Compass

J

jfmitch

Joined
Dec 29, 2005
Messages
115
I'm starting to get interested in learning orienteering. I picked up a Brunton Adventure Racing compass for around $20, mainly because it was relatively cheap. Eventually, if my interest doesn't fade, I want to get a Cammenga.

Do any of you use a compass while you are out and about? (Not necessarily for orienteering, but for general use also) If so, what do you carry?
 
I use one but usually with a map. Then if it seems like I'm not going in the right direction I compare the direction the compass says I'm going, the direction the map says I'm going and any unique topographical or other features the map says should be in the area I THINK I'm in.:D:confused:
 
I use mine just as Hollowdweller described...with a topo map. I have an old Silva Ranger. Just a word of caution tho, check your bearings from more than one spot if things aren't making sense relative to where you think you are...I've had what must've been high iron content in the ground throw my readings off. I was really confused until I moved about 20 feet away and took my bearings again, then my readings matched the direction I thought I was going in. Sometimes you need to trust your compass regardless of what your brain is telling you...but only after more than one reading :-)
 
Either an old Silva baseplate, a fancier Silva Ranger or a Brunton Transit. I like a baseplate compass because it's so easy to use. A mirror sighting device on the baseplate makes sighting more accurate in hilly or mountainous terrain.

FYI, the newer Silva Compass's sold in the USA marketed by Johnson Products are no longer made by Brunton and it shows! Compared to the Brunton "Silva" the new ones are junk. I think Brunton now labels their old Silva (USA) line as Nexus.

I've read good things about the "Brunton 54LU" compass but haven't had one in hand yet. Those military lensatic like the Cammenga must be pretty good, they have been around for a long time.
 
GPS as backup or if I need to find an EXACT location.

By the way, the old Silva Ranger was a great compass. The new ones are HORRIBLE.
 
I was just going to swap something with Jake, a fifty year old Waltham USGI Lensatic Compass. They are bombproof. Weight? Man, unless you're into that ultralight stuff, it's not that heavy.

I have a Brunton Smokechaser from the early 90s, baseplate compass and a Recta Matchbox Compass as well. They're all great.
 
My hands down favorite compass is a Suunto MC-2G. The global needle is nice if you travel a lot. I have quite a few Silvas, a couple of Bruntons and a few Suunto's, including 2 of the MC-2G's. Pricey, but you won't be disappointed.
 
I've got a Suunto model with a mirror that I don't think was ever released in the US. It's got tritium sights and all kinds of other fun stuff. I'm friends with the Suunto reps, and they have given me some pretty cool gadgets over the years.
 
storl said:
I'm friends with the Suunto reps, and they have given me some pretty cool gadgets over the years.
Click to expand...

I clicked on your link to get a couple Suunto Clipper Compasses and you don't carry none of them!

Where is the best place online to get them, from a reputable dealer?
 
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Wife ordered 32 tons of topsoil for the lawn, kids ending the school year and I am getting ready to head to Hawaii.

This family stuff is killin me! Hahaha!
 
Don Rearic said:
I clicked on your link to get a couple Suunto Clipper Compasses and you don't carry none of them!

Where is the best place online to get them, from a reputable dealer?
Click to expand...

Dang, missed a sale. :)

There's about a million people selling them and I try to avoid competing with people that I have no chance against (REI, Cabelas, Bass Pro, etc.). REI is a good source for them, and their return policy is awesome if you are a member. They charge tax in a lot of states though, so Amazon is another good option. Just make sure you buy the ones that say they are sold and shipped by Amazon so you can get your free shipping on orders over $25.
 
Suunto MC-2 does it all. It has a mirror so you can see who's lost :)

Seriously, the mirror has all kinds of secondary uses, from personal grooming to signaling for help.

The Silva Ranger is in the same class and will do the job. For that matter any of the good baseplate compasses will work. I like to carry one good compass with a mini for CYA in my survival kit.

Take the time to learn how to use a compass well. It's fun and can save your bacon.
 
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