Customer Reviews

High Gear Trail Drop II Digital Compass and Thermometer (Model 20002)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Had to return the first one due to non-functioning thermo and fault compass. Small is nice for hanging it on keys or pack, but the same smallness makes it a little hard to opwerate one handed. I also have a Brunton compass that fits the hajnd much nicer. We'll see how long the 2nd one lasts.

Really well made and solid feeling. Easy to use (has good instructions too). Small enough to clip onto the fanny pack or backpack. Numbers are big enough to easily read. Looks cool too :)

Overall, not terribly happy with this units user interface and design. The spartan instructions require pressing buttons referred to in the manual as "SW1" SW2" etc, but they are not labeled as such on the device. You toggle through modes that are abreviated on the display with just 2 letters to tell you what they are ("TR" "CH" what??) Just an unfreindly interface all around. Look for a better unit.

Don't buy this compass if you need to know any direction. If you know about where the sun sets, you will be more accurate than this "compass." It is impossible to use in the field. A waste of money: inaccurate to the max, impossible to maintain it level, etc. Just junk. They should give them away.

I got this for my first 4 day wilderness backpacking trip in Yosemite high country. It worked well but died towards the end. I'm guessing the freezing temperatures and maybe resulting moisture must have gotten to it. I don't think it got down to 14F but it was definitely cold at night in the mountains. I've since moved on to non-electronic gadgets and that's my advice to wilderness hikers.

i own it, this product is very good, it's tough and stands alot of shocks, falls, .. etc. the performance is very good as well.

Compass has everything I need, time, date, alarm, and compass. But, it's a bit difficult to use. I've gotten use to it and it serves all my needs.

Overall I loved my TrailDrop compass until I took it swimming (only a few feet below the surface) and two days later it died.

Positives:
- Great form factor: size and shape are perfect... I would consider this to be the primary reason to consider purchase
- Decent accuracy on compass... not for serious hiking but good enough to point the general direction

Negatives:
- Thermometer seems to be way off... also needs time to cool down after being in a pocket
- Not Water Resistant
- Color beings to wear away after several long hard trips
- Confusing interface (at first)

I've taken it on several climbing trips and traveled with it... once you figure out the buttons its fantastic. I haven't had any issues anyone else is talking about...

I own two of these and have had no problems using it as a thermometer. I use one for desert backpacking (over a year) and the other has been mounted outside my Jeep for several months.
- Neither has been rained on
- I've never tried to use it as a compass