Silva Pocket Compass - SS18

The thermometer was off 8 degrees F on the first one I bought ( checked with accurate laboratory thermometer and two calibrated digitals ).Ordered a second one, the red mercury (alcohol) was separated and I tried several methods to correct with no luck.Silva usually makes nice reliable compasses, but I was disappointed with the thermometer for the price... I know it's only $15.00, but the quality is about the same as a $3 - $4 zipper compass/thermo combos made by cheaper brands. The packaging was poor also - the clear compass surface was marred when I got the first one... okay - it'll get dinged with use anyway, but it's not suitable as in new condition to give as a gift.I cut the thermometer sections off with a band saw and smoothed the edges with a fine file. Now I have two nice small pocket compasses that will probably last a long time.Some other compass info you might want to consider, depending on your intended uses...Having used compasses for many years while wilderness back packing, extended canoeing trips, and navigating large unfamiliar cities very late at night, I have had to depend on my compasses numerous times. As one of the more important tools you might need to use when you find yourself in an unexpected situation, you might want to consider purchasing better than average quality compasses.I still have my first Silva compass from back in the early 1970's. I also like my Suunto's and my Cammenga's. I thought Brunton's might be okay because I've bought them in "boutique" outfitters shops, but they haven't held up well - - the fluid came out without any good reason ( no compass abuse or rough treatment ), so I'm not a fan of them.I've also come to doubt the accuracy of "disk" type compasses ( as opposed to straight compass needles )... Unless you can see the magnetic metal part under the disk ( clear disk - like on a Cammenga ) the readings can be off. Even my little Suunto watch band "disk" compass appears to be off a little... probably no big deal on a tiny compass, but I wonder how far off some of the compasses are that come on those cheap survival knives, walking sticks, all in one kits, etc.Anyway, I'm not trying to be too picky about all this over a $15 purchase. I'm just trying to pass on a few extra concepts that might help someone else.Silva generally makes respectable compasses. Maybe they could refine their thermometer design a little to add the ability to calibrate it.Cheers !

Arrived with a large bubble and some scratches in the plastic, Tested alongside some other compasses and appears to be slightly inaccurate even compared to much cheaper compass, haven't compared the thermoneter.shame as the design is very nice, will probably use as a backup.

When I followed it to the north I did end up in the North Pole. Okay maybe not, but I probably would have if I had made it out of the neighborhood.

The thermometer is glued in and it simply fell out of the indentation after 3 days. Compass seems to be fine.

Thermometer is less precise than my nose, right in the store different copies show very different temperature. I am going to try it once and then maybe cut it off, like somebody already did.Another concern is a weak plastic shackle to hold the thing. I am afraid it will be broken in a dense bush soon.And yes, at least now it fees like a $3 piece.Though we ll see, how liquid filled compass works in the nearest trip.

The compass is usable, approximately 3cm in diameter and easy read with a white/grey needle on a black background. It's not intended for precise navigation and has no degree markings, just the cardinal points, but it works fine as a rough direction guide.Unfortunately, the thermometer is all but useless. It's very hard to read even in bright sunlight, because it's a dark red liquid and the tube is inset into a black background. Even when you can read it, it's very inaccurate, showing the temperature about 5 degrees too high.I would have expected better from a company with Silva's enviable pedigree and reputation, even at this price.

The thermometer is completely useless and was the reason I actually choose this c###pThe compass is ok

Cant do without this combi when I am on holidays

The temperature markings wear off very quickly, would be better to cut off the thermometer, liked the Compass.

amazing perfect