Best compasses according to redditors
We found 100 Reddit comments discussing the best compasses. We ranked the 61 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 100 Reddit comments discussing the best compasses. We ranked the 61 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
That's not what that expression means. I get that you're trying to say is that the company completely "turned it's back on it's fan base", not that it made itself dizzy. What does being dizzy have to do with anything, anyway? The term you were looking for is doing a "180". A circle is divided into 360 degrees. If you turn 180 degrees (180=360/2) you are now facing in the exact opposite direction that you were. If you turn 360 degrees, you are in the exact same position that you started in.
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If you need some help on geometry and basic orienteering, I'd recommend a Suunto compass. They're affordable and well-made. Cheers! https://www.amazon.com/SUUNTO-A-30-NH-USGS-Compass/dp/B000FEXZH6/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=compass+suunto&qid=1563478455&s=gateway&sr=8-8
Here's a few things I've bought off Amazon that I've been really happy with:
Minus33 Merino Wool Day Hiker Sock
Magnesium Fire Starter
Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Carbon Steel Blade
Nalgene Translucent Wide Mouth Bottle With Blue Lid
Outdoor Products 3-Pack Ultimate Dry Sack
Rayovac Sportsman 22 Lumen 1AAA Headlight
Adventure Medical Kits Adventure First Aid 2.0
Suunto M-3 D/L Compass
Gorruck 34L GR2 Coyote Tan - a good bag, heavy, uncomfortable, probably give it to my grandchildren in like 50 years
Flip Flops - generic things
Bigblue 28W solar charger - very good, can charge my battery up during the day if i leave it in the sun which I've never really done honestly
Jakemy hardware tools - seamed useful? i've never needed this
Army glove shells - i thought i used these a lot and were indistructable but now that i think of it, i don't use them that often and are probably pretty cheaply made.
Sharpie, pen, all weather notebook - probably should switch over to a fisher space pen...
Straws - these are probably already broken.
Whistle - really really really loud
Fire-striker, matches, lighter - i'm not sure i have enough ways to start a fire
Fresnel lens - ok, now i have enough
LED flashlight - i used to go running in the middle of the night with this flashlight, its tiny
LED flashlight - this isn't the one i have but looks kinda similar? i don't remember where i got mine
Earbuds - generic cheap earbuds
Leatherman Surge - given to me by my wife for passing the bar. thanks wife!
First Aide kit - i put mine together from stuff i've stolen from friends houses whenever i go over and use the bathroom
playing cards - these look very similar to the ones i have, they are plastic so they won't get rained on
glasses/ sunglasses - i have really bad vision
personal hygiene kit - aahhhh dry shaving
Sawyer Mini / syringe, collapsible canteen (dirty), heavy duty straw - i've never used this
collapsible canteen (clean) - i've never used this either
sewing kit - i've used this a lot
ID tags - i guess if i get blown up they'll know my blood type?
garbage bag - for when my pockets are full
elastic bands - i use these when packing to keep rolled socks and things from falling apart
Salt - i have nooooo idea why i have this
cooking grate - i'm not going to hold meat over a fire with a stick like some sort of caveman
heavy duty ziplock bag - in case my mapcase breaks and other reasons
rip-patch - leftover from when i needed a pack because i bought a crummy cheap inflatable sleeping pad.
Army Fleece Beanie - i always keep this at the top of my pack
4 Bungie Cords - not the one i use but similar. to make a field-expedient shelter
Trowel - for disposal of biological wastes
Lensatic compass - because GPS should only be a backup
Pocketboy 130 folding saw - i have a bigger one for yardwork, this small one is really great
Tent stakes - for tent staking
Ravpower 26800 Battery - use this all the time can fast chage my stuff
Battery Battery holder, cables, wall charger - all fits togehter like glove!
Army Poncho - wear it, make a tent out of it etc
Microfiber towel - not the one i use but similar. i mainly use this for when the kids accidentally fall in a lake like they tend to do for some reason
Down Jacket - cheap chinese knockoff... i feel bad for not buying american
Wet weather top - not sure this is worth the space/weight
Wet Weather bottom - not sure if this is worth the weight/space
Silkweights - PJs! and warmth
Jungle Blanket - this is a lot better than the army's woobie. lighter and warmer
Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet - again, gift from wife. she wanted me to chop things and be more manly, generally. now i come home with parts of wildlife for her to cook
Map of New England - or, how i stopped worrying and love dismounted land navigation
PT belt - keeps me safe in all situations
Compression straps - i don't like lashing things to the outside but i guess i can if i wanted to
Fork and Spoon - stole these from the kitchen. i'll probably be replacing this soon with something titanium.
