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Compasses
An essential piece of safety gear, a quality compass is not susceptible to flat batteries, water damage, broken screens or any of the other weaknesses of electronic devices! And they weigh next to nothing. Bogong does not stock cheap compasses that don’t work. All our compasses are excellent navigational aids that will take you many miles.Read More
When nearly every Smartphone is GPS-ready, hikers may be tempted to skip out on purchasing a map and compass. However, it is important to keep in mind that a GPS receiver can never replace a compass because it requires battery power and satellite signals in order to function. If you want to safely navigate the wilderness without placing yourself at risk, you need a topo map and compass.
In addition to helping you determine which direction you are moving in, a compass can help you to orient your map, identify features of the map and pinpoint your location on the map. While you could potentially hike without a compass, having a compass offers protection if you happen to take a wrong turn or unexpected weather conditions arise.
A compass is of no use unless you know how to use it. Take the time to learn, seek instruction from experienced users, and take the time to practice your skills while you are in terrain that you are familiar with and the weather is good. A good way to brush up your skills is to attend one of the numerous rogaining events run throughout Australia. Taking the time to learn how to use a compass may one day save your life.
Most compasses have some basic feature in common. These include:
Magnetised needle:
This pivots within the compass casing and aligns itself with earth’s magnetic field. The red end will point to the strongest magnetic field, which is the magnetic north. Please note that in some areas magnetic anomalies or magnetic rocks may affect your compass.
Liquid-filled capsule:
This is the housing (or dial) that contains the needle and damping fluid, which slows down and stabilises the needle as it changes direction.
Bezel ring:
The bezel ring is a rotating ring that is marked with degrees from 0 to 360 (most often in 2° increments). It encircles the outer edge of the capsule of the compass. This bezel is designed to be easy to turn even in cold conditions while wearing gloves.
Other features of the compass include the base plate, orienting arrow, index and meridian lines. More advanced compasses may offer features, such as a declination adjustment, magnifying lens, clinometer, global needle, sighting mirror and lanyard.
If you need a reliable compass for your next outdoor adventure, Bogong stocks high quality compasses for hiking, mountaineering and more! Shop our online selection of Silva and Suunto compasses or give us a call on 03 9600 0599 and our friendly staff will be ready to help you find the right compass hiking equipment for your needs.
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