I need a good compass

[savageman]

I need a good quality easy to use compass for hunting/hiking/camping. I would like it to fit easily around the neck or hide away in a pocket. What style should I be looking for, keep in mind I dont have alot of navigational skills. Just looking for good quality and easy to use. Thanks

 

[MikeJackmin]

Read this first:

http://www.silvacompass.com/downloads/silva_system_123.pdf

You'll see how easy it is to use a compass with a rotating base plate. Silva makes nice ones, but they are available from many sources.

For a few dollars more, you can get one that adjusts for magnetic declination, which is a very good idea - it eliminates a whole class of potential errors, once it is properly set.

 

[Bob W]

Here's a recent topic on the subject:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=535681&highlight=compass

And I still strongly recommend the Suunto M3 Leader, a great all-around compass that's easy to use and completely functional.

 

[savageman]

I just bought a Suunto M-3DL Leader for $25 online, seen som reccomendations for this compass and $25 seems to be a good deal. Any info or opinions on this compass??

 

[soccergod04]

Go lurk around the W&SS for a while, or even post this question there.

 

[mycroftt]

I currently use the Suunto M-3DL Leader for orienteering. The D means it has declination adjustment and the L means it has luminous markings for night use. I've never used it at night so I can't really say how well the luminous markings work. It's as good as any I have seen, although competitive orienteers use thumb compasses.

If you want to increase your land navigating skills Be Expert with Map and Compass, by Bjön Kjellström, is considered the bible of orienteering.

 

[mckrob]

Another vote for the Suunto, I use the MC2 Global daily for work, Suunto is the only one I really trust.

Here is a recent post on the subject

 

[Absintheur]

I used a Silva for Orienteering competitions while in college, prefer it over any other type. I continued to use it through my military service as a 19D, I think it is the simplest and quickest to use for both orienteering and other tasks like FO work.

 

[kenk]

Do note that since 1969 a compass that is sold in the U.S. as a "Silva" is not really made by Silva of Sweden (the original company). To get a real Silva compass in the U.S. look for the Brunton or Nexus labels.

My recommendations:
Suunto M3 Leader - best quality I've seen for the price
Brunton 15TDCL - the original ranger-style compass by Silva of Sweden

Personally I like the mirrored sighting compass (15TDCL), but it costs a LOT more than the M2. The mirror provides some personal grooming and signaling advantages as well.

I'll admit I've never handled the Suunto MC-2D (with the mirror). I've read some not so good things about it, but quite frankly don't have much faith in those comments. The quality of the M3 is so good that I have troubles believing that the MC-2D isn't as good.

 

[wintermute]

Brunton 15TDCL - the original ranger-style compass by Silva of Sweden

I second Kenk on that one.