Three entrepreneurial brothers. One great invention. In 1933, Björn, Alvar and Arvid Kjellström invented the first ever liquid-filled compass, and the Silva began. Not only was it the first compass of its kind, but is also set the global standard for how navigation works.
From this beginning, 85 years ago, Silva have grown significantly. As part of that expansion they have been making compasses for militaries all over the world for a number of decades. This has predominantly been based on the Expedition 4, which was due an update. Following development work with the Royal Marines and other elements of the UK military Silva have now launched an updated range of compasses.
The new range includes a more robust base plate and bezel which address the needs of a challenging operational environment. It also brings in line a number of interesting technologies including prismatic elements for commanders and global needles for expeditionary forces required to deploy anywhere across the globe. Included in the package are lanyards with distance measuring scales for 1:25000 and 1:50000. They also allow measurement in both mils and degrees enabling greater accuracy and the passage of accurate information for fires as well as air.
Alongside these must have navigation tools Silva also provide headlamps, binos, mapcases and a huge range of accessories to help you find your way. If you want any further information please email tribe@brigantes.com.
High Angle Solutions is a weekly series of articles focusing on military mountaineering solutions. It’s brought to you by UK-based , in conjunction with several other brands, both here in the US and abroad.
