which compass?
 

Can anyone recommend a compass for desert (international) travel? I know I need a sighting compass, and I'm also assuming a baseplate, but some advice from someone with experience would be great.

First what are you going to use the compass? Find a local orenteering club and learn to use a compass. After you learn to use a compass you will get a better idea of what type to use. Also if you are going to use it south of the equator get a global compass. Using a compass without knowing how can be more dangerious than not having one. In the Army we used to say there is nothing more dangerious than a new officer with a map and compass.

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John

Follow Jon's advise closely, he is right on the money. However, you are on the right track. All I use to navigate the deserts of Egypt (when I’m not lazy enough to use the GPS) is a regular sighting compass, and base plate compass for map reading. Get backup units, sand has a way to swallow everything http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif.

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A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
Coordinates Converter – Lat/Long <-> UTM Conversion Tool.

Hi There, are you travelling by Motorbike or vehicle ?
If by 4wheels consider a fixed vehicle compass with variation adjusters.

If you need a handheld sighting/baseplate the Suunto MC-2G is probably one of the best ones out there 'G' standing for Global so it can be used anywhere.

As the guys say make sure you are familiar with using it. Having a back up, and good current mapping are essential.

You can get the Suunto in MEC stores in Canada for $73CAD

Safe Travels
Grif

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Ex RAF Regt, Ex Dragoman, LRE Instructor,
LR 90 300 Tdi Overlander
Suzuki DR650 Overlander
..and Bloody Nice Bloke!