The same thing happened to my wife and I a few years back we went our usual weekend hike we been going for years we were so confident we knew the way we left our mobile phone in the car that day we had a snow storm the trails were all covered and everything looked so different it took us a few hours to find our way back to the car Alec from Scotland
I grew up and live in the Sierra Mountains. A compass is essential. I like the M-3G. I usually take a military compass with me. I think that every compass I have can be set for declination. At altitude of 6 to 8k ft, I have not had any trouble with bubbles forming.
Suunto does make mirrored compasses with the two very important features you cited: (1) global needle and (2) declination adjustment via tiny screw. So now do you agree that adding a mirror vastly improves the accuracy when shooting an azimuth.
@@mendozaconsultation there’s some good UA-cam videos that’ll explain the isogonic lines, agonic chart. I’m still learning so offer no advice just a point in that direction for education. In Scotland our declination is so little it’s not worth worrying about atm it’s 1.6 degrees westerly declination. I’d only be 2m off my bearing every 1km and even usin the suunto mc2g your not gonna walk 1k without taking a new bearing. I’ve just bought the compass in the video here for navigating in woodlands where the mc2g is better suited to long distance sighting. Reason for two compasses is I always carry two maps and two compasses for safety in the highlands. Happy hiking 🥾
Best compass is the Francis Baker M88... or their M73, if you like them heavy. Your map should specify the mag/true declination it's based on. Pair with a R.A. protractor (in mils or degrees, according to yor compass) and just remember - Grid to Mag, add. Mag to Grid, get rid. However... I still habitually favour the old Silva Type 4/54 baseplate with built-in romers, or a Suunto MB6 for general use... and a Casio Rangeman, just because it's cool!!
I Think you have it backwards. Grid to Mag (map to land) you subtract for instance let's say you have a map Reading of 100° and the declination is east 10° so 100-10=90 or if it's a west declination it would be 100-(-10)=110°
@@ronvonbargen8411 Well, it seems to work for every soldier in the British Army, myself included, and we generally hit what we're aiming at so we must be doing something right... It might work differently for those West of Plymouth, but that's just down to checking the declination on your map, which anyone with a compass should know to do. Everywhere else of interest is East, at which point it works just fine!
@@Sarrienne I am in an area that has no declination, Minnesota usa along the Mississippi River. (well its actually 0.24° this year) so I don't really have to adjust for declination. I was basing my comment on my understanding without any real experience with declination. Maybe I'm wrong.
Great video. I have the Suunto M3-G and the Cammenga lensatic (both tritium and phosphorescent versions). I use the Suunto for working with maps, but the Cammenga is unbeatable for walking as you follow a bearing. Also have the Suunto M2-G on order. Always take a backup compass with you in the woods---and have a USGS or equivalent map and know how to use it!
I'm starting a trip in a week and just noticed that my Suunto has stopped working properly after just a few years. The liquid just evaporated or something... Piece of crap and no support / warranty. .
It's easy to keep red in the shed but good luck trying to read a bearing at night with out a light. the best compass that I have used for night navigation is the cammenga with tritium
Nice video! I learned how to use a compass during my undergraduate course in field methods in geology many years ago. We used the standard Brunton used by geologists, and I used that compass through my MS and PhD programs. After 40 years, it works as well today as it did when I bought it. The Brunton is a great compass, but it is a bit cumbersome for trekking and orienteering. There are other Bunton models that are better suited for hiking, etc., but I am very much a fan of Suunto compasses. All are very light-weight, easy to use, and durable. Based on your recommendation, I have purchased a Suunto M3G. I have also ordered a Suunto thumb compass for orienteering exercises.
I tend not to take advice from someone who thinks they can sight through the magnifying lens on a baseplate compass but do get back to me when you know what your doing , lastly under no circumstances navigate unless you have a competent person to do it for you .
Thanks for watching! Crossing Greenland with this compass: www.sastrugipress.com/books/two-friends-and-a-polar-bear/ Skiing to the South Pole with this compass: www.sastrugipress.com/books/antarctic-tears/ Stay safe out there!
Ok, I am no world traveler. I hunt, I spend many days in the back country. I use a Cammenga military compass and just ordered one of these for a backup. If it works as you claim it may become my primary. Thanks for the info and the video
I’m reading so many mixed reviews about quality of Suunto and Sylva compasses because of bubble formations. Is it really a rocket science to create an easy to use compass that doesn’t form bubble at altitude?
It's actually a challenge - a reduction in pressure causes bubbles in anything. You can boil water (create bubbles) in a syringe. It's an annoying fact of physics.
