Finally, FINALLY! Someone who says it RIGHT! If you are WEST of the agonic line, you SUBTRACT the degrees of declination on your bezel! Why other vloggers on the internet say you add the declination in this situation is beyond me! Kevin, you are practically the only one out here who makes total sense on such a confusing subject! Thank you SO much for clearing up the mess all ther others have made. God love you for it!

@KevinOutdoors

5 ай бұрын

Yeah there are a lot of bad declination and compass videos out there. Thanks for noticing this one is a bit different.

there is a lot of videos explaining this incorrectly but your video demonstrates it very well a lot of videos get this backwards but when you show it on the globe its very clear i will not forget this now

@KevinOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

So glad that I was able to help.

It sounds like this isn't the first time you've taught this. I'd love some more map and compass navigation videos!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds good, I have a few more video ideas brewing. 👍

@jwpercy

3 жыл бұрын

@@KevinOutdoors it would be great if you could present a practical situation. You're in the field and your gps is dead. You need to get out. Here's how to navigate to the nearest road or landmark.

I was just talking about this with a friend who is wanting to better understand how declination works. I'll be able to recommend your video before we head out into the bush to go over it and apply the lesson. Good explanations of a tricky principle. Cheers, - Martin

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Martyn, the highest praise is when others recommend your video. There are a lot of videos out there about declination but I haven't found any that discuss the rapidly changing Magnetic North and how best to deal with it.

WOW the most comprehensive information on compass and Magnetic Declination, the best one on KZread. Thanks for this video very helpful

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

This is the best explanation I have found. You provided all the information I needed and it was still easy to understand. Thank you!

@KevinOutdoors

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Kevin great video, let it rip, don't stop now. This was the best video I've seen for a long time now.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Daniel!

I've watched a few vids On this subject, yours is by far the best , thankyou.

@KevinOutdoors

8 ай бұрын

Thanks so much.

My first exposure to magnetic declination. Super helpful!!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

Great explanation. One of the better ones on YT

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks!

Never saw a better description of magnetic declination. Learn a lot and I think I am well versed in backcountry travel. Thanks!

@KevinOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

..when I started out in the bush, getting paid to navigate accurately, the declination here at YQT was a bit over 1 degree to compensate for. 30 years later, it's about a 3.5 degree adjustment(maybe more now)...when GPS arrived, it was so wonderful. I could turn my brain off and enjoy the forest more without having one eye constantly glued to the compass "rose"....I seem to remember once that I switched my GPS between reading out True North and Magnetic North, and using the difference between the two to tweak my compass...

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

GPS really has been a game changer!

Kevin, this video was terrific. Thank you. Please continue with more map and compass videos. Much appreciated. Now, I gotta go practice!

@KevinOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I have a few ideas, perhaps in the early spring when there is less foliage and I can better demonstrate navigation in the forest? I'd appreciate any suggestions.

@rcote1234

Жыл бұрын

@@KevinOutdoors That sound like a good idea. Years ago we did a 7 day trip in Quetico, and did our best to locate waypoints, portages, and campsites with map and compass. Navigation responsibilities were rotated between 3 of us, and that person was responsible to show current position on the map and heading to next way point, at all time. If you think it’s a good idea, maybe show a route plan for a 3+ day canoe trip, and then show use of compass and map while on that trip.

Fun fact, all compasses point to Canada. ; ) Magnetic North, as you stated, is in the islands. Well done Kevin .Fun and awesome props : ) Orienteering for the win!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Adam! Much appreciated!

Best rendition & explanation yet. Thanks

@KevinOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Thanks for posting this. I used declination for many years as an archaeologist but it always confused me - still does! I’d love to see more videos on using maps and compasses.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeanette!

Haven't thought about declination since I was in Scouts. Nice refresher and even learned a couple new things. I would love to hear more about map and compass. Good job!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

You got it!

Salve, Maestro! Your teaching aids are excellent!

@KevinOutdoors

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much.

Great video. Very informative in an easy to understand description.

@KevinOutdoors

10 ай бұрын

Thanks!

More please. That was a great explanation. Thank you.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

You got it!

Hey Kevin Great video. I have a test for you and everyone at the comment section. I live in Eastern Maine, USA, a lot of declination. I had some older topo maps. I wanted to learn my declination by a visual reference, so I set up a 100 foot long straight string line between two stakes in my yard. I was at one one of the string line, and I had another person take the other stake ( with string on it ) pulled tight, and I walked them left and right until they were directly under the north star. Then I had them walk the direction of the North needle of my compass with a second string ( this took longer to type than do.. Lol) out 100 feet, and we measured the degrees difference. It was a clear night, and fun to do. A very hands on an visual approach. Also an up to the day reference to the declination in my home town.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Interesting exercise. Thanks!

