentioned    • The 5 D's in navigation   Link to the print-out mention (I'll add this within 24 hours of the video being published)