View Full Version : Preferred Compass
Well, I did the search feature - and didn't find a thread exactly like this.
Do you have a preferred compass? If so, what brand and why?
I have a number of compasses. One of my favorites is my grandfather's WWI compass.
But my preferred compass, is your garden variety Silva. Reason: Relatively cheap, reliable, sturdy, and has a map table (or whatever you call that).
http://www.rei.com/product/738795
nhCyclist
01-06-2009, 11:32 AM
Like most things, the tool depends on the task at hand.
I prefer a compass such as this: http://www.thecompassstore.com/51mc2d.html
Primary reasons are: clinometer (extremely valuable when lost with a topomap -- oh wait, no one on here gets lost), mirror that can be used for signaling, and finally, magnifying lens to start a fire (although my winter efforts to do so have been unsuccessful so far)
tsitenha
01-06-2009, 11:37 AM
Silva #15, and the "hunter folding" pinned to my jacket.
MCBushbaby
01-06-2009, 04:40 PM
I have the Silva Trekker 420 (similar to the link Cyclist linked to, but without a magnifying glass) but the line of sight is a little weird. Used to the military lensatic compass. Looking over the mirror and then somehow reflecting the needle backplate dial during sightings is... awkward. Miss my lensatic :(
This is my normal compass, a Recta DP-2.
http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/8282/img3191dx9.jpg
I like it because it is very easy to get an accurate sighting. I also got it for a STEAL one day downtown. I looked up high on a wall in a camping store display and saw it all covered in dust. I asked the guy how much it was and he didn't have it in the computer. he looked up the price in an old book and it was $17 US! He had imported it years before and he was giving me the several years old price. Sold to the Gringo!
My back-up compass
http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/2571/img31381ul8.jpg
Mac
klkak
01-06-2009, 07:59 PM
I prefer a compass that points north instead of at my belt buckle. :D
I have and carry a Silva Engineer although I can't remember ever using it. I also have and carry a Marbles brass button compass, it I use from time to time.
Badawg
01-06-2009, 08:14 PM
I have several but my favorite is a Silva Ranger and when I was teaching Orienteering and SAR in scouting that's what I bought for the troop.
I also have a really nice brass Brunton Engineers compass that is at least 50 years old. Also several Ritchie compass' for boating. and I have a USN compass that weighs about 15 pounds that sits on a bookshelf, and a Korean Military one that is a lensatic and accurate too.
Any suggestions for a tiny one?
Stairman
01-06-2009, 08:18 PM
I had a compass to reverse polarity.It must have gotten too close to a magnet or something but north changed to south and Im glad I was in woods that I was familiar with.
wareagle69
01-06-2009, 09:57 PM
for a compass i use trees, sun and the stars, alot less expensive
Nativedude
01-06-2009, 10:08 PM
Wareagle69 wrote: for a compass i use trees, sun and the stars, alot less expensive
I agree with Wareagle. I also carry a needle (sewing needle) which I can magnetize on my silk shirt, and place it on a leaf in a little puddle of water. It really does work! :)
SARKY
01-06-2009, 10:16 PM
My main compass is a Silva Ranger and my secondary compass is a Silva Guide.
nhCyclist
01-06-2009, 11:37 PM
wareagle & nativedude,
How do you take a bearing when your needle is floating in a pond, or in the desert?
Ole WV Coot
01-06-2009, 11:51 PM
Military Lensatic Compass it works for my needs. Also carry a cheapo, but all I use in this area are lensatic.
Sarge47
01-07-2009, 12:59 AM
Well, I did the search feature - and didn't find a thread exactly like this.
Do you have a preferred compass? If so, what brand and why?
I have a number of compasses. One of my favorites is my grandfather's WWI compass.
But my preferred compass, is your garden variety Silva. Reason: Relatively cheap, reliable, sturdy, and has a map table (or whatever you call that).
http://www.rei.com/product/738795
I also use the Silva Ranger like this one:
http://www.thecompassstore.com/ranger1.html
I saw it on the video: "The Ultimate Outdoorsman" by Bob Newman; from Palidan Press & liked it. My "Back-Up compass is a "Swiss-Army Brand" Card-type compass. I like yours as well, RBB, I might look into one of those later. How-ever, while learning how to read a map & compass is important, you also have to have some sort of an idea what lies in what direction as to where you are. If you are totally lost, without a clue as to what lies in any direction, then you can't "shoot a bearing" to find you're way out. Heading North ain't gonna help if you're supposed to be going any other direction, like say...East!".:cool:
I also use the Silva Ranger like this one:
http://www.thecompassstore.com/ranger1.html
I saw it on the video: "The Ultimate Outdoorsman" by Bob Newman; from Palidan Press & liked it. My "Back-Up compass is a "Swiss-Army Brand" Card-type compass. I like yours as well, RBB, I might look into one of those later. How-ever, while learning how to read a map & compass is important, you also have to have some sort of an idea what lies in what direction as to where you are. If you are totally lost, without a clue as to what lies in any direction, then you can't "shoot a bearing" to find you're way out. Heading North ain't gonna help if you're supposed to be going any other direction, like say...East!".:cool:
Common problem with city people that get lost up here. They have a compass, but they headed into the woods without looking at it - so they don't know which way to go to get out of the woods.
Funniest ones are those who get lost on the north shore and you find them right beside a river (all north shore rivers go to Lake Superior).
SARKY
01-07-2009, 11:56 PM
Bob Newman was stationed with me at SERE school.
S.E.R.E Guy
01-08-2009, 01:04 AM
Military lensatic compass, reliable and can do almost every type of nav you can think of
Nativedude
01-08-2009, 01:48 AM
NhCyclist wrote: wareagle & nativedude,
How do you take a bearing when your needle is floating in a pond, or in the desert?
You magnetize one end of a needle or piece of snare wire. Lay the needle or wire on a leaf in the water. It will orient itself north. When it stops you have your north bearing. ;)
When you find water in the desert (and you can) you use the same procedure. :cool:
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