Topic: The Best co*passes of 2022 (Read 131 times)
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Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
The Silva Ranger 2.0 is another mirror co*pass that co*es with a clear base to use both for mapping and hiking. The Ranger has a lot of similarities to the Suunto MC-2 but co*es in at almost half the price.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
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.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
As the name suggests, the Cammenga Military co*pass is the official co*pass used by the U.S. Military, and with good reason. While I didn’t test it to the point of destruction, this co*pass can take a beating without any concerns of it meeting its demise.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
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.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
This Brunton co*pass is simplicity at its finest. Easy and lightweight enough to add to any outdoor kit, the 9041 Glow also glows in the dark. This makes it a great piece of gear for anyone in the backcountry or heading into the woods as a piece of insurance to find the right direction. Also, it’s the best co*pass for kids learning the basics of navigation
Pros
Cons
Product Description
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.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
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.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
The Suunto A-10 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.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
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.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
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.
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.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
The Brunton TruArc 5 is another baseplate co*pass that works best for mapping. It made the cut for the simplicity and how direct it is making this the best co*pass to learn mapping. The non-intimidating design is a great way to get started in the world of navigation.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
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.
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.
To properly review these different co*passes, I researched additional mapping and navigation skills to get the most out of each tool. I took several into the Colorado backcountry using co*passes and maps to navigate in different terrains. I also used the co*passes to try and make my way to nearby bodies of water like creeks.
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 the right co*pass may make a big difference. Spending extra money will not be a regret in a time of need.
Plus, the more tools that co*e with a co*pass, the more users will get out of it in the backcountry, whether that’s exploring new terrain or trying to get home quickly. Understanding your needs for a co*pass will help you find your way to the right tool to help in your adventures.
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