Finding Your Way In The Wild Without a Compass

If you find yourself lost in the wild without a GPS receiver or compass, you can still find your bearings using the following methods:

Use your watch

If you have an analog watch, you can use it to determine direction.

If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, point the hour hand in the direction of the sun. South will be halfway between the hour hand and 12 o’clock.

If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, point 12 o’clock at the sun. North will be halfway between 12 o’clock and the hour hand.

Observe the clouds

The clouds usually move in the direction of west to east. But, using the sky to find direction can be tough because it will only provide a very rough approximation and it does not work everywhere.

Moss

Moss can help you find your way when you got lost. In the Northern Hemisphere, moss grows on the north side of rocks and trees.

North Star

In the Northern Hemisphere during the night when the sky is clear, you can easily see the North Star or the Polaris. The North Star is the brightest star in the handle of the Little Dipper. If you can’t find it, look for the Big Dipper. The outermost stars of the cup of the dipper points directly to the North Star. Or you can also look for the Cassiopeia which is always opposite the Big Dipper. (See image below: [a] Big Dipper, [b] Cassiopeia and [c] North Star)

Once you locate the North Star, draw an imaginary line straight down from the star to the ground. This direction is true north.

The Southern Cross

In the southern hemisphere, the Southern Cross can help you find south. Look at the direction of the long axis of the Southern Cross and then follow an imaginary line. Make an imaginary line with a distance of about 5 times the length of the cross. After following the line you’ll now be facing south, turn around for about 180 degrees and you will be able to find north.

Spider Webs

If you want to know where south is look for spider webs. Spider webs can be seen on the south side of trees.

Stick and Sun method

Find a stick and put it on the ground vertically. First mark the end of the stick’s shadow. Wait for about 15 minutes and then mark the end of the stick’s shadow again. The stick’s shadow will move from west to east. Make a line by connecting the two points; this is an approximate east-west line.

Sun

You can tell where is east and where is west with the help of the sun. The sun rises more or less on the east and sets more or less on the west. Take note also that the exact position of the sun may vary on the season and latitude.

Water Source (Body of water)

Find a nearby body of water and observe if there are birds, fish, or any amphibians that are breeding. These animals usually breed on the west side.

Take note about these methods and you will surely find your way in the wild.