Suunto  A-10 Compass

I've had this compass for a few years and I recently used it in a map, compass, and survival course. This is the lightest compass I've found (24.6g .87oz) that has a rotating bezel/azimuth and fixed declination correction and I've really been searching hard for something lighter with these features. Brunton made the 12nl which may have fit the bill at .6oz but that appears to be discontinued. I have to agree with a previous reviewer that the lanyard doesn't seem to be attached well due to an odd shaped clip, but removing the clip and attaching the lanyard directly solves the problem and reduces weight.

I had this compass for about three months before the seal finally gave out. I used it quite a bit, and it never let me down during that time. But eventually a bubble formed, which threw off the accuracy. Then finally the majority of the fluid had leaked out, leaving this thing kinda useless. But for less than $15, I didn't expect much more. If you're gentle with it, I would recommend the purchase.

Suunto is a very good product. The only thing I wanted to share is that my last compass a Polaris, which I had for probably thirty years developed an air bubble inside the liquid, and the reason is because I kept it inside my car for several seasons. So, lesson learned, don't keep a compass in your auto's glove compartment through 120 degree car summers and zero degree car winters, they can leak.

I bought several of these compasses for education programs on orienteering. Cost was a factor as well as quality and simplicity since kids will be using them and we had to stay in our budget. These are great tools and easy enough to use to teach kids how to work them. They fit nicely in the palm of your hand and have a neck strap so the kids won't drop them. There is a little attachment that connects the neck strap to the compass which I did not put on since the strap could easily come off of it - I just tied it directly to the compass instead - works great! They also come with a wonderful 'how to' brochure that has some great general information on using compasses.

Got caught up in a sudden, vicious snow storm with zero visibility with my dog (misjudged timing of approaching storm). We were off trail with no landmark to gage directions due to blizzard condition, was completely disorientated. I had a windproof softshell on, that was it, pooch had a very good coat on, but not enough. We were in a very bad shape and hypothermia was a real danger. Since the map was useless (zero landmark) the compass was our only hope. I knew if we headed south we would come across a trail that would lead us back to the trailhead (or whatever is left of the trail since there was heavy snow cover). So through loose rocks and icy slopes we followed the red pointer on the compass and sure enough after what seemed like hours we found the trailhead and our truck covered in inches of fresh powder. I take my A10 everytime, everywhere now no matter how easy I think a hike will be... you never know when you will need it. This compass is now the one piece of item I cherish the most in my pack.

I like basic no frills equipment that is light weight and fairly inexpensive. The Suunto A-10 fills my requirements very nicely. I like the responsiveness of the A-10 and the magnetic declination adjustment tension is just right not too lose or too tight. I have used it on 2 separate 5 day trips through unfamiliar terrain and it worked perfectly every time. A nice basic compass for a fair price.

Not too many bells and whistles but it does exactly what a compass must do. Great for the price, and a good quality make too.

I exclusively use a GPS, but needed a back up compass. this is small, lightweight and perfect for what i needed to throw in the "survival" necessities in the pack while hiking.

I got this compass for an adventure race, and it did its job and more. It was great for plotting points on a map, setting courses, and it was light and took quite a beating. I had an ex-marine on my team with a military grade compass and mine proved just as accurage and easier to use.

This is a good compass for the price, but treat it nicely, I took mine out once and didnt particularly abuse it and the casing has leaked out all the suspension fluid and is now rather inaccurate.