Compass Features

The most important feature in a compass is its overall quality.  You want a compass that will provided precise data in harsh conditions and is unlikely to fail.  

Special Features

Beyond overall build quality of a compass, there are a few special features you might want in your compass:

• Rotating Bezel

  • This isn't so much as special feature as it is necessary

  • A compass with a fixed bezel has limited utility in the field

  • You need a rotating bezel to easily plot and follow an azimuth

• Luminous Dials 

  • These really come in handy at night

  • Some military models come with tiny vials of radioactive tritium that are very easy to read at night

• Adjustable Declination

  • This makes grid to magnetic conversions effortless

  • In a survival situation, you may forget to convert your azimuth or forget how.  With built in declination, you have one less thing to think about. 

• Magnifying Glass

  • Makes maps so much easier to read, especially for old eyes or with poor lighting

  • Non Navigation uses:

    • Use to start fire

    • Use to view splinters and really small stuff

• Mirror

  • Use for sighting long range targets

  • Non Navigation uses:

    • Use for signaling

    • View parts of body you can't otherwise see

    • Use to fix hair before rescue 

• Global Bearing

  • Allows you to use your compass south of the equator

  • Allows for easier off angle needle movement 

• Waterproof

  • Most quality compasses are waterproof

  • Some aren't and should be avoided

• Non-Fluid vs Fluid Filled

  • Fluid dampening slows and steadies the compass and is considered a must by most

    • Low quality liquid filled compasses will eventually develop a permanent bubble

    • Repeated exposure to subfreezing and warm temperatures and/or high elevations may result in a leak

  • Some compasses do not use fluid to dampen the needle

    • These have both a lower and higher temperature operating range

    • Some use copper or magnetic dampening to steady the needle

    • Some needles just float around freely

      • Can be difficult or painful waiting for an undampened needle to settle on a reading

    • Many survivalists prefer non-fluid compasses for extremely cold environments

      • Ironically, some air-filled compasses will fog up if humid and freeze solid if moisture in the compass housing freezes

  • Unless you are operating in temperature below -30°F or at very high altitude, then fluid filled is likely preferred

• Lens, Prism or Magnifying Bubble

  • Some compasses use a Lens, Prism or Magnifying Bubble to better view angles on the compass dial

  • Real plus when viewing through sites

  • Real plus for old Scoutmasters that need a little help seeing small printed numbers

• Large Size

  • Larger compasses are easier to hold with gloves on

  • Smaller compasses are of course easier to store away when not in use

• Floats

  • Excellent feature for canoe or kayak use

• Clinometer

  • Use to measure Slope angles (how steep is that hill?)

  • Use to measure height of object

  • Finding latitude from the Pole Star Polaris at night or latitude from the mid-day sun.