In this day and age, people do not give much thought to getting lost. This is because there are plenty of resources to identify specific locations on smartphones. Such tech innovations have taken away the need to have a compass for outdoor excursions.
But, portable GPS devices may not work deep in the woods where connectivity would be an issue. Also, these systems require power, and running out of batteries would have to be your biggest fear. Therefore, you need to find the best compass to maneuver unfamiliar environments and find your way quickly.
Like other gadgets, finding the right compass can be challenging; especially for beginners. The good thing is that there are plenty of designs that work well for different activities. The trick, though; would be to find one that provides consistent and accurate results each time. Below are some of the best compasses that you can use for your outdoor excursions.
Best Compass
1. Eyeskey Military
Features
- WATERPROOF AND SHOCKPROOF FOR ROUGH USE - The base and cover are constructed with metal for years of durable using. Suitable for motoring, boating, camping, mountaineering, exploring, hunting, and other outdoor activities.
- EASY AND ACCURATE READINGS - The floating compass dial has a 360 degrees scale with liquid-filled capsule for stable operation. Featured with a level bubble to improve accuracy, the easy to see sighting window with reticle makes it easy to aim and read.
- TAKING BEARINGS EASILY - Build with an optical eyepiece for sighting bearings easily, with azimuth 360-degree and reversed 360-degree scale, you can take bearings from you to the objects or take reverse bearings from the object to you all quick and easy.
- ALLOW FOR CLEAR READING AT NIGHT - When exposed to enough light, the north arrow and display light up in the dark with fluorescent light, allowing you to see the reading if it is pitch black.
- MORE FEATURES - A conversion chart for angle, gradient, and distance appear on the back of the compass, and a rotating bezel ring allows you to lock in your bearing so you know you are heading in the right direction.
The design of this compass allows you to use it for different activities. It is a tactical compass that you can rely on when in the outdoors.
Key Features
- High-strength metal body
- Special fluorescent light
- High accuracy
- Waterproof and shake-proof
One of the features that make this compass a great choice is the high-quality construction. It is made from high-strength metal that ensures it can withstand harsh conditions in the outdoors. Also, it has a rugged design that makes it suitable for extreme weather conditions without affecting its functionality.
The compass comes with a distinctive fluorescent light that you can use to read data in the dark. It works by absorbing enough sunshine during the day to use in low-light situations. This is a high-accuracy compass for professional use; thanks to the design. It is waterproof and shake-proof hence ideal for use during camping, hunting, exploring, etc.
Pros
- Accurate results
- Easy to read and interpret
- Comes with a solid case
- Useful in different conditions
- Useful light in the dark
Cons
- A little heavy to hang around the neck
The compass has a solid design that ensures it withstands harsh conditions. It is recommended for its quality and accuracy.
2. Suunto MC-2
Suunto MC-2
2 used from $68.53
Features
- Advanced Navigational Compass: Made with serious hikers in mind, this professional mirror compass was designed for precise directional measurement and has been balanced for global use with Metric UTM scales and inch ruler
- Precise And Dependable: Operable in low light conditions, the MC-2 Compass includes a sighting hole and notch for accurate bearings, declination adjustment tool, and a clinometer
- Stay On Course: Made in Finland, Suunto mechanical compasses help you safely and accurately navigate the great outdoors; Great for Alpine skiing, hiking, trekking, mountain biking, trail running and more
- Pioneering Exploration: Combining advanced engineering and thoughtful design with ultra durable materials, our adventure ready compasses are fast, stable, and simple to use; No batteries required
- Authentic Heritage: Founded in 1936, Suunto brings over 80 years of high quality heritage craftsmanship, relentless accuracy, and pioneering innovation to our watches, compasses, and dive products
If you are looking for a more solid, reliable compass, you ought to spend your money on this model from Suunto.
Key Features
- Ideal for adventurers
- Sighting mirror
- Includes clinometer
- Has a balancing system
- Comes with accessories
The compass is designed for people that love the outdoors. It is the best hiking compass and can work well for other activities such as hunting, orienteering, backpacking, etc. It allows you to take accurate bearing on each landmark for easy navigation.
