Buy a Lensatic Compass and a good Topo Map and learn how to use them.
Buy a waterproof Topo map and not a regular road map, you must be able to see the terrain features
and you will not get this from a regular map.
Study the map before you go into the woods and know the terrain features
Bring a waterproof notepad and pencil with you
Bring a good flashlight with you
Trail Tacks-They glow in the dark, you can stick them in the trees and know it you are heading back
in the right direction.
If you do get lost, know that it is still a well recognized distress signal to fire three evenly
spaced shots.
Learn how How to read your Compass
If all you want is the basics in case your GPS dies on you at the wrong time, here it is;
A Military Lensatic Compass remains the most popular among Deer Hunters and Hikers alike
They are durable,dependable and require no electrical power supply, great for remote areas.
It has a wire and mirror for more precise direction determination.
The lensatic compass needs to be pointing to magnetic north to be able to shoot an azimuth.
Use waterproof paper and write down the direction you are going, and the direction you
need to take to get back out of the woods, the opposite of how you went in.
Mark down on paper different landmarks as well as using the trail tacks.
Keep your compass away from metal objects.Don't have your rifle under your arm and your
compass in the same hand.
Lay your topo map facing north, put you lensatic compass on the map orienting the compass
to your direction of travel,
Stick to your course, when you come to an obstacle go around it and find your bearing
the next obstacle you find go around the opposite side, this way you stay roughly on course.
I recommend a lensatic compass because you can aim it at a distant point and have an exact
bearing.
Always remember when going around a large obstacle to pick a point such as a tree or hill as
a reference to help keep on course.
If you can't see your reference point because of trees or weather, believe your compass, many
a hunter has been lost because of this reason alone, believe your compass and you will be fine.
Description
Olive Drab GI Military Phosphorescent Lensatic Compass (Model 27) - The Phosphorescent Lensatic Compass Has Been Used As An Economical Alternative To The Tritium Model. Brief Exposure To External Light Charges, The Phosphorescent Markings For Night Time Use. Equipped With A Magnifying Lens, Sight Wire, and Dial Graduations In Both Degrees and Mils To Ensure Accurate Readings. Copper Induction Dampening System Slows The Rotation Of The Magnet Without The Use Of Liquids. Built To Last With An Aluminum Frame and Waterproof Housing. Includes: Carrying Pouch, Lanyard, and Belt Clip. Phosphorescent Stamped On Back Of Actual Compass. Made In The USA.
Features
- Manufactured to U.S. Military specs
- Induction dampened with phosphorescent illumination
- Normal functioning in temperatures between -49 to 158 degrees fahrenheit
- Included nylon case clips to almost any belt
- Die-cast metal
Reviews
I purchased this so that I could identify landmarks from the tops of mountains, as well as to calibrate my watch compass. It does what it is supposed to do! You can line up another mountain peak in the crosshair, then glance down through the lens and read the bearing to the degree. What I haven't decided, though, is how I'll feel about humping it up a mountain when it comes time to pack it!
I bought this to replace a 40 year old "Silva" that had seen better days. I looked at Brunton, Suunto, and Silva before deciding on the Cammenga. The damping on the needle (card) is absolutely dead-on and rock solid. The quality of this compass can't be beat by any other compass today. I agree with the other reviewers about not getting the tritium version.
The phosphorescent version is the same compass but without the added cost of the tritium. Added to the bullet proof build quality is that it is waterproof, works at 50 below zero (F), highly legible, does not need liquid (that can discolor and leak) for damping (it uses induction damping instead). This is the same version as standard US military issue, but without the tritium.
You will not be disappointed when you use this compass. The old adage is still true, you do get what you pay for. One more note, most of the Brunton and Silva compasses are Chinese.... get the US made Cammenga instead; you'll never regret it. Why trust your life to anything less?
This is an outstanding compass, easy to use and solid as a rock.
You do NOT need to order the tritium version that costs $40 more, the marks on this compass will glow for hours with just a quick shine with a flashlight.
