Troop 60 > Resources > Gear and Equipment > Compass > Baseplate Compasses

Baseplate Compasses

Baseplate compasses are the simple compasses used by most outdoorsman.  A translucent compass capsule is mounted on a clear baseplate, usually with a rotating bezel.  They can do most tasks well and come in a small package that easily fits in your pocket.  

The clear baseplate allows you to place your compass on your map to use as a protractor.  This allows you to use several must know, field-expedient navigation techniques that you can't perform with an opaque base or case. 

Of the many different compass designs, the Baseplate Compass design is the most practical choices for 90% of Scouts. 

Suunto A-10 and Suunto M-3 NH

Recommendation

Quality Concerns

A compass is a precision tool that can impact whether you stay on route or make it home.  Like other survival tools, it is important to select one that not only works, but is dependable in rough conditions and when you need it most.  

The following Manufactures are known to make quality products:

Of these Suunto is the only company that reliably makes quality baseplate compasses that are easily available to US Scouts. 

Most other brands have hit and miss products.  Silva Sweden is known for making excellent products in the past, but has since moved production to China.  They still have name brand loyalty, but many of their newer products have had significant issues.

Economy Compasses

It's easy to find "deals" on Amazon and Ebay.  You can get bunk compasses for very little and many Scout Troops and Scout Camps use these.  There are several drawbacks that are generally associated with economy compasses.

If you get compasses in bulk, check to see they point north and throw away the ones the don't.  These are great for training where you need a lot of compasses that will get abused and potentially lost.  These are not the compasses you want to depend on in the Wilderness.

Suunto A-10 Compass

The Suunto A-10 is a basic and dependable compass.  It has the minimum of what you need for navigating in the woods.

The A-10 (and A-30) are considered "Starter Compasses".  They are very basic and are a great way to get started with navigation.  They are also the minimum level compass you want to head into the Wilderness with

The A-30 model costs a little bit more can comes with luminous bevel and magnifying lens. 

Suunto M-3 NH Compass

The M-3 is a the more advanced compass with more features than the A-10.  It has a luminous Bevel that makes it easier to use at night, which is a utility that becomes more obviously useful at night.  The magnifying glass comes in hand for Scoutmasters with older eyes. 

The main advantage M-3 over A-10 and A-30 is that the M-3 has Adjustable Declination.  A hidden screw under bevel allows you to dial in the declination angle pertinent to your part of the world.  This basically eliminates that need to calculate between grid and magnetic north when navigating and triangulating. 

The M-3 is a quality built compass and preferred over entry level compasses for long term, off-trail use.  

The M-3 is larger and bulkier than the A-10. 

Northern Hemisphere Compass is balanced to work in the Northern Hemisphere
Global Compass has a special bearing that allows for 20° of tilt

Suunto M-3 G Compass

The M-3 also comes in a Global model.  The Global version has a 20 degrees tilt, special bearing that allows it to be used in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.  It also makes it easier and quicker to get bearing when your compass isn't perfectly level and when on the move. 

The G Model also comes with a clinometer.