Reccomend a compas for traveling?

[mmace1]

Whenever I visit a new city and am on foot (usually this happens when traveling overseas), I end up wishing i had a compass for orientation. I have no idea what to look for in one though. I don't think I'd utilize any advanced functions, just a quick check to get my cardinal directions. Any suggested models or suggested places to research/ask? To me, this seems like something some flashlaholics would carry around...

 

[Marduke]

A small, liquid filled button compass would probably work best. They are small enough to fit anywhere/everywhere, so you are less likely to forget them or leave them behind.

You might have some luck over at EDCF (every day carry forums)

http://edcforums.com/

 

[BIGIRON]

I've used a pin-on ball compass for many years when hunting or hiking in unfamiliar territory. I think the one I have is a Marble's. Don't think they are around anymore but the little ball compasses are readily available at most outdoor stores.

They work well but might look a little dorky for in-town wear.

 

[Sigman]

Marble's still seem to be available...

 

[BIGIRON]

Sig, that brings back memories. I had one of the brass ones and gave it to a friend when I went into the Army. I do still have my Marble's match carrier, tho.

 

[Stormdrane]

The Suunto Clipper fits on a watchband or webbing strap on a bag/pack. I keep mine on my watchband so it's always with me.

 

[83Venture]

I have one of the Pin on types that was passed down to me from my uncle that he used in WWII. Out of curiosity I went to the marbles site and clicked on the where to buy option. Maryland is not even listed.

 

[BIGIRON]

Clik on the "mail order". There are several including Brownell's and Midway.

Stormdrane, isn't that affected by the metal watch?

 

[Stormdrane]

Clik on the "mail order". There are several including Brownell's and Midway.

Stormdrane, isn't that affected by the metal watch?

The metal on my Zulu band is non-magnetic and it's far enough away from the watch to remain accurate. It's easily removed from the watchband if needed for a better reading. These types of smaller compasses are primarily for getting your basic bearings, not orienteering with a topographical map, and they work fine for their intended purpose. As my scoutmaster told me, 'A scout is never lost, just disoriented.'

 

[BIGIRON]

Attributed to one of the old Mountainmen "I ain't never bin lost but I bin powerful turned around a couple of times".

I once told wife that we really weren't lost -- I knew what lake we were on.

BTW Brunton makes a keychain compass that's a good size - about 1 1/2in in diameter and 3/8in thick. I have one that's GID that I picked up from Revolvergeek. Be sure and move it away from your keys when you use it - mine will have about a 20deg varience on the keychain.

 

[Stormdrane]

I also have one of those Brunton compasses on my jacket zipper pull, and one of the GID ones on a backpack. :thumbsup:

 

[BIGIRON]

Ha. Great minds.....

Mine is in my possibles bag with a PhotonFreedom covert attached.

 

[gorn]

I like the Cammenga tritiium wrist compass. http://cammenga.com/cammenga-products.php?category=2

 

[BIGIRON]

Has anyone had experience with the trit wrist compass? Looks very interesting but seems too cheap if it has much trit.

 

[gorn]

There are some pictures on this ebay auction. It has 3 trit vials. He is selling them for $31.99 + 2.89 shipping. I think I may buy one from him on payday.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CAMMENGA-TRITIU...ryZ52482QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[paulr]

The little tiny ones tend to be crap unless you spend a lot. Get one that's at least an inch in diameter. I have the Brunton GITD one that was around $5 or $6 and it works nicely and is very lightweight, maybe 15 grams. No need to get an expensive or heavy one. No need for fancy features.

 

[mossyoak]

i always keep my old silva ranger in my jeep in its leather case. that thing is the most accurate compass ive ever seen, i got it at a yard sale when i was 12, its one of the older models i think it was made in the 70's or early 80's.

 

[ugrey]

I have had a Suunto clipper on my watchband for 2 years and there are no bubbles in it and it just plain works. It helps to keep me "unlost".

I also have a Cammenga Tritium wrist compass. It is a dry compass and like all dry compasses, it rattles. Wearing it on your wrist accentuates the rattle. The tritium is good, not extremely bright, but well bright enough to see in the dusk or dark.

Also, the BCB button compasses are very good. They have a Nato stocking number and are used by our military. They are .75 inch diameter, about the size of a penny, so they very easily fit in small places or pockets. Being plastic they are very light. Google "BCB compass"

The Marbles pin on or pocket compasses are also good. They are 1.25 inches in diameter and a little heavy.

 

[mikehill]

WE Guider ... compass AND flashlight

 

[ChopperCFI]

I carry a Brunton Glow Mate whenever I travel. It's easier to read than any button compass. I also prefer black letters on light background. It is liquid filled for dampening and glow in the dark is a nice extra.