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Silva

Field MS

$33.79 $54.95
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Description

Silva Field MS is the compass we point people to when they are learning to navigate properly. It is a clear, simple baseplate compass with a rotating capsule, map scales printed on the plate and a rubber grip on the bezel, and it does exactly what a first compass should: take a bearing off a map and walk it on the ground. Silva build it for schools, youth groups and leisure walkers, and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award recommends Silva compasses.

Who it's for

Bushwalkers moving off signposted tracks for the first time, scouts and school groups, rogainers and orienteers starting out, and anyone who wants a reliable backup to a phone or GPS in the pack. It is the compass for a navigation course, a first overnight walk in the Blue Mountains or a day picking a route across open country in the Victorian high country.

Accuracy and features

  • Rotating capsule: turns to set a bearing, built around the SILVA 1-2-3 System.
  • Declination scale inside the capsule: for converting between grid and magnetic bearings using the note on your map.
  • Map scales: a millimetre ruler plus 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 scales, the scales most Australian topographic maps use.
  • Rubber grip: on the bezel, so it turns easily with cold or wet fingers.
  • Detachable lanyard: hang it round your neck on the move and unclip it to work on the map.

Using it in the field

The SILVA 1-2-3 System keeps it simple. One: lay the edge of the baseplate along your route on the map, with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing where you want to go. Two: turn the capsule until its orienting lines run parallel to the map's north-south grid lines, north to north. Three: hold the compass flat in front of you and turn your body until the red end of the needle sits inside the orienting arrow, then walk where the direction-of-travel arrow points.

The clear baseplate lets you see the map underneath while you work, and the scales let you measure the distance to the next creek crossing or saddle before you set off.

Looking after it

Keep the Field MS away from magnets, phones and steel when taking a bearing, as they pull the needle. Store it flat in a pocket of the pack rather than loose with keys or tools, and rinse off mud or salt with fresh water.

Specifications
  • Type
    Baseplate compass
  • Model
    Field MS

Sizing Guide

Additional Information
  • Entry-level baseplate compass for learning to navigate
  • Rotating capsule for the SILVA 1-2-3 System
  • Declination scale inside the capsule
  • Millimetre ruler and 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 map scales
  • Rubber grip on the bezel
  • Detachable lanyard

FAQ's

Is the Silva Field MS a good compass for beginners?
Yes. Silva build the Field MS as an entry-level baseplate compass for schools, youth groups and leisure walkers. It has the essentials for learning map and compass: a rotating capsule, a declination scale, map scales and a clear baseplate.

What map scales are on the Silva Field MS?
The Silva Field MS baseplate carries a millimetre ruler plus 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 scales, which suit most topographic maps used for bushwalking.

Does the Silva Field MS have declination adjustment?
The Silva Field MS has a declination scale printed inside the capsule. You use it to convert between grid and magnetic bearings from the declination note on your map; it is a scale rather than a screw-set adjustment.

How do you use the Silva 1-2-3 System?
With the Silva Field MS: lay the baseplate along your route on the map, turn the capsule so its lines match the map's north-south grid, then turn your body until the red needle sits in the orienting arrow and walk where the travel arrow points.

Does the Silva Field MS come with a lanyard?
Yes. The Silva Field MS comes with a detachable lanyard, so you can wear it round your neck while walking and unclip it when you lay the compass on the map.