Love the detail - keep it coming. Learned something new on this video. Now practice.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

This is by far the BEST explanation of compass declination. Thank you!!!

@KevinOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

You are a natural teacher. Yes, I’d like more map and compass.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kevin, more on the way!

I would absolutely love more videos like this! Thanks so much for sharing this in such an understandable way!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, You got it!

Such a clear explanation, thank you for the refresher!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Very helpful, and thank you for the great explanation. I had been to other sites that talked about this, but they did not go into detail as to which way I needed to turn the dial to align for a positive vs. a negative. You walked us through it very well. I still have some work to do to learn this, but this was a big step.

@KevinOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the positive feedback. It is the hardest thing in map and compass to understand. As I live on/close to the agonic line I have to slow down and think about it depending if I am travelling west or east.

Great explanation Kev, looking forward to the UTM video.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I am working on how to frame that video now :)

great video Kevin and yes more map and compass navigation videos

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

More to come!

There's always something to take away from these videos.....I enjoy them and hope you'll continue with them !

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks D!

Looking forward to more of this! :)

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

More to come!

This made a lot of sense. Thank you for this

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

You are welcome BioDave!

Great job with this. Thanks. Make more land nav vids. You're very good at it. I will recommend to my students.

@KevinOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Great explanation of a difficult concept to embrace.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks for the video mate, it was really helpful.

@KevinOutdoors

2 ай бұрын

No problem 👍

Well taught and explained. Too many people do not practice real map/compass work, relying on GPS or cell phone. As an old school type, my GPS only comes out to mark certain waypoints, otherwise map/compass all the way.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Craig. Yes, I don't turn on my GPS much but it has its place.

kevin your videos are amazing. im a boy scout and im really bad at orienteering so your videos help alot!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Noaaah!

Great video. I think everyone should know compass use for basic safety. All it takes is one dead battery for your GPS to die mid hike. Too many rely on modern technology. Looking forward to your videos!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bushcraft 'N Fun

Best declination explanation I've ever seen. Yes, I'd say continue on with more navigation tutorial. Nicely done Kevin.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

Thanks for the video Kevin have a great day !

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, you too!

That was extremely informative. Please keep going with this.

@KevinOutdoors

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

Map from 1975: "...the declination information on this map is very, very old." Sad but true. On a lighter note, another excellent clear, well spoken & presented video chock full of useful information. Not for me of course (cough, cough) but all the young folk who haven't learned about this yet. I liked your visual aids especially that big Silva compass.

@KevinOutdoors

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, what I learned from making this video is that 'new' topo maps can be very out of date.

@Imightberiding

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevinOutdoors Hey Kevin, thanks for taking the time to read & respond to my comments. You brought up a valid point about the dates & current or not so current status of the declination information on maps. For years they were pretty much what I relied on exclusively for directional & topographical information; they still are, along with my trusty compass. For the last 10 or 12 years I have used resources on the internet to check the current declination status. Very quick & I trust also accurate. Never bothered much with GPS, smart phones or any sort of electronic guidance system when I'm out & about in nature. (This does not exclude the use of SPOT.) I still prefer good old maps, compass, analog watch & occasionally ranger beads. You replied that you learned in the making of this video that topo maps can be woefully outdated. I learned from watching it that things from 1975 or perhaps earlier are "very, very old". I was faced with the stark realisation that I am very, very old. ; ) Cheers!

Thanks for the informative video!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!👍

Kevin great video would love to see you add to this topic. Thx again

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris, I definitely have some ideas for more like this.

I always wondered about this, thanks Kevin.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

Excellent explanation Kevin, thanks bud!👍 I always take a compass but maybe I should take a Kevin too😂

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

You should! 😜🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌳

Sweet video. Please do some more!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Will do!

Very nice explanation. Thank you for the information.

@KevinOutdoors

2 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

Great job! Please keep this series going with map/compass orienteering.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

That's the plan!

Thumbs up to another informative video, . Keep em coming

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍 Will do.

As a semi-retired professional mineral exploration geologist who has over thirty years slogging through the bush using map and compass, you explained mag declination quite well, Kevin. Looking forward to seeing your video on your canoe trip when you publish it on YT. My canoe plans are several solo trips into WCPP again.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Morgan. More map videos and more trip videos in the hopper.

thanks for this very informative video. your explanation is always very clear. I never understood declination before and so I thought map north was north and I never knew it changed so close enough. Clearly this is not the case so thanks for that. on another note, i may have a drinking game (coffee of course) every time you said "declination" lol. I hope you make future videos that describe the proper use of the compass and include your procedure in planning out this and more trips. I like the way you do things systematically (dehydrating food, meal prep, etc) so I would learn a lot by seeing how you plan a route. thanks again.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Stephen, I am thinking of doing some compass orienteering videos when the snow is gone and before the leaves come out so there is better visibility for the viewer. I am also thinking of explaining the UTM grid on topographic maps.

