Ranger 2.0 Compass

This used to be standard issue in the Teams.... probably still is. It's the best around. I was a navigator so I got pretty intimate with the earlier version (25 yrs ago, middle pic). Highlights: Global compass, declination can be set to anywhere in the world. This is important if you don't want to have to make calculations in your head while you're tired and hot and dealing with bugs etc. Make the adjustments before you leave home and be done with it. It also has a 1:25K / 1:250K scale (remember, the rest of the world is metric) which as far as I can tell, is the only major brand that does this. It's especially important to me since I make survival maps at the 1:250K scale. Has all the other standard features, scales (1:24K, 1:25K, 1:50K), magnifier, clinometer for measuring steepness, aiming sights, glow in the dark markings etc. The 2.0 version has a couple upgrades: breakaway lanyard (with declination key inside clasp), and scale markers for making map measurements (1:24, 1:25, 1:50 and 1:62.5 for Alaskans), different colored bezels. Also comes with a card for calculating avalanche risks. Best bang for your buck. I just wish they were American made but hey, the Swedes are cool.

The one I got is quite nice with glowing sections that make it easy to see in the dark which way the compass is pointing. The glow paint does need to be charged with a bright light first though. Brightness from my laptop screen wouldn't do, but holding the compass up to the overhead did. Degrees are less easy to see, so you will likely need to set your bearing with a light. Thanks.

It's a pretty decent compass. No comment on the luminous thing cos my old butt is in bed at night. It does what it's supposed to do. I've always found the inclinometer kinda cludgy at low angles. And, yes some of use the inclinometer at LOT (geology thing). I've tested it against my old Silva Ranger (which this is replacing). The Silva Ranger is still the standard for navigation compasses that won't break the bank. I'm very pleased with it. I have more compasses and transits (Bruntons) than anyone should ever own. I'm old, they just seemed to grow because I'm a gearhead. If I don't really, really need the inclinometer this is what I carry. Just works. Take not of caveats about night use ... seems like a lot of folks have issues with that one.

After taking this on a backpacking trip in the wilderness of northwestern Montana, my overall impression is: this is an excellent piece of equipment. After my Suunto A-10 baseplate compass started losing its markings (they are beginning to rub off from being in my pack for a few years, making the baseplate essentially useless), I started looking for a better compass with etched or hot stamped markings. I spent hours looking for this information, and no product listings or even packaging mention this important feature. I took a chance on this Silva, and am glad I did.In the user manual (which you can download from their website, see photo of package for that info) it specifically states that most Silva compasses have “hot stamped” markings. I can verify this one does, as you can feel the texture of the markings. It also has little rubber feet to reduce friction contact with the actual baseplate.The declination adjustment is easy to use (with the included tiny screwdriver tip cleverly concealed in the lanyard breakaway joint), the Clinometer is intuitive, and the overall feel is sturdy but not heavy. (86g/3oz)

It looks cool. I have several Sunto, Silva and other brand compasses. This is my first Mirror compass. Upon opening, the packaging is marked "Night Use Luminous Markings". After charging up the luminous markings under a bright light, I went into a darkened room. You can see the marks on the base plate ok, not great, but the marks on the needle itself are undetectable, so it's useless in a really dark situation. If you can't see the needle, you probably won't be able to see the luminous marks either. The luminosity is weak, so it's not really adding anything to the compass. Also there is a luminous mark on the top, or maybe it's called the front of the black plastic mirror cover that has a sighting line of luminous paint. Upon closing and opening it for the first time, the line of luminous paint just came off. See the image (compass is on it's side on a mouse pad). The next thing I noticed is the feel of the black plastic lid. There is a sort of "cheapness" to the quality of the plastic. I can't describe it, but I can say that things across the board on most gear these days shows a noticeable lowering of standards. The compass itself seems ok. It's level and the dampening seems fine. The hinge feels good and the lid stays in place with a good hold. The degree ring has got a rubber grip which feels kind of nice. There is a positive grip to it when turning the dial, but we shall see if that lasts. It has 3 grippy feet, I guess if you are using the compass on a flat surface that would aid in holding it in place, the scales are all standard, magnifier ok. Lanyard needs beefing up for sure. I think it will work fine for the most part. The luminous markings are certainly the worst thing about this compass that I see after first unpackaging it. I will update this later after field testing. 4 stars for the crappy luminous paint.

Easy to use, accurate, durable, and even aesthetically pleasing.I use this for SAR and it gets a huge beating as it hangs around my neck through heavy bushwhacking and constant use, and has barely a scratch on it after over a year. I've lost several to the brush (DO NOT trust the connection on the lanyard on this thing) but always come back to buy this same one. The measurements on the lanyard are convenient, but absolutely pin the ends together if you plan to use the lanyard as an attachment point because it comes loose very easily.