Crawling Road
The Permanent Portfolio, Investing, Finance and Random Thoughts.
Compass Overview and Review – Suunto MC-3G, Suunto M-3DL, Silva Ranger, Brunton 54LU and Cammenga Lensatic
02 weeks ago
In this video I go over baseplate, prismatic, mirror and lensatic sighting compasses from Suunto, Brunton, Silva and Cammenga:
Suunto M-3DL
Suunto MC-2G
Silver Ranger (US Brand, not Swedish)
Brunton 54LU (Silva 54 Expedition)
Cammenga USGI Lensatic
All of these compasses have plusses and minuses. The baseplate versions are simplest and lightest with good enough accuracy for just about anything I’ve ever needed a compass to do.
The prismatic sighting compass is a neat design that can give more accuracy but lacks declination adjustment.
The mirror compasses are more feature packed with things like inclinometers. The mirror is a little more accurate under ideal conditions, but can sometimes get in the way when on a map or need a quick read. However it is nice having a mirror for first aid purposes (getting stuff out of your eye), hygiene purposes, emergency signaling, etc.
The Cammenga lensastic is USGI milspec. It is accurate, but heavy and lacks features such as declination and a built in protractor. However it can be had with Tritium illumination if you work a lot in dim conditions. It also is not liquid filled so it will not develop a bubble in colder temps or high altitude which (mainly cheaper or damaged) liquid filled compasses may. It is also very rugged.
I like and use all the compasses except the Silva Ranger. The Silva Ranger sold in the US and Canada is not made by Silva of Sweden any longer, but another company. Don’t waste your money on the US marketed Silva Ranger or any other US marketed Silva products. They are all junk. I demonstrate why in this video.
I also had a chance to feel the new Brunton 15TDCL compass in a store (supposedly the original Ranger compass from long ago as sold in the US). It felt like junk as well. I turned over the package and saw it is made in China. I would avoid this compass as well and just buy Suunto brand compasses which are all well made.
I rate the Suunto MC-2G with the global needle as the best liquid filled compass I’ve used. The M-3G version is identical but without the mirror. It’s light and simple and will save you a few bucks for a great compass. The Cammenga is the best lensatic type compass I’ve used but lacks some features that make using it on a map a little harder. You can’t go wrong with any one of these.
If you are interested in learning the Cammenga lensatic compass, there is a very extensive free online course here:
Land Navigation Course with Cammenga Lensatic Compass
Products reviewed in this video are available through my Amazon Store under the Navigation section. I’d appreciate the purchase if you found it helpful:
Fallkniven TK2 Knife Review and Starting a Fire in Winter Conditions
02 weeks ago
I have really taken a liking to Fallkniven Knives. I really like my Fallkniven F1 and thought I’d like to have the same length blade but a little thinner.
The F1 is a fine knife, but it is a survival knife for the Swedish Air Force and the blade is made stout to take more abuse. The Fallkniven TK2 has a similar blade shape (a little more pointed at the tip), but it features a distal taper. Meaning it thins out towards the point and the convex edge is also thinner allowing it to get a really keen edge. On top of this, it features a Japanese Super Gold Powdered Steel (SGPS) that Fallkniven calls “3G”. The blade is a lamination of VG-2, SGPS, and VG-2 steels. That’s the 3G part. And it’s really tough!
This knife has a wonderful balance in the hand and is just a great all purpose outdoor blade. It holds a great edge as well. Compared to the F1, the blade is not as thick. However the steel used in this knife is stronger than the VG-10 steel of the F1 so it probably comes out as a wash in terms of toughness. Basically, even under abusive conditions I think it is pretty unlikely you’d damage this or any other Fallkniven knife.
In terms of which I prefer, honestly it’s a toss up. The F1 is an outstanding deal for the price. No other knife I’ve used comes close to it in that regard. If you want a thinner knife and more exotic steel that will hold an edge a little longer, then the TK2 is your ticket.
In this video I also demonstrate how to start a fire in snow conditions. Starting a fire on snow is not much different than starting it on dry ground. The only difference really is you need to build a platform for your fire materials to keep them off the snow. Thick green or damp wood is best for the base. They dry wood is put on top of this. The wet base allows the fire to burn and keep off the snow. In this video I make a simple cook fire to show how to collect materials, build a platform, and get the fire going.
Products reviewed on this site are available through the Amazon Store:
Swiss Army Farmer Knife Review – Lightweight and Simple
02 weeks ago
In an effort to lighten the gear I take while hiking, I decided to get a lighter and simpler Swiss Army Knife. The model I chose was the Farmer model. This knife is nice for outdoor use for variety of reasons:
- Good quality stainless blade
- Handy wood saw
- Can opener and bottle opener
- Standard screwdrivers
- Useful awl for boring holes
- Aluminum handles
- Lightweight
This is a really handy knife that does just about everything I’d need when outdoors. The saw is very useful for making tent stakes, pot supports, etc. The awl comes out straight from the knife making it easy for boring holes and other tasks. Overall, the package is very light and practical.
On this knife I will make a detachable lanyard that holds an LED flashlight and mini-firesteel for fire starting. Basically it’s a little emergency kit right in my pocket.
If you’re looking for a reliable and simple outdoor pocket knife, the Farmer is a great choice!
Products reviewed on this site are available through the Amazon Store:
Snow Peak Gigapower Canister Stove Review
02 weeks ago
This year I finally broke down and bought a Snow Peak Gigapower canister stove for hiking. I had been very happy with my Trangia and Svea that I didn’t think I’d want an upgrade, but the simplicity of this canister was something I wanted to try.
Pros:
- Easy to setup and light (there are two versions: piezo ignitor or manual)
- Stable platform with larger canisters
- Fast boil times in warmer weather
- Very lightweight
Cons:
- What to do with all these partially used canisters?
- Cold weather degraded performance (altitude likely will, too)
- Windy weather can really affect it – Get the optional windscreen
Overall I like this stove and have used it most of last year. However I can’t say it’s a slam dunk over the Trangia or other alcohol burning stoves. And in colder weather I’d feel more comfortably with the Svea or other white gas models. I used the Gigapower a couple times out snowshoeing in cold temps and the heat output rapidly declined as the canister became colder and colder. I don’t think it would be good for melting a lot of snow like a white gas stove would be.
Yet, the Gigapower is dead simple and if you like cooking in a tent vestibule (always dangerous!) then this is probably the safest way to do it. Also you can get lantern attachments to use with the canisters as well for lighting.
Overall I think this is a good solution for three-season use for those that want something simple and lightweight.
Products reviewed on this site are available through the Amazon Store:
Trust Your Compass
02 weeks ago
While out hiking I unknowingly got on a wrong trail. My Cammenga Compass and map said I was off course, but I had my doubts (the compass was right).
I use this lesson to I discuss why you should trust your compass and map and not your head if you think you are lost.
Products reviewed on this site are available through the Amazon Store:
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