Bearing

A bearing is a directional measurement expressed as an angle (typically in degrees) from a reference point, most commonly magnetic north, used for navigation in the outdoors. In hiking and backpacking, bearings are taken using a compass to determine the direction of travel to a specific landmark, campsite, or destination. This navigation technique allows hikers to maintain course in poor visibility conditions, navigate cross-country routes, and triangulate their position on a map by taking bearings to known landmarks.