Do you know how to use a compass?

[Irving]

I have a Suunto M3. It's a great compass for what I use it for and has adjustable declination. You adjust it using a small eyeglass screwdriver.

I ran across the Suunto while reading a review of the Silva Ranger. I'd pick the Suunto over the Ranger as well. Looks like a great compass.

[Wulf202]

that would be good, i have no idea how to read a compass. i would like to go on a 2-3 day survival camp this next summer to get a real experience.

This will be simply navigating through a pre determined course around a park. after a basic class. If you want I can loan you a book to learn on your own as I don't know when I'll have time for the class just yet.

[StagLefty]

I've been wanting to get a tritium G.I. compass (much like the compass in the link SA Firday posted, but the tritium version) for more than 20 years. Perhaps that'll be what I get myself for Christmas this year.

Made me go look in the gear closet-I have one stamped March 7,1975 made in Beverly,Mass. A friend and I picked ours up at Tanner several years ago for a real good price because we both bought one.

[Irving]

Went to the store to return the compass, but the only one they had that let you set the Declination was the one that cost twice as much. The other ones didn't even have a declination scale (I guess you don't really need one) and I found them just as difficult to read. Oh well.

Made me go look in the gear closet-I have one stamped March 7,1975 made in Beverly,Mass. A friend and I picked ours up at Tanner several years ago for a real good price because we both bought one.

My Grandpa recently showed me one from when he was in Vietnam. I didn't even know what I was looking at, at the time though.

[KevDen2005]

If you want to test yourself with a compass, go find you a flat forest. That'll tell you if you're doing it right or not. When we used to do landnav down at Ft. Carson, it was soooo easy because you could terrain associate most everything. Try that in the woods at Ft. Benning, and it won't work too well for you.

Been there done that!!! Benning is no bueno!

[KevDen2005]

Stuart, if you are looking at compasses I really like Silva's. I used to use a Silva in the Army, because I hate lensatic compasses so much, but it is still good to know how to do both. I have the Silva Ranger, it runs about 40 bucks but worth it.

That would be my thoughts and what I like to do.

[Irving]

Stuart, if you are looking at compasses I really like Silva's. I used to use a Silva in the Army, because I hate lensatic compasses so much, but it is still good to know how to do both. I have the Silva Ranger, it runs about 40 bucks but worth it.

That would be my thoughts and what I like to do.

You know I specifically mentioned both Silva compasses and you in this thread?

[KevDen2005]

You know I specifically mentioned both Silva compasses and you in this thread?

Ha ha. That's awesome, I went back to look through the posts to see it.

I do agree that the scales for declination are very nice, but not necessary for price and saving money when putting together a BOB or Rescue Pack as we referred to them while I did search and rescue or Ruck Sack as we referred to them in the Infantry. When it comes to declination if you know what the degree is (which should tell you on the map) then just factor that in to your magnetic heading.

I would also certainly go to Wulf's class, I would never ever consider myself an expert in anything and I have been doing this type of stuff for almost 15 years, but I would certainly go my self if I wasn't sleeping all day after working the night before. People sharing ideas is always a good idea I think because two experts might do things differently and you could always learn from someone.

[StagLefty]

Stuart, if you are looking at compasses I really like Silva's. I used to use a Silva in the Army, because I hate lensatic compasses so much, but it is still good to know how to do both. I have the Silva Ranger, it runs about 40 bucks but worth it.

That would be my thoughts and what I like to do.

Just got through reading in another forum that the Silva quality is not what we used to buy. I have several older ones myself. The recommendations were Suunto or Cammenga.

[KevDen2005]

Just got through reading in another forum that the Silva quality is not what we used to buy. I have several older ones myself. The recommendations were Suunto or Cammenga.

I have had my silvas for at least 8 years or more. I did not realize that they went down hill, when did that start happening?