I currently have a few compasses, but was wondering if anyone has thought of a way to not lose a button style compass (like the one in the Ritter PSK... Actually, that IS the one I am referring to). I guess one suggestion is not to lose the PSK.. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I thought of maybe using super glue and sticking it to something, but couldn't think of any other ideas.

Thoughts?

Superglue a loop of cord to it that can be used to attach it to a zipper pull, or a longer loop you can wear around your neck?

That is the very reason that I prefer small compasses that are either built into something else I'll bring, such as the K&M matchcases , or compasses like the Suunto Gem or the Suunto Clipper since they can easily be attached to other stuff and they have rotateable bezels (for remembering a bearing). I also like the Gem because it has a flat side that can be used to get a bearing from a map, but it is noticably bigger than the Clipper.

I've taken to using a pin-on compass by Tru-Nord. It is a bit larger than a button compass, but it's easier to read and convenient to hang. I also carry one of the K&M lifeboat versions. (And yes, I do have a "button" compass in my WSK.) Talk about overkill-but I hate being lost! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I just get them built into other useful things, like my keychain which I got from campmor (link here )

Only real problem is that all the metal throws off the direction, however if I actually needed to use it I could just take my keys off for a truer reading.

I had a Suunto Clipper I kept in my pocket. I was hiking along the south rim of the Grand Canyon on a 10 mile hike with our Boy Scout Troop. The exertion was making me clumsy. I kept dropping it and it would pop apart. My solution was to get a Suunto Comet and use a piece of thin black cord and loop it around a belt loop and tuck it in the watch pocket of my jeans. Now I just pull on the cord and the compass pops into my hand. I can't drop it and it is always at hand. I got a glow in the dark version to maximize its utility. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

If you aways have a mini compass in your pocket you don't need one you can lose in your PSK. I keep a full size Brunton 3DLU in my PSK. I might replace it with my mirrored 16DLU if I decide it is really better.

Yes, I have multiple compasses as well (including the Suunto clipper on my watch band).. I see the button compass as the last resort use in the PSK, but was wondering if anyone had any ideas to prevent losing this last ditch compass.. You know something like supergluing the compass to the whistle.. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I might recommend the Brunton 8040G as it has adjustable declination (as I recall the declination in Phoenix is around 10 degrees from north), plus the yellow-green color makes it much easier to find if dropped or set down.

Silva do a version of the button compass used in their Silva S.E.R.E. 40 that has a luminious face and a small hole for a lanyard. I have replaced the compass in both my Ritter kits with it. Recommended. Go to silva.se homepage. follow the bits I copied below.
Startpage > Compasses > SERE 40
The little Escape and Evasion compass that comes in four versions: with or without luminous dial for night navigation and with or without watch strap clip. Print on the back of the compass housing - ( 15 mm or on the compass disc - 9 x 2 mm.

Art.no. 35926-1610 Watch compass 40 luminous
Art.no. 35926-1600 Watch compass 40NL non-luminous
Art.no. 35766-1610 Compass 40 luminous, with lanyard hole
Art.no. 35766-1600 Compass 40NL non-luminous





© Silva Sweden AB - www.silva.se

Just remember that Silva SE in the U.S. is Brunton (Brunton was purchased by Silva SE in 1996), since unfortunately for them Silva SE does not own the "Silva" trademark in the U.S.

On the Brunton.com web page, under Compasses > Accessory, they list several button compasses, including the 9040, but it doesn't mention luminous marks.

Make that 13 degrees. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

What is Doug's impression on those Suunto Clippers? I have one in my kit.
I guess the most secure and slightly bigger just over half in diameter were the US Mil Issue Brass Button Compass with a brass loop with attached string. Its solid build and on what looks to be a card board- hope I am wrong <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

The trick with the Clipper is to melt the clip closed. That way it stays on your watchstrap. Otherwise use a Silva SERE 40.
My work watch has a '40 on it. My out of work watch has a Sunnto attached. They are always a better choice than the last ditch in your tin option.

Rough up the back of your compass to provide a more secure surface for epoxy to adhere to. Attach a spectra cord loop with epoxy putty, I used specrta fishing line. You could also attach a small brass fishing swivel.

Sort of a test, my first post would not "post" something about the server, couldn't get info to the moderators either. I was using my wireless laptop with this connection, any ideas why I got the error?

I finally went out and bought a Suunto Gem since I've had my eye on owning one for a few years, but I never got around to buying one. Well, the bezel is so tight that it is almost unusable. Without using pliars I simply cannot rotate the bezel one complete revolution and it is all I can do to rotate it at all and it only goes between north and west (the long way around). Nice looking with lots of potential, but not well manufactured at all.

I like that idea.. thanks!

return it for another one. I have one and the bezel turns just fine.
Remember that although it has the features of a baseplate compass it is still tiny and not ideal as primary compass.
The idea behind tiny button compasses is to let you know N-S-E-W.

One point: Before you do anything or go anywhere off the beaten track, take the time to look at and commit to memory the most important features of the local area map. A photocopy, in a small ziplock bag, attached to your survival kit may be a life saver. Don't forget to annotate it with the little details you need - like magnetic north v grid north. Button compasses where originally designed for WWII S.E.R.E kits. Concealability is/was a major consideration. That means that they are easy to loose and are intended for rough direction keeping. As in if I go in this direction, I will get back to my own people/find rescue. Good idea, as far as it goes. But which direction? Which is why they had silk escape maps. We cannot do that. Hence the photocopy.

In the Pacific during WWII, US pilots called their E&E button compass
an "A--hole compass".

Fontunately for me I have one of those uncanny senses of direction and I love maps / charts. So I instinctively note my surroundings both physically and on a map even when I am not in the wilderness. This is why I never lose my car at the mall <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

and in different circumstances, it can be substituted.. In the POW camp, "No guard, I do not have a rolex watch, but I do have a compass" <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I thought the compass in Doug's kit had a groove around the perimeter where you could loop a piece of the (nonmagnetic) stainless steel wire that comes in the kit. That lets you attach it to a lanyard.