[Wheel Wander]

Hey all,

So, I finally got my hands on the UST Compass & Map Tool, and I’ve taken it on a couple of hikes recently. Spoiler alert: I did not get lost once! 🎉 Fortunately, no rescue mission was needed, and my snacks were safe from bears.

First things first, I was initially drawn to this gadget because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good multitool, especially when it reminds you of something a spy might carry in the movies? It says, “I could be James Bond in the wilderness, if necessary.” Or, more realistically, “I could at least find my way back to the parking lot.”

Here’s the scoop:

• Compass: Surprisingly accurate. I tested it versus the compass on my phone, and it did the job without needing any battery! Plus, it gives you that satisfying, “I’m a pro hiker” feeling.
• Map tool: Now, this part is kind of neat. It has scales for reading different types of maps. Admittedly, my map reading skills are a bit rusty, but it made me feel like I was in control. In reality, it was probably just good enough to keep me from wandering into someone’s private property.
• Durability: It seems robust enough. Considering I dropped it on a pretty rocky trail (just a test, obviously), it survived with just a minor scratch.
• Size and weight: It’s small and fits in a pocket without feeling like I’m carrying a brick. Easy to forget it’s even there until you need it, which is perfect.

One slightly embarrassing (but hopefully entertaining) story: I tried to show off by using the map tool in front of my hiking buddy, but I had the map upside down for about ten minutes before realizing. Classic rookie mistake! But hey, that’s user error, not the tool’s fault.

Overall, I’d say for the price, this little gadget packs a decent punch. It’s probably not going to replace a high-end compass that could navigate you across the Appalachian Trail, but for casual hikes and adding a bit of navigational flair, it’s pretty good.

Now, over to you folks: Anyone else tried this tool and have thoughts to share, funny stories, or tips for improving my map-reading skills? Drop them below. If you’ve had a different experience or used a similar tool, I’d love to hear about it!

Cheers and happy trails!

[Author]

Posts