Do you know how to use a compass?

[Irving]

I'm planning a small basic orienteering survival co-op in the spring

I'm still planning on coming to the fire one this Sunday at 9:00am. There is an excellent chance that I'll be a few minutes late, but since I have to drop my fiance off at another appointment at 9:00 am sharp as well, I'll hopefully be on time.

No problem Ginsue, that website is basically like an online Army Surplus store with a little bit better stuff. I like your idea for the Orienteering contest. That would be awesome. I was thinking of heading up to Grand County and being dropped off near the Sol Vista Ski resort, and seeing if I can find my way back to my cabin a few miles away through the mountains. I really have no idea how to go about doing that though. It wouldn't be until spring probably anyway though, so I have some time to figure it out. All that land USED to be Federal land that you could ride dirt bikes, snow mobiles, camp, etc on, but now that it is owned by Sol Vista, you can only hike and mountain bike up there.

[theGinsue]

What's this about a fire? Bonfire get-together?

Nevermind - I just re-read the thread (http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28451) Firestarting co-op

[Irving]

Oh yeah, I just checked the NOAA site, and it said the declination for Westminster was around 9 degrees. Not the 14 from that 1964 figure I saw earlier.


EDIT: I've decided that I don't like this compass very much and will take it back tomorrow. I don't like how you can't adjust the declination, as I already mentioned. Also, the needle is very fat and I have a very difficult time trying to add the 9 degrees onto this thing the same way every time. I can sit in a chair, set up the compass to show me my bearing. Then, spin it around in a circle, or move the compass, then I can't seem to get the same bearing again. I'll be off at least two degrees. I think I'll go look at their selection a little closer since I know a little bit more what to look for this time. The store I went to had a few of the metal cased military style kind like I posted.

Thanks for all the input so far from everyone here.

[d_striker]

that would be good, i have no idea how to read a compass. i would like to go on a 2-3 day survival camp this next summer to get a real experience.

Oh yeah, I just checked the NOAA site, and it said the declination for Westminster was around 9 degrees. Not the 14 from that 1964 figure I saw earlier.


EDIT: I've decided that I don't like this compass very much and will take it back tomorrow. I don't like how you can't adjust the declination, as I already mentioned. Also, the needle is very fat and I have a very difficult time trying to add the 9 degrees onto this thing the same way every time. I can sit in a chair, set up the compass to show me my bearing. Then, spin it around in a circle, or move the compass, then I can't seem to get the same bearing again. I'll be off at least two degrees. I think I'll go look at their selection a little closer since I know a little bit more what to look for this time. The store I went to had a few of the metal cased military style kind like I posted.

Thanks for all the input so far from everyone here.

I have a Suunto M3. It's a great compass for what I use it for and has adjustable declination. You adjust it using a small eyeglass screwdriver.

[Irving]

I have a Suunto M3. It's a great compass for what I use it for and has adjustable declination. You adjust it using a small eyeglass screwdriver.

I ran across the Suunto while reading a review of the Silva Ranger. I'd pick the Suunto over the Ranger as well. Looks like a great compass.