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#246534 - 06/02/12 02:06 PM Back up compass
Outdoor_Quest Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 08/17/09
Posts: 305
Loc: Central Oregon
The other day while hiking I noticed that my Suunto M2's magnetic needle seemed to be broken. The needle would just hang up and not move.

So my question is, can that be fixed?

What kind of a back up compass do you carry?

Blake

www.outdoorquest.biz

www.outdoorquest.blogspot.com


Edited by Outdoor_Quest (06/02/12 02:07 PM)

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#246535 - 06/02/12 03:28 PM Re: Back up compass [Re: Outdoor_Quest]
Russ Offline
Geezer

Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 5357
Loc: SOCAL
My back-up compass. Not in hand yet, should have it this week. I was wondering how they got all that functionality in a watch and then realized that a 51mm case diameter and 14mm case thickness can hold a lot of capability. My G-Shock is about the same thickness, but only ~45 mm in diameter. I need to work-out more so I don't tire out wearing that thing. wink
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Better is the Enemy of Good Enough.
Okay, what’s your point??

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#246538 - 06/02/12 04:21 PM Re: Back up compass [Re: Outdoor_Quest]
Teslinhiker Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/14/09
Posts: 1419
Loc: Nothern Ontario
For your Suunto compass problem, contact the Customer help line. They offer great support and if the problem cannot be fixed, I would not be surprised if they don't send you a new compass.

As for a backup compass, I have tried various brands and models but came to the conclusion that my main compass which is the Suunto M-3D Leader should also be duplicated as my backup compass. These compasses are accurate, well crafted and have survived hundreds of miles of back country adventures in all types of weather conditions.

In the ever unlikely event that I lose either of the M-3D Leader compasses, I also carry a smaller Suunto A-10 compass.

Standard disclaimers apply...
_________________________
Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.

John Lubbock

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#246542 - 06/02/12 06:50 PM Re: Back up compass [Re: Outdoor_Quest]
widget Offline
Addict

Registered: 07/06/03
Posts: 550
I am sure Suunto support will fix you up on the broken compass. The main compass I have is a global needle Suunto MC1G, it is the same as the MC2G except it is a military model with metric map scales and mils on the dial along with 360 degrees. No source available now. Pretty much the same as this model:
http://www.thecompassstore.com/mc2gmetric.html

My backup is one of the small Silva (Sweden) models that used to be called a Huntsman. Bruntom sold them in the US after Silva USA changed their line. Here is a link to a Silva Sweden one, like mine.
http://www.raymears.com/Bushcraft_Product/662-Silva-Ranger-SL-Compass/
http://www.amazon.com/Brunton-Compact-Mi...754&sr=8-40


Edited by widget (06/02/12 06:56 PM)
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No, I am not Bear Grylls, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night and Bear was there too!

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#246547 - 06/03/12 12:23 AM Re: Back up compass [Re: widget]
hikermor Offline
Geezer in Chief
Geezer

Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
My back up compass is a Casio model wristwatch, similar to Russ's, but significantly cheaper - somewhere around $50. It keeps excellent time and seems accurate enough when I have checked the compass function. Amazing how much they can pack into small packages these days.
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Geezer in Chief

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#246628 - 06/04/12 05:52 PM Re: Back up compass [Re: Outdoor_Quest]
Denis Offline
Addict

Registered: 01/09/09
Posts: 631
Loc: Calgary, AB
That reminds me, I need a new backup compass smile

I did have a Timex with an electric compass that fit this role but after one failure resulting in a warranty replacement and a subsequent catastrophic failure while wearing it in an office environment, I switched to a (hopefully) better watch without this feature.

I do have a pin-on globe style compass on my large pack which is kind of nice. Like this, but an older model I think:

I keep it pinned to my shoulder strap and can glance down at it to verify my general direction of travel. I might just pick up another one of these for my day pack, although I guess it really won't be much help if I actually needed to follow a specific bearing.

