Simply Hiking

A good compass will have a very detailed and accurate set of degree lines. Most will have the North-pointing tip painted red to make it easy to distinguish from the South-pointing tip. Very few will point to true geographic north though due to a phenomena known as magnetic declination.

To know how much to adjust, you’ll have to consult local maps as these generally will give you the variation for each year.

For most areas, the differences are minor and you care mostly about which way you are heading, not the absolute direction. So, you can adjust visually by just tilting the map a little bit and not paying too much attention to true north.

Often, just knowing the general direction you are or want to travel is tremendously helpful. Climbing up and down hills, around winding trails you can easily get disoriented. Knowing even the approximate direction back to your desired location can help keep you from getting very far lost.

Whenever you step off the trail, be sure to note the direction you are going when you do. Keep track of any twists and turns you make. That way, if you lose your direction, and can’t find the trail again, you can use your compass to help get you back.