A compass is at it's best use along with a map of the area you're in. The map shows at the top where magnetic north is and you can line that up with your compasses north position. Once that's done, if you know let's say where you're truck is parked on the map. (which you should) And where you are presently (aprox) all along leaving the map pointed north, you now can get a reading from your compass by sliding it down to your present location with compass still pointed north and read which degree you must travel to return to truck. --- Now before leaving truck and heading out, get a reading of the direction you're headed from your compass--north-west-south-east or in between somwhere, take a mental note and head out, at least when you're heading back you now have an aprox. direction to go if you're not sure!! Heck now I'm lost!! elknut1