Can anyone recommend a good compass?

[stebo]

I would like to purchase a compass, but really don't know much about them. First, I was thinking of getting a hand held one. You know, the classic fold out kind with the sight wire, etc. Then I started seeing other kinds such as digital ones that give you the temperature, barometer, etc. or the kind that I can attach to my zipper. Then I saw watches that do the same thing (temp, compass). Can anyone recommend a decent, fairly inexpensive compass in the $50 range or so. I kinda like the idea of having a compass that gives me temperature too. Are digital ones any less accurate or harder to use?

[contrary2ordinary]

http://brunton.com/product.php?id=111

Cheap and easy to use.

[Weekender#1]

Why not a e trex $89.00

[EYESON]

I think it is Sunco. My buddie found one a couple of years back it is all incased in aluminum. From what I here it is the standard for surveyors, which makes sense since he found it in the logging companies land.

[roger23]

http://brunton.com/product.php?id=111

Cheap and easy to use.

These are what I use they make several types. I use a GPS but always have a compass back up They have instructions that are easy to use

[Brown duck]

I use a GPS but always have a compass back up

A GPS will fail you a lot more often than a good compass. I'd also stay away from digital doo-dads. Brunton makes some nice ones, as does Silva - you can spend $15 to $75 and more, depending on what you'd like.

[contrary2ordinary]

These are what I use they make several types. I use a GPS but always have a compass back up They have instructions that are easy to use

I agree. It's good to have a backup that doesnt take batteries. Now that I'm thinking about it, the Brunton compass I have came in a kit with a book and a waterproof map case. I think it cost around 30 bucks. Worth every penny.

[CMR]

http://brunton.com/product.php?id=111

Cheap and easy to use.

Thats the one ya want to use!!! Its perfect for plot maps and topo maps, as in how to navigate with a compass.

[john warren]

yes i can, go to dunhams or any boyscout supplier. buy one thats used for orienteering and compus work for boyscouts. they work as good as any compass and are very affordable.I would like to purchase a compass, but really don't know much about them. First, I was thinking of getting a hand held one. You know, the classic fold out kind with the sight wire, etc. Then I started seeing other kinds such as digital ones that give you the temperature, barometer, etc. or the kind that I can attach to my zipper. Then I saw watches that do the same thing (temp, compass). Can anyone recommend a decent, fairly inexpensive compass in the $50 range or so. I kinda like the idea of having a compass that gives me temperature too. Are digital ones any less accurate or harder to use?

[homerdog]

Suunto makes a bunch of different good quality compasses, there's probably one here that is just what you need.

http://www.suunto.com/suunto/main/article_1column.jsp?ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474 395903523&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673939780&searchAccessories=false&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474395903551&bmUID=1159472877889

[Mags]

When I need to, I use a Silva type 15. Excellent compass at around $45-50. Has mirror sighting, declination adjustment and even has a feature to figure out the slope(in degrees) of a hill or whatever.

[TrailFndr]

Stick with the Orinentering style compass. Brunton makes several. they are the easiest to learn, no sighting mirrors or other do-dads. simply point and walk. Orienteering is the fastest compass to use for most people. Bruntons directions are top notch. We used them for Boy Scouts, and after an hour or two, our kids could follow a course that we had laid out and hit every mark on the way.

[theredmission]

Ive found the ones where the little red arrow thingy points north work good.:D

[contrary2ordinary]

Ive found the ones where the little red arrow thingy points north work good.:D

Don't they all have that?

[theredmission]

Don't they all have that?

You know I was being sarcastic right!?!

[H&R12]

my Garmin GPS has been great to me. you can store your tracks so you can follow them back. your can even use the compass with the GPS off.

[eddiejohn4]

Any lenstaic compass should do the job for you. get one at the military surplus store or even cabelas.:)

[fasthunter]

If I use one I just use the military Lensatic compass with the wire. They are durable and work for me. If you are trying to get an accurate grid on a map in flat woodsy terrain I would recommend knowing you're pace count though. It helps. That's just what I do though.

[Violator22]

I have an older Silva polaris, and a Army issue lensatic compass, ya want one of them, I only need one. Les

[stebo]

I have an older Silva polaris, and a Army issue lensatic compass, ya want one of them, I only need one. Les

You have a PM!

[Fishous]

Why not a e trex $89.00

Because I don't think the $89 etrex has a magnetic compass. It determines direction (compass) based on the direction you're traveling, which doesn't work well when on foot. Non very accurate. And, when you need it most, the batteries will be dead.

[goemado]

A GPS will fail you a lot more often than a good compass. I'd also stay away from digital doo-dads. Brunton makes some nice ones, as does Silva - you can spend $15 to $75 and more, depending on what you'd like.

GPS is great...but not for walking a straight line. Unless you enjoy zig-zagging your way to the destination...get a compass. Use the GPS to get a bearing line then use the compass to hold it....I use an Etrex but only for point of reference.

Good luck...and get two of whatever compass you decide on while you're shopping - promise you'll missplace one when you need it the most...I keep one in my pack just in case.

Good luck.

[U.P. Whackmaster]

I always use a compass. I think that the modern GPS units are a great tool, but if it is electrical and mechanical, it will break down. While it takes a little more to learn how to orienteer, it is worth its weight in gold either getting your but back and forth to a hunting location or getting just back home! Both Brunton and Silva make economical, precision instraments.

Whack

[stebo]

Violator22 is sending me one of his extras. What a guy!!!
Thanks for all of your responses!

[Burksee]

Nobody uses the little ball compass's anymore? :whistle:

I've got several, always got one pinned on jacket, inside my fanny/back pack and in my tackle box. Great little units for those "just in case" scenarios! ;)

[stebo]

Nobody uses the little ball compass's anymore? :whistle:

I've got several, always got one pinned on jacket, inside my fanny/back pack and in my tackle box. Great little units for those "just in case" scenarios! ;)

I had one, but it got ripped off of my jacket a couple of years ago out in the woods without me knowing it.

[contrary2ordinary]

Violator22 is sending me one of his extras. What a guy!!!
Thanks for all of your responses!

Yep. That's the best kind to get.

[yooperkenny]

...get a compass. Use the GPS to get a bearing line then use the compass to hold it.....

I find myself doing that quite a bit also. I like the Silva compasses.

[Chuck]

I like the simple orentering type compass too. I have a sylva and it was like 12 bucks I think. It has a huge bubble in it now but it still points north quick. I need to get another. They work great for topo maps. I use a gps too but only to get a direction. I walk a ways then check it again. In swamps with no terrain features it comes in handy. I woulodnt go into the woods with out a compass.

Also make sure it has a string tied to it. Put the compass in your pocket and loop the string threw you belt loop on your pants. Thsi way it never gets lost. Always believe what it says. :)