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.