I know there have been several threads on compasses in the past. I did several searches and still have a "selection" question. I've basically narrowed my choices to one of two, both Brunton Eclipse series.

One is the 8099 PRO ECLIPSE

And the other is the simpler baseplate 8096 GPS ECLIPSE

I'm usually a "car camper," as Tom calls my breed <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />, and have moderate skills orienting a map and compass using a baseplate compass. However, this summer, I'm heading into the mountains for two week of backpacking with the scouts at Philmont Scout Range in New Mexico. From what I understand, the trails are fairly well marked but do change from time-to-time and are open to interpretation. So map reading and compass skills are essential for the crew. We plan on doing some extensive work in this are this spring. Coincidentally, my old baseplate compass broke, so it's an opportune time to evaluate my needs.

1. Should I stick with the baseplate model or step up (at twice the cost) to a lensatic and learn how to use it (and teach the boys). Or...

2. Stick with the less expensive baseplate model with which that I'm much more familiar and comfortable?

3. There's another baseplate model, the 8097 ECLIPSE, that has a more ergonomic design, but lakes the UTM scales that the 8096 GPS ECLIPSE offers. I haven't used UTM at all, but it seems like now would be as good a time as any to teach this old dog a new trick.