dblust
FNG
Carrying a backup compass is important for anyone doing serious back country navigation work.
I have long recommended three compasses for the back country – the Silva/Brunton Expedition 54, the Cammenga Model 3H or M27 lensatic, or the Francis Barker M73 or M88 prismatic. It would be a simple matter to recommend purchasing a second, identical instrument to the one you’re already carrying and it’s a great idea, but it’s very easy to talk about spending someone else’s money, as my three favorites run from between $90 and $450.
My favorite less-costly backup compass is the Silva Expedition 4. Basically, it has all the features of the Expedition 54 except the prismatic sighting system and runs about $30 - $35. One excellent source for the Expedition 4 is OutdoorGB in the United Kingdom at http://www.outdoorgb.com/, which also carries the Expedition 54.
Another good backup is the luminous Silva Explorer 203, at $20 - $25. Others include the Silva Polaris 177 ($12 - $15), the Brunton OSS 30B (about $20), or the Brunton 7DNL ($12), but bear in mind that these last three, while good little compasses, are not luminous.
Once you’ve selected a backup compass, take the time to become familiar with it. Practice using it regularly, just as you should your front-line compass; that way using it will be second nature should you need it in the field.
I have long recommended three compasses for the back country – the Silva/Brunton Expedition 54, the Cammenga Model 3H or M27 lensatic, or the Francis Barker M73 or M88 prismatic. It would be a simple matter to recommend purchasing a second, identical instrument to the one you’re already carrying and it’s a great idea, but it’s very easy to talk about spending someone else’s money, as my three favorites run from between $90 and $450.
My favorite less-costly backup compass is the Silva Expedition 4. Basically, it has all the features of the Expedition 54 except the prismatic sighting system and runs about $30 - $35. One excellent source for the Expedition 4 is OutdoorGB in the United Kingdom at http://www.outdoorgb.com/, which also carries the Expedition 54.
Another good backup is the luminous Silva Explorer 203, at $20 - $25. Others include the Silva Polaris 177 ($12 - $15), the Brunton OSS 30B (about $20), or the Brunton 7DNL ($12), but bear in mind that these last three, while good little compasses, are not luminous.
Once you’ve selected a backup compass, take the time to become familiar with it. Practice using it regularly, just as you should your front-line compass; that way using it will be second nature should you need it in the field.