@vergilmontiero2558

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like you'll be watching a lot of these videos with the lack of sleep lol

Very interesting video! I learned a lot and would love to see more content like this. All of your other videos are great as well! I'm really glad I found this channel :)

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

Great video and content. Keep them coming.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

Thanks. Awesome video

@KevinOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Saint Raphael?... Nice! Enjoy.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Ha, I didn't realize that anyone could read the map as I was holding it. Now that I look again I see it says 'Churchill Lake' right across the folded section. 😀

Very informative thank you

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Very welcome! 👍

Excellent video

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

More map and compass, please!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Sure thing!

I certainly need work on this.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

It certainly isn't the easiest part of map and compass skills.

Wow, what a wealth of information that is! You have a great way of explaining things Kevin. I look forward to learning more. I had no idea using a compass was that complicated. Luckily I have never had to use one to get me out of a situation. I guess I have been lucky so far when out hiking.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! More to come.

Nice 👍🏻

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ✌️

Great job Kevin! A skill that is becoming more and more forgotten. This video has a lot of goodies, for all levels of users! I would say make more 🔥👍🙌

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Teunis, I did try and put in a few extra goodies that I don't see in other videos.

@FreakofNature1

3 жыл бұрын

@@KevinOutdoors very informative my friend! Keep it up!

Nice

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! 👍

Nice video! Love the effort. I mean how cool is that printed compass! xD Love the way you explain everything from the start and build up on that knowledge. The only thing that I missed was the fact that the "true north" is technically a magnetic southpole. I think that would have been worth mentioning.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, much appreciated!

This is interesting...still struggling to understand. thx

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

This is probably the hardest part of map and compass skills to understand. Once you get it it will all click. My advice is to figure out your declination for where you are and do the calcs with your compass. After doing that once or twice you should be able to take the process anywhere you go. The good thing about a rapidly moving Magnetic North is that you can basically ignore the declination info on your map. Go online and find your current declination. Good luck!

Hi Kevin, extremely well made video! I have one question: around 9:25 you mention you are ignoring Grid North for now, but when we use map and compass don't we usually work relative to the gridlines on the map so that the grid magnetic angle (or magnetic declination from grid lines) is more important to adjust to if you want to go anywhere on the map except true North? Correct me if I'm wrong. Just curious how you see this!

@KevinOutdoors

Ай бұрын

You are absolutely right. Many people find magnetic declination challenging to understand, so in this video, I focused just on that. I have another video on Grid North. It is nice to use the grid lines, but they don't usually point to true north, so you do need to adjust for both. Or, you can just use the edge of the map as that will point to true north, but it is less practical.

Thanks so much! Unfortunately I'm spacially challenged so that means I struggle to remember knots and compass workings. I have a need to relearn compass for the 100th time so thanks. How do you tell if your compass was set semi permanently to a declination change? I have a compass I've had for years and haven't used (properly) for that long. My guess is I set the declination years ago. I want to check it. Thanks tons. You rock!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Barleytone, Glad it was helpful!

Yes Kevin. Great video again. Keep posting. Question: so if I pick map then compass drawn on map is pointing to true North ? … Second question: by adjusting my compass by declination then my compass also points true North.

@KevinOutdoors

2 жыл бұрын

Yes most maps are drawn so that the top of the map is in the direction of true north. To align the map you need to understand the declination.

So, as I understand it you will be adding 2 degrees for your trip next summer. Will 2 degrees really make a huge difference navigating in a canoe? I'm hoping to be in that area this summer as well.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, 2 degrees from true north won't make much of a difference at all especially on a canoe trip. I'm kinda lucky where I live. A larger declination would certainly need to be accounted for. Have a great trip!

Kevin, no disrespect but, how often do you get compared to Phil Kessel?

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Rarely, I am just a better hockey player. 🏒😀

Trying to wrap my head around some of this Kevin and here is where I get stuck. If I look at Jeff’s new maps for Algonquin park the faint blue lines generally run on most other maps I have seen from north to south or towards true north I assume. Then going to the government site for the current declination I can see what it is. Where I am confused is Jeff’s maps faint blue lines run more NE/SW and does that mean it accounts already for the declination and if I also corrected on my compass I would be correcting for something he has already corrected for when making the map? Hope this makes sense.

