Precise Compass for bushwhacking

“I need a more accurate compass for bushwhacking distances when I cannot see landmarks for miles. I definitely want to get more precision (1 degree off means about 90 feet for every mile - which can be nasty when you are going five miles aiming for a peak on ridge which is surrounded by thick, thick growth).

Anyone have any recommendations? I see one that looks good http://www.amazon.com/Brunton-F-8099-8099-Eclipse-Compass/dp/B000093ILC

I saw one went for 20 on ebay in December.”

“Brunton and Silva are both good, but why not get a GPS? WAAS enabled, my Garmin 450t (which I'm still learning to use) is accurate to 1 metre horizontally and 1,5 m vertically. WAAS works anywhere there is air traffic in North America - just about everywhere, in other words.

Doug”

“First, I don't like depending on a GPS. There are areas under deep cover where it won't work. Secondly - it's a lot more fun to navigate with map and compass. Lastly, if I am using a GPS for the altimiter and compass and ignoring the mapping functions - or going without a map chip - it's not as convenient for a tough bushwhack, especially in winter. A compass can dangle from around my neck and I can check it every twenty feet. Holding onto a GPS makes it harder to manouever and it is time consuming to keep fishing it out of my pocket - especially if I'm wearing mittens (which I need to do in winter).”

“Good points, but my Garmin comes with a carabiner attachment that hooks onto the gear loop on the shoulder straps of my packs.

Deep cover is no loger a problem, my GPS gets a signal in my house (metal roof). My ex and my husband-in-law dropped over yesterday and the GPS on his Blackberry (Crackberry) worked in the house.

On the other hand, I would never go anywhere without a map and compass (yes, I know how to use them). BTW, my compass is a Sylva Ranger with declination adjustment that I bought in 1975. Also, I don't trust GPS road navigation software (sorry, Euro).

Ped, the new ones are so accurate that they are becoming indespensable, it seems to me - mine is even water resistant; waterproof to 1 metre for 15 minutes.

Just my thoughts.”

“Oh yes: 3D map feature.”

“While I have no problems with people relying on a GPS, I am still a map and compass guy.”

“That Garmin carabiner attachment totally sucks, don't waste your money.
I lash mine to the shoulder strap of my pack or the hipbelt pocket. As long as I keep the antenna out, I've never had brush affect it that I've noticed.”

“How does the Garmin do exposed to cold - say windy and -5 degrees?”

“I use lithium batteries and so it is cold impervious (at least in North america).

I agree, Chili, GPS ought never to be used without an accompanying map, IMO. The map on the Garmin is great, but you just can't beat a real map.”

“Great thread on the subject on VFTT (www.viewsfromthetop.com); Forums; General Backcountry; Why I got a GPS and Topo map accuracy.
last edited: 2/07/12 8:25:33 AM”

“Yeah - I saw that. The maps are quite accurate for areas like the White Mountain National Forest - but it makes a good case for having a GPS in addition to map and compass.

My basic strategy is to navigate by map and compass and to have a GPS around as well.”