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EDIT: i just priced it out: $1,585.08 total
For Compasses:
I watched through this guy's videos on youtube, he has a lot of good information. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI-dTsi5nhQ
I also read lots of good reviews of the Suunto M-3. I ended up getting the Suunto M-3G global compass, but the global version isn't necessary if you don't plan on being in the southern hemisphere. You could simply get the M-3D/L.
>M-3D/L
>http://www.amazon.com/Suunto-SS004307001-M-3DL-Compass/dp/B000FEWA6S/
>M-3G
>http://www.amazon.com/Suunto-SS014890000-M-3G-Global-Compass/dp/B000FEXZHQ
Amazon. I put a compass on my Rangeman, my GW6900, and my Seiko 007 on a NATO strap.
Type-III 4pc Liquid Filled Slip-on Compass Set for Watchband or Paracord Bracelets (2nd Gen) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095M4FMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4HpIzbC5W2AQ4
These are just suggestions, I'm sure there are cheaper or better quality alternatives to these, but it's a good start.
Also, you're a cool brother.
facepalm
"Orienteering" and "watch compass" do not belong in the same sentence.
>Are they accurate enough to navigate with?
They will be precise, but as they have zero sighting capability they are not repeat not suitable for navigation as they are not accurate.
Additionally, you can't lay them down on a map, they have no distance scale, and have no mirror for true accurate bearings.
In short, they both suck.
Get this one
This is the first one I ever bought I've never had an issue with it.
If you want a step up, this is the other one I have
You're welcome!
>Is there a good compass or gps you would reccomend?
I'm afraid I'm not a good authority on GPS. I use a DeLorme InReach which is a two-way communicator with GPS ability if tethered to a phone. It's overkill for someone starting out, I wouldn't recommend it unless you've got piles of money burning a hole in your pocket.
As for compasses, I carry a cheap Brunton baseplate compass. Similar to this Silva, but I don't go off trail or crosscountry. More importantly is that you know how to use one. Watch some youtube videos first, figure out if you need a compass that has sights, or if you live in a higher/lower latitude and need something to match your magnetic zone.
Hold off on the GPS and learn how to use a compass and map first. Then if you think it's necessary (or more convenient) step up to a GPS. Remember that maps and compasses don't need batteries.
>How much water is enough water?
General rule is 1 gallon/day, but it varies from person to person, terrain, temperature, etc. If you're in an area with decent water sources, get yourself a Sawyer Mini.
>When deciding where to go in back country do most people just choose a thing and then travel there and back and around or are there trails that people take and camp along?
Choosing a thing and traveling there is called "cross-country hiking" which means hiking off-trail and making your own path. This is allowed in some places and frowned upon at others, depends on how fragile/protected the terrain is. If you're going cross-country, you better be proficient at orienteering.
I'd wager the majority of people hike on trails and camp along the way at established camp sites.
Suunto MC-2G is my personal favorite and what our equipment dealers recommend.
Here
The problem with spending a ton of money on a Brunton is that it's a field tool. They get lost. Also, I was in the field with a fellow grad student one time who dropped his on a talus slope. We watched it roll and then bounce about 100 yards to the bottom. RIP. A basic compass can take fine structural measurements... I use this one along with a clinometer to get the dip.
I do not carry it regularly, and as a consequence it isn't the most portable of them, but it works quite well:
Suunto A10. For awhile I look for the one I used to have as a Boy Scout. This one is a little better.
A lot of cheap, no-name compasses work like shit, frankly (the ones you see on eBay shipped from overseas). It's worth buying one with a reputation if you're going to go that route. I'd certainly buy another Suunto if I needed to.
liquid ones get stuck all the time, do you want to fuck with it and not be sure or spend $15 on a decent dry one one with a good case?
I'm not sure if this counts because its an add on but if it doesn't then maybe this. The compass may be an obvious thing you want but think about it, no electronics so youd want to have a map right? Okay what if you cant figure out which was it north? Or what if you don't have a map altogether? The flint I'd definitely want more because I think fire is one of the most useful tools in order to survive. Exposure is just as deadly as an animal and you aren't going to want to be eating anything raw that you may catch. Both are really useful to have in any kind of survival situation and I still need both for my pack.
