You dont have to "float" the needle. Although you can if so inspired. If you spear a small piece of green leaf front and back (so the point and the eye are on the same side of the leaf) it will float.<br><br>My question is: Is this practical or is it a waste of time? Will the needle hold a charge for a period of time or will it be dead by the time I need it? Is this useless redundency if I already have a compass in my kit?