It has a sighting mirror that protects it while ensuring you can read the bearings. It comes with a clinometer that comes in handy to measure angles hence ideal for climbers that travel on steep hills. More to this, it has a 2-zone geographic balancing system that allows you to use the compass in the northern and southern hemisphere.
Pros
- Simple design
- Multifunctional in the outdoors
- Effective clinometer
- Useful in both hemispheres
- Great value for money
Cons
- The logo is placed right on the dial
If you do not mind the logo, this compass is a great choice. It is highly-functional in different scenarios where you need to read bearings and navigate comfortably.
3. Reliable Outdoor Gear
Features
| Binding | Sports |
| Brand | Reliable Outdoor Gear |
| Color | White |
| Department | ALL |
| EAN | 0725873840491 |
| EAN List | EAN List Element: 0725873840491 |
| Item Dimensions | Height: 43; Length: 456; Weight: 1.16; Width: 224 |
| Label | Reliable Outdoor Gear |
| Manufacturer | Reliable Outdoor Gear |
| MPN | 4333479161 |
| Package Dimensions | Height: 80; Length: 500; Weight: 5; Width: 250 |
| Package Quantity | 1 |
| Part Number | 4333479161 |
| Product Group | Apparel |
| Product Type Name | OUTDOOR_RECREATION_PRODUCT |
| Publisher | Reliable Outdoor Gear |
| Studio | Reliable Outdoor Gear |
| Title | Reliable Outdoor Gear Professional Boy Scout Compass - Liquid Filled, Adjustable Declination, Magnetic Heading - for Navigation, Orienteering and Survival, White |
| UPC | 725873840491 |
| UPC List | UPC List Element: 725873840491 |
| Warranty | NO |
If you are looking for the best orienteering compass, this one from Reliable Outdoor Gear is the right bet.
Key Features
- Clear baseplate
- Magnifying glass, ruler, and scales
- Fluid housing
- Glow in the dark
- Lanyard included
- High-quality
- Lightweight construction
The compass is an excellent choice for someone that engages in different outdoor activities that require quick navigation. The compass comes with a clear baseplate with a magnifying glass for easy reading. Also, it has a ruler and scales for topographic map reading. It is an accurate tool that you can rely on during backpacking, orienteering, hunting, etc.
The bezel adjustment dials in the exact bearing; thanks to the fluid housing and precise inclinometer. It glows in the dark for easy use in low-light situations. This field compass is made from high-quality materials to withstand regular outdoor use. Additionally, it is lightweight for convenient carrying and hassle-free use.
Pros
- Accurate results
- Easy to interpret
- Useful in the dark
- Great value for money
Cons
- The declination scale is not adjustable
The compass is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts that require a reliable tool for easy navigation. It is recommended for its accuracy and ease of use.
4. AOFAR Military
Features
- Durable and Compact: Durable military metal compass. Thermoelastic liquid-filled capsule.High accuracy and waterproof. Works well in all weather conditions.
- Unique Design: Luminous magnet arrow and dial, aiming line,magnifier viewer,tripod connection,reading eyepiece,heavy-duty zinc die-cast,slope chart.
- Multifunction: Floating compass dial with 360° scale, adjustable prism lens, waterproof shakeproof.
- Suitable Activities: Ideal for camping, hiking, adventure, positioning, mapping, etc.
- Portable - There are waterproof pouch and a black lanyard for putting or hanging the compass, which can keep the military compass near you with a leather belt, or place it in your pocket with a carrying case safely.
The right compass for use in the outdoors should be easy to use in harsh conditions. This one from Aofar is an excellent choice for hiking, hunting, backpacking, etc.
Key Features
- Durable and compact
- Waterproof and shake-proof
- Unique design
- Multifunctional
- Map measurer and distance calculator
The compass is made from military-grade metal to ensure it is sturdy and can withstand use in harsh conditions. It features a thermo-elastic liquid-filled capsule with floating luminous dial. These features contribute to its accuracy for easy navigation. The compass is also waterproof and shake-proof, making it useful in any conditions.
