First Impressions of Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass
The Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass, from Survive Outdoors Longer, is a no-frills navigation tool designed to get you pointed in the right direction when your GPS inevitably fails. Its classic military-style design, combined with its incredibly low price point, immediately piqued my interest. I was intrigued to see how well a compass at this price could perform compared to more expensive options.
My need for a reliable backup compass stems from years of guiding wilderness trips and participating in tactical training. Electronic devices are great, until the battery dies or the signal drops. That’s why I always carry a traditional compass as a failsafe.
Upon receiving the Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass, I was struck by its bright orange color – definitely hard to lose! It’s incredibly lightweight, almost surprisingly so, which is a definite plus when trying to minimize pack weight. The build felt… adequate. It’s clear that cost savings were a priority, but the essential features seemed functional.
Compared to my trusted Suunto MC-2 and a more basic Silva Ranger, the Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass felt less substantial. I chose it primarily for its compact size, light weight, and price; a combination that makes it a great option for a bare-bones survival kit. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to test its accuracy and durability in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass on a recent backcountry hiking trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The terrain was varied, with dense forests and exposed rocky summits. The weather was generally clear, though we encountered some light rain on the second day.
The compass performed surprisingly well in determining general directions and maintaining a bearing across open areas. It was easy to use straight out of the packaging. I simply adjusted the bezel to align with my desired heading. I did find the sighting wire a bit flimsy and difficult to use accurately in breezy conditions.
The only real issue arose during a brief period of heavy rain. Water beaded on the compass face, making the luminescent directional letters difficult to read. However, this was a minor inconvenience overall.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass has held up reasonably well, considering its price point. There are some minor scratches on the plastic casing, but the compass still functions as intended. I would not call it heavy duty.
Durability is definitely a concern. I’ve noticed the hinge on the flip-up lens is starting to feel a bit loose. Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes.
Compared to my more expensive compasses, the Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass definitely lags in terms of overall precision and build quality. However, for its intended purpose as a backup navigation tool, it performs adequately.
Breaking Down the Features of Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass
Specifications
The Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass is designed after the classic military style compass. It uses a liquid-filled base for stable needle readings. Its features are:
- Orange color: High-visibility to prevent loss.
- Weight: A mere 1 ounce, keeping your pack light.
- Lensatic Design: Flip-up lens for precise bearing extraction.
- Sighting Wire: Aids in accurate target acquisition and bearing alignment.
- Luminescent Directional Letters: Improves visibility in low-light conditions.
- Northern Hemisphere Use: Specifically calibrated for accuracy in the northern hemisphere.
These specifications are important because they directly affect the compass’s functionality and suitability for different users and environments. The lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for backpacking and survival kits. The lensatic design and sighting wire allow for more precise bearing readings than a basic button compass.
Performance & Functionality
The Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass performs adequately for basic navigation tasks. It is suitable for determining general directions, following established trails, and confirming your position on a map. It is not designed for advanced surveying or precision navigation.
The primary strength of this compass is its simplicity and ease of use. Its limitations are accuracy in adverse weather conditions, and lack of features for advanced navigation. It meets expectations for a low-cost backup compass, but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass has a basic, functional design. The materials used are primarily plastic. This keeps the weight down but compromises the overall durability.
The compass is user-friendly, even for those with limited experience in traditional navigation. The markings are clear and easy to read in most lighting conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
The Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass is not built to withstand heavy abuse. The plastic casing is susceptible to scratches and cracks. The hinge on the flip-up lens is a potential point of failure.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. Repair is likely not feasible. If a component breaks, it’s best to replace the entire compass.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass does not come with any accessories. There are also no customization options available or necessary. Its simplicity is part of its charm.
Because it’s a basic compass, it’s not really compatible with any aftermarket accessories. You may want to attach a lanyard. This can help prevent loss and provide a convenient way to carry it around your neck.
Pros and Cons of Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass
Pros
- – Exceptionally lightweight and compact, ideal for minimizing pack weight.
- – Very affordable, making it a great option for beginners or as a backup compass.
- – Easy to use with a short learning curve.
- – High-visibility orange color helps prevent loss.
- – Functional design provides basic navigational capabilities.
Cons
- – Durability is a concern due to the plastic casing and hinge design.
- – Sighting wire is flimsy and difficult to use in windy conditions.
- – Accuracy may be affected by extreme weather conditions.
Who Should Buy Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass?
The Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass is perfect for casual campers, hikers on well-marked trails, and anyone looking for an affordable backup compass for their survival kit. It’s also a great option for beginners learning the basics of land navigation. It’s suitable for anyone needing to get a general direction.
Anyone who needs a high-precision compass for advanced navigation or expects to encounter challenging weather conditions should skip this product. Professional guides, serious backcountry adventurers, or military personnel will likely want to invest in a more robust and accurate compass.
A must-have accessory would be a length of paracord to use as a lanyard. You might also want a small notebook and pencil for recording bearings and distances.
Conclusion on Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass
The Survive Outdoors Longer Lensatic Compass is a decent, basic navigation tool for the price. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and provides a reasonable level of accuracy for general direction finding. Its inexpensive nature makes it a good choice for a backup or starter compass.
The price is definitely justified, given its functionality. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a cheap and cheerful compass for casual outdoor activities. Just don’t expect it to perform like a high-end model.
For a basic survival or hiking kit, it’s a solid choice, offering essential functionality without breaking the bank. Pick one up, learn to use it, and keep it as a reliable friend on your next adventure.