If your out on a backpacking trip or on a bushcraft weekend, you should always have a compass and map of the area in your kit bag.

If you loose you’re compass or forget to pack one you can still navigate using a map and a wristwatch. (non-digital watch only)

I always use a military wristwatch, in fact I consider the military watch a vital aid and think of it as part of my basic survival kit.

A military watch will give you precise time keeping whilst withstanding any knocks and in all weather conditions.

To use your military watch as a compass, take the watch of your wrist and hold so that the twelve o’clock position is pointing to your left.

Keep hold of the military watch in this position and turn the hour hand so that it points at the sun.

The middle position between the twelve o’clock and the hour hand is now pointing south.

Remember what the exact time is before starting to use your military watch as a compass.

You will need to re-adjust your military watch to the correct time as soon as you have determined your position.