Suunto MC-2 Compass – Guide and Review (2023)
You should always have a reliable navigation option with you when traveling outdoors. That's because cell phones, which most people rely on for location services, don't always work when away from the concrete jungle. When that happens, or the batteries on your GPS stop working, you'll need the reliability of a compass to ensure you get to and from your destination safely and on time.
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Filling that need is the Suunto Compass MC-2. This compass is a professional mirror compass and a go-to navigation aid worthy of any outdoor enthusiast, prepper, and others who are averse to becoming lost.
With that, this review will cover the many features of the Suunto MC-2. I'm also going to touch on the one factor I don't care for with this compass. Finally, I'm going to give my explanation about the Suunto MC-2. So, what are you waiting for? Read on!
Features
The Suunto MC-2 is loaded with features. To make this short, other than not telling you where to go, the Suunto MC-2 has every feature you need to navigate the wilderness.
With that, here are the features of the Suunto MC-2:
Suunto MC-2 Housing
The compass comes with a liquid-filled housing for stable operation. It also has a highly stable polarity change-resistant compass needle. The capsule includes a clinometer for measuring vertical angles and an orienting arrow to help align the compass needle.
The orienting markings (lines) on the floor of the housing help align the compass with the map. The adjustable declination correction tool and scale for plotting true and magnetic north help ensure you're locked on to your point anywhere you need a compass. Finally, the housing has a bezel with a directional scale, both in degrees and cardinal directions, for use as a protractor when using your compass.
Suunto MC-2 Base
The compass base includes a long straight edge with an inch ruler for making map work easier. A combination of 1/24,000 and 1/50,000 map protractors in kilometers. Along the edge opposite the inch ruler is a 1/24,000-mile scale for tracking distance in 10ths of a mile.
Centered in the base is the direction-of-travel arrow to point at your target on the map or when moving. Next to it is a magnifying lens for reading map symbols and as an alternate fire starter during a survival situation.
Suunto MC-2 Sighting Mirror
There is a sighting mirror with a center line and a sighting hole and notch for precise sighting and accurate bearings to your point or target. The sighting mirror adds to the capability of this compass by pulling double duty as an emergency signaling device. The outside of the compass cover has 1/24000 and 1/25,000 slope rulers.
Suunto MC-2 Bottom of Base
The bottom of the base includes nonskid foot pads for better map traction. It also houses the declination correction tool adjustment ring, with the adjusting tool attached to the lanyard.
The Only Negative to the Suunto MC-2
The only aspect I don't care for on this compass is the lanyard attachment. I think it's flimsy and feels like it could break, and it is overcome by looping the lanyard through the hole and not using the lanyard attachment.
The Bottom Line on the Suunto MC-2
Other than that, if you're an outdoors person who wants to know where you're going and how to get back home safe and sound, this is the compass you should consider.
It doesn't need batteries. Nor does it need a cell phone connection to tell you where you're at. It always works, and from your first purchase, it'll be there when you need it.
If you're someone who goes into the outdoors, you have to have a quality compass with you. And for that purpose, I recommend the Suunto MC-2.
Have you used the Suunto MC-2? What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments below.
Additional Resources
- 10 Best Emergency Preparedness Apps for Everyday Life
- Bugging Out on Foot in Winter
- Nature Reliance with Craig Caudill
- What is a Compass
Stay safe,
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Thanks Brian. One question: the mirror is cloudy. Is this a defect or intentional design–and if intentional, why so?
Hi Gerry,
My mirror isn’t cloudy. Is there a thin plastic film/cover on yours? If not, maybe you received a defective compass.
~Brian
Suunto is my go to brand as it is still made in Finland unlike North American Silva which is made in Asia. No experience with Brunton but they look too odd of a design for me to bother with. A mils (not degrees) version of the MC-2 was used by the Canadian military.
A Compass is one of those classic buy once cry once items. The MC-2 is top of the line with price to match but well worth it.
If you do need a button style compass for a smaller kit, get the Suunto Clipper compass and not some Chinese model. I like their GITD version, but seems imposable to find these days.