Compass

Luvoutdoors · 06-30-2010, 01:15 PM

Can anyone recommend a brand or type of compass that I can be looking out for? I have seen the ones at the local big box store and I was just totally unimpressed it looked like it might fall apart as soon as you took it out of the package!

peanut · 07-01-2010, 06:06 PM

If you are looking at a discount store like Walmart or similar, I wouldn't give you a nickle for those. I'd look at stores like Cabela's or Bass Pro as they tend to have better quality outdoor items.

Bradsalex · 07-01-2010, 06:35 PM

It really depends on what you're used to using. I'm used to using the green, military style, lensatic compasses. You can usually find them from 60-80 dollars at outdoor stores.

Camoguy · 07-02-2010, 07:06 PM

Wouldn't sun position help you to figure out where you are? I mean, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west so the only time you should be confused should be around noon and that would only last an hour or so.

Bruen · 07-02-2010, 07:46 PM

I use a lensatic compass as I feel they are sturdier and can tolerate a lot of abuse. I think I paid 50 bucks or so for it. It does come in handy in reorienting myself, especially if I'm deep in the woods.

northernbushape · 07-08-2010, 04:18 PM

I use a fairly simple compass - liquid-filled, works with UTM based maps and gives me direction, degrees and scale measurements. I have always relied on visual point reference so it doesn't have the site window or mirror on it. I will pick a landmark every couple hundred meters or so and make a note of heading / bearing so I can retrace my route if needed. I think I paid around $50 for it. I actually use it quite a bit when hiking and especially geocaching. I have a hand held Magellan GPSr too, but the electronic compass is close to useless. You have to be moving at a brisk walk in order for it to actually work.

I also have a couple crude button style compasses as backups. They will only tell me direction though, so they are mostly used for verifying that my main compass is in good order.

Luvoutdoors · 07-09-2010, 04:38 PM

Thanks for the recommendations guys I will look at Cabella's or somewhere similar as soon as I get a chance. I was just not happy with the ones at the big box stores.

oldsarge · 12-11-2010, 10:27 PM

I have a military lensatic and a few Bruntons, an 8099, 8096GPS and a 54UL. Brunton also makes a small pin on ball compass which I use in conjunction with my GPS while Geocaching. They are all very well made and reliable. I use to use Silva's quite a while back but found quality starting to slip. After referring them to a few people, they had problems with them weathering poorly and discoloring to the point where you could barely read them. I never went back after that. I've had my Bruntons for several years now and they hold up real well. Bruntons have a unique circle in circle system for obtain azimuths. Wasn't sure if I'd like it when I first read about it but now I'm sold. The higher end 8099 series gives you your back azimuth at a glance, not to mention several other features and a life time warranty.

le Metis · 12-12-2010, 12:09 AM

Check here, too...

http://store.silvacompass.com/produc...L__515_Compass

I've been using Silva for more years then I can remember...my current one is the Ranger 15 CLQ...great compass that can serve in a pinch as a sextant..

hikingshoes · 12-26-2010, 12:03 AM

Check out Suunto compass. Suuntowatches.com .Merry Christmas..HS