It has a unique design that features luminous magnet arrow and dial. Also, the aiming line, magnifier viewer, tripod connection, and other features are designed to ensure you can read the compass at any time of the day. It is multifunctional and has a 360-degrees scale and an adjustable prism lens. It is, therefore, suitable for camping, hiking, mapping, etc.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Unique features
- Useful for a variety of activities
- Easy to read and interpret
- Compact size for convenience
Cons
- Bearing is off by a few degrees
The compass works well for a regular outdoor enthusiast that requires a reliable compass for easy navigation.
5. Suunto M-3nh
Suunto M-3nh
1 used from $28.03
Features
- Adventure Compass: The M-3 compass is a premium quality precision compass for convenient direction taking in demanding conditions; The M-3 is a hardy baseplate compass ready for the challenge
- Precise And Reliable: The M-3 NH features a needle blanced for northern hemisphere, adjustable declination, scales in metric and imperial, luminescent markings for low light use, and a magnifying lens on a transparent baseplate for easy use with maps
- Stay On Course: Made in Finland, Suunto mechanical compasses help you safely and accurately navigate the great outdoors; Great for Alpine skiing, hiking, trekking, mountain biking, trail running and more
- Pioneering Exploration: Combining advanced engineering and thoughtful design with ultra durable materials, our adventure ready compasses are fast, stable, and simple to use; No batteries required
- Authentic Heritage: Founded in 1936, Suunto brings over 80 years of high quality heritage craftsmanship, relentless accuracy, and pioneering innovation to our watches, compasses, and dive products
If you are struggling to find a reliable backpacking compass, consider this model from Suunto.
Key Features
- High-grade steel construction
- Jewel bearing
- Adjustable declination correction
- Liquid-filled capsule
This compass is built for the avid adventurer that requires navigating in new, harsh environments. It is a reliable compass that can help you navigate and survive in extreme conditions. It comes with a high-grade steel needle with jewel bearing for easy use.
The hardy baseplate compass features adjustable declination correction to suit individual needs and ensure it is easy to use. You do not have to worry about the dark with this compass. It has bright markings that glow in the dark, ensuring you find your way even at night. The magnifying lens on the transparent baseplate comes in handy when using the compass with a map.
Pros
- Solid construction
- Ideal for harsh conditions
- Useful at night
- Waterproof
- Balanced for the northern hemisphere
Cons
- Not functional globally
The compass is designed to work well with adventurers that engage in tough activities such as sloppy hiking, camping, backpacking, orienteering, etc. It is recommended for its functionality and the luminous marking for night use.
6. Eyeskey Navigation
Features
- PRECISE NAVIGATION - The best compass for backpacking features important measurements for navigation, including the four cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. No matter where you hike in the backcountry, you can return to your starting point.
- PORTABLE - Only 3.9x2.6x1.3 in, 7oz , Lightweight and don't need batteries. Old-school compasses are much better than electronic navigation devices because they don't weigh very much, they don't require batteries, and they're very durable.
- HIGH ACCURACY - Graduation interval 1° with accuracy ±1°，Thermoelastic liquid-filled capsule，This model uses a true sighting optic that allows you a direct read of the internal compass card housed in the fluid filled capsule .
- MULTIFUNCTION - Compass dial with 360° scale, adjustable prism lens, Fold metal cover，Sighting Window with Reticle，Compass with lockable clinometer, enable to measure height and slopes.
- DURABLE - Waterproof And Shockproof For Rough Use - The base and cover are constructed with metal for years of durable using. Suitable for motoring, boating, camping, mountaineering, exploring, hunting, and other outdoor activities.
If you are looking for the best compass for hiking and other outdoor activities, you might want to try this model from Eyeskey.
