In the era of GPS and GLONASS, tourists sometimes forget about the existence of a map and a compass. But you need to understand that all kinds of receivers cannot completely replace them, because the operation of any gadget requires a rechargeable battery and a satellite signal. In order to determine the cardinal points and understand the current positioning, a topographic map and a compass are irreplaceable devices in the wild. Going on a long hike, armed only with technologically advanced battery-powered gadgets, is not a good idea, so do not discount the "old" navigation devices.
The liquid compass will help you find the right objects, determine your location and navigate the map. Of course, you can travel for some time through the wilderness and never even look at it, but if you turn in the wrong direction or get into a storm, the compass and the map will turn out to be the most important things in your backpack.
The ability to navigate the terrain and correctly determine the cardinal directions is the most important skill for a tourist, and if your path lies far from roads, then without it you will simply disappear. If you are not confident in yourself, it is better to take with you on a trip if not a guide, then at least a knowledgeable person who will tell and teach you the intricacies of navigation.
Let’s try to figure out how to choose a compass, designate the types and components of these devices. The opinions of serious specialists in this field and the reviews of professional orienteering instructors will be taken into account.
Types of Liquid Compasses
Unlike digital models, in liquid devices, the compass needle is magnetized, and it works in tandem with the earth's magnetic field. The housing is completely filled with liquid in order to give the arrow stability and proper accuracy of readings. Consider the main types of compasses.
Base models
For beginners and daytime adventurers, this is a relatively inexpensive and optimal choice. If you adhere to the routes and do not climb into the thicket, then a tourist compass in the basic configuration will be an excellent travel assistant.
These devices have a set of important components that a tourist may need, but are devoid of any additional chips like mirrors and deviation adjustments. A striking example of basic compasses is the Suunto A10 model - an intelligent and inexpensive little thing.
Multifunction devices
The multifunctional liquid compass is a model with an impressive range of additional features. They greatly facilitate navigation on the ground and have increased accuracy. The equipment has mirrors, magnifying glasses, timers, etc.
The lineup of such devices is of high price, it makes sense to buy them only if you regularly travel off the beaten path and move away from waypoints. One of the most interesting models of this plan is the compass liquid Silva Ranger CL.
Accessories Devices
This view can often be seen on key chains, on watches or in the form of small round compasses without a special backing. They quite reasonably point to magnetic north, but for the most part they serve to quickly obtain data and fun.
It is impossible to use a liquid compass of this type for serious orientation, therefore it is highly recommended not to go from waypoints with such equipment. The assortment of such accessories is very wide, but among the majority one can distinguish the very successful and intelligently assembled REI Therm-o series. The instruction manual for the liquid compass for these models expressly warns that using only this accessory away from the tourist routes is dangerous and unacceptable.
Component parts of the device
At the time of determining the coordinates on the ground using a compass, travelers use an “orientation” or “substrate”. “Orientation” is an indicator of your exact position, and “navigation” is the process itself, which determines the final destination and the route to this object.
In order for everything to work as it should, each compass model must have the components described below. If your device does not have any of these details, then you should not go on a long trip with it.
Magnetic needle
This is a common rotary element, usually a diamond-shaped type with a red end. The pointer points to the strongest magnetic field (north pole). The real north, where all lines of longitude converge, is slightly different from magnetic. The latter is located in the Arctic region near the chains of the Canadian islands, that is, the difference is about 1600 kilometers.
Therefore, when working with a map on the ground, you need to take into account and compensate for the difference between magnetic and real north. In central Russia this figure is insignificant, but in professional tourism competitions it needs to be taken into account if you use a non-digital compass (liquid). How to use the device, it is said in the instruction manual, there you can also find specific error indicators.
Liquid
The dial or the case itself, where the arrow is located, is filled with shock-absorbing liquid. This non-freezing composition allows you to slightly slow down the inertia of the arrow and stops it at the desired performance much faster than in similar devices filled with air.
In severe winters or at high altitudes, the liquid begins to contract under the influence of temperature and pressure, filling the body with small bubbles. You do not need to be afraid of such an effect, because this does not affect the accuracy of the readings at all. If you return to a more favorable environment, then after some time the bubbles will simply disappear, as if they were not there at all.
Azimuthal ring
This is a rotating bezel on the compass case with marked degrees from 0 to 360, respectively. Professionals advise choosing a device where the step on the azimuthal ring would be no more than two units.
The bezel surrounds the outer edge of the compass and the smaller the step interval, the easier it is to work with the bearing or azimuth, that is, with the direction you want to follow (angle relative to the north pole).
Substrate with a ruler
The substrate has a transparent rectangular base, where a special capsule is placed. Smart and expensive devices are equipped with high-quality rulers in centimeters or inches in the form of engraving on the substrate.
Both of these attributes are indispensable when measuring distances on topographic maps. During the purchase, be sure to pay attention to the scale and take the device with your usual division, that is, step and ruler (inch / centimeter). Standard topographic maps have a scale of 1 to 24000 (for geological services) and 1 to 25000 (tourist).
Orientation lines of the meridians
North-south lines, meridian parallels and a fixed orienting arrow are located at the bottom of the device. The non-magnetic end of the arrow is marked in red, as are the meridian lines. In order to correlate the compass with the topographic map, you need to align the north and south directions on your device.
Index marker
An index line or directional marker is located at the bottom of the device capsule. Using this point, you can determine or set your current readings. It is desirable that the marker has a clear color, and the dot itself is engraved.
Summarizing
Can GPS and GLONASS receivers replace a conventional liquid compass? Probably not. They are complementary tools. The compass has one indisputable advantage that any satellite receiver lacks - it shows the direction of magnetic north.
Of course, any tourist GPS-gadget is equipped with an electronic compass, but, like all electrical appliances, they need power, and the battery may run out, leaving you without navigation. In any case, armed with even the latest developments for travelers, do not forget to put a regular compass in your pocket: it takes up a minimum of space, and there will be maximum benefit from it, if anything.