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

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.

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...

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

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.

That reminds me, I need a new backup compass

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

Thank you for the link.

Blake

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.

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 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.