Key Features
- Multifunctional
- 360-degree scale
- Clear calibration
- Sighting window with reticle
- Compact and lightweight
A compass is an essential tool for someone that engages in a variety of outdoor activities. This particular model from Eyeskey is designed as an ideal companion for hiking. You can use it quickly and accurately to measure slope, azimuth angle, and deviation angle. This ensures you have an easy time finding your way through the trails.
The compass comes with a dial that features a 360-degree scale. It has been tested for accuracy and proven to work with accuracy up to 0.5 degrees. The good thing is that it has precise calibration for quick reading at a glance. The sighting window with reticle can be used to measure the horizontal distance of objects giving you a hassle-free experience.
Pros
- Compact to carry regularly
- Ideal for a variety of outdoor activities
- Useful in measuring the horizontal distance
- Easy to use
- Clear markings
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavy construction
The compass is reliable and is recommended as the best orienteering compass for regular users.
7. Ritchie
Ritchie
2 used from $59.61
Features
- Sport type: Boating
- Included components: CompassOwner's Documentation
- 2 3/4" Easy to Read Direct Reading Dial
- Package Weight: 0.85 pounds
This is one of the best compasses that you can rely on for long-term use. It comes with fantastic features for easy navigation.
Key Features
- Versatile design
- Direct-read dial
- Bracket-mounted
- Night lighting
This compass is designed for use where you need to mount it onto an object. It comes with brackets that make it easy to fit onto surfaces for easy use. This makes it functional for use in boats and other stable structures. You could also mount it somewhere in your car for easy navigation when traveling to unknown locations.
One of the features you will love about this compass is the accuracy. It is designed with a direct-read dial that makes it easy for you to read bearings for easy navigation. Also, it has a night light that ensures you can read clearly even when darkness falls. It is the best compass for an adventurous person.
Pros
- Easy to mount
- High-quality construction
- Comes with a night light
Cons
- The light is not bright enough to read at a distance
Although this might not work as a portable compass, it is accurate making it useful when navigating unfamiliar locations.
8. Orienteering Compass
Features
- KEY FEATURES: This manual magnet compass consists of Acrylic Baseplate with Azimuth bearing and 360 degree rotating bezel. With the help of a magnetic needle which consists of a liquid-filled capsule (bubble free) helps to swing fast and freely point you towards north. The Magnifying Glass is used for reading and navigating geological maps. Along with this, it has the compass Ruler Scale of 1:24000 for precise route mapping
- PORTABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT: Boy Scout compass is small in size and an essential piece of survival gear to have in your pocket or hiking backpack. Both children and adults can use it, easy to carry during your trips especially for field trips. Portable Handheld Compass with magnetic needle and directional arrow, orienting lines compass and lanyard
- PROFESSIONAL, ADVANCE COMPASS NAVIGATION: Our orienteering compass is constructed for accurate directions and making it an ideal all-around land navigation kit for hikers, campers, girl & boy scouts and survivalists
- HIGH QUALITY: On every outdoor journey, a vital and high-quality compass keeps you feeling secure and can read topographic maps. Ideal for use with a kayak, camping trip, climbing expedition, or seeing animals outside
- IDEAL SURVIVAL GIFTS FOR HIKERS: During any emergency situation where you feel stuck or forget the way, this device can turn out to be a savior to make you out of depth. So, this BSA compass is an ideal gift for beginner cub scout and eagle scout, adults who love hiking, outdoors, girl & boy kids and fishermen's
This is the best orienteering compass for regular use; thanks to the simple yet functional design.
Key Features
- Acrylic baseplate
- Durable and lightweight construction
- Portable hand-held design
- Real compass oil
This compass comes with an acrylic baseplate with Azimuth bearing and a 360 rotating bezel. It works well for cartographic map navigation and reading with the magnifying glass, compass ruler and scale. The compass has a lightweight yet durable design that makes it ideal for multiple outdoor activities. It is a great backpacking compass that works well for beginners.
