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.

I was an infantry officer in the US Army for 15 years. Before that, I backpacked in my high school and college years. In both cases I was comfortable navigating with topo maps and a compass or by terrain features and a compass. This exact compass is what I'm used to so it's what I bought to get back into backpacking.What I like about these lensatic compasses vs popular map compasses with built in protractors.........1.) Precise. Super easy to get precise readings. Map compasses are not less accurate but harder to get precise readings from.2.) No fluid! Fluid filled housings are an accident waiting to happen. The magnetic damping in this compass won't leak and it won't form a bubble at altitude or with temperature changes. It won't leave you stranded.3.) Tough. The aluminum housing can be tossed in a pack, a pocket, or hung around your neck. It is not delicate.4.) Trituim. This is one of the few if not the only compasses using radioactive tritium for night illumination. Again, reliable in any conditions.So what do you give up vs a flat plastic map compass.....1.) The flat plastic protractor. No big deal. I don't need one but if you do, buy one for a few bucks.2.) Declination adjustment. A nice convenience but hardly a necessity. I mean we're talking addition and subtraction of whole numbers here folks, not trigonometry. I'd rather have the more reliable compass.3.) Size and weight. This is probably a little larger and heavier than most plastic map compasses but not dramatically so. The upside is it's also a lot tougher with no fluid to get screwed up.In short, this lensatic compass is a simple device that will last a long long time and give reliable, precise readings time after time. Isn't that what you want when you're cut off from civilization?

Well made compass and it should be for the price, glows at night.