What Is a Survival Compass?

Introduction to Survival Compasses

A survival compass is an essential navigation tool for wilderness survival and emergency preparedness. Compasses help you determine direction by using the earth's magnetic fields. Key features of a good survival compass include durability, reliability, and ease of use. There are several types of compasses to consider like baseplate, lensatic, and pocket compasses. Understanding how to use a compass properly is critical for navigation and orienteering.

Compasses operate based on the earth's natural magnetic fields. The compass needle is a small magnet that aligns itself with those fields, pointing towards magnetic north. This allows you to determine the four cardinal directions - north, south, east, and west. Having this orientation awareness is vital for navigation and situational awareness when in the wilderness. A quality compass ensures you can establish your bearing and choose the correct path towards safety or your desired destination.

When selecting a survival compass, factors like durability, accuracy, and ease of use are all important. You need one that will withstand rugged outdoor conditions and provide reliable readings to orient yourself. Look for key features like a jeweled, dampened needle that settles quickly, adjustable declination to calibrate it, and a large dial that is easy to read. The best survival compasses like the Suunto MC-2G or Silva Ranger S have additional tools built-in like magnifying lenses, mirrored sighting slots, clinometers for measuring slopes, and more. Understanding the different types of compasses and proper usage technique is also critical.

Types of Survival Compasses

There are several major types of compasses to consider for wilderness and emergency preparedness:

Baseplate Compass

Typically low-cost and very portable option
Clear baseplate helps you plot bearings and takes sightings
Can also use map rulers on the baseplate for measuring distance
Often includes basic tools like a magnifying lens, mirror, and inclinometer
Durable and waterproof casing suitable for outdoor use
Example: Suunto A-10 baseplate compass

Lensatic Compass

Contains a housing that flips open for taking readings
Highly accurate with jeweled, dampened needle
Adjustable sites allow you to dial-in and take bearings
More sophisticated than a baseplate compass
Heavier duty construction built for ruggedness
Example: Cammenga 3H military lensatic compass

Pocket Compass

Very compact and lightweight for storing in pockets or packs
Simple directional arrow that points towards magnetic north
Minimal features beyond basic compass needle
Lower precision than other options
Good affordable backup or everyday carry compass
Example: Suunto Clipper pocket compass

Thumb Compass

Worn on your thumb for quick directional checks
Allows hands-free use while moving
Limited accuracy but fast readings on the go
Best paired with more detailed map compass
Example: Suunto M-9 thumb compass

Specialty Compasses

Orienteering compasses optimize for precision land navigation
Optical sighting compasses used for accurate sightings
GPS compasses integrate with navigation satellites
Provide advanced functionality for specific needs
Example: Suunto Tandem optical sighting compass

Each type has pros and cons based on features, accuracy, durability, and cost. Choose the one most suitable for your intended use case and environment. Many preppers recommend having multiple compass types for redundancy.

Key Features of Survival Compasses

Reliable accuracy is critical for determining true direction. Look for quality needles and adjustment features.
Strong housing protects compass interior from elements and impacts. Prefer metal or high-grade polymer.
Jeweled, dampened needles allow compass to settle quickly when reading.
Adjustable declination for calibrating compass to your region. Compensates for magnetic declination.
Large dial face makes sighting and reading bearings easy. Should have high contrast markings.
Luminous markings like on the Silva Ranger S help with taking readings in low light conditions. Glows to see at night.
Additional tools like a magnifier, mirror, and clinometer offer extra functionality.
Water and shock resistance for rugged outdoor use in any conditions.
Lanyard attachment so compass can hang securely from your neck. Quick access when needed.

Using a compass proficiently takes skill and practice. Follow these tips:

Always check that the compass needle can rotate freely before use.
Hold compass flat and allow needle to settle before taking readings.
Line up orienting arrow or lines with your direction of travel.
Turn compass housing to align needle north and read bearing.
Take sightings on landmarks like a mountain peak to set courses and stay on track.
Adjust declination based on your region to find true north.
Practice navigation skills like terrain association regularly.
Have confidence in compass readings over your sense of direction.

Taking Bearings

Hold compass flat in hand and allow needle to settle.
Point straight edge of baseplate toward object like a tower.
Rotate compass housing until red end points north.
Read bearing where housing indicator marks dial.

Following Bearings

Set compass bearing for direction of travel.
Hold compass flat and rotate to align needle north.
Orient baseplate direction of travel arrow with needle.
Pick landmark ahead in that direction like a large tree and walk toward it.

Triangulating Position

Take bearing on known landmark like a mountain peak and follow it.
Travel until you reach the landmark.
Now take a bearing on second known landmark like a river bend.
Follow this bearing until you reach that landmark.
You are now at the intersection of the bearings.

Choosing the Right Survival Compass

Assess your navigation needs like distance, precision, and conditions.
Pick a compass that balances portability and ease of use.
Ensure it has the durability to withstand your environment.
Test compass to verify accuracy before relying on it.
Select additional features like a mirror or magnifier as needed.
Consider keeping multiple compass types like a lensatic and pocket compass.
Invest in a quality compass from a trusted brand like Suunto or Silva.
Learn proper compass techniques and maintenance.
Always have a backup for redundancy like a GPS device or map/terrain association skills.

Conclusion

A survival compass is a vital tool for navigation and situational awareness when outdoors. Several types like baseplate, lensatic and pocket compasses serve different needs. Look for key features like durability, reliability, and ease of use. Proper compass techniques take skill and practice - understand how to take bearings. Redundancy through map reading, GPS or a backup compass is recommended. A quality compass could save your life if you get lost or disoriented in the wilderness. Investing in a Suunto or Silva model and learning how to use it effectively is highly recommended for wilderness survival and emergency preparedness.