[Request] Looking for a compact compass for exploring cities.

Submitted by lordleft t3_zz7gta in BuyItForLife

Weird request, but I am tired of the spotty results of the compass on my iphone and apple watch.

I am a bit inept in terms of spatial orientation -- I am perpetually hurtling down blocks in the wrong direction and then righting wrongs, adding 5-15 minutes to my journey. Having a compass that could quickly and reliably provide due north would hopefully help with that.

Any recommendations for a solid compass for urban exploration?

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Comments

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Pocket_Weasel_UK t1_j29wxt5 wrote

Silva Metro - I've had one clipped to my work bag for years so I know which way to turn coming out of the station in an unfamiliar city.

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lordleft OP t1_j29y8w6 wrote

Just bought one online for twenty bucks. I'll give this a try -- thanks for the rec!

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Pocket_Weasel_UK t1_j29yl7q wrote

Wow - you don't hang around!

Silva are the best-respected compass maker, so hopefully you won't be disappointed. I've had mine for probably 15 years now.

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fazalmajid t1_j2afdwe wrote

When I was doing my military service in France, circa 1990, it was standard issue and our officers said "La boussole Silva sait où elle va" (the Silva compass knows where it's going). I still have mine, complete with NATO 6400 milliradian scale.

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Pocket_Weasel_UK t1_j2ah2d6 wrote

That's fantastic!

When I learnt mountain navigation they told me a similar thing - "trust the compass".

There have been times when I've been lost in a fog and convinced that the path was THIS way, but the compass said it was THAT way.

The compass was always correct...

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lordleft OP t1_j29zibq wrote

Haha it was so cheap that I figured it was worth at least trying

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PlippetyPlop7 t1_j2a963q wrote

I dont think a compass is gonna help you like you think it is mate

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Nexusowls t1_j2ay864 wrote

Having a map on your phone is great because it tells you where you are, unfortunately (as mentioned by OP) sometimes the direction indicator doesn’t work correctly. Having a compass to double check you’re heading east down the high st rather than west when you get off the bus may be helpful to some people.

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