Let’s Talk About Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass
The Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass is a no-frills navigation tool designed for those who need basic compass functionality without breaking the bank. Rothco, a name synonymous with military surplus and affordable tactical gear, offers this compass as an entry point into orienteering and land navigation. Its key features include a liquid-filled luminous dial, a sighting mirror, and ruler graduations along the sides.
I found myself needing a backup compass for my search and rescue kit. My primary compass is a high-end Suunto, but I wanted something inexpensive yet functional to have as a spare or to lend to team members without worrying about damage or loss. The Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass seemed to fit the bill.
Upon unboxing, the compass felt lightweight, almost too lightweight. The plastic housing seemed adequate, but not particularly robust. My initial impression was that this was a budget compass, plain and simple, but I was eager to see how it would perform in the field.
Compared to my Suunto MC-2, the Rothco felt significantly less refined. The Suunto boasts a more precise and stable needle, a more durable housing, and overall higher-quality construction. I also considered the Silva Ranger 2.0, another popular entry-level compass, but ultimately opted for the Rothco due to its lower price point.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I wasn’t expecting top-tier performance, but I hoped it would be reliable enough for basic navigation tasks. It would be a decent backup compass and an affordable option for teaching beginners.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass on a weekend hiking trip in the local state forest. The terrain was varied, with open fields, dense woods, and some rolling hills. I used it to navigate a pre-planned route using map and compass.
The conditions were mixed, with some rain showers and periods of bright sunshine. The compass worked adequately in both conditions, though the luminous dial was only truly useful in low-light situations. The liquid-filled needle settled reasonably quickly, but it was noticeably less stable than my higher-end compass, particularly when moving quickly.
The Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass was easy to use out of the box, requiring no real learning curve. The large dial was easy to turn, and the sighting mirror aided in taking accurate bearings. The ruler graduations came in handy for measuring distances on the map.
One minor issue I encountered was that the plastic housing felt a bit slippery when wet. Also, the sighting mirror seemed a little flimsy, and I worried about it breaking if subjected to rough handling.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of occasional use, the Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass has held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches on the plastic housing, but nothing that affects its functionality. The needle still points north, and the dial still turns smoothly.
The compass shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The plastic is starting to show some scuff marks. The luminosity is still visible.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes. So far, maintenance has been minimal.
Compared to my Suunto, the Rothco is not in the same league in terms of durability and precision. However, for its price point, it has performed adequately. It is definitely a “you get what you pay for” situation.
Breaking Down the Features of Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass
Specifications
The Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass is constructed with a lightweight and durable plastic housing. The dial is liquid-filled for smooth and accurate needle movement.
- Material: Glass
- Dimensions: 4 3/4 (7 3/4 Open) X 2 5/8 X 3/4 inches
- Features: Ruler graduations, liquid filled luminous pointer, magnifying glass, transparent base, and sighting mirror.
These specifications dictate its suitability for basic navigation tasks. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry, while the liquid-filled dial aids in accurate bearing taking. The ruler graduations and magnifying glass are helpful for map reading.
Performance & Functionality
The Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass performs adequately for basic orienteering and land navigation. The needle settles reasonably quickly, allowing for relatively accurate bearing taking. The sighting mirror helps to align the compass accurately with distant landmarks.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and affordability. The weaknesses include the lack of robustness and the less precise needle compared to higher-end compasses. It meets expectations for a budget compass.
Design & Ergonomics
The compass has a basic, utilitarian design. The plastic housing is lightweight and easy to grip, though it can be slippery when wet. The dial is large and easy to read, even in low-light conditions.
The compass is user-friendly, even for beginners. There is no real learning curve involved in using it for basic navigation tasks.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass is not designed for heavy-duty use. The plastic housing is likely to crack or break if subjected to significant impact.
Maintenance is minimal; simply keep it clean and dry. Given the low price point, repair is likely not cost-effective.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass comes with no additional accessories. There are no customization options available. Its simplicity is part of its appeal.
It is compatible with any standard compass lanyard or cord. However, there are no specific accessories designed for it.
Pros and Cons of Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass
Pros
- Affordable and readily available
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Lightweight and compact
- Liquid-filled luminous dial for low-light use
- Sighting mirror for accurate bearings
Cons
- Plastic housing lacks durability
- Needle less precise than higher-end compasses
- Sighting mirror feels flimsy
Who Should Buy Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass?
This compass is perfect for:
- Casual hikers and campers who need a basic navigation tool.
- Beginners learning orienteering skills.
- Those seeking an inexpensive backup compass.
Who should skip this product?
- Serious backcountry navigators who rely on precise and durable equipment.
- Those who need a compass for extreme conditions or heavy use.
A must-have accessory is a durable lanyard to prevent loss.
Conclusion on Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass
The Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass is a budget-friendly option for basic navigation needs. It offers decent functionality for its price point.
The value proposition is strong, given its low cost. It’s a functional tool at an extremely accessible price.
I would recommend it as a starter compass or a backup. It is not the best compass on the market, but it’s a good value for the money.
If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills compass that won’t break the bank, the Rothco Orienteering Ranger Type Compass is worth considering. Pick one up and start exploring!