The best part is that this compass is the professional grade for use in camping, orienteering, hiking, hunting, etc. The portable handheld compass comes with a magnetic needle and directional arrow making it easy to orient compass lines and lanyard. The magnetic needle is filled with liquid oil.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Easy to read
- Comes with helpful features
- Lightweight to carry all day
Cons
- The ring is a little difficult to turn
The compass is recommended for its price alongside the fantastic features it has. It has proven to work well for light outdoor activities such as hiking and hunting.
9. SUUNTO Clipper
SUUNTO Clipper
4 used from $18.76
Features
- Micro Compass: This super compact compass easily attaches to your sleeve, watch strap, backpack strap, or map edge so you can free up your hands; It's also great for underwater navigation
- Balanced For Northern Hemisphere: This liquid filled jewel bearing compass has luminescent markings so it's operable in low light; The direction is on a rotating bezel in 10 degree increments
- Stay On Course: Made in Finland, Suunto mechanical compasses help you safely and accurately navigate the great outdoors; Great for Alpine skiing, hiking, trekking, mountain biking, trail running and more
- Pioneering Exploration: Combining advanced engineering and thoughtful design with ultra durable materials, our adventure ready compasses are fast, stable, and simple to use; No batteries required
- Authentic Heritage: Founded in 1936, Suunto brings over 80 years of high quality heritage craftsmanship, relentless accuracy, and pioneering innovation to our watches, compasses, and dive products
If you cannot find the smallest compass to carry everywhere, you might want to consider this one from Suunto.
Key Features
- Small, lightweight design
- Liquid-filled
- Balanced for the northern hemisphere
- Cardinal directions in luminous prints
- Ideal for underwater navigation
One of the features you will love about this compass is the simple clipping design. The compass comes with a clipper that allows you to fix it to a strap, a sleeve or map for hands-free operation. It is ideal for different activities that require you to carry plenty of items or use your hands to maneuver easily.
It is a liquid-filled jewel bearing compass that is balanced for the northern hemisphere. It has cardinal directions in luminous paints that make it easy to read even in low-light situations. The super-compact aid comes in handy for underwater navigation, making adding on to its functionality.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy-to-read points
- Clips to other items for convenience
- Accurate
Cons
- Not suitable for use under rough conditions
It is the best compass for hiking and other outdoor activities. It is recommended for its clipper design and the ease of use in different activities.
10. Leabertee
Features
- ✿RETRO DESIGN: Classic cover with Statue of Liberty and World Map.
- ✿WATERPROOF & SHAKEPROOF: Works well in all weather conditions as the fully sealed design.
- ✿PRECISE & FAST: Uses special materials with floating compass dial to improve the sensitivity and precision. This lovely compass will always lead you in the right direction.
- ✿A VARIETY OF SUITABLE OCCASIONS: Ideal for all outdoor activities just like camping, hiking, scouting, boating, backpacking etc. If you’re an outdoor person, the one fits you!
- ✿GIFTWARE: The retro design and solidly built make it a great gift for family or friends.
This model comes in one of the smallest compass designs that you can find on the market.
Key Features
- Retro design
- Waterproof and shake-proof
- Precise and fast
- Ideal for a variety of occasions
This compass comes in a retro design that stands out from others. It has a classic cover that makes it stylish while protecting the compass from scratches. It is designed using high-quality metal to ensure it withstands rough conditions in the outdoors. On this note, the compass is waterproof and shake-proof for use in any weather situation.
It is precise and fast; thanks to the design. It uses unique materials with a floating compass dial to improve sensitivity and precision. This ensures it reads accurate bearings to ensure it leads you to the right direction. It is, therefore, suitable as a backpacking compass that you can utilize for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Comes with a protective cover
- Reads fast and bearings
- Ideal for many activities
- Easy to use
Cons
- A little heavy on the hand
The compass has proven to work well for outdoor enthusiasts that need a compass for a variety of activities. It is easy to use and comes with a metal cover to protect it.
11. Magnos Somniaa
Features
- Compact mirrored compass for taking highly accurate and reliable directional measurements!
