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Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia




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  #1  
Old 11 Sep 2004
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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.
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  #2  
Old 12 Sep 2004
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Location: Eureka, CA USA
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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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Old 14 Nov 2004
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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 .

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  #4  
Old 14 Jan 2005
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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

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Grif

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