[Dave Wallick]

in reply to: New Backpack Quiver #127859

Good luck in CO, Steve.  I’d like some more info on how you crafted that leather quiver, especially using only $5 in leather (my leather shoelaces seem to cost more than that !).

[Dave Wallick]

in reply to: Good Compass #127858

Interesting observation, R2.  Both de-magnetization and reverse-magnetization (both partial- and full-reversal) can contribute to a compass needle getting out of whack, or even, as you point out, pointing south instead of north.

See this link: https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/questions/6941/can-a-compass-needle-become-de-magnetized-over-time

This forum piece, especially answer #2, has some information on symptoms, causes, and fixes for reverse-magnetization.  The predominant cause seems to be storing a compass for a length of time near magnetic fields, such as near auto sound systems, mobile phones and laptop computers, car keys, magnetic closures on clothing and watch straps, radios, magnets in seat belt buckles, and GPS units.

From this link, “According to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, reversed polarity in compass needles is becoming a significant source of navigation error.”  Maybe it is something we all need to be aware of.

The forum piece offers:

“According to respected manufacturer Silva:  Quickly flick the ‘South’ pole of a strong magnet outwards along the ‘North’ end of the needle. Repeat vice-versa. Compare with a compass that is known to be correct.”

How would you check your compass needle to make sure it is indeed pointing north?  I’ll opt for the North Star.

Michigan Dave

[Dave Wallick]

in reply to: Stuff #127734

That’s a nice display, R2.

When you only have a small amount of gear ( .smile. ), that could work.

Or, as just happened to me, you could have stuff spread out all over the house/garage/shop and spend five days finding last year’s extra broadheads.

Maybe your organization makes sense to me now.  Thanks.

Michigan Dave

[Dave Wallick]

in reply to: Good Compass #127733

Ditto on Silva compasses.  Their customer service is very good, and the free replacement warranty works just like you’d want it to (I tried it).  We use Silva Ranger CL compasses in our Search and Rescue work; I own two for that, and about four others (Silva Ranger and Silva Explorer plate compasses) for hunting and hiking.  I have seen Suunto and Brunton compasses, but Silva meets my needs and perform well.

I have pin-on ball compasses on every hunting coat/jacket I own.  They are used every time I go out, sometimes just to make sure that my read on wind direction hasn’t changed from when I started.  Other times, like last year’s Opening Day here in Michigan, with a thick fog that eliminated looking for Polaris, I ended up walking west in the dark fog when I should have been headed east.  My ball compass got he straightened out pretty quickly.  I was amazed that I could get that turned around that quickly on land I have hunted for 30 years (the appearance of the woods & fields seem to change by the year anymore).  Just two days ago, I used my ball compass to walk the property line on my property.  Easy.

I have actually used a mirror for signalling on a lake in Canada to signal another canoe party as to where I was camped.

A map and compass beats a GPS any day, but they work together really well.  Strengths matched with strengths of each make a formidable navigation system.

Practice with your plate compasses often enough to make sure that you know to follow the red needle pointer and not the white.  Don’t ask …

Michigan Dave

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