The compass is an essential tool in the field of orienteering, and any good orienteering compass should possess certain qualities in order to be effective.
Firstly, one of the essential qualities of any good orienteering compass should be its accuracy in reading location and direction. To be effective, a compass needs to be able to direct the user accurately to their allocated location and also provide detailed readings of their surroundings. High quality orienteering compasses will be designed with this accuracy in mind and will not be affected by external factors such as magnetic fields, temperature changes or even terrain.
Secondly, a good orienteering compass should be equipped with a declination adjustment feature, which enables the user to make adjustments for the difference between true north and magnetic north on a map. This feature is especially helpful in order to accurately plot a course on a map and stay on track.
Thirdly, a compass should also be waterproof. When orienteering in extreme conditions and wet environments, it can be vital to have a waterproof compass that won’t be affected by any kind of moisture. A good orienteering compass should also have a rugged construction to withstand any impacts or scratches that could come from handling and hiking in difficult terrain.
Fourthly, the length of a compass should also be taken into consideration. It is important to choose a compass that has a decent length for its construction for maximum accuracy and usability. The dial should also be large enough that the user can easily make precise readings without being cramped or uncomfortable.
Finally, an orienteering compass should also have features that allow the user to take bearings from the map and use them in the field with ease. Many compasses will come with features such as direction of travel arrows, mirror sighting, luminous markings and other features to ensure an easy transition from map to terrain.
In conclusion, any good orienteering compass should possess certain necessary qualities such as accuracy, declination adjustment, waterproof construction, adequate length and terrain-based features. By taking all of these elements into account, an orienteering compass should be able to provide accurate directions and help its user stay on track in demanding conditions when out in the field.