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Post by Coolkat on Aug 16, 2016 7:11:17 GMT -8
Back 3 or 4 years ago when I took my orienteering class the instructor gave me a cheap compass because he didn't like the military one that I showed up with. Well last backpacking trip I noticed it has issues but wasn't worried about since it's hard to get lost on an island that is 4x7 miles. Anyway I want to get a new one before my 7 day trip in October. I'll be honest it's been a while since I had my orienteering class so I don't remember all ins/outs of what to look for in a compass. I'm considering this one Brunton TruArc20. But I'm open to the suggestion of others. I don't wanna go crazy in the price but I don't mind spending a little bit if it's good and is actually going to last a long while.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Aug 16, 2016 8:05:16 GMT -8
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Post by Coolkat on Aug 16, 2016 9:35:07 GMT -8
Thanks High Sierra Fan, I'll take a look and do some more digging. I can always google but it's nice to hear from people who've used the products and can give a thumbs up or down.
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amaruq
Trail Wise!
Call me Little Spoon
Posts: 1,264
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Post by amaruq on Aug 16, 2016 12:39:13 GMT -8
I get along just fine using a simple plate compass with a sighting mirror.
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tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
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Post by tigger on Aug 16, 2016 13:49:59 GMT -8
I get along with a simple plate compass without a sighting mirror. However, I also have visual clues as to my whereabouts (Mountains and obvious ridges).
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Post by UpperPeninsula on Aug 16, 2016 16:26:22 GMT -8
I have been using Silva for 20 years. Tough, accurate, affordable.
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BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,937
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Post by BigLoad on Aug 16, 2016 19:56:09 GMT -8
I've used quite a few different compasses. I have a couple Silva Rangers that were previously my favorites. From a readability and accuracy perspective they're hard to beat, especially the split mirror version. Their weakness seems to be a tendency to form bubbles. I also have a Suunto Global which I like a lot so far, but hasn't had much use yet.
My current favorite is a K&R Alpin, whose special feature is a more flexible capsule that makes it more resistant to forming bubbles. It also has the easiest declination adjustment I've seen. It requires no tiny screwdriver or a tool of any kind, just an easy turn with the fingers. It's not as instantly readable as a Ranger, but I expect the capsule will be more durable in extreme cold and altitude.
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Post by cweston on Aug 17, 2016 3:43:24 GMT -8
Brunton, Silva, Suunto: it's hard to go wrong, although I did have a Suunto whose pin broke in the field last year. The one essential feature, IMHO, is a set-and-forget declination scale. I wouldn't buy a compass without it. I'm currently using a basic Brunton Tru Arc model. Edit: this is the Brunton model I'm currently using. No sighting mirror--I have found that I don't have much use for it. www.rei.com/product/877063/brunton-truarc-5-compass
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2016 5:56:24 GMT -8
I've used a simple Silva Polaris for ~30 years.
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reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,164
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Post by reuben on Aug 17, 2016 15:46:30 GMT -8
As long as mine points True East, I'm happy. TMI, OOC, and all that.
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swmtnbackpacker
Trail Wise!
Back but probably posting soon under my real name ... Rico Sauve
Posts: 4,886
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Aug 17, 2016 17:56:50 GMT -8
I've had the same single plate compass for almost 20 years (no sighting mirror). Use it rarely but should practice.
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Post by johntpenca on Aug 17, 2016 22:01:08 GMT -8
As long as mine points True East, I'm happy. Funny! Bought a silva ranger 30 years ago when I was in forestry school and have used it ever since.
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Post by Coolkat on Aug 18, 2016 4:45:41 GMT -8
If all you need is a very small reliable compass that can point north, this looks interesting. Although it will not be my purchase. FB1605 NATO Survival Compass
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Post by wanderingwildcat on Aug 18, 2016 5:47:53 GMT -8
I use a Silva Ranger CL and I love it. Bought on Amazon.
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daveb
Trail Wise!
Posts: 589
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Post by daveb on Aug 18, 2016 7:45:21 GMT -8
I use a Silva Ranger CL and I love it. Bought on Amazon. I just took a look at a Silva Ranger 515 CL Compass on amazon and one of the bullet points states, "•This item is not for sale in Catalina Island". Why is that? Just curious.
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