A question for all the intellectual boffins out there; if I take a (survival) compass and store within a metal container made of tin or steel will it slowly de-magnetize, does this mean that I may not be able to depend on it to read true magnetic north, In a survival situation? Hope somebody could deal with this question. TIA Ian Chick<br><br>

NO,but remember to take readings away from other metal objects,as they will throwoff the bearing .Hold a knife etc.next to your compass and slowly move away to see this.Get a quality compass and maps for the appropriate area.The compass should be liquid damped and desireable extra features are adjustment for local deviation (magnetic bearing) from true north and self illumination.It's a good idea to waterproof your maps.There is a product called map seal (available from Campmor) for this. There are several worthy books available.MY personal favorite is "Be Expert With Map & Compass"by Kjellstrom.Also,don't ignore nature's natural indicators of direction.www.wwmag.com has recent back issues that discuss this.Now if I can NAVIGATE back to the mainpage here...<br><br>

I have owned one of the old Silva compasses for 25 yrs. this compass has been stored everywhere. I did not plan to do it but I stored it touching another compass. These two compasses were stored like that for at least a year. I cannot tell any change in either one of them.<br><br>Ranger.<br>The older I get, The better I was.