Here's what I have http://www.amazon.com/Suunto-MC-2-360-Compass-SS004252010/dp/B00A00O60U.
It has all the features that make a compass easy to use accurately for navigation i.e. transparent base, rotating bezel, sighting mirror, declination adjustment etc
Less important but kinda interesting is that it has a "global" needle which due to the way it's mounted binds less, and is also usable in the Southern hemisphere. The magnetic poles have a downward pull (i.e. in 3 dimensions) and a typical compass designed for the northern hemisphere compensates for that pull by having the "south" facing half of the needle heavier than the north keeping the needle flat. This works against the compass when you take it to the Southern Hemisphere by making the south part of the needle dip twice as much resulting in binding.
[A compass] (http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Outdoor-Camping-Portable-Compass/dp/B008ER7EZK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1418451121&sr=8-3&keywords=compass) orients you and is more reliable than a phone or iPod.
[A swiss army knife] (http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Crest-16-Function-Camouflage-Slimline/dp/B005OQ1FK4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1418451153&sr=8-8&keywords=jack+knife) can get you out of fixes you didn't think you could get in.
[Proper socks] (http://www.amazon.com/Wigwam-Hiking-Outdoor-Length-Charcoal/dp/B000TA74IM/ref=sr_1_1?s=athletic-clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1418451295&sr=1-1&keywords=hiking+socks) can make you not HATE YOUR LIFE when the going gets tough (and when the weather does). Footwear in general is bad to skimp out on in situations like this.
Happy 'caching!
First off, thank you good sir for the contest! Here we go!
A guided trip would be overkill. There are a few entry points that have outfitters on them, which works out nicely. I rent the canoe, but usually bring everything else. You will want to rent a car, however, as bus routes to those outfitters are going to be difficult at best. I think it is around 30 miles from Ely to Lake One - a long taxi ride even if you got to the town. Reserve your permit early, as they go fast. I'll usually pick up the permit at the outfitter rather than the ranger station.
Big three
Most of the outfitters I've seen tend to charge a fair bit for the sleeping bag and tent, so plan on bringing those.
The larger portage packs sit better in the canoes than the backpacks. Also makes it easier to single portage (canoe and pack), if you can carry everything in one shot. I like having small bags inside my portage pack - clean clothing, dirty, food, cooking equipment. Makes life easier to organize.
Line the inside of your pack with a contractor garbage bag and seal it off. A rubber band or hair band works nicely to tie off the bag. I also bring a couple kitchen sized bags for trash, usually packing my sleeping bag inside one of those to be paranoid.
I don’t like stuff hanging on the outside of my pack. I usually also bring a tiny bag for water, snacks, and fishing tackle.
Normal packs will work fine. Main issue I've seen is folks will rent a portage pack and discover they can't fit all their stuff in it. Consider this if you plan to rent any supplies.
Food and cooking
Cook stoves are something you likely have already, but fuel will be an issue on the airplane. Confirm the outfitter has your fuel style, or plan to swing by REI, etc on the way up. (You drive by one near MSP) There is a fire pit at each camp site. A single walled coffee mug can be set on the fire grate to keep it warm. Mark your cup with a few measurements so you know how much water you are adding to the dehydrated meals. Paper bowls are fantastic for morning oatmeal. Cleanup is easy in the firepit.
There are some formal rules, but food packaging is what trips most people up. Cans and bottles are not allowed. If you want a can of soup, it needs to be repackaged. Same goes for beer or soda.
I pack in a soda bottle rather than the heavy nalgene - which technically might be considered disposable and against the above rules - but I reuse mine. If you pack in a nalgene, make sure it seals up. Every year, good whiskey is lost when someone discovers the container did not keep the precious cargo in the bottle.
Firewood is plentiful, if you are willing to get in your canoe and paddle away from the designated campsite. A bow saw is much more effective than an axe/hatchet. We often collect the dead wood hanging over the shores from the canoe.
The mountain house style freeze dried food is usually a safe bet. One ‘two person’ serving is usually enough for one person. There are cheaper, healthier, and better tasting options - but it is hard to compete with the convenience of adding boiling water and sitting the bag near the fire.
It is worth taking a look at the reviews for the meals. Some are pretty good. Some are terrible. Some require additional steps beyond ‘add water to bag’. Lasagna, chili mac, shepherd's pie, and Mexican rice seem to be winners. Lime Chicken - shudder. If the meal takes one cup of boiling water, have an idea (like a mark on your coffee mug) for what a cup looks like. Less water than what the instructions list seems to work out better. More gets you a bag of soup.
