Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass, Accurate Waterproof Hand Held Compasses with Pouch for Hiking Camping Navigation Survival Backpacking Orienteering

Appears to be the real deal, personally prefer base plate with adjustable declination screw so you adjust and be done. But land navigation course on east coast I have to use this so have to brush up on this compass. Plus have to recondition myself from easternly to westernly. Below is what A.I. says to look for when looking for authentic Cammenga. To distinguish a real Cammenga compass from a fake one, check for the following details: proper markings and engravings, a clear and consistent tritium glow, a well-built construction, the correct company logo, and purchase from a reputable seller; if you suspect a fake, closely examine the case back for accurate serial numbers and manufacturing information, as counterfeit versions often have inconsistencies or missing details. Key points to look for: Markings and Engravings: "Cammenga" logo should be clearly visible and properly aligned. Serial number on the back of the compass should be neatly stamped and legible. All markings on the compass face, including degree markings and north arrow, should be crisp and consistent. Tritium Glow: A genuine Cammenga compass will have a consistent, even glow from the tritium vials, visible in low light conditions. Uneven or very faint glow could indicate a fake. Construction Quality: A real Cammenga compass should feel sturdy and well-built with no loose parts or obvious imperfections. Check for a solid, secure closure mechanism on the compass case. Purchase Source: Always buy from a trusted retailer specializing in outdoor gear or directly from the Cammenga website to minimize the risk of buying a fake. What to be wary of in a fake Cammenga: Poorly engraved markings: Blurred or misaligned text, incorrect logos. Inconsistent tritium glow: Uneven or very weak glow, or no glow at all. Cheap materials: Plastic feeling case, loose components. Missing information: Missing serial numbers, manufacturing details on the case back.

This is the real McCoy.

Excellent quality compass. You take it in your hands and feel the quality. All markers (sighting wire, line on glass, rear sight with lense) are aligned. Nothing is loose or dangling. The compass marks are glowing in green, this is obviously due to the tritium tubes. It's made to withstand harsh conditions, aluminum and durable, you shouldn't drop it, but accidentally can sit on it without any consequences. When the compass is closed, the north arrow lifts up and is removed from the needle, which is not the case with all cheap or fake/knock off compasses. This protects the compass mechanism from damage due to shaking or falling and wear and tear. What is disappointing: 1. Its price when you pay for it, but its really worth it. Other good quality compass manufacturers also sells their products in similar price 2. Bezel could be aluminum too, it is plastic 3. Degrees markers in 5 degree step

This one is the real deal. The case is aluminum with a good solid lid and a good locking mechanism for the needle. It is US made and is the tritium model. I got it in Oct 2014 and it was manufactured in Sept 2014 I checked it outside at the deer lease on a dark night and I could easily read the compass, even set a heading and follow it in the dark. The tritium is on the compass card, that is "the needle", marking E, W and N, on the sighting line (lubber line), and on the lid for sighting, seven spots in all. It's bright and easy to see in the dark and of course does not require activation by a light like a phosphorescent model does. I will take this to Colorado in a couple of days on an elk hunt. Yes I'll take a GPS but I know a good compass will work in heavy timber or if there is heavy cloud cover. Take a heading when you start in and you know which direction to go to get back to the trail, road or other reference point. This is a good, solid, well made compass that should last a lifetime. Yes it's expensive but it will take some knocks and still potentially save your life. If you wander around in wilderness areas this compass is well worth the money. It came with a long neck lanyard and a canvas carrying case.

Okay I’m a glass half full type of guy, so let’s talk about why this is a great compass. I was trained survival aka the SERE method, and land navigation is imperative for azimuth and reverse azimuth readings. It’s spot on ! I’d expect nothing less from Cammenga especially a military spec 3H which is Tritium powered aka a nuclear isotope with low amounts of radiation discharge while having enough for radiation to make this SOB glow forever. My other issues 3H is going in 20 years and still glows perfectly. Now an important thing to also look at, and please fact check this and correct me if wrong. Inside the compass you’ll find a black 6-7 number sequence. This is important to gauge the age of the compass and to replace or, add another after 15 years. So mine for example reads 25 03 77, what this means is the 3rd month 77th day from the 1st of January, and finally the 25 is the year it was made so mine was made in March of 2025. That’s important to know. Also it has both general headings NSEW, but you can use mils or, clicks as well depending on your training. This is a sturdy compass without question. Now the only bad thing, and remember I have 2 other Cammenga 3H compasses. The other 2 which are military specs have a case that firstly has stamped on it “US” as in United States, that is the designation for military issue, secondly the belt attachment sucks. Plain and simple, the real deal has a sliding hinge and lock to place on your person, be it on a D ring on your pack or, belt, or really anywhere, and it’s 100% effective, I’ve been in some serious places, and never once had to think about it dislodging. I have the new case which effects the confidence to stay and not disconnect from a snap button enclosure. The back is actually a damn snap instead of the metal slide. So it’s not stamped US on the case (bag), and the metal snap is absolutely not as secure and the metal slide clasp (on the case). Overall the Tritium works, the compass is accurate, easy to use cheek to eye and center mass hold. Mils and degrees are on point. So my complaint is about the bag of all things ! I guess 20 years ago my issues compass was the same brand, under contract from the military. I’m hoping to be proven wrong about the button snap, be optimistic, and acknowledge price point as well as construction. It’s worth the money, but on the case that US symbol means something to us, and secondly I’m not crazy about the sliding mechanism for keeping this thing securely attached to my own person, my pack or, belt loop. Overall buy it ! It’s the real deal, and I’ve already proven it to be accurate, I’m just complaining about Symantec’s, but that belt sliding lock is better than the button snap, and I would have liked as shown in the photo description for the case to be marked with the “US” designation.

Quality product! Safe for camping because it's tough as nails. Mine is only one month old. Lights up like a Christmas tree. Big fly did a great job with shipping. I grew up in the next town over from their place. Good PA people with great products.

The compass I received was obviously old. The body had minor bumps and dings from usage, and all was covered by a (too thick) fresh coat of paint. The tritium was well decayed making it useless for readings in the dark — the whole reason for getting it, and the whole reason for paying a premium price. The freshly painted “manufacturing date” on it is 2 months earlier than my purchase date. That is a clearly wrong (missed by a decade or so, I’d say) and evidence of deliberate fraud. YMMV-good luck.

Very good