I bought 10 pairs of sew-on 1/2" magnets because I had this 'great idea' of using them to secure the flap across the zip on my rain jacket. Then I got cold feet because of the warning leaflet that came with them. Possible damage to phones mainly?
Oh yes, compass. In all the years I have been hiking, I've always carried one but have never used it once.
I guess it really depends on where you go walking. Down in Englandshire, following well layed out footpaths you probably don't really need one.
You do!!! When you arrive at the edge of a large field with no obvious path, and you can't see where you should exit the far side. When you come to a fork in a path or track, usually in a wood, and you're not sure which one to take. When you've gone a wee bit wrong (aka lost) and need to get back where you should have been. And many more.
Not to mention foggy days on Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor, Exmoor and all the other moors (also taking the correct exit out of the car park)