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)