Ramen noodles, Mac & Cheese, and hobo packs, and soup mixes tend to be pretty popular hot foods. Chicken and other meats (including Spam) can be picked up in a foil pack and added to spice up a meal. Tortilla wraps work better than trying to bring in normal bread. I start my morning with a couple packets of instant oatmeal or a pop tart. A paper bowl makes for easy cleanup.
Good Old Peanuts and Raisins (GORP) trail mix type stuff is nice to have along. The candy coating on M&Ms keep them from creating a sticky mess like melted chocolate chip do. Dried fruit, jerky, wasabi peas, and nuts travel well. Small candy bars are a great snack on the portages.
Hard cheeses, sausages, and repackaged peanut butter and crackers also work well. A disposable tupperware container will keep crackers from getting crushed.
With our new water filters, the taste of chemically treated water is no longer an issue. People still like to bring instant tea, poweraid, gatorade, crystal lite, or other mixes. I’m a big fan of hot tea and hot chocolate when I’m out there. Remember - if you are boiling the water, it is OK to not filter it.
Food gets hung in a tree or put in a bear barrel at night a reasonable distance from camp. Same goes for trash, toothpaste, and anything that has a scent. (Another bonus for the aluminum sealed packets) Bears won’t be a problem as long as you use caution. Don’t want them wandering into camp - but if they want your food, they are likely going to get it. I've used a nylon bag, a bear barrel, and ursack. All work just fine and I've never had an issue with bears getting into my food. Rodents will, however, if you ever leave something on the ground. This video is what I'll usually link for any first timers.
A bit of rope is handy to have, even if you do use a bear barrel. You will want a clothesline. Reflective rope is very cool.
Clothing
Shoes are a tricky thing. Portaging, your feet will get wet. I use a pair of rubber sandals with a bit of ankle support - ala chacos or teva style sandals. Water socks turned out to be a bit thin soled for walking on the rocks comfortably. Tennis shoes will not dry out, if you use them for the portaging.
It can get cool at night. I pack a light wool hat for evening and keep it on when I get into my sleeping bag.
Bugs and sun
Early in the spring and late in the fall, the bugs should not be too bad. Best to bring bug protection regardless. Deet based bug repellent goes on the skin. Permethrin based goes on clothing, and will survive a few washes. It also keeps the ticks away. A word of warning - the stuff is toxic to cats while it cures/dries. Same for goldfish. When you spray your stuff, do it outside and hang it someplace to dry out.
Deet will keep the mosquitoes off, but really does not do much for the deer flies mid summer. Every bit helps.
Sunscreen, if you are anything like me, is a must. I tend to sweat off the SPF50 and still come back with a bit of a farmer tan/burn. I add a big floppy hat and long sleeves most trips too.
Water Purification
We’ve tried everything, and by far, the gravity filter ends up working out the best. I’ve got a 10 gallon ‘dirty’ water container that we will fill up in the middle of the lake, well away from shore. Nothing will trash a filter faster than filling the water containers by the shore. It is still worth taking some precautions. Water that gets boiled does not need to be filtered, but pay attention to how water is transferred. Pour dirty water in your cup to measure, then into the pot to boil, and you could find yourself spending some quality time on the throne of power.
It has been years since I’ve packed in a hand pump, but we use to use them. Wrapping a coffee filter around the water intake helps keep the filter from getting clogged up. Just like the dirty water for the gravity filter, pumping is done on the lake, not the shore. These work great if you are looking to get even more exercise.
Lastly, I do bring a small collection of chemical treatment were we not able to boil water. Add a tablet to water, wait 2-4 hours, and you have drinking water. These get used so infrequently that mine tend to expire.
Toiletries
Odds are, your pack is going to be heavier than you thought it would be. Some meds for sore muscles are worth having along.
The kindergarten tissue packets work really well. Each person is responsible to bring their own TP, after that one year where someone dropped the community roll in a puddle. Nothing but TP and human waste goes in the latrine. The Forest Service takes a very dim view (complete with heavy fines) for any trash in there.
I usually pack in some wet wipes and hand sanitizer. Cleaning fish is messy. If you plan to bath in the lake, make sure you pack in biodegradable soap.
