Registered: 11/23/03
Posts: 430
Loc: Kitsap Peninsula, WA
I really like simple base plate compasses and find them surprisingly accurate. I have taught navigation classes and students learn quickly even with the simplest, inexpensive base plate compasses. I have never used a mirror compass and was wondering if they are truly more accurate and if they are easy to use. For example, the mirror reads the numbers on the bezel in a mirror image; so are they difficult to read? Some of them have a little peep hole at the bottom of the mirror. Does that make it easier to sight on a landmark or objective?
I can't comment on the accuracy from personal experience, since I normally just use the compass the "regular" way. I suspect it's more precise when that might be desired. The mirror is valuable in other ways, though. Besides just looking at yourself, it could be useful in case you get something in your eye. Also possibly for signaling.
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Always remember that you are absolutely unique, just like everybody else. -Margaret Mead
Registered: 11/23/03
Posts: 430
Loc: Kitsap Peninsula, WA
I assume by "regular way" you mean orienting your self by finding general directions with the compass. That is probably true of most people. Regarding "looking at yourself" I have found that a scary proposition lately. I don't have a time machine, and yet when I look in the mirror, presto; Where has the time gone!
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
While it's good to have a mirror, especially when solo, in case of foreign object in the eye or of facial cuts requiring bandaging, or possibly signaling, I don't have one on my compass.
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Registered: 11/23/03
Posts: 430
Loc: Kitsap Peninsula, WA
I got my mirror compass I ordered and I am happy with it. I think it is at least slightly easier to use than a baseplate compass w/o a mirror. When you sight a distant object with A simple baseplate compass it requires sighting the object and then moving the compass to look at the reading. I find that process accurate, but you have to do several trials to be sure. With my new mirror compass I can sight on a distant object and read the compass almost without moving it. Only rarely have I found I needed such accuracy, but on occasion when identifying a distant peak for example, I did.
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