In the wild, you don’t always have access to a map or a compass. However, knowing how to orient yourself accurately can make all the difference between survival and danger.
In this article, discover 2 simple methods to make a makeshift compass, using only what you have on you or in your environment.
1. Create a floating compass
Take a metal needle, a razor blade, or any fine object made of ferrous metal. Magnetize it by rubbing it in your hair or with a magnet, always in the same direction.
Place this needle on a piece of wood, a leaf, or a cork, then let it float on calm water in a container. It will automatically align in the north-south axis, giving you reliable orientation without complex equipment.
2. Make a compass with a pivot
Use a sewing needle, a pen cap, or the tip of a metal feather. Break the needle in two: one will serve as a pivot, the other as a moving needle.
Fix the pivot to the bottom of a small plastic container, then glue the second half of the needle, at its center, onto the feather. Magnetize one of the ends, then place it on the pivot. It will naturally point to the north, like a real compass.
Conclusion
Making a survival compass does not require sophisticated materials, just a bit of ingenuity and precision.
With a few simple gestures, you can find your way back, even without equipment, and progress safely.
