Walk a straight line without a compass

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Pick a distinctive landmark in your direction of travel — a tall tree, boulder, or notch on a ridge.

2. 2

   Line up a second landmark between you and the first, closer to you.

3. 3

   Walk toward the closer landmark, keeping the far one behind it in line.

4. 4

   When you reach the near landmark, pick a new landmark beyond the far one and repeat.

5. 5

   If visibility drops, use sound direction (a stream, wind on a slope) or send a companion ahead to serve as a moving landmark.

Tip: In featureless terrain, plant a stick every 50 paces and line up the last two — you can see your line by looking back.