I have used a few different compass designs over the years and prefer to sighting type compass. I occasionally use a base plate compass when backpacking while carrying a GPS device. The mc-2 is the best of both worlds for me because the sight through base plate functions like a base plate compass and the sighting portion of the mc-2 has such a large cover that the base is actually extended when fully open allowing for accuracy when plotting a course. The large mirror also allows for signaling and camp use. This allows me to leave my signal mirror at home. This is my second mc-2g and I own two M-3gs but prefer the mc-2 due to the above reasons.