COMPASSES
A compass is an invaluable tool when you’re out on a trail. Even when you think you know where you are and where you’re going, a compass can keep you from straying or get you back on track. Don’t count on using the sun as a direction finder. In the woods or mountains or on a cloudy day, the sun won’t be of much help if you can’t see it. Just to be on the safe side, always carry a compass when you’re out hiking.
The Magnetic Compass
A compass works by interacting with the field produced by the earth’s magnetic core which runs roughly between the north and south poles. A small magnet (the needle) pivots in the center of the compass dial, and it will always point to the magnetic north pole. This is not in the same place as the earth’s true North Pole; a declination adjustment on the compass is needed to compensate for the offset if a precise reading is important. For a general idea of which way is north a basic compass is adequate for trail hikers, while a more complex device will help you find your location on a map.
Brunton 9030 Trailbuster Compass
This small (2-inch-diameter), extremely lightweight (1-ounce) compass is a basic trail compass. The dial features 5-degree graduations while the rotating azimuth ring makes it possible to use this compass for navigating with a map. The black housing makes it easy to see the bright red needle and white numbers. This is a good compass for hikers who plan to stay on a well-marked trail.
Silva Guide 426 Sighting Mirror Compass
This mirror compass has the added bonus of being able to float, buoyed up by its polypropylene body. Use the full-size sighting mirror to determine your exact location, along with the 2-degree graduations and the fixed declination scale. The base features both inch and millimeter rules for map work. And, in case you don’t want to test the floatability, there’s a lanyard to hang around your neck.
More Articles
Coleman Pop Up Campers and Trailers
Pop up campers are folding trailers, lightweight RV units with collapsible sides that
allow for easy towing and storage.
read more...
Coleman Tent Trailer Reviews
Tent trailers, or pop up trailers, are small and lightweight recreation vehicles.
Because the walls collapse (usually made from canvas or fiberglass) this makes the
unit much easier to store, to tow and to park.
read more...
Tent Trailers, Pop Ups and RVs
What are the differences between tent trailers, pop up trailers and RVs? Pop up
trailers and tent trailers are the same thing.
read more...
Folding Camp Chairs
While you probably wouldn’t think of taking any chair that doesn’t fold up on a camping trip, some fold up more than others. What we’re talking about here are the ones that collapse into a more or less cylindrical shape and fit into a carrying sack.
read more...
Camping Blankets
You may be wondering why anyone would need to take blankets along on a campout. Isn’t that what sleeping bags are for? Sleeping bags come in weights for all temperatures so why would you need blankets, too?
read more...
Compasses
A compass is an invaluable tool when you’re out on a trail. Even when you think you know where you are and where you’re going, a compass can keep you from straying or get you back on track.
read more...
Digital Compasses
Digital technology is changing the way we do nearly everything, and its use in compasses is no exception. Instead of the traditional dial and needle, a digital compass displays the information, well, digitally.
read more...
Watch Compasses
Watches and compasses just seem to go together. Think about the analog version of both items—round, hands or needles as indicators, small, lightweight.
read more...
Lensatic Compasses
Lensatic compasses provide the most precise method for locating your position relative to a landmark. The “landmark” doesn’t need to be a famous mountain or building, just something that stands out from its surroundings.
read more...
If you have a suggestion for an article you'd like to see here, simply let us know.
TheyDeserveIt.com Gift Ideas
Web Site Planned and Designed by Quickbeam