Finding solid map and compass instruction on YouTube means wading through a lot of mixed-quality content, so we’ve done the sorting for you. Below are the ten most-watched videos on the subject, ranked by actual view count at the time of writing.
Across the list you’ll find a mix of quick field demonstrations, polished brand-produced tutorials, and longer deep-dives – including one running over forty minutes and another under a minute. Some are aimed squarely at first-timers, while one targets people preparing for military selection courses. Whatever your starting point, there’s a video here that fits the time and depth you’re after.
1. Land Nav Basics Made Easy | Maps, Compass, & Protractors
Dirty Civilian · 566.6K views · 41:40 · 2024
The most-viewed video on this list by a narrow margin, and by far the longest at over 41 minutes. Dirty Civilian brings in a former Cavalry Scout as guest instructor for a wide-ranging session covering maps, compasses, and protractors – best suited to viewers who want a thorough, class-style deep-dive rather than a quick answer.
2. THIS is How to Use a Compass and Map
Chris Cage · 549.5K views · 9:19 · 2025
Chris Cage, known for his backpacking content and Greenbelly Meals, packs the fundamentals into a tidy nine-minute beginner guide. A good pick if you want a clear, modern, well-produced overview without a big time commitment.
3. How I Use a Map & Compass to Navigate Off Trail – The Basics
Christina Cozzens · 472.7K views · 11:00 · 2020
Christina Cozzens demonstrates her own approach to off-trail navigation with a Suunto compass in this 11-minute video. It has a practical, personal feel – one experienced hiker showing how she actually does it in the woods – rather than a formal lesson.
4. How to orient a map and take a bearing with a compass. The basics of how to use a compass and map.
PreppingItForward · 235.7K views · 3:05 · 2013
The shortest full tutorial here at just three minutes, and one of the oldest, dating back to 2013. PreppingItForward offers a simple, no-frills explanation and demonstration for viewers who want the basics fast.
5. Navigation: Map and Compass Duo
Coalcracker Bushcraft · 185.7K views · 5:44 · 2018
Coalcracker Bushcraft lives up to its description: 'super easy, super effective, no nonsense.' At under six minutes, this is a stripped-down field-style demonstration from a channel known for straightforward bushcraft instruction.
6. How to use a Compass and Map – Silva Navigation School
GO Outdoors TV · 126.3K views · 5:23 · 2013
Produced with Silva – the compass maker itself – and hosted by retailer GO Outdoors, this five-minute video walks through the basics of map reading and compass use. It has the polished feel of a manufacturer's training piece and suits beginners who like clean, structured presentation.
7. How To Use a Map & Compass
L.L.Bean · 90.1K views · 9:16 · 2023
L.L.Bean's nine-minute tutorial comes from one of the most recognizable names in outdoor gear, and it shows – professional production with a companion downloadable guide. A solid choice for viewers who want a reputable brand's take on the fundamentals.
8. Wilderness Navigation Skills- Orientating a Map with a Compass
Northeast Alpine Start · 82.9K views · 0:45 · 2020
The outlier of the list at just 45 seconds, from a channel focused on alpine and climbing instruction. It covers a single task – orientating a map – and is ideal if you want one specific thing demonstrated quickly rather than a full lesson.
9. Beginner guide to map and compass – Survival Saturday Ep. 3
MJ Farmstead · 79.9K views · 8:30 · 2019
Part of MJ Farmstead's 'Survival Saturday' series, this eight-and-a-half-minute episode takes a casual, homestead-channel approach to beginner material. Good for viewers who prefer an informal, conversational presenter over a polished production.
10. Three Advanced LANDNAV Skills to take your map and compass work to a new level!
STOKERMATIC · 26.8K views · 15:17 · 2021
The only advanced entry on the list, and the least-watched at around 27,000 views. STOKERMATIC's 15-minute video is pitched at people preparing for demanding land navigation courses like SFAS or Ranger School – skip the others and start here if you already have the basics down.
Ranked by YouTube view count as of October 21, 2026. View counts move around, so the order here reflects the day this list was compiled. All videos belong to their respective creators – watching them here plays them directly from YouTube, so views and any ad revenue still go to the channel.
