Sighting Compass

A Sighting Compass increases the precision and accuracy of magnetic azimuths.  This is a must for calculating Resection and Intersection and for traveling in straighter lines for long distances. 

Sighting Compass Types

There are several designs for Sighting Compasses.  The most commonly used are Mirror Compasses and Military Lensatic Compasses. 

A Military Lensatic Compass is far more precise than a Mirrored Compass.  Others will argue otherwise, but they are mistaken.  That said, many will prefer a Mirror Compass over a Military Lensatic Compass because the they are lighter, more compact and can be used as a crude protractor for quick plotting on a map. 

For basic backpacking the a Mirrored Compass with clear baseplate has more utility and comes in a small package.  Of more precise work such as search and rescue or where heavy duty is important, a Military Lensatic Compass is likely a better choice. 

Using a Mirrored Sighting Compass

The mirrored Sighting Compass is the most common style of Sighting Compasses used by Backpackers.  

The key to using one is to set it up so that the compass is level and the compass dial is centered in the mirror.  After that is perfect, rotate your dial until the needle is centered in the orienting arrow (aka Doghouse).  Since you are looking at your dial at an angle, take this into account when centering your needle at both ends of the needle. 

If the compass is canted to the left or right, your reading will be off.  If you using the peep hole at the base of the mirror, you will have a much smaller margin of error than if you use the sight at the top of the mirror. 

Using a Lensatic Compass

To use a Lensatic Compass, hold the compass as shown in the image and adjust your lens so you can easily read your compass dial.  Unlike using a Mirror Compass, a Lensatic Compass is held close to your face.

Line up your sights with your target similar to how you would do this with rifle.

Peek down through your lens to view the azimuth on your Index Line.