The Orienteering Tool is a Wenger exclusive tool introduced probably between 1985 and 1986. It is a basic tool to aid in map navigation and direction finding. The tool is quite thick and includes a small button compass, and a ruler (which can be used as a romer) with graduations in centimeters and inches.


Compass Instruction Sheet - Front
Compass Instruction Sheet - Back

Evolution

The tool and the compass changed over the years. The first version of the tool was about 5mm in width, however, later versions were roughly twice as wide as a typical tool layer - See image.

Orienteering tool and compass evolution: From top to bottom: Older to newer - Generations 1-6

Information about the tool production is scarce, however there were at least six variations:

1. First generation: With a metal compass. Probably produced between late 1985 or early 1986. The ruler is made of solid plastic, thinner than any other variant (rule is around 5mm in width); uses two layers and is not separated by a liner.
   
   
2. Second generation Uses a plastic compass with a black background. Probably produced from 1986 to 1990. The ruler is made of solid plastic; wider in size (around 8mm in width); uses two layers; and is separated by a liner
   
   
3. Third generation: Uses a plastic compass. Probably produced between 1991 and 1995. The ruler is made of solid plastic; wider in size (around 8mm in width); uses two layers and is separated by a liner.
   
   
4. Fourth generation: A plastic compass with a metal border on the front side and an orange ring on the back. Probably produced from 1996 to 2001. The ruler is made of solid plastic; wider in size (around 8mm in width); uses three layers and is not separated by a liner.
   
   
5. Fifth generation: A plastic compass with a black border on the front side and an orange ring on the back. Probably produced around 2002. The ruler is made of solid plastic; wider in size (around 8mm in width); uses two layers and is separated by a liner.
   
   
6. Sixth generation: A plastic compass with a clear border on the front side and an orange ring on the back. Probably produced around 2007. The ruler is made of hollow plastic; wider in size (around 8mm in width); uses three layers and is not separated by a liner.