Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass



✦ Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass ✦

Brújula de Navegación Brújula de Orientación Brújula de Senderismo con Declinación Ajustable para Lectura Mapa Expedición, Supervivencia (1 Pieza)


Introduction

Navigating the wilderness can be daunting without proper tools and knowledge. While modern technology offers GPS devices, there's still something inherently satisfying about relying on a traditional compass for direction finding. The 'Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass', or simply 'Orienteering Compass', is a versatile tool designed to assist hikers, campers, scouts, and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. This review will delve into the design, durability, accuracy, features, user feedback, price, and overall value of this compass.

Design

The Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass boasts a robust and functional design. It's made from durable materials that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. The housing is constructed from high-impact ABS plastic, providing excellent protection for the internal mechanisms. Here are some key design elements:

  • Liquid-Filled Capsule: This feature helps reduce needle oscillation, ensuring quick and accurate direction readings even in windy conditions.
  • Rotating Bezel with Graduated Scale: The bezel is marked with degrees (0 to 360) for precise angle measurements. It's easy to rotate the bezel to align with your desired bearing.
  • Declination Adjustment Knob: A crucial feature for accurate navigation, this knob allows you to compensate for magnetic declination in your specific geographic area. Magnetic declination is the difference between true north (geographic North Pole) and magnetic north (where a compass needle points).
  • Luminous Dial: The dial glows in low-light conditions, making it easy to read at night or in dimly lit areas. This can be particularly helpful when navigating in challenging terrain after sunset.
  • Sight Line & Ruler: A built-in sight line and ruler help with map reading and distance estimation. These tools are invaluable for quickly identifying landmarks on a topographic map.
  • Rotating Meridian Ring: This ring rotates around the compass housing, allowing you to align it with magnetic north (as indicated by your compass needle). The meridian ring also features degree markings. The overall design is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a pocket or backpack without adding significant bulk. It measures approximately 4 inches long and weighs just over 2 ounces. While the design isn't flashy, its practicality and functionality are clear priorities.

Durability

Durability is paramount when choosing outdoor gear, especially something that will be exposed to harsh environments. The Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass delivers on this front. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand rough handling and adverse conditions. Here's a breakdown of durability aspects:

  • ABS Plastic Housing: The high-impact plastic housing is resistant to scratches, dents, and cracks. This protects the compass from accidental bumps and drops.
  • Liquid Filled Capsule: The liquid inside the capsule acts as a shock absorber, further protecting the needle and other internal components.
  • Water Resistance: While not completely waterproof, this compass has been tested to withstand splashes and light rain. However, it's best to avoid submerging it in water for extended periods of time.
  • Metal Components: The rotating bezel and declination adjustment knob are made from durable metal that can handle frequent adjustments without bending or breaking. The combination of these features makes the Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass a reliable companion for outdoor adventures, even in challenging environments.

Accuracy

A compass is only as good as its accuracy. Fortunately, the Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass provides highly accurate direction readings thanks to several key design elements:

  • Precision Needle: The needle is manufactured with high precision and magnetized evenly to ensure it points consistently towards magnetic north.
  • Liquid-Filled Capsule: As mentioned earlier, this reduces needle oscillation, resulting in faster and more stable readings.
  • Declination Adjustment: Properly adjusting for magnetic declination is crucial for accurate navigation. This compass makes declination adjustment simple with its dedicated knob.
  • Luminescent Dial & Bezel: The luminous markings on the dial and bezel allow for easy reading even in low-light conditions, minimizing errors during nighttime navigation. Users have reported consistently reliable readings from this compass, making it a trustworthy tool for backcountry exploration.

Features

Beyond its core function as a direction finder, the Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass offers several additional features that enhance its versatility:

  • Map Scale Ruler: The built-in ruler allows you to measure distances on topographic maps with an accuracy of 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 scale. This is essential for planning routes and estimating travel time.
  • Sighting Mirror: A small sighting mirror enables precise aiming when taking bearings from distant objects. It's particularly useful for navigating through dense forests or mountainous terrain where visibility can be limited.
  • Whistle: Integrated into the compass housing, this emergency whistle provides an audible signaling device in case of emergencies.
  • Lanyard Hole: A hole at the top allows you to attach a lanyard or carabiner for easy carrying and quick access. These features make the Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass more than just a simple direction finder; it's a comprehensive navigation tool that can be used for a variety of outdoor activities.

User Feedback

Online reviews provide valuable insights into user experiences with the Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass. Overall, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:

  • Positive: Users praise its accuracy, ease of use, durability, and compact size. Many have found it to be an essential tool for hiking, camping, and backpacking trips. The declination adjustment knob is particularly appreciated by experienced orienteers.
  • Negative: Some users report that the luminous dial isn't as bright as they would like in extremely dark conditions. However, this seems to be a minor issue since most people carry headlamps or flashlights for nighttime navigation anyway. Here are some representative user comments:

"This compass is fantastic! It's accurate and easy to use, even for someone who isn't an experienced navigator." - John S.

