Bring some high-tech features to your camping and hiking adventures: upgrade to a digital compass

Out in the wilderness, you need to know where you are and where you're going. A basic compass helps you accomplish those goals. But in specialized or expedition situations, you often need more information and that usually involves carrying extra gear. For example, a thermometer helps you gauge your liquid intake and exertion level, so you don't get heat exhaustion or dehydration. An inclinometer shows you the degree of a slope and an altimeter shows you the height above sea level. In the mountains, these two instruments help you plan the next leg of your climb or hike. A barometer can signal a change in the weather, giving you a chance to get to shelter. If you're training for an athletic event, measuring your target heart rate makes for more effective exercise. You might want an audible alarm, a stopwatch or day/date calendar in addition to time of day. Why carry all this extra stuff? A digital compass can have all these features and more. Although not much larger than a hefty wrist watch, a digital compass will efficiently function as a mini information center.

A digital compass is generally a wrist-mounted device, although there are a few pocket models. While walking or in bad weather, have you ever struggled to level an analog compass with its wobbly needle? Problem solved with a digital compass! With a bright, often-backlit LCD display, it can steadily and clearly display your bearing in degrees or cardinal and half cardinal points. Have you ever drifted off course? A bearing tracker feature can lock on to your intended bearing and effortlessly note the difference with your actual bearing. You access all the extras, like temperature, altitude and barometric pressure with the push of a button. Some units can store this data for later recall.

Although more expensive than an analog, a multi-function digital compass can be an important investment in your outdoor gear. If you need to know more than your position and bearing in wilderness conditions, these handy devices, with their clusters of features, fill the bill nicely.

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About The Author:

Rita Liotta is a successful author and publisher at www.1st-at-camping-gear.com.  Recommending camping equipment, tents, backpacks, GPS, binoculars, sleeping bags, hiking boots, camping stoves, containers, water purifiers, compasses, topographical maps, pocket knives & hammocks
10-04-04