@KevinOutdoors

12 күн бұрын

Hi Cliff, I am going to recommend this video.. kzread.info/dash/bejne/f3Wsk6uKYZqepco.html it should help explain the UTM grid a little better. I don't have one of Jeff's maps only because he doesn't make them for areas I travel. They are excellent maps, I checked out the Algonquin one online and I think it is great that you can view the entire map for free. Jeff's maps have a legend that identifies both Grid North and the Magnetic Declination, look for the Tech Specs part of the legend. The faint blue lines are in fact the UTM Grid and Jeff uses the NAD83 datum (I have another video where I explain that). The UTM grid on Jeff's Algonquin map (the one I can see) points 4 degrees 46 minutes East of True North. I think if you watch that video about 'Grid North and True North' you should have a better understanding. As I point out in that first video, magnetic declination is constantly shifting. Jeff's map for Algonquin, at least the one you can view online is dated 2023 so it should be pretty current but it is always good to look up the actual declination and write it on your map with the current date. If you want to navigate you need to adjust for magnetic declination. If you want to use the UTM grid to orient your map or to align your compass on the map with true north you will need to adjust for the amount it is off of true north. Watch that video and ask more questions if it still doesn't make sense. ATB.

Kevin. Cookbook. Summer is upon us-. Please give us some information on the status of your book...... nothing but positive for you man, love all you do and I sincerely appreciate all your content. But I really really miss the food prep content.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Anthony, I am happy to let you know that I just received the first proof of the entire book last night. It looks great. I will be reviewing it and making minor changes and it should be available very soon. Hopefully in about a month or less. Thanks for your interest, I will be making a video announcement when I know more details about the actual release.

@anthonybentley6611

3 жыл бұрын

I’m literally making your camp lasagna today!! But I’m not gunna spring 40 bucks for the freeze dried cheese

FYI,It would be helpful for me and possibly others if proper terminology was used,eg. The "shed" is actually called the lubber line. Reason I make this request is because I'm trying to understand my compass instruction manual ,which does use these terms,as a result im having difficulty understanding the instructions, hence watching your video. However thank you for this video it was helpful in a limited way but a good point to start from:)

@KevinOutdoors

3 ай бұрын

It is only called a lubber line if the compass is mounted on a ship or airplane. And what I call the 'shed' isn't at all the lubber line. On a compass the Direction of Travel Arrow is the equivalent of a lubber line. The 'shed' is the Orienting Arrow. Red in the shed is a mnemonic that helps people remember. My favorite style of commenter.

@jasoncreed6396

3 ай бұрын

Oh that's great thank you for that

@jasoncreed6396

3 ай бұрын

I have a cursory understanding from cubs but I recently purchased a sail boat so try to get a more thorough understanding.

Thanks very much for the info, I need to brush up on my (40 year old) orienteering skills - please burn that hat next time you're at the campfire :)

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

LOL, I think that hat makes me look more intelligent. :)

🤯

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

👍

Actually, the magnetic north is no longer in canada. As of 2020, it's approx. midway between Canada and Russia

@KevinOutdoors

3 ай бұрын

Did you watch the video? I discussed that.

@jasoncreed6396

3 ай бұрын

@@KevinOutdoors oh I missed that bit ,but thank you for straightening me out:)

2:30 Starting to get a headache

Are you SURE that if declination is WEST of magnetic north, one should "ADD"? ?

@KevinOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Yes.

@usernamemykel

Жыл бұрын

@@KevinOutdoors If my declination is -7 degrees WEST, shouldn’t I SUBTRACt 7 degrees from 360 degrees , so that magnetic north is 353 degrees?

@KevinOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

@@usernamemykel No you add. This is sometimes challenging to explain with words but I'll try. Let's say you want to travel true north. And imagine you already happen to be facing true north and your base plate of your compass is also pointing true north. And,let's assume you are east of the magnetic north (e.g. in Nova Scotia or Maine) then the magnetic north will be a little left of true north, and the arrow of the compass will be pointed left or west of true north, let's say 7 degrees west. in order to line your bezel up with the arrow of the compass 'red in the shed' you will have to adjust your compass to +7 degrees. When you do this you will have 'red in the shed' and your base plate will be facing true north. I hope that helps. It can be confusing.

@usernamemykel

Жыл бұрын

@@KevinOutdoors Yes, it's confusing, and I genuinely appreciate your sincere efforts. I found YT creator "American Backpacker" discussing how to set a Suunto MC-2 (which I own) for declination. He and I live in Florida, I'm at - 7 west (he's at -6). He showed turning the compass to it's backside, and twisting the screw to it's westerly declination. I did that, and find that my "shed" points to 353 degrees. If it should be at 353 degrees, then haven't I SUBTRACTED 7 degrees from 360 degrees, not ADDED?

@KevinOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

@@usernamemykel Yes, if you are actually 'adjusting' the compass rather than just working from a non-adjustable bezel it can be different (especially when upside down). I have to think it through every time myself, I don't remember rules rather I think it out as I explained it, 'I'm east of true north so...'. Good luck.

The earth is flat...

@KevinOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

...when you look at it, sometimes.

Great video and content. Keep them coming.

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!