which compass

Skammer,

I understand what you're saying. You've got several valid points. I'm not arguing them in any way. I grew up on an island so my first compass use was nautical. Then I got into mountain climbing and hiking and began using a baseplate type. Then I went into the army and was assigned to the 6th Infantry Division in Alaska where not being able to navigate could mean death, either by freezing or calling a fire mission on your own position (Don't laugh...I've seen it happen in training). I went through a couple of great courses...Inland Waterways Navigation and SERE. I agree that anybody who has a compass should know how to use it but would add two things for those that might not understand:

1 If you're lost, really lost, no map and no idea where you are, a compass will at least keep you going in a straight line and that's definitely better than going in a giant circle.

2 In a SERE type situation, when there are often clear friendly and enemy lines, just being able to move toward those lines is the goal. This could also apply if you have some familiarity with your location. One could be lost and still know that a river, say the Columbia is to their South or the Al-Can Highway is to the East. Either of those would go a long way towards getting a person home.

I think that you'll agree when I say. If you've got a compass, learn to use it and if you've got a map, study it before you go out.

I've been at the mercy of a fresh 2nd LT who couldn't navigate his way out of a wet paper bag.
 
The mirror is there so you can see who is lost :)

Kenk, thanks for the Silva/Brunton clarification!
 
briangandrews said:
Personally, I like Cammenga.

They are about as tough as they come, the magnetic moving piece locks when closed, so it is not damaged, you can get in phosphorus or tritium. They have accurate markings, and in general can just take a beating.

I may use others, like a pin on, but this one is always with me.
Click to expand...

Anyone else have any thoughts or experience with the Cammenga?
 
task force k said:
Skammer,

I understand what you're saying. You've got several valid points. I'm not arguing them in any way. I grew up on an island so my first compass use was nautical. Then I got into mountain climbing and hiking and began using a baseplate type. Then I went into the army and was assigned to the 6th Infantry Division in Alaska where not being able to navigate could mean death, either by freezing or calling a fire mission on your own position (Don't laugh...I've seen it happen in training). I went through a couple of great courses...Inland Waterways Navigation and SERE. I agree that anybody who has a compass should know how to use it but would add two things for those that might not understand:

1 If you're lost, really lost, no map and no idea where you are, a compass will at least keep you going in a straight line and that's definitely better than going in a giant circle.

2 In a SERE type situation, when there are often clear friendly and enemy lines, just being able to move toward those lines is the goal. This could also apply if you have some familiarity with your location. One could be lost and still know that a river, say the Columbia is to their South or the Al-Can Highway is to the East. Either of those would go a long way towards getting a person home.

I think that you'll agree when I say. If you've got a compass, learn to use it and if you've got a map, study it before you go out.

I've been at the mercy of a fresh 2nd LT who couldn't navigate his way out of a wet paper bag.
Click to expand...

I think that you guys are doing slightly different things. In order to navigate to a point, you need a real compass and I like some of the more expensive ones line Suunto, Brunton, Silva etc. I have lots that are usable for land navigation and orienteering. Yes, I also taught land navigation in the army and now teach land navigation for SAR people and orienteering.

In a survival situation you may be able to get away with nothing more than a button compass. You may need little more than a safety bearing in many cases and that safety bearing may be little more than a cardinal bearing to get you to safety. A button compass can do that for you.

Just my $.02,
KR
 
perpster said:
PS: FWIW I just came across this "buyer's guide" to military compasses: http://www.therangerdigest.com/Tips___Tricks/Compass/compass.htm
Click to expand...

It looks and is accepted as the Military standard lensatic compass from what it looks like. I have mine from the Army. Shhh, don't tell anyone. I used it the entire time I was in and is the only thing I signed for that I took home. My buddy the supply sarge tore up the paperwork. Having said that, I almost never use it. I did at first, but there are so many other good ones that I haven't touched it in years. I have lots of others that I use first. Now, it just sits there, mocking me, reminding me of my lost youth. :D

There is nothing wrong with one of the quaility military lensatics, its just there are so many other really good, lighter compasses out there. I am particullary fond of my Swiss army box compass. It now apparently is made by Suunto. Maybe it always was. Mine has Swiss army markings but it looks like the same compass.

Suunto matchbox compass

There are many other good ones out there also made by Suunto, Silva and Brunton.

KR
 
Kr1,

I think you, Skammer and I are all hitting the same point from different directions: if you have a compass, know how to use it. As I said in an earlier post, I use a Brunton type 54 Combi and wouldn't dream of going out without it and a map of the area but survival situations are just that and sometimes the gear doesn't make the trip with you. Thanks for bringing up the button compass and its intended use. Thanks for using the word "may". I should have.
 
Great thread guys. I just bought two new compases. I still have the compas I got in the scouts. But I needed a couple more to put in kits.

So thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
This thread reminds me that I broke my 20-year-old Ranger and need to replace it. Thanks guys. Looking for a good price now.

BTW, the bit about using the mirror to take a reading uphill is fascinating because I've done it without thinking about it. Usually when I explain mirrored compasses to people, I talk about how much easier triangulation is with the mirror. Somehow it never occured to me to point out the obvious use in hilly country -- and I do most of my hiking in hilly country these days. Thanks for the lightbulb moment!

Frankly, I can't imagine stepping off pavement without at least two, and sometimes three, compasses. Two thumbs up for looking at a map BEFORE you trail head too.
 
I use the Brunton 9020G "Classic", I have found it very reliable and easy to use on my canoe trips, and it's inexpensive to boot.

As usual thanks for all the great links folks, after reading this I may need to upgrade my compass.

Helle
 
I actually brought - and used - my Brunton 9020G when at Disneyworld, Seaworld, and Busch Gardens. I'd make sure to fold an edge on the maps such one edge was N/S, and then I would orient myself and the map to north before trying to figure out where the heck I was. It really helped. :D
 
kr1 said:
In a survival situation you may be able to get away with nothing more than a button compass. You may need little more than a safety bearing in many cases and that safety bearing may be little more than a cardinal bearing to get you to safety. A button compass can do that for you.

Just my $.02,
KR
Click to expand...

Nice point K.;)

When I lead teams of searchers looking for the misplaced I/we ALWAYS have a safety bearing. When all else fails you can get back to a road or whatever.

However you must determine that safety bearing before you are turned around and become directionaly challenged. There are some fun natural ways to determine general direction as well and are fun to practice when not lost.

Knowing what direction you are walking in is great as long as you know where you need to go and what direction it is. Otherwise as I have said you are lost in a straight line but still lost. I have seen it happen too many times:rolleyes:.

GPS is another story. This little gadget allows the dummies (armchair bushman) to go in the woods now with no fear of getting lost but as we all know its electronic and we all know Mr Murphy is never far behind.

great thread.

Skam
 
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