Although their use has dwindled, especially since GPS devices have become available, there is still occasion to have a compass and know how to use it. One of the best brands available is Silva. They are durable and reliable. Here are three that I've tried out and reviewed.

• Silva Guide 426 Compass - The Silva Guide 426 is an economical yet accurate compass. It has a sighting mirror that can also be used for emergency signaling. The dial is easy to read in low light, and it's accurate to 2 degrees. It fits easily in your pocket, and it includes inch and millimeter rulings. Available for around $21.
  
  
• Silva Ranger 515 Compass - Outdoorsmen can rely on the Silva Ranger 515 for accurate navigation, either with or without a map. The vee notched sighting mirror can also be used as an emergency signal or as a shaving mirror. You can calculate angles of inclination with the built-in clinometer. Luminous points make it easy to use at night. The 515 is scaled for use with all popular maps. This compass is durable and easily fits in a shirt pocket. Available for around $75.
  
  
• Silva Cobalt Digital Compass - The Silva Cobalt is easy to calibrate and provides accurate bearings to 1°. The built-in clock and alarm are useful features. The backlight makes night viewing easy. The ability to take bearings directly from a map is a great advantage over conventional compasses. The compass is scaled for 1:24,000, and it includes a level and magnifying map viewer. Although a battery is required for operation, an automatic shutoff helps conserve battery life. Available for around $50

Visit the Silva Compass Web Site

(Photos © Silva Compass)