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REI Mini Compass

$8.00

(8)

Item # 408059

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Attach this tiny compass to a zipper pull or key ring for quick, easy readings.

Liquid-filled compass is cushion mounted; accurate within +/- 2 degrees
Luminous dial glows in the dark for easy viewing in low-light conditions
Clear acrylic case with inch/cm ruler
REI logo emblazoned on compass body

Imported.

Item 408059

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REI Mini Compass Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

REI Mini Compass

3.0

(based on 8 reviews)

63%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Compact (6)
Waterproof (3)

Cons

Best Uses

Day trip (4)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Outdoor enthusiast (7)

Reviewed by 8 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-8

Jan

2009

(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Fit for purpose

By 2 mi high is a start

from head in Houston, heart in Wyoming

About Me Outdoor Enthusiast

See all my reviews

Pros

Compact

Cons

Best Uses

Day Trips
Survival

Comments about REI Mini Compass:

I have one of these things on every pack I own. It isn’t intended for orienteering, and does not offer that kind of functionality. But, it is fit for purpose. I carry a “good” compass too for map reading. But in a situation where you, or others, might start questioning the primary instrument, it is nice to have a backup to settle the question “is that thing working?” (it happens).

I have not made the transition to the nearly omnipresent GPS, so I don’t worry about batteries or signal strength. But, I would think a cheap little compass would be indispensible as a back up for those techies that have.

I also have one stuffed in the bottom of my enhanced 10 essentials kit that I hope never sees daylight. In a real bind, I can ditch everything else and take the kit on an ultra light, express trek back to civilization.

Jun

2008

(6 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

1.0

Cute, useless compass

By BACKWOODS BICHO

from Pismo Beach, Ca.

About Me Outdoor Enthusiast

See all my reviews

Pros

Waterproof

Cons

Inaccurate

Best Uses

Comments about REI Mini Compass:

It worked fine in the store. However, the first time I took it out of my glove box to assist me when I needed it failed. It points directly in the opposite direction. (IE: Needle indicates North when in reality it is pointing directly south)

Jul

2008

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Compact and works fine!

By Software Rancher

from Colorado

About Me Outdoor Enthusiast

See all my reviews

Pros

Accurate
Compact

Cons

Best Uses

Day Trips
Survival

Comments about REI Mini Compass:

This little compass is compact and works fine. I use it when I need to know approximately where north is; it's too small for really accurate travel but that's too be expected.

I suspect other reviewers were using it near metal (e.g., inside car, big ring of keys, etc.) which could definitely skew the compass (that's why there are a set of correction magnets built into car-based compasses).

Nov

2010

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

Small light but not perfect

By Argo

from Indiana

About Me Outdoor Enthusiast

See all my reviews

Pros

Compact
Waterproof

Cons

Plastic breaks
Scratches easily

Best Uses

Day Trips
Travel

Comments about REI Mini Compass:

I have bought several of these over the years. I keep them on my key chain and have used them for foreign travel. I like the size of the product, the problem I have as a pocket item next to the keys is the plastic gets very scratched, to the point you can't read it anymore. Also the metal ring will break the plastic. Still I keep getting them, they are handy and, of course, no batteries. The other poster who got upset about the fact that metal effects the direction states the obvious; it is a compass OF COURSE it will be effected by metals that effect the earth's magnetic field. Ergo it won't work great in or near a car. IMHO not an issue.

Mar

2010

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Perfect size and weight

By Out There ASAP

from mountains of Colorado

About Me Outdoor Enthusiast

See all my reviews

Pros

Accurate
Compact
Reliable Performance

Cons

Best Uses

Backcountry Camping
Day Trips

Comments about REI Mini Compass:

Lightweight zipper pull. Handy for basic orientation. The ring is solid brass so doesn't affect the accuracy of the compass.

Mar

2010

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

2.0

Not for survival

By Jim P

from Redwood City, CA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Light
Small
Waterproof

Cons

Not Durable

Best Uses

keychain

Comments about REI Mini Compass:

I've used a number of these over the years as keychain compasses. They work great for a year or so, then they just kinda spin around and point... wherever.

The danger is that folks are throwing these things into their glove-box or emergency kit thinking they'll have a back-up when the chips are down. Maybe - or maybe not. It depends on how long they've been rattling around.

I don't mean to be unfair. As long as you understand that these are disposable products with a limited lifespan you'll be okay (for awhile).

Aug

2009

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Does the job

By James F.

from Boston, MA

About Me Outdoor Enthusiast

See all my reviews

Pros

Compact

Cons

Best Uses

Comments about REI Mini Compass:

I use this as a backup to my GPS. It's ultra light and works for getting your general bearings. I keep it hooked to the shoulder strap of my backpack and periodically check it to confirm my direction of travel.

Oct

2009

(1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

1.0

Why did I buy it?

By nakedmoose

from Alaska

About Me Outdoor Enthusiast

See all my reviews

Pros

Cheap
Compact
Simple Controls
Strong Construction

Cons

Difficult To Read
Inaccurate

Best Uses

Campgrounds

Comments about REI Mini Compass:

I own one for about four years and still hangs on my key chain. Yes, when I bought it I did not know metal would adversely affect it. I still have it on my keychain for one reason only. Too remind me to purchase things with more thought and not just cause they look fun. It has darkened either from the lint in my pocket or being next to my keys. It is almost completely black and looks like it has been exposed to severe smoke rings. It has a bubble in it and really would be used only for just getting your bearings but not for any further use. You could purchase it and keep in a first aid kit or in a pfd for a back up to a back up. It would not hurt to have it stuffed somewhere as an alternate use. But, do not pick it for primary or even secondary use. It is too limited and has no other functions or other versatile uses other than pointing you in a direction that is not true north. If you have minimal expectations and just want to find magnetic north, buy it. Any other reasons to have it or use it, then keep looking around.