Compass info please

[camelcluch]

I want to add a compass to my gear. What's the big difference between a $5 compass and a more expensive one? I have never used one to navigate but feel that it's a good thing to learn. Thanks.

 

[Devonian]

You should look for a compass with a sighting mirror (or some sighting system) and a rotating bezel. I can't really speak about the difference between two hypothetical models but post some examples and I'm sure i can offer some insight.
I used this basic compass daily at work for years.
Amazon.com: Suunto MC-2/360/D/L/CM/IN/NH Compass SS004231001: Health & Personal Care

 

[paleraider]

A good one will be more accurate. Will have a solid base plate which helps when navigating with a map. Also has the ability to modify the declination which is pretty important. Also a sighting mirror and solid bevel are very useful for navigating via sight.

 

[SWVA_Tim]

Just an observation... But I've never been that accurate with sighting ... Maybe that's me .. But never really felt need to be . I use it a lot to orient map and then use natural features to "get there "

May be way off base but that's just me

 

[Desk Jockey]

Get a suunto or silva.

Spend at least $35 or more but not more than a $100. I like the suunto above or the silva ranger. Access Denied

Get a book on Nan like the one by bob burns. Get outside and learn the basics of azimuths, declination, try following along with you gps for a while. It is a handy skill and easy to pick up.

 

[N2TRKYS]

Silva Ranger

 

[camelcluch]

Thanks guys. I will be looking into this a bit more but looks like there is a fair amount to learn.

 

[Usmcvet]

I was a Forward Observer in the Marine Corps so a map, protractor, and compass were my tools of trade. I'm partial to ones that are similar to the ones I used in the service. My is by Brunton that I purchased at REI, and it was about $20. It uses both degrees & mils. I prefer mils because it is more accurate than degrees - 360 degrees in a circle - 6400 mils in a circle, and the circle represents directions in the circle.Make sure you know how to use it properly - GM angle which is located at the bottom of your top map. GM stands for grid to magnetic angle. A compass is drawn to magnetic north which is different than grid north or true north. You have to add or subtract the GM angle so that your compass & map are reading the same. It sounds confusing, but once you understand it, its easy.

 

[aron]

You should look for a compass with a sighting mirror (or some sighting system) and a rotating bezel. I can't really speak about the difference between two hypothetical models but post some examples and I'm sure i can offer some insight.
I used this basic compass daily at work for years.
Amazon.com: Suunto MC-2/360/D/L/CM/IN/NH Compass SS004231001: Health & Personal Care

This Suunto is on mass drop right now.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[camelcluch]

I saw that on mass drop. Is it what every is talking about? I also looked at the ranger today but if the sunnto is good, I may pick that up.

 

[motts]

I have two suunto mc-2's, one with the global needle and one without, and have been very happy with them. The inclinometer and adjustable declination are both nice features to have - more so the declination though as it eliminates the need to continuously account for the magnetic to true north differential that usmcvet spoke of so long as you are staying within the same general area.

 

[camelcluch]

I just saw that I get a very nice discount on sunnto so I will do some research and make a decision. I need the cliff notes on these things.