SILVA RANGER
Weight 33g
Map scales 1:25k, 1:50k Declination adjustment yes Features DryFlex grip, luminous markings, magnifier, lanyard with 1:25k & 1:50k scales
The Ranger is a well-established compass. It’s been my main one for longer than I can remember. It has a ridged grip round the transparent compass capsule for easy use even with wet hands or when wearing gloves. There’s a magnifying lens that’s useful for seeing details on a map in poor light. The two map scales are the standard ones for the Ordnance Survey maps used by walkers. They’re divided into tenths. They are straight line scales though, not Romer ones – that is ones where the scales are laid out twice at right angles so it’s very easy to take a grid reference. Grid references can be taken with the Ranger but it’s a little harder than with Romer scales. There’s also a millimetre ruler. Inside the capsule there’s a declination scale.
The latest version of the Ranger has updated colours and graphics that make features stand out better, plus a new lanyard with 1:25k and 1:50k scales on it so you can measure distances on a map: an excellent addition. The lanyard is soft and flexible.
The Ranger is a fairly basic compass but for general hillwalking it’s fine. I mostly use it to take map bearings to follow when visibility is poor, or the terrain has no distinct features. The needle remains reasonably steady when walking and the compass is comfortable to hold. If you take grid references often a compass with Romer scales such as the Silva Expedition (50 grams, £50) would be better.
Also consider Suunto A-30 32 grams £25 suunto.com