Back in the 1930ies Wilhelm Kienzler ("WilKie") sold the WilKie "Meridian" compass. This type was the first in the world with a thermo-elastic capsule to prevent bubbles. Now a similiar type is sold under several chinese no-name brands, but without the original fluid/capsule. The fluid formula is still a secret.
Is it only me or did anyone else get a Raymond vibe (Everyone loves Raymond)? Anyways, this video is 2 years old (2019), yet Raymond doesn't know Suunto makes the MC2G (since 2016)? It has identical features as his beloved MC3G. However the MC2G has a mirror. Yes it may be a few mm thicker. But I think the pros outweigh the cons. Not only do you get a longer base once unfolded (for mapping), you also have a more compact item hanging on your neck when the mirror is folded. I will take the MC2G over the MC3G anyday. The mirror setup will provide much more accuracy when shooting a bearing.
At 5:24 -- absolute north? What's that? Never heard of 'absolute' north. Declination adjustment allows the compass to point to grid north -- the north that is used by map makers.
The Suunto M3-G is certainly a very good compass, but the best Expedition compass? In my opinion certainly not. I am not an expeditioner but have experience with compasses. I suspect that real expeditioners sometimes will have the need to take a bearing and so accurate as possible. And yes, with the Suunto M3-G you can take a bearing, but accurate? No, impossible. I don’t have that experience with a M3-G (or similar). Under the conditions of real expeditions i think expeditioners will prefer and have the need for an accurate bearing which isn’t possible with the M3-G. Therefore, you need a mirror- or similar sighting compass. For real expeditions I would say a Suunto M3-G compass is only good for eventually back-up if there is nothing else to use. I own a M3-G similar compass, a Recta DT40. This is not a Global compass but I don’t need that because I never travel so far South to have the need for a Global compass. This compass is the one I use for working on the map. To take bearings in the field or positioning which I like to be as accurate as possible I use a mirror sighting compass Suunto MC-2. That gives me the most accurate measuring.
For long distance polar navigation, the mirror/wire compasses aren't efficient to use. A chest mount is the currently accepted "fasted" way to continuously navigate, especially in a white out. You can only look at the compass on the chest mount, adjust your heading to align the needle into your bearing, and keep going. There's nothing to sight on in a total/partial whiteout. Sadly Suunto changed the design so it's not a true gimbal any more, just a needle in glass (plastic). We had a terrible time with them in Greenland: Two Friends and a Polar Bear (Greenland): amzn.to/45GKzlS
I run the Silva ranger #515 with all... the adjustments. Sighting mirror, declination adjustments, marked out clear base plate..its the cats meow.. the only but not really a problem for a woodsman like me is.. it's not global, has to be kept level to read.. other then that its perfect. But..😏..I am seeking the global model. Lil easier with shaky hands and bad eyes👍🏽
The SUUNTO MC-2 is a mirror compass that has adjustable declination and an inclinometer. This model has a global needle, and Suunto also makes this available with an NH needle at a cheaper price. www.suunto.com/en-gb/Products/Compasses/Suunto-MC-2-Global1/Suunto-MC-2-G-Mirror-Compass
@@ALinsdau Must be quite an adventure ot visit those remote locations. Have you ever tried it in deep jungle environments for both North and South Hemispheres? Costa Rica, Amazon, etc.
The same thing happened to my wife and I a few years back we went our usual weekend hike we been going for years we were so confident we knew the way we left our mobile phone in the car that day we had a snow storm the trails were all covered and everything looked so different it took us a few hours to find our way back to the car Alec from Scotland
I'm hoping to visit Scotland for a backpack trip soon. Be safe out there!
I grew up and live in the Sierra Mountains. A compass is essential. I like the M-3G. I usually take a military compass with me. I think that every compass I have can be set for declination. At altitude of 6 to 8k ft, I have not had any trouble with bubbles forming.
Which military compass do you bring?
Suunto does make mirrored compasses with the two very important features you cited: (1) global needle and (2) declination adjustment via tiny screw. So now do you agree that adding a mirror vastly improves the accuracy when shooting an azimuth.
The mirror is handy but slower for me.
Silva makes a global, declination adjustable and inclinometer too.
Is it tru that declination changes 1 degree yearly ?
@@mendozaconsultation That is dependent on where you are
@@mendozaconsultation there’s some good UA-cam videos that’ll explain the isogonic lines, agonic chart. I’m still learning so offer no advice just a point in that direction for education. In Scotland our declination is so little it’s not worth worrying about atm it’s 1.6 degrees westerly declination. I’d only be 2m off my bearing every 1km and even usin the suunto mc2g your not gonna walk 1k without taking a new bearing. I’ve just bought the compass in the video here for navigating in woodlands where the mc2g is better suited to long distance sighting. Reason for two compasses is I always carry two maps and two compasses for safety in the highlands. Happy hiking 🥾
Best compass is the Francis Baker M88... or their M73, if you like them heavy. Your map should specify the mag/true declination it's based on. Pair with a R.A. protractor (in mils or degrees, according to yor compass) and just remember - Grid to Mag, add. Mag to Grid, get rid.