Navigation
You will want a paper map. The McKenzie maps, for example, show each of the allowed camping sites as well as each portage. REI and other places have McKenzie, Fisher, and other brand maps. Not uncommon for portages to be measured in rods - 16', or a canoe length. 20-30 rods, no big deal. 50-70 rods feeling it. 100 rods... my god, this is getting long. And then they turn into hikes. Look at the contour lines, as the shortest portage may not be the easiest route.
A GPS is not a necessity (unless you want a track of where you were), but a compass is a great idea. I've got a cheapo ball compass that I clip to my pack. More than enough for the type of navigation needed to be done. There just are not that many places to take a wrong turn on those lakes.
If you are looking to plot routes beforehand, try the online version.
A headlamp is must have equipment, as well as more than one mini-bic lighter. Someone will lose your lighter or get it wet.
Anyhow... running out of space. If you are interested, we do multiple trips over the course of the summer. We got room if you want to tag along on our Memorial Weekend run.
The MacGyver compass: Take a pin. Rub it on your sleeve a few times to build up a charge. Get a cup of water and a small bit of buoyant material and put it in the water. Put the pin on the floating material. You now have a compass.
I believe you can also create a magnet out of a pin by heating it.
As for commercial compasses, a simple map compass is enough for most people. https://www.amazon.com/UST-20-310-455C-Deluxe-Map-Compass/dp/B00F1CW1U4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1519687965&sr=8-7&keywords=compass
I don't go hiking without one of these even though I have GPS. These things way grams. There's absolutely no reason not to bring a compass with you even on day hikes. There's almost no weight or space cost.
Without having done Navigator, but taking an educated guess: I'd suggest the military model Cammenga compass with tritium lamps. It looks like that course is based on the navigation of special forces selection, and is taught to military standards. The Cammenga is the army compass and will do well for the job. Plus, the tritium is nice for night nav, since it doesn't need to be charged.
Amazon Link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0016SRA4Y/ref=redir_mdp_mobile
this compass is amazing, as for the knife I agree with geetarobob that the f1 should fufill your needs if you've got the grip. how much are you willing to spend on a knife?
well maybe a firestarter or even a compass
There are compasses made specifically to go on watch straps, so no need for the second strap
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003178LWS/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1450989422&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX220_SY330_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=wrist+compass&dpPl=1&dpID=41ZliKS9%2B-L&ref=plSrch
It can be a signal mirror as long as you know how to use it as such.
Most signal mirror have a clear-ish spot to help you aim. I don't have a problem aiming mine.
How I use mine:
(note i've never had to use this for rescue, but it is fun to do when you're solo hiking and you want to see if you can shine your light down a dark gorge and aim for certain things)
edit: i use this and it has a very large/easy to use mirror
Not sub 30 but the Silva Ranger is a popular model. They sell out pretty quickly where I am. Are you set on the $30 as a max?
I guess I was just confused if they had something else in mind as you are just describing standard compass features. All of that is available from this bottom of the line Suunto.
I prefer something with a mirror for getting accurate azimuth readings to a target. I use one similar to this model. It also has the clinometer feature.
I got these: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095M4FMS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They're not great, but you put one on your watch band and it's always there when you need it.
I'm in the same boat as you, and I'm looking to get this one soon! Pretty simple, but what it does, it does well!
Because I had just mentioned her in another post, I'll go with my daughter. She's 3 years old, she's gotten all of her mother's beauty, our combined brains, and all of my personality. She's willful and fiery and outspoken, beautiful, and mimics me like no tomorrow. Sometimes that's not great, like when she cusses (oops..) but mostly it's amazing. When she thinks no one is paying attention, she talks to her toys like I talk to her, she gestures like I do, she'll even walk like I do sometimes. It still blows my mind that I'm her world, so she wants nothing more than to be like her Papa.
Sometime's she's a terror. She's in her picky-about-food and I-know-how-to-get-my-diaper-off stage, but it's all forgotten when I've been out of the house and she sprints at me when I get back and flies into my arms and will tell me EVERYTHING I've missed at a talking speed that my early-30's male brain barely comprehends, or she'll grab my face and kiss me and tell me she loves me, or if she's scared she'll hide behind me or I'll pick her up and hold her until she feels better and she thinks that no matter what the problem was, i can scare it away. There is no monster, no shadow that I cannot defeat in her mind, and when I hold her, I feel like it's true too.
