This is the main compass I carry in my pack. It is a baseplate style compass which makes it good for using on a map to determine bearings (has built-in straight edge, measuring tools, and magnifying glass). This model has luminescence on on the parts that matter to aid in night time navigation. One of the things I like best about this compass is that it has a global needle which means it can be used anywhere in the world. The way Suunto did this is they put a tiny pin on the needle that rides along the top of the display. This pin has an added benefit of making the needle more forgiving as far as use. What I mean by that is the compass does not need to be held as level as some other models, and the needle will settle on magnetic north. The needle has a strong magnet and it does settle very quickly on north. This compass has a few other features. The compass comes with a small key that allows the user to adjust declination setting depending upon where you are. For those who do not know what declination is, it is the difference between magnetic north and true north on a map. Declination varies depending upon where you are in the country as true north and magnetic north do vary a few degrees which could be enough to get someone really lost. The last feature I like about this compass is that it has a clinometer. A clinometer is device that can be used to measure angles. I can use the clinometer on my compass to estimate heights of objects (little math) and check hill grades before I start hiking. The compass also has a removeable lanyard. I do not like plastic clips so I permanently tied mine on. It still sits flat on a map. I also took clear nail polish and covered the degree markings and the luminescent paint on the baseplate itself. I learned the hard way. Let the nail polish dry before touching as I smeared my degree markings on one compass. For those who like mirrored compasses, Suunto also has a mirrored global version. This is a great compass for hiking! The needle settles fast and is very accurate. It also has a few other great features which I had already mentioned. Like pretty much everything else in my bag, I got it from Amazon, but it is not the cheapest compass on the market. This one is around the $50 range. Even though this is a great compass, I also carry a cheap button compass as people can question their compass after some time in the woods. The second compass is to prevent me from second guessing my compass.
Overview of the compass. Measuring scales along the side of the compass. The small metal thing threaded through the lanyard is the key for adjust declination. It is a tiny flathead screwdriver to turn a screw in the compass back plate.
Picture of the clinometer. The clinometer gauge is the black needle hanging down (since my photo got rotated, it is pointing right and slightly up.). The user tilts the base of the compass so the baseplate is aligned with the top of the object or parallel to the grade and reads the needle to get a reading.