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#7 on this list
TruArc 3
Brunton
Ultralight baseplate for backpackers who mostly need to orient a map and hold a rough bearing.
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#8 on this list
M-3 Leader
Suunto
The teaching compass: big, legible numbers, a magnifier, and enough precision for real route work.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | TruArc 3 | M-3 Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Brunton | Suunto |
| Model | TruArc 3 | M-3 Leader |
| Purpose | Basic Map & Terrain Orientation | — |
| Weight | Featherlight | Moderate |
| Features | Liquid-damped, Metric/Standard Rulers | Magnifier, Luminescent markings, Declination adj. |
| Price Class | Budget-Friendly | — |
| Construction | — | Durable plastic, liquid-filled capsule |
| Scale Type | — | Metric (mm) and Imperial (inches) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
TruArc 3
- Very light
- Inexpensive
- Global needle option
- Small scales
- No declination adjustment
M-3 Leader
- Very readable
- Good value
- Adjustable declination
- Plastic housing flexes
- No mirror
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