Always Stay On Track With A Carabiner Compass

Carabiner compasses are available in several different forms at reputable nautical gifts vendors. The carabiner compass was invented years ago, and still remains relevant, even in the face of advancements such as the GPS. Much of this is credited to the fact that the carabiner compass requires no additional technology to function- no low batteries or lost satellite signals. This undependability of the GPS gives it a feebleness that the carabiner compass does not suffer from. There are numerous carabiner compasses that have their own advantages in different situations, such as being able to examine a map effortlessly, and quickly finding a bearing.
For obvious reasons, the carabiner compass with a prism is called a prismatic compass. The protective case of the prismatic compass comes with an easy to read scale. At the compass’s bottom is where the prism of the prismatic compass is usually found. One country in particular known to use prismatic compasses was the U.K. military.
The transit carabiner compass has a front and a rear transit sight that it uses to its advantage. The rear sight of the transit compass is sometimes made from a single prism similar to the prismatic compass. Not only does the transit compass derive from the prismatic compass, but it shares abilities with the lensatic compass as well. This puts the prismatic and lensatic compasses in a would-be kind of sub category of the transit compass.
The base plate compass has one of the most unsophisticated designs of any carabiner compass. The bottom of the base plate compass is totally translucent, for one. The base plate compass can be placed directly on a map for easily finding directions. 
In addition to the compasses listed above, the lensatic compass is unique in that it incorporates at least one lens into the structure of the compass. The lens of the lensatic compass is helpful for reading the often hard-to-see scale. The U.S. military has engaged in the use of the lensatic compass since 1910.
Another type of carabiner compass is the “closed face” keychain compass. This compass is called “closed face” because that is precisely the way that it looks. The hinge on its side allows the closed face compass to be swung open and closed. The closed faced compass does not need a hinge, but can use a lid instead that fits tightly on top of the compass. Finding an authentic model from the era they were made (WWII) may run a hefty price.
Just as there is a closed face compass, there is also an open face compass. Again, the name is absolutely accurate to the compass itself - these have no lid, and an exposed, wide open face. The openness of this carabiner compass makes it extremely convenient to read when in a hurry.
The carabiner compasses outlined above are just a few of the many diverse types of carabiner compasses in existence today. Depending on what your personal taste is, you will find many varied compasses at nautical decor stores. Accessory compasses, like hunting knife compass, are available online, along with many other types.