Best Value Compass?

[ATOMonkey]

Getting together a shopping list for my BOB.

A good compass is on my short list of must haves.

Any recomendations?

 

[mrjarrell]

I have a very old military compass that I wouldn't trade for anything. Even has a radiation warning on it. I'd say get a mil surplus one, if you can find one. They're usually tough as all get out and do everything and then some. I've used mine for impromptu surveying.

 

[jeremy]

Is the only thing you intend to use the Compass for is Navigation?!

 

[woowoo2]

When I ran a sat truck, the clear plastic (Boy scout?) ones worked the best.

 

[96firephoenix]

Army surplus. it is without a doubt the best compass I've ever owned or used. it cost me about $20 at the A/N surplus store, but its worth it.

thats odd... most of the surplus stores are now showing it for $50-75.

 

[jeremy]

Brunton 8096…
Somewhere around the $40 range…
Brunton 8096 Adventure Racing Compass

Brunton International Transit…
Somewhere north of $500
Brunton International Pocket Transit

Silva Ranger CLQ 515CLQ
Somewhere around $50
Silva Ranger CLQ 515 Compass - Silva Compasses


You can always pick up a Surplus GI Compass also.
If you are contemplating this route though verify it is accurate before you purchase it.
Also try to find one of the Tritium Versions also…
Not uncommon for the Tritium ones to be just South of $100

I actually like the 8096 or the Ranger CLQ for General Land Nav.
With the International there is little to nothing that you cannot do.

 

[ATOMonkey]

Just for land nav.

$20 for a surplus compass sounds like a hell of a deal!!

 

[jeremy]

Just for land nav.

$20 for a surplus compass sounds like a hell of a deal!!

Like I said earlier verify it is accurate. Fairly simple to do take a known good compass and shoot a point, remember the number. Then repeat with the ones you are interested in...

Also test and Verify that they glow in the Dark...

 

[Blackhawk2001]

The reason I like the clear-bottomed (orienteering-type) compasses over the lensatic compasses is that you need not orient the map to N when determining your course, you just have to line the north needle up with the north-south heading lines. They're also much less expensive. The one I have in the vest I'm wearing right now, I got in 1974 and have carried ever since.

 

[abnk]

Silva or even Coleman should serve you well.

 

[Sailor]

Silva Starter is all you need. $9. Easier to use with maps. Once you get really good upgrade to others if you feel the need.

 

[Leadeye]

I have a very old military compass that I wouldn't trade for anything. Even has a radiation warning on it. I'd say get a mil surplus one, if you can find one. They're usually tough as all get out and do everything and then some. I've used mine for impromptu surveying.

Can't beat these, I've had one for 35 years.

 

[bstewrat3]

Buy 2. At some point you will have a moment that you doubt the reading and stop trusting the compass. You can then use the second to validate the reading on the first and restore your trust in it.

 

[Regionnus Rattis]

The reason I like the clear-bottomed (orienteering-type) compasses over the lensatic compasses is that you need not orient the map to N when determining your course, you just have to line the north needle up with the north-south heading lines. They're also much less expensive. The one I have in the vest I'm wearing right now, I got in 1974 and have carried ever since.

I've always used a lensamatic compass when I take the family on our backpacking trips in the Wind River Range. I suppose it's what you get used to using.

 

[shibumiseeker]

I'll second the orienteering compasses $10-15. I own surveying instrments that run $150-200, and I have a bunch of orienteering compasses. If you leave it in the car, buy 2-3, they go bad over time if they are constantly being moved (it'd take a few years, but why take chances when they are cheap?).

I have 1 orienteering compass with each of my packs, and a couple of the little cheap bubble compasses that, while they won't allow me to get 5 degree accuracy, will keep me moving in a more or less straight line.

 

[DanO]

Kind of like asking "what is a good knife?".

I have my old military lensatic. Great compass for serious orienteering. I also have a large silva that is as good, but not at night. I have a small compass on my watchband as I type this, and it would do me fine for most walks in the woods around Indiana or even out West if it was an area I was familiar with.

Start with a good Silva, get Bjorn's book "Be an Expert with Map and Compass" and practice. You need to know a little bit about true North, magnetic north , declination,etc. before you are ready to orienteer. You will eventually own a few compasses, but the KNOWLEDGE of how to properly use one is the most important thing.

 

[randyb]

Silva, Sunuto, and brunton all sell base models in the $10 range like:

Silvia Silva Starter Compass

Brunton Brunton 7DNL Compass

This one is my fav for its accuracy, mirror, and compactness (and it floats):
Silva Guide 426 Floating Compass - GRAPHITE

 

[The Bubba Effect]

I vote for a cheap Silva like the starter. They're tough as nails and great for orienteering work. I've beat the tar out of my silva and it lasted 22 years before I gave it to my nephew (went out the next day and bought another silva).

 

[mmaddox]

Regardless of the type and/or brand of compass, storage of same is paramount. Does not do much good when that long, or short term stored compass is no longer trustworthy. Also remember to practice/use to keep skills up.

 

[Waveraider]

I saw this at Fry's Electronics last weekend. It was on sale for $2.99.

FRYS.com | Brunton