Description
190056 Features: Standard 3 x 5 inch paper fits easily in most small pockets Yellow Polydura cover stays waterproof and visible 100 pages of note-taking space Faint 1-4 inch grid for the technical sketches that strike you Top-O spiral keeps your pages together and stays out of your way Specifications: Sheets: 50 Size: 3 x 5 inches
Features
- 50 Waterproof pages
- Measures 3" x 5"
Reviews
I took the Rite in the Rain pads and pen on a birding trip to the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. I don't think there could be a tougher test for these pads and pen anywhere. They held up beautifully and I was able to record my bird sightings in all weather. Awesome products!
Planning a canoe trip and wanted something to keep a journal in. This notebook is the perfect size (fit in a shirt pocket) and not a spiral notebook which always seem to knot up on me. On the back it has a small ruler up to 4 inches or 11 centimeters.
For years I used a type of plastic paper for scuba diving, popularly known as wet notes, and books would be wet for hours a day, sometimes several weeks, and submerged up to 270' deep. Alas, these scuba papers cost ~ $15-40 for 20 sheets at a size twice this product. Wet notes are strong and reusable, so a good electric eraser will clean out pages with less fuss, but it is messy and time consuming. For scuba use, we use only pencils and writing is a rare event, unless underwater surveys are done. However, one may not want to erase a page, and thus erasing is moot.
The RITR product intrigued me because of its size and number of pages, all for less money. I've now done to this one notebook what I did to my prior scuba papers, and its held up. The notebook remains wet for a week, because it takes that long to dry out inside a gear bag. Key issues when used underwater are the pages are thinner, hard to turn single sheets, softens, becomes slippery and has reduced contrast when written to with HB pencils.
The contrast holds up better when the paper is less wet. RITR is perfect in water exposed environments were standard paper would fall apart, such as for notes on a boat or field studies in rainy environments, but less so continuously submerged.
This product does exactly what it says. But it's better than just waterproof. I did my own test on it one day: in the washer machine. My notes were still there. The pages didn't shred and it didn't do anything to my clothes. This is a great notebook. I've started buying it for friends.
If you work in the weather and are a note taking freak like me, BUY THESE!!!! I have literally had one of these out in the pouring rain and wrote in it like nothing happened, like a sunny day, good stuff.
Description
Rite in the Rain Tactical Black Clicker Pen - Black Ink (97)Your writing survives with Rite in the Rain productsWhile a pencil works great on our all-weather Rite in the Rain products, sometimes you just need a pen. This pen writes on all paper and upside down in temperatures from -30F to 250F.
Features
- Ink Color: Black
- Pen Color: Black
- Size: 5 1/4" long
- NSN - 7520-01-498-1876
Reviews
I took the Rite in the Rain pads and pen on a birding trip to the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. I don't think there could be a tougher test for these pads and pen anywhere. They held up beautifully and I was able to record my bird sightings in all weather. Awesome products!
I got one of these as a free gift from Rite In The Rain when I was still in the Navy. Back then they were considerably more expensive. Thanks to Amazon for making them a much better deal. These use the same inserts as the Fisher Space pen, but the body is much stronger. They could be used a hole puncher if needed. Everybody should keep at least one of these in their car for emergencies, along with a Rite In The Rain notepad. They are comfortable enough for day to day use, and sturdy enough for camping trips or cub scout jamborees. Any time you need a pen which holds up to more vigourous uses, get one of these.
This has got to be one of the best pens I have ever used. I work as a mechanic and my hands are almost always greasy. This pen will write notes on grease-smudged or damp paper with no problem. It is also very handy, especially for one-handed operation (no cap to remove). I have ordered several spares in case I lose it.
I didn't truly realize how nice this pen is until i lost it. You get so used to just picking up your pen and writing that you take it for granted that most pens clog up from time to time. After using this pen, i have lost all patience with fidgeting around to get ink out of a regular pen. With this pen i could 'rite in the rain' and put the notepad in my back pocket without worrying about my ink smudging or bleeding. This pen doesn't draw the darkest line, but more importantly, it doesn't smear or bleed. I'm buying two more.