However... I still habitually favour the old Silva Type 4/54 baseplate with built-in romers, or a Suunto MB6 for general use... and a Casio Rangeman, just because it's cool!!
Good to note.
I Think you have it backwards. Grid to Mag (map to land) you subtract for instance let's say you have a map Reading of 100° and the declination is east 10° so 100-10=90 or if it's a west declination it would be 100-(-10)=110°
@@ronvonbargen8411 Well, it seems to work for every soldier in the British Army, myself included, and we generally hit what we're aiming at so we must be doing something right... It might work differently for those West of Plymouth, but that's just down to checking the declination on your map, which anyone with a compass should know to do. Everywhere else of interest is East, at which point it works just fine!
@@Sarrienne I am in an area that has no declination, Minnesota usa along the Mississippi River. (well its actually 0.24° this year) so I don't really have to adjust for declination. I was basing my comment on my understanding without any real experience with declination. Maybe I'm wrong.
That Grid to Mag mnemonic works when declination is West. If it's East, then the opposite applies.
Great video. I have the Suunto M3-G and the Cammenga lensatic (both tritium and phosphorescent versions). I use the Suunto for working with maps, but the Cammenga is unbeatable for walking as you follow a bearing. Also have the Suunto M2-G on order. Always take a backup compass with you in the woods---and have a USGS or equivalent map and know how to use it!
Thanks for sharing!
very informative video. thank you. After 5 years, do you still recommend this compass? or is there a newer/better version?
The new version is very sticky - made my Greenland expedition rather challenging:
Two Friends and a Polar Bear (Greenland): amzn.to/3Y4YWj5
I'm starting a trip in a week and just noticed that my Suunto has stopped working properly after just a few years. The liquid just evaporated or something... Piece of crap and no support / warranty. .
Mine has developed a permanent bubble - the new version without the proper gimbal, just a glass cup resting on a needle, was a disaster in Greenland.
Genial .. encontré mi brújula Suunto... la voy a aprovechar
Thanks for watching.
Hi I loved you in Everybody loves Raymond keep going
Thanks for watching & subscribing!
What is it like for night navigation? How clear is it and how long does it stay clearly visible at night?
The rotating bezel stays lit for quite a while. It's "okay" for night nav but a quick headlamp glance definitely helps.
It's easy to keep red in the shed but good luck trying to read a bearing at night with out a light. the best compass that I have used for night navigation is the cammenga with tritium
You convinced me! Have just ordered one for use here in the UK
Cheers!
Nice video! I learned how to use a compass during my undergraduate course in field methods in geology many years ago. We used the standard Brunton used by geologists, and I used that compass through my MS and PhD programs. After 40 years, it works as well today as it did when I bought it. The Brunton is a great compass, but it is a bit cumbersome for trekking and orienteering. There are other Bunton models that are better suited for hiking, etc., but I am very much a fan of Suunto compasses. All are very light-weight, easy to use, and durable. Based on your recommendation, I have purchased a Suunto M3G. I have also ordered a Suunto thumb compass for orienteering exercises.
I hope it works out.
sorry to inform you. Suunto MC2 Navigator Mirror Sighting Compass with Built-in Clinometer, Quadrant Yes this has the mirror and angle gauge.
That version is nice, too.
Thank you very much
No worries
I tend not to take advice from someone who thinks they can sight through the magnifying lens on a baseplate compass but do get back to me when you know what your doing , lastly under no circumstances navigate unless you have a competent person to do it for you .
Thanks for watching!
Crossing Greenland with this compass: www.sastrugipress.com/books/two-friends-and-a-polar-bear/
Skiing to the South Pole with this compass: www.sastrugipress.com/books/antarctic-tears/
Stay safe out there!
"The ONLY compass I know that has a way to set declination"... Really!!! lol
Things have changed since then thank goodness.
Ok, I am no world traveler. I hunt, I spend many days in the back country. I use a Cammenga military compass and just ordered one of these for a backup. If it works as you claim it may become my primary. Thanks for the info and the video
Good luck and be safe out there.
I’m reading so many mixed reviews about quality of Suunto and Sylva compasses because of bubble formations. Is it really a rocket science to create an easy to use compass that doesn’t form bubble at altitude?
It's actually a challenge - a reduction in pressure causes bubbles in anything. You can boil water (create bubbles) in a syringe. It's an annoying fact of physics.
