Why does a person NEED 41 compasses?

[TeamHenry]

'Cause every one I buy points north and I don't always want to go north?
Nah....I collect 'em and have been since 1958.

Preface: Because I'm so new at this hobby/addiction/science, I feel I have little to contribute to the forum at this time.

I have been wandering this planet for 50+ years. Backpacking, hiking, snow shoeing, geocaching/benchmarking and until a few years ago when Father Time caught up with me, a little rockclimbing too. Like caving as well.
This year marks my 50th in shooting sports.
So rather than sit here like a slug, maybe I can contribute something pertaining to outdoor gear and firearms.
If most folks agree, I'll post an article on a particular piece of gear.

It's a rare occasion when I wander without a compass. For the few ounces it weighs, it's well worth the insurance.
Amazon has a book, THE BOOK, named Be Expert With Map and Compass by Bjorn Kellstrom. I highly recommend it. Cost? $12.00.





Here are two of my favorites. Both are lensatic, the one on top is a Cammenga, on the bottom is a Brunton Pro. These are both high-dollar instruments. Do you need them? Heck no! Both are about $100.00 each. You can do very well for half that price and still have a quality, serviceable compass that will last for many years. I have a compass that looks like the Cammenga Tritium I bought in Stuffmart for $17.00. Do you need one? Heck no! It's junk! Skip a movie and put that with the $17 and get a good unit.
Wifey likes the Cammenga over the Brunton. Why? 'Cause it looks cool. Beat that for logic! You can buy a non-Tritium Cammenga for about $45.00.
My compasses range from .99 cents up to $100+ I'm a nut. I collect 'em.
Shucks, I've even heard of some people that collect arrowheads!

[rmartin]

Good Post. I think I might have to go find me one. Ray.

[DesertWalker]

Very interesting collection. I have seen some photos of the old (mid 1800s) brass ones, have any of those? I have done a lot of wandering, never used a map and compass, but just bought a GPS unit this last year. They make it it much easier to navigate and find your way back. Yes, I know, a compass doesn't need batteries..lol

[TeamHenry]

Thanks guys,
I can't say enough about that little book by Bjorn Kellstrom. In the back of the book there's a mini topo map with quizzes. Great stuff.
DW, I do have several brass compasses, my favorite being my original Boy Scout compass, circa: 1958.






I too bought a GPSr last year and I carry both in my web gear. I bought it for geocaching/benchmarking. Since I found this forum, it doesn't look like I'll be doing much of that anymore.

[ghost recon]

Whatever makes you happy...I've got a few myself. Those two you posted are nice. My favorite is my Nato sas survival compass, smaller than a dime but extremely overmade and consistent.

[TeamHenry]

Originally Posted by ghost recon

Whatever makes you happy...I've got a few myself. Those two you posted are nice. My favorite is my Nato sas survival compass, smaller than a dime but extremely overmade and consistent.

Is this it?









ghost recon......hmmm,....did you serve with a Marine Corps Recon Battalion?........just curious.

[TeamHenry]

Here's a pic of the latest edition and price. I said it was $12, now it's $18.95.
Seems like a lot of money for a paperback, but you can buy used as well.

[ghost recon]

Yep, that's the one Henry, nice little piece of gear.