Topic: The Best co*passes of 2023 (Read 38 times)
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The Silva Ranger 2.0 is very similar to the best co*pass overall, the MC-2, so it’s hard to review it without drawing co*parisons. While the Silva Ranger 2.0 does weigh a small amount more than the Suunto MC-2, you get a lot of tools with this co*pass, like a similar case and mirror. However, unlike the MC-2, the Ranger doesn’t co*e with a slope indicator directly on the device or a key to change settings.
Using the Ranger on trail felt very similar to the MC-2 as well and, in many ways, just as reliable. The clear base plate allowed me to do some extra navigating before arriving in Rocky Mountain National Park to get an idea of what was ahead. With just a few minor differences, like the use of a card for slope measurements that co*e in the box, the Ranger was very reliable.
Overall, the Ranger 2.0 is a great option for someone slightly more on a budget but looking for a lot of the quality of the industry’s standard.
Cammenga’s Military co*pass remains the official co*pass manufacturer for the U.S. military. This metal wrapped co*pass allows for simple directional help and orientation. While this is probably not the number one choice for mapping, it does co*e with a scale to help measure distances on maps.
This co*pass has been battle-tested, works in a vast range of temperatures, and is water and sand-proof. I figured with such a strong design, it wouldn’t hurt to throw it down a few rock slopes just to see how it fared, and honestly, it didn’t get a scratch. I would be afraid to drop many of the other co*passes due to their plastic cases.
The co*pass co*es in a canvas bag for even more added protection, and with a forest green color, this is an excellent device for hunters.
The Brunton 9041 Glow co*pass is a great addition to have in the car or at the bottom or a backpack for when you need it. The added fact it glows in the dark makes it even more useful for anyone who could get turned around in the dark.
The low price and ease of use are also great for teaching the basics of navigation to kids. With a small lanyard, it’s also great to clip on a belt or the bottom of a pack. However, with the ease of use co*es also the lack of being able to use this for route finding or mapping out new adventures. Also, while it does glow in the dark, it’s probably not bright enough to be used as a way to signal a rescue.
The Suunto MC-2 is the industry standard for backcountry guides, but the A-10 is one of the most popular tools for mapping. A fraction of the price, this is a great tool to find new routes and plan ahead before heading into the field. It’s also a good option for anyone a little newer to using a co*pass and staying a little closer to civilization. It is a great option for basic use, whether that’s figuring out a route or getting your bearings in the woods. This baseplate co*pass is an affordable and lightweight option that will get the job done for the majority of users.
As a big map fan, I decided to put this to the test by pulling out some National Geographic brand maps and furthering my navigation skills with some help from instructional videos. The A-10 was a great tool and was even the co*pass used in some videos. As mentioned earlier, while it’s a great basic co*pass, it does lack some of the added tools of pricier options. It also did not seem as reliable.
A longtime classic aimed at simplicity, this pin-on co*pass is designed to go wherever you are. The close pin can easily be stuck on a backpack for the added insurance of having a co*pass with you without adding weight or much thought of all. The Coghlan’s ball-type pin-on co*pass could not be any simpler. With a floating ball constantly facing north, the added pin allows users to put this on a bag or in a vehicle and forget about it until it’s needed. With this level of minimalism, it’s hard for anything to go wrong with the one job this co*pass is focused on doing.
Due to the pure simplicity, the best way to test the spinning globe co*pass was to connect it to my shoulder strap in a hiking pack. I was able to eye the co*pass and keep a close eye on the direction I was heading.
At the same time, this is probably best as a co*plement to another more elaborate co*pass that can help you find locations, retrace your steps and figure out new trails and sources of water.
Like the Suunto A-10, this Brunton co*pass is a baseplate co*pass made mostly for mapping. The simple design also makes it a great co*pass to learn mapping on as it’s straightforward. Due to the similarities, I also tested the TruArc 5 as I did with the A-10 by learning additional skills to use while in the backcountry.
Brunton, a Wyoming-based co*pany, also designed this to work globally, meaning it will be in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, so you can use this co*pass wherever your journey brings you. While trying to orient, I noticed the arrow occasionally sticks and is not as responsive as some other brands.
With dozens of variations and a huge range of prices, figuring out the best co*pass for you can be a little tricky, if not overwhelming.
There are many things to consider, such as where you are using the co*pass, how far off-grid you plan on going, and understanding your skill level to make the most of your purchase. With an endless list of best GPS units, many will look for a co*pass as a backup or an instrument to use in an emergency. But, a co*pass can be the primary navigational aid and a GPS can be a back up.
Before you can choose the best co*pass, you’ll need to understand the features co*passes can have. Here are important features to know:
Declination adjustment: Declination is the difference between true north and magnetic north. Declination varies depending on your location and maps will note the necessary declination adjustment needed. Adjustable declination allows you to adjust your co*pass to make route finding faster and easier.
Sighting mirror: Helps you shoot an accurate azimuth to distant landmarks.
Clinometer: Measures the steepness of a slope. This feature can help assess avalanche hazards.
Global needle: If you hop between the northern and southern hemisphere a global needle is a great feature to have.
Rotating bezel: The bezel is used for taking bearings and is marked from 0 to 360 degrees.
Baseplate: This flat transparent base has a ruler to measure map distances and can also include a magnifying glass.
It’s also important to do some research and learn the basic skill sets needed to get the full potential from your co*pass.
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This depends on what you’re looking for. A basic navigation tool starts at under $10. Next is up are baseplate co*passes used for mapping and navigation, co*ing in around $20 to $40. Finally, mirror co*passes, which often also have a baseplate, can cost $40 to above $100.
co*passes on the higher end are more likely to be accurate. Plus, co*passes like the Suunto MC-2 that have a way to change your declination only add accuracy for users that know how to properly work it. Be sure to buy a co*pass that is either global or designed to work in your region of the world.
For the most part, the ones I tested were more or less accurate in pointing north. However, you do get what you pay for, and some are less responsive or could be a few degrees off. Also, remember to keep metal away as it will disorient your co*pass.
In short, yes. If for nothing else than added peace of mind, co*passes provide extra security to those hiking to find their way back to a trail or your car. There are plenty of basic cheap options that many longtime wilderness guides carry at the very least, as you cannot always rely on newer electronics.
Truly understanding how to use a co*pass is key. It’s basic knowledge that, most simply, co*passes will point you north, but there’s a lot more to that. To get started, here are three basic co*pass skills everyone should learn, which cover skills like setting your orientation. Also, for those looking to use a co*pass as a backup to new electronic devices, here’s how to use a co*pass if you are in the wilderness and the GPS you were relying on fails.
While almost all co*passes work on a basic level, learning the skills of proper navigation can be a literal lifesaver in a time of need. Having t