I really don't think I can be ....

but I feel like it some times

at deer camp I lent out my spare compass
which got me thinking I am down to 2 and one has a bubble and my sons has a large bubble so as I have been in and out of stores I have looked for another compass .
if I find anything at all it is basically junk
my first test is shake it and spin around in a circle it has 3 maybe 4 seconds to settle out this is where most everything on the shelf fails.
next it has to actually point north with my known good compass.

If I could find some good enough cheap compasses I would buy them and give them out to any new kids at deer camp.
had 2 this year both cousins kids neither had a compass.

where we hunt we don't do near as many drives as we used to and things aren't near as thick as they used to be. I can actually walk easily in many of the old drives where we had to crawl for sections before.

Saturday grouse hunting had my compass out a lot and my second loaned to my friend who had forgotten his .

much of what we covered Saturday looked like this with some of it thicker and in every direction if looked the same, heavy cloud cover couldn't see sun any where it was just not dark couldn't see anything up no towers or anything.


I had a good time and can see hunting this being a regular thing.
so it is time to replace my compasses with big air bubbles

I used to have more compasses I suspect I loaned them out and didn't get them back



I am thinking this https://www.amazon.com/Brunton-TruA...n&qid=1704751572&sr=8-3&th=1

I have had silvas in the past it used to be what was in every sporting goods store.

the other one I was looking at was a Suunto it has illuminated dials for use at night not that I do much night work but for a few dollars more maybe
https://www.amazon.com/SUUNTO-A-30-NH-Metric-Compass/dp/B000JL2CAG?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

maybe some of you know of a compass I am not seeing and where it is available

I see all sorts of cheap compasses on amazon 6-12 dollars I keep seeing a bunch of reviews that are like "it works" then some one who seems to actually know how to use a compass posts a picture and they have 3-4 compasses in it and the cheapo isn't pointing north or the needle color is backwards red is the standard for north some sort of give away in the labeling of the base plate is nice to let you know also.

maybe it is just that some % are not good , but and compare them to a known good an see it points correct.

nope you are not alone

You carry a topo map to go with it?

I always carry one. Just recently I got my phone wet enough to the point it malfunctioned. Without the compass, it could have been "interesting". A lot of thick country around here.

Have 1 in Tacoma at all times. Also 1 on my Can Am. Setting traps for a SW wind ain’t easy. When everything looks the same

Are we using true or magnetic?

Topo and compass is how I've always navigated while walking and boating (with a map of the lake).

Within the last year I have started using Google Maps on my phone while hunting a new to me game land near home. I don't get a good enough signal to do that up at camp.

I have a really cool one. But no one ever taught me how to use it!

Love em. Great feeling having one along.
I have two of the better Silva compasses, my two Eagle Scout sons seem to have found more need for them than me. I have a “get by” compass I carry, just have to remember to look for a new Silva for myself.

Back in the day used to see all kinds attached in different ways to gun stocks. I have a few on guns still, remember those?

Osky

I keep one in my truck,,my boat,,my deer hunting pack and in my small game hunting vest.If Im in the woods,,I have a compass with me and know how to use it.I also have several means of fire starting with me also.

Wont be in the woods without one

I use OnX for everything but with that said- I still have a bubble compass on my vest and my trusty Silva in my tracking bag. I’m not relying on battery life or cell service if I’m lacking either.

Nope carry one in my hunting pack all the time

I’d forgotten the small one in my fishing gear I’ve used when guiding. Particularly good in heavy rains out on the water.
Good reminder Up….

Osky

I have one in my work truck, personal truck, wife's truck, boat, hunting vest, fanny pack, a couple in my outdoor stuff and probably a couple more that I don't remember where they are at. All Silva Rangers or Suunto quadrants. I really like the Silva Rangers as you can set the magnetic declination in them. Not a factor here in Wisconsin but very useful elsewhere. The new Silvas are made in China, not Sweden like the originals. I do not own any of them so can't speak for their quality.

Zim

Magnetic will drive a sane man to drink
( my excuse and sticking to it)

Never used one my sense of direction has been pretty good but in most places you’ll hit a road even in the high country.

Wouldn't the steel in the barrel and receiver effect the compass?

Sure are nice coon hunting in the dark with dogs. Clouds or fog and you can get turned around easy. Dont need to complicate things. Have a look at your compass before walking in. Then have a look to walk out. Even with a topo map unless you constantly check your bearing, count steps, in thick cover it wont help much, if you dont go in a straight line. If you cant see anything to take a bearing on you still dont know where you are.

I use them when hunting large tracks and new areas. Like you said with cloud cover and places that look the same I found especially bottom land they come in handy. Especially in the dark. Twice this year I was sure the direction I was going. Untill I checked compass. Even then I thought it was not right becuse I" knew" the way I had come. And needed to go. Yep the compass was right and I was glad to have it. Saved me a very long walk I avoided.