Actually, I'm wondering if something like this would be a better idea: Navigator Compass
_________________________
Victory awaits him who has everything in order — luck, people call it. Defeat is certain for him who has neglected to take the necessary precautions in time; this is called bad luck. Roald Amundsen

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#246646 - 06/05/12 12:50 AM Re: Back up compass [Re: Denis]
Outdoor_Quest Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 08/17/09
Posts: 305
Loc: Central Oregon
Thank you for the link.

Blake

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#247439 - 06/25/12 04:51 AM Re: Back up compass [Re: Outdoor_Quest]
Denis Offline
Addict

Registered: 01/09/09
Posts: 631
Loc: Calgary, AB
I just picked up a Coghlan's wrist compass at Bass Pro and I think it will do the trick for now.



That's it slid on to my 20mm watch band and it seems like its big enough to fit up to a 22mm band.
_________________________
Victory awaits him who has everything in order — luck, people call it. Defeat is certain for him who has neglected to take the necessary precautions in time; this is called bad luck. Roald Amundsen

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#247446 - 06/25/12 01:34 PM Re: Back up compass [Re: Outdoor_Quest]
Pete Offline
Veteran

Registered: 02/20/09
Posts: 1372
backup compass = small GPS unit !!!

I just use 2 different technologies.
The chances of both failing are very small.

After that, I don't carry a "backup of a backup of a backup".
That just creates too much gear. You get bogged down.
Instead, I focus on knowing my gear, buying reliable stuff, and trying hard not to lose it :-)

just my $0.02

Pete2

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#247451 - 06/25/12 02:39 PM Re: Back up compass [Re: Outdoor_Quest]
gonewiththewind Offline
Veteran

Registered: 10/14/08
Posts: 1517
I always carry, usually a small Silva plate compass and a watch band compass. I actually use the watch band compass more than the larger primary one. I am usually just getting general directions. Here is an option soon to be released:
NavElite

The guys who built it are old friends of mine, we served together. I have been following the development of this since inception. I have no other affiliation, however. I will likely get one to try it out.

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#247456 - 06/25/12 03:59 PM Re: Back up compass [Re: gonewiththewind]
Outdoor_Quest Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 08/17/09
Posts: 305
Loc: Central Oregon
Looks like a very interesting compass. At $79 it's a bit expensive.

Would enjoy reading about your experiences with the c0mpass when you get one.

Blake

www.outdoorquest.blogspot.com

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#247479 - 06/25/12 09:35 PM Re: Back up compass [Re: Pete]
Teslinhiker Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/14/09
Posts: 1419
Loc: Nothern Ontario
Originally Posted By: Pete
backup compass = small GPS unit !!!

I just use 2 different technologies.
The chances of both failing are very small.

After that, I don't carry a "backup of a backup of a backup".
That just creates too much gear. You get bogged down. Instead, I focus on knowing my gear, buying reliable stuff, and trying hard not to lose it :-) just my $0.02

Pete2


I can think of a few reasons for having a back up of backup for such essential items as a compass.

There have been times where I am more then 50-60 offroad miles from the nearest village or town. If I were to somehow lose or break my main compass, I would not be so certain that I would want to continue solo with only one compass, especically for hikes that may take me 2-3 walking days further away from the trail or area starting point.

Also when there is group travel, it is mandatory (no exceptions) that every person have a compass, amongst other personal survival gear. If by chance, someone forgets their compass (it has happened) then at least the trip is not worried with the burden that there is no spare compass to loan. This may seem like overkill or over thinking, however the one time that a person in a group does not have a compass, then it is this person who gets separated from the group and gets lost. Furthermore as the most experienced person in the group on many trips, I am charged with the responsibility of ensuring that everyone who may have less experience and travels with me has the requisite gear to ensure that their safety and well being is thought of before we head out.

As for the mention of creating too much gear and getting bogged down. My three compassses stacked together are about 1-3/4 times the height of a deck of playing cards and not much longer or wider and probably close to the same weight as the same deck of cards. I don't think that this extra bulk and weight would bog down any person, regardless of their physical condition...
_________________________
Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.

John Lubbock

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