- Global needle works anywhere on the planet
- Global needle woFixed declination adjustment system is ideal for areas with large magnetic variation set with a screwrks anywhere on the planet
- New luminous; 4X more intense than watch grade and does not degrade over time
- Built in rulers and magnifier glass also comes with a lanyard
If you are on a budget but need a reliable compass for outdoor excursions, then this model from Magnos Somnia is ideal.
Key Features
- Compact mirrored design
- Global needle
- Global declination adjustment system
- Luminous
- Built-in rulers and magnifier glass
- Comes with a lanyard
The value that comes with this compass cannot be compared to how much you spend for it. This compass is compact and comes in a mirrored design to ensure accurate and reliable directional measurements. Also, it is one of the smallest compass models you can find; hence suitable for regular use.
The compass features a global needle that makes it useful in any part of the world. Additionally, it has a global declination adjustment system that is ideal for areas with a large magnetic variation. With the built-in rulers and magnifier glass, you can make use of this compass in different ways.
Pros
- Quality construction
- Great value for money
- Useful magnifying glass
- Globally set
- Compact size for portability
Cons
- The hinge is a little flimsy
This compass works well as a regular tool for an outdoor enthusiast. It is recommended for the small size, useful ruler and effective magnifying glass.
12. Kanpas
Diving Wrist Compass
Features
- With Luminous Display and Aiming Observation Window
- Waterproof (60 meters underwater) and Shockproof
- Comfortable to wear
- Pointer stable
- Never magnetized
Wrist compasses are easy to use when you need hands-free operation while engaging in an activity. This model from Kanpas is an ideal wrist compass for regular use.
Key Features
- Luminous display
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Comfortable wear
- Stable pointer
The compass is an ideal choice for adventurers that like two free hands. It comes in a simple design that is easy to use for everyone; including beginners. The compass has an integrated scale that reads in mm as well as inches. It is a small compass that you can wear all through your adventure to ensure you get the directions right.
The case of this compass is made of acrylic material which ensures durability and at the same time ensures it is lightweight to carry. The needle that comes with it is stable with a fast needle setting speed. You will love that this compass is waterproof and shockproof, allowing you to use it in harsh weather conditions.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Comfortable strap
- Easy to adjust for a perfect fit
- Ideal for hiking and hunting
Cons
- Does not allow lining orienting lines due to the non-transparent bottom
It is the best orienteering compass that you can utilize any activity that needs your hands free. It is recommended for the simple style, comfortable band, and clear dial.
Bottom Line
It is clear that choosing the best compass for hiking or other outdoor activity can be quite a task. The ability to navigate with a map and compass is a skill that can save your life and ultimately enhance your outdoor experience; hence, the need for a reliable compass.
When choosing a compass, it is essential to understand the various features to ensure you get one that works perfectly. One of the basic features is the needle. Most compasses have magnetized needles whereby the needle points to the magnetic pole. Some needles float in a damping liquid which although it can form bubbles over time, it does not affect needle movement.
A rotating bezel is the ring marked with degrees from 0 to 360. It is essential to find a compass with a smaller interval of degrees for easy reading. Compasses with baseplates are ideal for several reasons. Some include rulers and scales that can help you interpret the readings or navigate a map.
Depending on the use of the compass, you can choose designs that feature additional elements. For example, some compasses have magnifying lenses set into the baseplate for easy map reading. Others have luminescent indicators that come in handy if you are navigating at night or in low-light conditions.
Whatever the choice, be sure to check the overall quality of the compass before settling on a suitable option. The above examples are ideal and have proven to work well for beginners as well as experienced adventurers.
The Review
Best Compass
Read through our reviews of the best compasses available on the market today before heading out and making a purchase.
Review Breakdown
-
Reliable Outdoor Gear
-
Eyeskey Military Compass
-
Orienteering Compass
-
Suunto MC-2
-
SUUNTO Clipper
-
AOFAR Military Compass
-
Suunto M-3nh
-
Leabertee
-
Eyeskey Navigation Compass
-
Ritchie
-
Magnos Somnia
-
Diving Wrist Compass
Best Compass DEALS
We collect information from many stores for best price available