Last summer, I had scooped her up quickly when two dogs barking their fool heads off ran around the corner of our apartment building and in the space of time that was really only like 4 seconds (the owner was right behind, frantically trying to secure the dogs), I had immediately resolved that I, unarmed and clutching a 35 pound child in one arm, was going to one-handed fist fight two angry, very large-breed dogs, and this did not strike me as a not-likely-to-succeed idea until afterwards. She wasn't even panicking. She just naturally assumed "yes, yes my Papa can one-handed fist fight angry dogs, and win. I'm perfectly safe". I can't even describe someone having that level of faith in you.
Jaysus I could go on. Sorry. I rambled. I love my little one.
Prize of choice!
*note, thankfully I did NOT have to punch any dogs, the owner stopped them quickly and everyone, man and beast alike, went home unharmed.
Erm, something like this? http://www.amazon.com/SE-CCV18-Precision-Clip-On-Navigation/dp/B003178LWS
This compass is pretty cool.
GPS is great, but batteries die and in some places like slot canyons and heavily forested valleys it can be tough to get a signal.
For full-on land-nav courses, I personally prefer the military compasses. They're the most accurate, durable, and useful in my experience. The Cammenga with tritium runs about $75-100.
For non-military compasses, I'd recommend the Silva Ranger or any of the Suunto MC series.
But honestly, even just a basic acrylic map compass will work for most outdoor exploits.
Hi! Thank you very much for responding! I've never used a watch with GPS, so I don't know how do they work: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2/176-0434454-7433539?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=gps+watch
What type of GPS do you use? A Garmin for cars? A smartphone with GPS? Do you have a picture of your diagrams? It sounds interesting.
What about using a compass?: http://www.amazon.com/Cammenga-Phosphorescent-Clam-Lensatic-Compass/dp/B0016SRA4Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457280817&sr=8-1&keywords=compass++Cammenga
For what you need, I would think any $10 orienteering compass would work.
From Amazon
Or, find a boy scout.
http://www.amazon.com/OFFICIAL-MILITARY-TRITIUM-LENSATIC-COMPASS/dp/B001W2CJX6/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp
A must have for any survival kit is a good compass. I chose my username because I'm from New Jersey and as a marine I'm used to being called Devil plus we have the local legend so it kinda worked thanks
This is all the compass that nearly anyone could ever need
A full mess kit is a bit much to bring solo backpacking.
My cookware is limited to my MSR pocket rocket (w/ 8oz canister), a simple 12oz stainless steel cooking pot with collapsing handles, a plastic 8oz cup, and a plastic spork. All food I bring in is prepared by following the same procedure: water in pot, heat until boil, pour into food, seal, wait, eat, clean. Preparing meals ahead of time (like your Mountain House there) is key. Breakfast is usually some oatmeal with dried fruit, cinnamon, and brown sugar in a zip lock. Poor water in, let it sit, and eat.
Simplicity is key. A full mess kit is a) extra weight, b) lots to clean, and c) more than you'll likely need unless you're actually going to catch and eat a fish. Even then, bring some foil, wrap the fish and throw it on some coals to cook instead of using a pan.
Edit: there's lots of room for improvement - the mess kit was just what stood out for me, because I brought that exact same one on my first trip years ago, and never used a piece of it after the first night.
Some other "cut" items:
The bottom line is you're going to get out there with 40 lbs worth of "stuff" and realize you didn't need a lot of it. It's easy to see a huge first aid kit and start thinking you're going to need 5 different types of gauze pad, but the reality is you'll be much happier leaving stuff behind. Only experience can tell you what you should have left at home. Once you get back, take notes on what you used, and for what purpose. If something doesn't make that list, or if something only has one use, it can be left out next time.
A parachute flies down, and this lands beside you.
On the cheaper end but still a legit compass: Brunton (not jewlery, just a compass. Also nice and small, about 1.5")
One of these on a ring on a chain would be functional and a bit fun to play with.
That Brunton Gentleman's Compass looks nice.
Yep, missed the first aid stuff under hygiene. Looking at the list again I'd recommend Benadryl.
The ranger station for the places you're going through will have maps. If you haven't already you should call them up before your trip anyways to learn about what's been going on lately... lots of bear activity, rock slides, water contamination, or any other seasonal/temporary hazards.
A compass might be "heavy" but there's so many ways your phone can become unusable, I wouldn't recommend relying on it. I'd suggest you consider your phone to be the heavy item and ditch it if anything. Plus, you can get something like this which doubles as both your compass and your signaling mirror, which now that I check is missing from your list. Alternatively this one only weighs one ounce but lacks the mirror. On the trails I hike I can honestly get away with a button compass because civilization is never that far away. In most cases if I can head towards a direction within 10-15 degrees of accuracy I will be just fine.