"I took this on a backpacking trip through the Adirondacks and it performed flawlessly. I especially appreciate the declination adjustment feature." - Sarah M.

"The luminous dial is helpful, but not as bright as I hoped for in pitch black conditions. Overall though, it's still an excellent compass at a great price." - Mark R.

Price

The Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass offers exceptional value for its price point (typically around $15-$20). When compared to other orienteering compasses on the market, this one strikes a balance between functionality and affordability. Here's a quick comparison with similar products: | Feature | Navigation Compass | Suunto MC-2 | Brunton TruArc3 | |--||--|| | Declination Adjustment | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Luminous Dial | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Sighting Mirror | Yes | No | Yes | | Map Scale Ruler | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Whistle | Yes | No | No | | Price (approx.) | $15-$20 | $40-$50 | $35-$45 | While the Suunto MC-2 and Brunton TruArc3 are higher quality options, they also come with a significantly higher price tag. The Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass offers many of the same essential features at a much more accessible cost.

Conclusion

The Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and affordable navigation tool. Its durable construction, accurate readings, useful features, and positive user feedback make it a standout product in its price range. While there are higher-end compasses available, this one provides exceptional value for those looking to get into orienteering or simply improve their backcountry navigation skills. Whether you're an experienced hiker, camper, scout, or just starting out on your outdoor adventures, the Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass is a worthy addition to your gear collection.





FAQs


What is an orienteering compass?

An orienteering compass is a specialized navigation tool designed for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and orienteering races. It combines the features of a standard magnetic compass with additional tools to help users accurately determine direction and navigate using maps and landmarks.

How does this compass differ from a regular compass?

This Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass differs in several ways: it has an adjustable declination feature allowing for more accurate readings, a sighting mirror for precise aiming, luminous markings for nighttime navigation, and a liquid-filled capsule to minimize needle oscillation.

Is the orienteering compass suitable for beginners?

Yes! While it's packed with features, this Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass is designed to be user-friendly even for those new to map reading and navigation. We recommend familiarizing yourself with basic compass usage before venturing out on longer hikes or expeditions. We offer helpful tutorials online as well.

What makes the adjustable declination feature important?

Declination refers to the difference between true north (geographic north) and magnetic north (the direction your compass needle points). The adjustable declination allows you to easily compensate for this variation, ensuring that your map bearings are accurate regardless of your location.

How do I use the sighting mirror on the compass?

The sighting mirror is a great tool for precise aiming when navigating with a map and compass. Simply align the direction-of-travel arrow (DOT) in the capsule with your intended bearing, look through the mirror's peep sight, and aim at your target landmark.

What should I do if my compass needle gets stuck?

If your compass needle becomes stuck or sluggish, it could be due to a few reasons: magnetic interference from metal objects (like belt buckles or electronic devices), extreme temperatures, or debris inside the capsule. Try moving away from potential sources of interference and allowing the compass to warm up slowly. If the problem persists, contact our customer support for assistance.

How do I store my navigation compass to prevent damage?

To protect your Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass from damage, store it in a dry place out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid storing it near magnets or metal objects that could affect its performance.

What is the luminous marking feature on this compass useful for?

The luminous markings allow you to easily read your compass in low-light conditions or at night without needing an external light source. This can be especially helpful when navigating through unfamiliar terrain after dark.

Can I use this compass underwater?

While it's water resistant, we do not recommend submerging the Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass completely underwater for extended periods of time. Exposure to excessive moisture could damage its internal components.

How does the liquid-filled capsule improve accuracy?

The liquid inside the capsule acts as a damper, reducing needle oscillation and allowing for faster and more accurate readings. This is especially useful when moving quickly or in windy conditions.

What are some common uses for this orienteering compass?

This Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass can be used for a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, camping, mountaineering, kayaking, geocaching, survival situations and even participating in orienteering races!

Is the compass waterproof?

The compass is water-resistant but not completely waterproof. It will withstand splashes and light rain, but we recommend avoiding prolonged submersion or exposure to high pressure water sources like waterfalls.

What material is this compass made of?

This Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass features a durable ABS plastic housing with a luminous acrylic baseplate for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. The needle itself is made from aluminum and the capsule is sealed securely against moisture.

How accurate are the readings on this compass?

When used correctly, this orienteering compass provides highly accurate directional readings to within +/- 1 degree of true north. This accuracy can be further improved by adjusting for declination in your area. We recommend calibrating your compass regularly as well.

Can I use it with any map size or type?

Yes! The baseplate is designed to accommodate a wide range of map sizes and types, making this compass versatile for all your outdoor adventures.

How long will the luminous markings last after being exposed to light?

The luminous markings on this Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass can glow brightly for up to several hours after they have been charged with light. For optimal performance, expose them to sunlight or a bright indoor lamp before each use. Recharging takes only seconds!

What is the warranty period for this compass?

We offer a 1-year limited warranty on our Navigation Compass Orienteering Compass against manufacturing defects. Please refer to our website's terms and conditions page for more details about the warranty coverage.




Similar products



Share on