Baseplate compass

Purpose

Orient a map and hold a bearing when electronics fail or run flat.

Used in kits

• Alaskan Float Trip Fishing Kit

  Fishing

• Offshore Boat Emergency Kit

  Boating & Paddling

• Kayak Day Trip Safety Kit

  Boating & Paddling

• Family Day Hike Kit

  Hiking & Backpacking

• Ultralight Overnight Backpacking Kit

  Hiking & Backpacking

• Search and Rescue Field Team Kit

  Professional & Field Ops

• Portable Astrophotography Kit

  Hobby & Making

Alternatives

• Handheld GPS— Precise and easy, but battery-dependent — carry both.
• Phone compass— Fine as a check; fails with a dead phone.

Maintenance notes

• Watch for a bubble in the capsule — a large one throws off the needle.

Buying considerations

• A rotating bezel and declination adjustment make real map work practical.
• A sighting mirror improves bearing accuracy.