Originally Posted By: ILBob
I have several small button type compasses that go with me out in the woods, even places I have practically memorized the trails. That and the compass on my GPS ought to be adequate compass backups.

I don't use any of them very often. Usually only when it is so overcast I cannot see the sun.


I will probably get slammed for saying so, but my primary navigation aid... is my GPS (Garmin 62s with compass) because it is much easier to use and provides a lot more information. Not only does it have the base map, City Navigator and topo maps but I can also overlay aerial images. Will I run out of battery power? Perhaps, but I always have extra batteries. I have my camera which uses 4AAs but I carry an extra set of 4AAs in its case in my EDC bag. Running out of juice is not a likely scenario with me.

My backup is my Suunto MCA. Then there is the button compass in my PSK. And the physical maps I usually carry in the vehicle. If I get lost, it would because of my absence of using the options available to me! smile