 How To Buy A Compass
Features To Covet - The Basics
- Rotating bezel with a 360 degree dial in 2-degree graduations.
- A clear baseplate with inch and mm scales for measuring distances.
- A direction of travel arrow engraved into the baseplate.
- A rotating magnetic needle mounted in a clear capsule filled with liquid to reduce shake and movement.
- Orienting lines should also be engraved or printed onto the bottom of the rotating capsule.
Features To Covet - For More Advanced Navigators
- A sighting mirror for improved navigation accuracy.
- Built-in adjustable declination correction scales.
- Nighttime glow-in-the dark markings.
- Magnifying glass.
- Map templates for marking controls used in orienteering competitions.
- A clinometer for measuring the angle of slopes -- especially useful in winter applications.
Variables To Consider An Adventure Network Truth from the gear guru himself, Michael Hodgson: A compass is only as good as the person using it. Be sure your navigation skills are up to snuff by taking a class and / or reading one of several excellent books including The Compass & Map Navigator: The Complete Guide To Staying Found, written by Michael Hodgson, dubbed the "navgod" by adventure racers in the 1997 Eco-Challenge. Matching Intended Use to Compass Purchase
| Compass Type |
Hiking
Fishing |
Off-Trail
Mountaineering |
General
Scouts |
Orienteering
Competition |
Professional |
| Simple (starter type) |
yes |
no |
yes |
no |
no |
| Basic Baseplate |
yes |
no |
yes |
yes |
no |
Basic Baseplate
w/ declination scale |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
no |
| Mirror / Sighting |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Orienteering |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
no |
| Sighting |
no |
yes |
no |
no |
yes |
Contributed By: Michael Hodgson
Michael Hodgson is a an award-winning journalist and author of numerous books including Camping for Dummies, Compass and Map Navigator, and Facing the Extreme. He is a volunteer instructor for the American Red Cross, Nevada County Sheriff's Search & Rescue team and was a former mountain guide. Michael is well-known for his sense of humor and eagerness to try anything once in the pursuit of a really good story. His friends remain amazed that he can still walk. He has partnered with his journalist-wife, Therese Iknoian, on four web sites: his own www.AdventureNetwork.com, plus www.GearTrends.com, www.TotalFitnessNetwork.com, and www.SNEWSnet.com |
