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.