Back in the 1930ies Wilhelm Kienzler ("WilKie") sold the WilKie "Meridian" compass. This type was the first in the world with a thermo-elastic capsule to prevent bubbles. Now a similiar type is sold under several chinese no-name brands, but without the original fluid/capsule. The fluid formula is still a secret.
What is the difference between the Suunto M2G and the M3G?
Here's a link to help:
www.suunto.com/en-us/Compare-Products/?products=13595%3B6435
M2 is a mirror baseplate compass. M3 is a regular baseplate compass.
Is it only me or did anyone else get a Raymond vibe (Everyone loves Raymond)?
Anyways, this video is 2 years old (2019), yet Raymond doesn't know Suunto makes the MC2G (since 2016)? It has identical features as his beloved MC3G. However the MC2G has a mirror.
Yes it may be a few mm thicker. But I think the pros outweigh the cons. Not only do you get a longer base once unfolded (for mapping), you also have a more compact item hanging on your neck when the mirror is folded.
I will take the MC2G over the MC3G anyday. The mirror setup will provide much more accuracy when shooting a bearing.
Thanks for watching!
I’ve got the suunto a10 😊
Great choice!
At 5:24 -- absolute north? What's that? Never heard of 'absolute' north. Declination adjustment allows the compass to point to grid north -- the north that is used by map makers.
Should've said True North.
My brand new M3 G needle sticks bad. Going to send it back to Suunto when the USPS calms down in January.
Hope it works out.
@@ALinsdau Suunto, through forestry suppliers, replaced my M3G compass. The new one works perfectly!
The Suunto M3-G is certainly a very good compass, but the best Expedition compass? In my opinion certainly not. I am not an expeditioner but have experience with compasses.
I suspect that real expeditioners sometimes will have the need to take a bearing and so accurate as possible. And yes, with the Suunto M3-G you can take a bearing, but accurate? No, impossible. I don’t have that experience with a M3-G (or similar). Under the conditions of real expeditions i think expeditioners will prefer and have the need for an accurate bearing which isn’t possible with the M3-G. Therefore, you need a mirror- or similar sighting compass. For real expeditions I would say a Suunto M3-G compass is only good for eventually back-up if there is nothing else to use.
I own a M3-G similar compass, a Recta DT40. This is not a Global compass but I don’t need that because I never travel so far South to have the need for a Global compass. This compass is the one I use for working on the map. To take bearings in the field or positioning which I like to be as accurate as possible I use a mirror sighting compass Suunto MC-2. That gives me the most accurate measuring.
For long distance polar navigation, the mirror/wire compasses aren't efficient to use. A chest mount is the currently accepted "fasted" way to continuously navigate, especially in a white out. You can only look at the compass on the chest mount, adjust your heading to align the needle into your bearing, and keep going. There's nothing to sight on in a total/partial whiteout.
Sadly Suunto changed the design so it's not a true gimbal any more, just a needle in glass (plastic). We had a terrible time with them in Greenland:
Two Friends and a Polar Bear (Greenland): amzn.to/45GKzlS
well done sir.
Thanks!
Dude why is it best, show features, stop talking so much my god
Thanks for the comments.
For simple hiking in lower 48 would Cammenga Lensatic be ok?
It should!
I run the Silva ranger #515 with all... the adjustments. Sighting mirror, declination adjustments, marked out clear base plate..its the cats meow.. the only but not really a problem for a woodsman like me is.. it's not global, has to be kept level to read.. other then that its perfect. But..😏..I am seeking the global model. Lil easier with shaky hands and bad eyes👍🏽
There is a mirror version of this compass from Suunto if you prefer that style.
The Silva "Expedition S" compass also have adjustment for declination, and a mirror.
The SUUNTO MC-2 is a mirror compass that has adjustable declination and an inclinometer. This model has a global needle, and Suunto also makes this available with an NH needle at a cheaper price.
www.suunto.com/en-gb/Products/Compasses/Suunto-MC-2-Global1/Suunto-MC-2-G-Mirror-Compass
Good to note.
What countries and expeditions have you actively used it in?
Antarctica, Denali, Russia, Patagonia...
@@ALinsdau Must be quite an adventure ot visit those remote locations. Have you ever tried it in deep jungle environments for both North and South Hemispheres? Costa Rica, Amazon, etc.
One would think a professional speaker would know how to get to the *bleepin* point
Thank for the comments.
What about your dad's video?
His is good.
Suunto doesn’t make a good compass any more😢
Their new global design saved $$$ for them but produced a weaker product.
You've "yet to find a compass with" adjustable declination besides this Suunto???
In local stores, yes.
@@ALinsdau try Brunton truarc.
@@ALinsdau Really? We had that on compasses back in the 1990s... !
Does this compass account for flat earth?
Good question.