I've used this for about a month. Black is an unfortunate color, but the pen is beautifully made. It seems a bit heavy, but strength in rough usage offsets that. It writes upside down and the ink doesn't run in the rain when you use Rite in the Rain notebooks. It is a superb writing instrument. Like a Cross pen without the fussy twist mechanism.
Description
The Fenix PD30 is a high-tech, rugged tool that's perfect for any lighting application. It features six levels of output, which not only allows the user to select the best compromise between brightness and runtime for any given task, but also has ability to aid in an emergency. The six output levels include dim, regular, high, SOS, turbo and strobe. When in turbo mode, the Fenix PD30 throws a remarkable 220 lumens beam, an incredible amount of light for a light of any size. If you're looking for a flashlight with solid reliability, digitally regulated brightness, and compact size, this Fenix is for you. • Cree Premium (Q5) 7090 XR-E LED with lifespan of 50,000 hours • 2 modes with 6 types of output • General Mode: 10 lumens (65hrs) -> 70 lumens (9hrs) -> 125 lumens (4hrs) ->SOS • Turbo Mode: 235 lumens (1.5hrs) -> Strobe • Digitally regulated output-maintains constant brightness • Uses two 3V CR123A battery (Lithium) • 118mm (Length) x 21.5mm (Diameter) • Made of aircraft-grade aluminum • Durable Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish • 49-gram weight (excluding batteries) • Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard • Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating • Push-button tail cap switch • Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle • Included accessories: holster, lanyard, two spare o-rings, and a rubber switch boot
Features
- Compact 4.5-inch length
- Compact body design is made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Digitally regulated output will maintain constant brightness at all levels
Reviews
Well I can't imagine what you could criticize about this thing. It's very well made. It stands on it's end. The clip and included belt carrier work well. It's also brighter than the sun. Seriously thing thing has an awesome wide beam and it's extremely bright. Having the option to run it at a lower power is also nice and saves on battery since you don't really need the high beams all the time. I've owned a lot of LED flashlights and I'm an outdoorsman. I've bought very nice and expensive ones in the past and this one is now the best one I own, especially considering it's small size.
Excellent construction, brightest light I own. This thing blazes at its highest setting. Luckily the lower settings are probably all you'll ever need to use. Love it.
I was going to buy a SureFire like my Executive Defender for my son, but the Fenix was about 40% cheaper, and more full-functioned. My Surefire has one light setting, this one has the ones that the description says, PLUS one they didn't mention - an auto-SOS setting. That's right - you set it on SOS and stand it up like a torch, and it will flash SOS in Morse code until you change the setting or the battery dies.
Since my son is deploying to Afghanistan in a year or so, I wanted him to have something he could use over there. A bonus - it weighs a little more than half what my Surefire (same size) does. At just a few ounces, he will have no problem finding room for such a functional and versatile tool.
I love this flashlight and every woman (and man) should have one. 1. small and easy to carry with you every day. 2. Can take on an airplane 3. The disorienting strobe can protect you from an attacker 4. low, medium, and high beam. Also an SOS signal When I show people this flashlight they want one!
Description
Coast LED Lenser H7 Focusing Headlamp with VLT zooms and dims in 1 quick twist... TEN TIMES the battery life of a conventional bulb! It's a brightness adjustable spot light and flood light in one! The LED Lenser H7 Rechargeable Focusing Headlamp with VLT uses Variable Light Output Technology (VLT) to adjust the amount of light to your task: dim to an extra-bright 140 lumens. And the advanced twist focus system instantly and effortlessly goes from flood to spotlight function. Better still, the super-bright LED throws a powerful, focused beam that conventional headlamps just can't compare to while lasting up to 100,000 operating hours! Not to mention they use so little power in the process that your battery life is extended up to 10 times! Details: Lumens: 140, max watt: 2.9, effective range: 528 ft.; Advanced twist focus system for flood to spot light operation; Variable Light Output Technology (VLT) adjusts light output from dim to an extra-bright 140 lumens; Durable metal and ABS lamp body with front on / off switch... hinged attachment lets you position the beam; Adjustable elastic headband; More than 50 hours of battery life from 3 "AAA" batteries (not included); Carry case included Shed light on any and every situation! Order Today! Coast LED Lenser H7 Focusing Headlamp with VLT
Features
- 140-Lumen brightness
- 4.75-Hour battery life from rechargeable battery
- 500+ Feet effective range
- Can be used with standard AAA alkaline batteries
Reviews
I purchased this unit a month ago. It's been used 5 days a week under all outdoor and some confined conditions. This headlamp is small enough to be used under a baseball type cap or on the outside depending on wheather you have to look down a lot or look up. Making it rechargeable on a daily basis ensures fresh battery life for several hours during a work shift. It has yet to fail me with dead batteries.
