Compasses

[georgia_outdoors]

Are all compasses the same? If not, is there one that's better than all the rest? Is there a well-known, never fails, can't-go-wrong-with-it brand of compass?

[oldsarge]

This should answer most of your questions. As far as any particular brand goes, I have used and prefer these, Brunton, Silva, Suunto, Military Lensatic with Tritium illumination.

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[Bojib]

I have an old Silva Polaris, a Silva Explorer, and a Suuonto M3 (all baseplate compasses). I also have a couple of old Lensatic Compasses here somewhere, but I can't remember the brand names right off.

Basically, they've all been good. I prefer base plate compasses, but they are what fits my needs. I know others like the sighting compasses (base plate with a mirror on it), but those never were my cup of tea, not for any real reason though, I just prefer the plane base plate compass.

I think just stick with a good brand that fits your needs, and it will be hard to go wrong.

[Lamebeaver]

If you're an "on-trail" hiker, and just want a compas to verify your location, pretty much any liquid filled compass will do.

If you need more accuracy, it's hard to beat a one with s sighting line and a mirror. Lensatic compasses are probably the best.

Hint: The cheapest GPS will be much more accurate than the best compass, but make sure you still carry a map and compass as a backup.

[ppine]

Old Sarge nailed it. The military compasses tend to be very durable but do not usually have adjustment for declination. I have had a Silva Ranger for 40 years that has been very dependable and got a Brunton later. I like to carry a military compass in a watch type case that was my great uncle's from WWII for fooling around outdoors.

[catspa]

I favor Brunton's basic models. I teach outdoor nav with the 9020s (I don't know of any other for under 15 bucks with adjustable declination) and carry an older discontinued model that is basically a 9020 plus a mirrored cover and sights.

There are certainly fancier ones available, but I'm used to these and they do what I need.

Parker

[beemerphill]

Now days the price of GPS has come down, and the quality has gone up so much that they are the way to go. There are many fine pocket-size GPS that work well, are easy to use, and are affordable. Make sure that you know how to use it, and have a spare set of batteries along.
I would still take along my old-faithful Marbles. There is a pin-on on my fishing vest. It never leaves it's spot, and has saved my bacon more that once when fog set in quicker that planned.
When I am going to be in unfamiliar surroundings, a little brass Marbles is in my pocket as a back-up.
Neither one is accurate enough for surveying, but either one will get me home with no drama. The ones I have are really old. I have heard that the newer ones are plastic with a brass coating. I do not know if this is true or not. Neither one is liquid-filled. None of them were. If there is no liquid to leak out, you don't have to worry about it.
There is a company that makes a similar one. That is Tru Nord. They advertise that if you tell them your Zip code, they will adjust it to your area. This may be a nice feature, or not. When I go to a different area with my old Marbles, I just look at it and mentally make what ever adjustments are needed. Again, not extremely accurate, but plenty close enough for anything I have done after leaving the military.
My ideas on the subject will drive purists crazy, but they have worked well for me.
Good Luck

[oldsarge]

I checked out Tru Nord, I have been looking for a small reliable compass for general direction. I like the fact that there's no liquid in it. Seems like whenever I buy a small compass with liquid, they don't last long before the air bubble gets really big and the thing starts hanging up. Most higher end compasses don't have that happen too much and if they do, they're normally replaced by the manufacturer. As far as having it adjusted for declination, I would pass on that. It's simple enough to do the math if it's that far off. Thanks Beemerphill for the info, I might be ordering one of these in the future.

[beemerphill]

If they insist on having a location to adjust to, just give them a place directly under the "Nord" Pole. That way, it will be easy to figure the declination where ever you go.
My old brass non-liquid compasses are still going strong after 40 years. They are some of my favorite pieces of gear.