Compass
From Trail-Finder -- Dedicated to getting you outside
Contents |
Overview
The compass is one of the most basic, and least expensive, instruments available to aid backcountry navigation. A small, magnetic pointer, balanced on a pin, enclosed in a glass, plastic, or aluminum housing, sometimes filled with liquid, a compass always points to magnetic north.
Types of Compass
Orienteering Compass
The most common type of compass for backcountry use, and nearly the only compass used for orienteering is the orienteering compass, made by Silva, Suunto, Brunton, and many other companies.
This style of compass, now also made by several different manufacturers, has a clear base so you can read maps through them, as well as measuring scales on the sides, and often a magnifying lens and a neck cord. They're inexpensive, nearly indestructible, unfreezable, and don't mind living in the bottom of your pack.
Lensatic Compass
Originally designed for the military, while the orienteering compass is designed for working with a map, the lensatic compass is designed more for reading from the land.
Electronic/Inertial Compass
Electronic compasses are now finding their way into the better GPS's. Since GPS-based compasses only work well when moving, the intertial based, electronic compasses allow you to reliably use your GPS as a compass. One warning when doing this, though. Calibrate early and often. It's not hard for them to drift off 90 degrees or more.
Kayak Compass
Kayak compasses are special compasses designed for strapping on the front of a kayak's deck. With bungee cords to attach to deck lines, and a durable housing, and a floating, glow in the dark compass card, kayak compasses can be read easily, even in large, rolling waves.
Toy Compass
Even if they're not sold as toys, the little compasses on zipper pulls, keyrings, etc, might tell you north from south, but that's about it. In an emergency, they might help, but if you want to do real navigation, they're pretty much worthless.
Compass Use
Reading a compass isn't hard, but to do it accurately requires a few techniques and some practice. Read more about compass use.