You're not wrong. I can squeak in under $200 with a few Bics + a cheapie Mora to split or shave some firewood if I need to. Also nothing wrong with a simple button compass as a backup for my GPS. I would not choose compass over GPS though, if I didn't happen to have topo maps for the exact region I happened to be stranded in.
The [Sawyer Mini water filter] (http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/) is smaller, can be screwed onto standard disposable plastic water bottles, and is capable of filtering far more water since you can reuse it. If you pick up a [stainless steel water bottle] (http://www.amazon.com/Klean-Kanteen-40oz-Classic-Loop/dp/B0093IRPSA/), you can boil water in it as well.
You should always have a backup when it's a survival situation; [Israeli water purification tablets] (http://www.amazon.com/Taharmayim-Israeli-Water-Purification-Tablets/dp/B0077TB65U/) will both look legit and be legit if she actually needs to use them.
There are always more items you might add to a first aid kit, but [this one is pretty well rounded] (http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Weekender-Kit/dp/B000G7YIL4/). If you want a cheaper base kit (i.e if you want to add your own items), [this other kit] (http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Tripper-First/dp/B0033B4I9C/) will also do the job.
Battery-free lights can be good, but AA batteries are common enough that a [good tactical light that takes AAs] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006O4CELO) might be a more convenient option.
If she has a tablet (if tablet, go for the 12W) or E-reader (7W), [solar power might be an option] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3LPODY). With [rechargeable AA batteries] (http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-BK-3MCCA8BA-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B00JHKSN5I) and a [USB recharger] (http://www.amazon.com/SunJack-Battery-Charger-Ni-Mh-Batteries/dp/B00PZ6V99U/), the flashlight and any other AA device (like a [small, separate radio] (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ICF-S10MK2-Pocket-Radio-Silver/dp/B00020S7XK)) could work indefinitely, as well as any regular USB-charged device.
[ResQme] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IE0F12/) may not be strictly zombie-related, but if you buckled up as per Rule #4, you may want a way to quickly exit your vehicle if your seatbelt jams and the windows and door won't open normally.
There are a lot of compasses out there, but [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Suunto-SS012063013-A-10-Compass/dp/B000FEXZGW) is simple, reliable, and won't break easily. It's also designed to be laid over maps without getting in the way of reading them.
[Pocket chainsaw] (http://www.amazon.com/Chainmate-CM-24SSP-24-Inch-Survival-Pocket/dp/B0026OOS60). Won't be useful against zombies, but if you ever needed to cut a tree or thick branches and don't want to carry an axe...
...You can also carry a [hatchet] (http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-78506935-X7-Hatchet-14-Inch/dp/B0002YTO7E/) instead. This one has a short blade, which will cut into their heads and not get stuck like others. It'll also do a fine job cutting smaller branches.
For non-zombie/woodwork related tasks, the [Victorinox Forester] (http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Army-Grip-Series/dp/B003EH82TC/) has your bases covered.
You should also include World War Z (the book, and the movie if you'd prefer), I Am Legend (both the book and the film), and the Walking Dead series (TV, comics, and both seasons of the Telltale game series on Steam).
KABAR for the knife. No doubt. They have many different styles now not just the standard USMC which is still amazing for what you want. Compass just use the stars, lol just kidding. Not sure what your budget is but get something like this. You can probably find for cheaper, just be careful, as many times you get what you pay for is still alive and well.
http://www.amazon.com/Cammenga-Model-Olive-Lensatic-Compass/dp/B0016SRA4Y/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1333526429&sr=8-4
http://www.amazon.com/OFFICIAL-MILITARY-TRITIUM-LENSATIC-COMPASS/dp/B001W2CJX6/ref=sr_1_8?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1343546753&sr=1-8
https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Company-Slip-Wrist-Compass/dp/B001949J1W/ref=asc_df_B001949J1W/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198093803401&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14656310532792234270&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033288&hvtargid=pla-350535832778&psc=1
Plus G-Shock
A compass
I know exactly what you mean. I had the hardest time finding direction in my life, it all changed when I got one of these
Now I always know what way I'm headed.
Sun Company Slip-On Wrist Compass - Easy-to-Read Compass for Watch Band https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001949J1W/