Herald Scotland

I want to replace my Silva Type 4 because the degree markings have worn off, making accurate navigation difficult - my last Silva had the same problem. All I want is a compass with the degree markings protected in some way; I've seen some but they have a short base plate and no romer scale, which I am looking for. Outdoor gear shops and online suppliers seem to have a very limited stock. Any recommendations?

I recently switched to Silva sighting compass.
From memory I think it's an Expedition 15.

Mirror covers bevel which should give protection to degree markings.
I particularly like the fact that you can set it up for local magnetic variation and then don't have
to remember to adjust when taking bearings.

http://www.silva.se/en/Products/Compasses/Expedition/?productId=%7b7BAC2DDA-E172-477B-82C4-B152023529A8%7d

Not sure if this'll help but I also use Silva compasses. I've never had the markings come off despite them being years old, then again they reside in the map case, and don't get much use, but they come along on every walk.

Like Ian I have never had a real problem with markings wearing off to the stage of not been able to read them despite one old one being at least 10 years old.I have tried using a sighting compass but for me they seemed a bit fiddly for taking a quick bearing in the dark or in poor weather and I soon got fed up of it.

A bit "out of the box". I use an orienteering thumb compass by Moscow, model 2 LH. The markings are inside the plastic so they cannot wear off. You can put it in your pocket like any compass but it also fits on the thumb of your map hand for continuous following of a bearing. Unfortunately no roamer and the base plate is very short and a weird shape

I like my trusty Recta scout,

longest folding base plate with mirror, so it's a sighting compass also. which can be used for shaving or signaling.

no romer scale, but I just judge it. or take a small seperate acetate one.