Measure Distance Using Compass

Your compass is a measuring tool that can be adapted to a variety of needs. As shown here, it can be used to measure more than just direction.

You can use your magnetic compass to determine the width of a stream or small body of water without having to get wet. This quick and easy method of determining distance using a compass may just come in handy. In any case, it is always a good trick you can use to amaze your fellow survivors.

Here is how it is done.

1. Standing at the edge of the water, sight an object directly across from you on the far bank. Take a compass reading on this object and mark the spot where you are standing.

2. Walk along the stream until the compass reading to the same object across the stream changes by 45-degrees and mark this spot also.

3. Now measure the distance between the two marks you set. This will be equal to the distance between the first mark and the object you sighted across the stream.

For example:

Say you are standing next to a stream and directly across from you on the opposite bank is a large tree. Take out your compass and sight the tree. 

Let’s pretend the compass reads 300-degrees (Azimuth type compass) or S30W (Quadrant type compass). Mark this spot and then walk either downstream or upstream until the compass sighting on the same tree reads 45-degrees in either direction from your first reading (either 255-degrees or 345-degrees on an azimuth type compass, S15E or N15W on a quadrant type compass). 

Mark this position also. The width of the stream is equal to the distance between your two marks on the ground. If you have practiced pacing (and every survivor should) you can count the number of paces between the two marks and calculate the width of the stream.

The best survivalists are skilled in using whatever materials at hand in novel ways that give him an edge over his environment. "Thinking out of the box" is a trademark of the true survivor.

~Urban Man~

Urban Survival Tools – Pocket Multi-Tools

The Urban Survivors Kit will not be complete without a pocket Multi-Tool. These tools are commonly referred to as “Leathermans”, however Leatherman is only one of the companies that manufacture these must have items.

Having used several versions of Leathermans and other tools, we have the opinion that the two best multi-tools on the market are from Leatherman and Gerber. You should feel adequately equipped with either.

Leatherman 830038 New Wave Multi-Tool


Excellent multi-tool; easily open and handled; with many tools for common functions such as: needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, hard wire cutters, clip point knife, serrated knife, saw, scissors, wood/metal file, diamond-coated file, large bit driver, small bit driver, 2 double end bits, large screwdriver, ruler, bottle/can opener, wire stripper, and lanyard attachment . Comes with Zytel contoured handle/grips in a leather sheath. Weight is approximately 8.5 ounces. Leaf spring type tool locking on the handle.

Gerber Compact Sport Needlenose Multi-Plier 400



Another excellent multi-tool providing the following tools: Needle nose pliers with wire cutters, crimper, serrated drop point blade, scissors, bottle opener, crosspoint (Phillips) screwdriver, large, medium, and small flat tip screw drivers, and can opener. Comes in a black ballistic sheath, weighing approximately 7.4 ounces. Spring loaded tool locking function on handle.

Whether or not you carry one on your belt or in your Survival Bug Out Bag, this is an essential piece of kit. We give a slight edge to the Gerber in terms of price and ease of opening/closing the tools, plus the scissors appear to be more robust.