The light intensity is excellent in spot and wide angle modes. The light weight and balance of this headlamp is very confortable that you can forget having it on. I find it to be a must have for a night time working environment.
great light. i like that it is rechargable and lasts a long time. i recharge it once to twice weekly. the tilt clip is a little weak otherwise it is perfect
I've purchased 9 of these headlamps, the first one was for me the other 8 were for the people I work with they loved it and had to have one they are very bright and last awhile before having to recharge
mine says 139 lumens max on the box, but it appears brighter than my Petzl MYO RXP which is 140 lumens. that's an insignificant difference but without knowing the specifications I would have said the Lenser is at least 50 lumens brighter. the lens really makes a huge difference! Coast has a patent for the headlamp+lens combination so other headlamps are forced to use a cheesy plastic diffuser to switch between narrow/diffuse focus, and that really doesn't work as well.
also the weight on your head is practically nothing even with batteries in. I'd say it weighs around 2 pounds in all.
the one bad point is the mechanism to adjust the tilt up and down is pretty weak. it's just a small plastic tab that ratchets into grooves on the lamp housing and I have heard others complain that the tab broke off of theirs.
it should be waterproof in the rain but I wouldn't submerse it totally.
overall it's perfect for what I use it for (working on the car, attic, inside computers, nighttime walking) but hardcore outdoorsmen might need something more durable.
Mine is an older model. It has a dimmer control, but does not focus. There are 5 white LEDs controlled by one push button and a single red LED on another button. The white LEDs turn off when the red light is on. The sliding dimmer switch works on either. Bought it probably 3 or 4 years ago. The 3 AAA alkaline batteries have been changed maybe twice in that time.
The light lives inside its compact pouch in the glove box of my car, through all the heavy Wisconsin weather: freezing, soggy, humid or hot. It rarely comes inside. Yet unlike every other flashlight I have owned- including several Maglites- the LED Lenser has never once failed to work when I needed it.
In rural Wisconsin, it gets dark at night. Really dark. From changing a tire on a lonely country road to checking the barnyard for predators to dragging the trashcans down the driveway for pick up the next morning, I have had more than a few opportunities to be grateful for this product.
This evening I took the time to open the watertight battery compartment, fully expecting to see leakage and corrosion after all this time. Even as old as they are the batteries were still pristine. The light still worked blindingly well. That was when I decided to write this review.
[...]Built well, feather weight, tough as nails, comfortable to wear and apparently the batteries last forever. I can't recommend this light enough.
Description
50 - Pk. Hunter's Specialties Reflective Trail Tacks. Don't lose your way before sunrise or after dark! Mark your trail, tree stand or hunting location with these Reflective Trail Tacks and stay on the right path! Order Today! Hunter's Specialties Reflective Trail Tacks
You want to learn how to use a map and compass? For hiking or backpacking, especially remote wilderness? Excellent Map and Compass Instruction Book
Description
Now with full-color topographic maps and featuring the latest on electronic navigation, The Essential Wilderness Navigator is the clearest and most up-to-date route-finding primer available. Providing readers with exercises for developing a directional ‘sixth sense,' tips on mastering the art of map- and compass-reading, and comprehensive updates on a range of technological advances, this perennially popular guide is more indispensable than ever.
