Your compass is a powerful, pocket-sized navigation device, and it’s an essential piece of equipment. Most compasses weigh less than two AA batteries yet require none, making them reliable at all times and in any weather. A compass can be used as a primary navigation tool paired with a topo map, as backup or in […]
About the author
Mark Watson
Wilderness gear editor Mark Watson divides his workdays between graphic design, writing and photography. His passion for tramping, climbing, cycling and storytelling has taken him all over Aotearoa and the world in search of great trails, perfect moves and epic light. He has published four books and his photographs have featured in numerous publications. Especially motivated by long distance travel, he has tramped Te Araroa and cycled from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.
The 2026 Wilderness Outdoor Photographer of the Year competition
A tale of adventure and tragedy
Mt Peel, Kahurangi National Park
A lofty location for Brass Monkey
The trail of the tenacious
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