Pocket CompassLife Saver or Useless Backpack Appendage?
In choosing a hiking compass, follow the acronym K.I.S.S, which, of course stands for Keep It Simple Stupid! If you will be using your compass for basic hiking and not competitive (or running) orienteering, the model that will serve you best is a simple one. Features that you will find useful include: • A clear plastic base, and the longer the better. This will allow for ease in alignment with your map. • An attached lanyard or carabiner clip will keep it handy. • An adjustable declination increases accuracy. • An oil-filled (rather than water-filled) model will prevent freezing in colder temperatures. Accurate Reading Remember that reading a compass and orienting it to your map is a skill that must be learned. You will definitely want to practice this skill in your own neighborhood until you are able to effectively chart and follow a route. Fortunately, orienteering classes are readilly accessible in most areas. It is worth the effort to sign up for one of these classes to learn the important skill of orienteering. Not only will you get expert advice and guidance, but you will build confidence in your abilities. Do I Really Need It? If you typically hike on well-marked trails, it is likely that you will only need navigational equipment when you are in trouble. That being the case, you will likely be a little anxious about your situation. A little confidence in correctly reading your compass, plotting your course and trusting your skills can go a long way. Further, should weather conditions present with heavy fog, your only choice might be to trust your map, compass, and navigation shills. Visibility can become so poor that picking out landmarks becomes impossible. In this situation, the skillful use of this life saving navigational device may just make the difference between becoming hopelessly lost or safely and confidently finding your way back to the trailhead. In Summary • Purchase a simple, good quality, oil-filled pocket compass Return from Pocket Compass to Ten Essentials
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One of the most valuable players in your ultralight Ten Essentials is your pocket compass. It is compact, lightweight, inexpensive and when combined with a good topographic map can be an absolute lifesaver.