Features
- ISBN13: 9780071361101
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Reviews
I purchased this book to learn how to Navigate in a wilderness area using Map & Compass. I'm very happy with the book, as it was just what I needed.
A great book on wilderness navigation. Has lots of info on Maps, understanding maps, how to hold and handle maps, map scales and etc. Also has, map and compass navigation and how to follow a course. How to use a compass and understanding declination. A whole lot more .. a great book!
I can't compare to similar books because I chose carefully and bought one. My limited experience with others isn't enough to say this is the only one for you, but I can say that by a wide margin it's the one for me. It's only ~170pp but there's scarcely a wasted word or unnecessary idea in it. Others wander through extensive desultory discussions of compass design, magnetic anomalies, map projections, tables and graphs. This book mentions each, says about it what pertains to the subject at hand and moves on. (That's the "Essential" part.) The subject at hand is not getting lost, or if necessary getting unlost. So it spends half its column-inches explaining how to use a map, how to use a compass, and how to use them together, in a progressive, logical, concise style. That's what I bought it for and I think it performs that function admirably. It's an intelligently organized instruction manual for the use of our basic tools.
Where this book excels, though, is that while embracing technical assistance (map & compass) it begins and ends with a deep appreciation of the myriad clues available for determining position without technical assistance if we learn to see and understand them. (That's the "Wilderness Navigator" part.) So most of the other half of its column-inches are devoted to navigating without, or in conjunction with, map and/or compass using sun, stars, watercourses, topography etc., how to think graphically and accumulate data, and how to behave sensibly. It espouses a cogent philosophy I'll sum up in three aphorisms: pay attention to where you are and visualize where you've been; practice and theory are both essential (more of one doesn't make up for less of the other); and, if lost, thinking is a better strategy than hoping.
There's the obligatory cursory examination of GPS and a nod to Orienteering, each blessedly brief because neither can be properly addressed in anything less than more than this entire book. You can ignore those bits without penalty, and you can merely read pages that examine peculiar difficulties with generic solutions, or recount illustrative anecdotes. What's left, though, demands close and repeated attention as it's precisely to the point. Declarative statements, simple illustrations and prescriptive exercises will get you thinking and navigating expertly, if you're willing to do the work.
One small note: the authors recommend, correctly, acquiring a baseplate compass. However, they say more than once that among its advantages is that almost all baseplate compasses offer built-in declination adjustment. My experience is that dealers nearly always offer compasses with and without this feature that look almost identical. Above a certain price, perhaps, their statement is accurate, but novice shoppers can't count on it. Of a large class I once took, nearly half the students had bought new baseplate compasses that could not compensate for declination. Not one of them realized it. Unless you live in Wisconsin, or eschew maps, or can do the math flawlessly in your head, declination compensation is well worth requesting.
The book is well organized and informative. Although I have not yet finished reading the entire book, the parts I have read were well written. There were numerous illustrations to help explain the text. The appendix lists other books and sources of related information.
I have been using a compass for many years but I always thought there was much more than I knew. I went to using GPS for all my navigation a few years ago. I purchased 3 books on compass usage a couple years ago after my wife and I broke my GPS during a snowstorm in the mountains of Colorado leaving us in a bad mess.
I quickly ran through the other 2, and although they were good they were not as complete as this one. I have carried it with me for 2 years now. I find that what I think I have learned is easily wrong when out in the field so I now carry it with me and practice the stuff I am unsure of. Some people think this book is wordy but I find it fascinating. I reread certain chapters over and over, finding I have glossed over something that is more important than I originally thought.
If you want to trust a compass this is the book for you, but plan on spending some time with it.
I am buying this book for my son-in law as he relies exclusively on a GPS.
I guess the only thing I disagree with is a statement that a compass almost never breaks, as I have several that have been retired over breakage. I carry 2-3 with me now as I guess I'm not disposed to trust any one navigational instrument.
For those looking for a concise guide to map and compass use, look elsewhere. This book is rambling and wordy.
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