Issue 07 Preview – SHTF – Old School GPS Patrick Vuong Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Develop Your Compass-and-Map Skills — Along With Situational Awareness. Practice. Rinse and Repeat. Statistics tell us that we’re far more likely to get lost in the mountains during a hiking trip than we are to encounter a catastrophe or undead outbreak. Whether your SHTF moment is worthy of a J.J. Abrams movie adaptation, one thing is for certain: knowing where you are and how to GTFO will dramatically increase your chances of staying alive. Sadly, your average cubicle jockey wouldn’t find his way out of a paper bag. With the proliferation of GPS units and smartphone navigation, there’s been an overreliance on technology. But what happens if your batteries die or you lose a satellite signal? Or an electromagnetic pulse kills all digital devices in the area? No worries, you say, because you have a compass. Well, it’s one thing to have a compass in your go-bag, but it’s another thing entirely to know how to use it properly, says Shane Hobel, founder of Mountain Scout Survival School. People tend to develop a false sense of security when they stow, but never use their expensive compasses. “You should be able to use, or at least be able to set up, any gear you have in your go-bag or camp bag when there’s absolutely no light — that includes navigation equipment,” says Hobel, who teaches both urban and wilderness survival. This means get a compass and a map and start practicing until old-school navigation becomes second nature. The Right Gear The first step in learning how to use a compass is to get one, obviously. But which one? Compasses can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. “The truth of the matter when it comes to certain tools is that — much like a water filter — you don’t buy a cheap one,” Hobel says. “It doesn’t mean you buy the most expensive one, but spend a decent amount.” He suggests avoiding expensive multi-tool-style compasses and instead getting a dedicated compass in the $20 to $50 range, which are usually accurate and reliable. The compass should also have a: Lid or covering to protect the compass housing; Lanyard to wear around your neck, so you don’t lose the compass; Acrylic mirror to simultaneously view the compass dial and what’s ahead of you. The mirror can also be used to communicate with friends in the distance or to signal search-and-rescue parties. It’s also good for hygiene, such as spotting tics. For the rest of this article, subscribe digitally here: RECOIL Issue 7 Explore RECOILweb:RECOILtv Full Auto Friday: FN M249 SAWZeroed In - Jim FullerPistol Shotgun ShowdownThe Gyrojet: In This Case, It Is Rocket Science NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.