Brunton Classic Compass

I found this compass to be easy to use as we go geocaching. I would recommend it as a Basic compass.

with the help of a decent map, this item kept us on track in both Rome and Venice, Italy - first day in Rome it was in the Hotel room - we walked in circles - after that, it was always in my hand - walked from the train station to our hotel...in the dark...we were on the track the whole time

Some of the reviews I read sounded like they were written by people who had little real wilderness experience. A compass like this one is exactly what Boy Scouts learn to navigate with. Contrary to one review, this compass does have a declination adjustment. It is a bottom plate with an alignment arrow that turns independent of the top. So, in my case, I set the alignment arrow so that it is +19 degrees off of of zero (N). Now all I have to do is align the magnetic needle with the off set arrow and the compass readings all read true. There are several types of compasses. This is what I call "Type A". A magnetic needle operates independently of the compass card. It is the most popular type. You should read a book or on line to figure out how to do a few simple things like orienting the compass and taking a bearing, and understanding declination. My only complaint on this compass is that after rattling around in my pack for a few years the letters and numbers on the base plate almost wore off. Perhaps you should purchase a case for your compass. I helped teach a mountaineering class yesterday and this is the type of compass is what everybody used. 4 teams bushwhacked through steep terrain following a compass heading for over a mile and all (independently) came out within 100 to 150 feet of their destination. Conclusion: this type compass is good for woods navigation, a site mirror or a lensatic type is not needed.
I gave it only 3 stars because there are so many brands that are similar I can't say it is better than average, except it looks pretty cool with the colored base, and is easy to read.

I really thought that a compass would point at the letter representing the direction that I was facing. I was mistaken. It's a little more complicated than that. I called the company and a very nice guy named Mark carefully explained how to use this compass. It was not as I had imagined. But it does indeed work. Just yesterday I needed to find my way home from Long Beach. I remembered my tutoring from Mark and figured out which direction I needed to go. But I wish I had the simpler kind that just automatically points to the direction on the compass that I am headed in. Ignore this evaluation if you already know how to use a compass. The problem must surely exist between the hand and the user.

Wow i really like this compass, the price, light weight and is so accurate.