- Joined
- Jan 7, 2003
- Messages
- 2,373
Many of us keep a small button compass in our kit somewhere, self included. In the bush, while they give an indication of direction, they are lacking when used for actual navigation. I have been looking around for a low cost, compact compass to include as a back up and I think Ive found one that works very well.
I found a low cost, Chinese import, liquid filled compass that is sold a s key chain. The opaque, black plastic base measures 1.75 inches and the capsule is 1.25 inches. The base is marked in 360 degrees but there is a 40-point scale inside the capsule itself. Here in Brazil they sell for R$5.90 retail, about $2.50 USD. I set these up on a neck cord made from braided #4 waxed line.
In actual use they are far superior to a button compass because you can actually take an accurate sighting with them. Hold the compass between the index and middle finger of the right hand with the neck cord between the fingers. Put your left index finger inside the loop of the neck cord and stretch it tight. With the left thumb make a bend in the tight cord so that the cord passes under the thumb. This makes a vertical aiming point with the cord.
If you line up the S, center of the capsule, and the cord you can read where the red arrow falls on the internal 40-point scale. As long as you follow the same reading you will be able to walk a straight line in the bush. To reverse direction just add 20 points (if the initial bearing is less than 20) or subtract 20 points (if more than 20).
When taking a sighting this way it is important to pay attention to the rear of the compass to make sure the S marked at the back of the base is lined up in a straight line with the center of the capsule, the N, the lanyard hole, and the far end of the cord. With four reference points it is easy to get it all lined up, but you have to make a point of it. It sounds complicated but with a little practice it is actually very fast.
The little button compasses are more compact but Ive never found one you could actually take a sighting with. These medallion type compasses are more secure hanging around the neck and can actually be used for navigation.
One enhancement I give them is to apply a reflective sticker to the back so they also double as a night signal. The stickers I use are the same ones the DOT mandates for the back of trucks.
As low cost back-up compasses go these are a great buy. I hope you can find them wherever cheap Chinese imports are sold near you. In my opinion they are right up there with the $10 Frosts Mora SWAK, and the $2.50 BSA Hot Spark as a decent low cost alternative. Mac
I found a low cost, Chinese import, liquid filled compass that is sold a s key chain. The opaque, black plastic base measures 1.75 inches and the capsule is 1.25 inches. The base is marked in 360 degrees but there is a 40-point scale inside the capsule itself. Here in Brazil they sell for R$5.90 retail, about $2.50 USD. I set these up on a neck cord made from braided #4 waxed line.
In actual use they are far superior to a button compass because you can actually take an accurate sighting with them. Hold the compass between the index and middle finger of the right hand with the neck cord between the fingers. Put your left index finger inside the loop of the neck cord and stretch it tight. With the left thumb make a bend in the tight cord so that the cord passes under the thumb. This makes a vertical aiming point with the cord.
If you line up the S, center of the capsule, and the cord you can read where the red arrow falls on the internal 40-point scale. As long as you follow the same reading you will be able to walk a straight line in the bush. To reverse direction just add 20 points (if the initial bearing is less than 20) or subtract 20 points (if more than 20).
When taking a sighting this way it is important to pay attention to the rear of the compass to make sure the S marked at the back of the base is lined up in a straight line with the center of the capsule, the N, the lanyard hole, and the far end of the cord. With four reference points it is easy to get it all lined up, but you have to make a point of it. It sounds complicated but with a little practice it is actually very fast.
The little button compasses are more compact but Ive never found one you could actually take a sighting with. These medallion type compasses are more secure hanging around the neck and can actually be used for navigation.
One enhancement I give them is to apply a reflective sticker to the back so they also double as a night signal. The stickers I use are the same ones the DOT mandates for the back of trucks.
As low cost back-up compasses go these are a great buy. I hope you can find them wherever cheap Chinese imports are sold near you. In my opinion they are right up there with the $10 Frosts Mora SWAK, and the $2.50 BSA Hot Spark as a decent low cost alternative. Mac
