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Are you looking to venture into the great outdoors but are worried about getting lost? A compass can help keep you on the right track by helping you find north and orienteering yourself, no matter how far away from civilization you are! Compasses are an essential tool for hikers, boy scouts, or anyone that wants to prepare for surviving in the wilderness.
Choosing the best hiking compass can be confusing considering how many different features are available. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and picked the Baseplate Compass with Attached Sighting Mirror by Suunto as our favorite. It has an adjustable declination, is well-made, and is sturdy. We’ve also put together an 8 best list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide reviewed by an outdoor guide to help you make your choice!
My name is 박 (Pak). I am a first-generation Korean American who has worked in the outdoors for 6 years as a guide. Now I'm enjoying traveling around with my bicycle and spending time outdoors with my dog Gaara.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Before buying a hiking compass, there are a few points you should take into consideration, such as which functions you need. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!
There are many different features that you can find on a hiking compass, and it all depends on how serious you take your hikes. Hiking compasses can be divided into two broad categories that correlate to how many features you need.
The most important feature of any compass is a magnetic needle that will always point north quickly. It should have orienting lines and measurements on the baseplate so you can measure distances on your map. The baseplate should also have a direction-of-travel arrow so you can keep track of the direction you’re moving.
If you’re going for a hike in a safe and contained location, then a basic compass might be all you need. However, if you’re looking to wander into the wilderness and want to find your way back, an orienteering compass is the best choice.
An orienteering compass has basic compass features and additional ones to make navigation easier and more accurate.
One of the most important and common features is a declination adjustment. Due to varieties in magnetic declination from area to area, you might need to adjust your compass to reflect the differences between magnetic north and true north.
A clinometer is another handy tool you’ll find on an orienteering compass, and it measures the angle of your elevation.
Compasses with a sighting mirror are always great for more precise navigation as you can take a bearing from a distant object with greater accuracy.
The baseplate is the surface that the compass is attached to. If you're going to be working from a map on your hike, we recommend getting a compass with a see-through baseplate.
You’ll find a clear baseplate to be invaluable as it allows you to see the map while you take a bearing.
Another baseplate feature that you may find useful is a magnifying glass. Many baseplates have a small magnifying glass built-in, and it helps you read small details on a map.
For extra convenience, look for a lanyard attachment. With this, you can keep your compass around your neck or attached to your bag without the fear of losing it.
See-through baseplates also come with navigational markings and a ruler to help you measure distances on a paper map.
The bezel is the rotating ring that surrounds the housing of the compass. It’s printed with the different directions of the compass and degrees from zero to 360. The level of detail on the bezels can differ from compass to compass, however.
Some compasses might have the degrees marked out in five or ten-degree segments, but we recommend compasses with every individual degree marked. You can even get some compasses that mark to the level of half degrees! The more detailed the bezel is, the more precise your readings and orienteering will be.
The smaller the interval of degrees, the easier it is to navigate precisely.
If you’re out in nature, you can’t always rely on your GPS or cell phone reception to rescue you if you get lost. Your only way back to civilization might be your map and compass, so you need to make sure that your compass is durable.
Many compasses are set in cases with a lid that closes over the compass to protect it. Others come in a padded and protective pouch to keep the compass safe and clean.
A bezel and needle that glow in the dark can help you on night hikes. Just remember to expose them to light before it gets dark! If you’re going to be hiking in extreme temperatures, make sure that your compass can cope with the heat or cold.
It also may be essential for you to get a waterproof compass. There are several ways to measure how waterproof a compass is, and the best is the IP waterproof rating. The higher the second digit in the rating, the more waterproof it is.
Some compasses will say what depth of water it can be submerged in, whereas others only say that they are waterproof without defining what that means. If a waterproof compass is essential for you, look for an IP rating since this is the best standard for measuring how waterproof something is.
Metals that contain iron can ruin your compass. Keep your compass away from your car, metallic objects magnets, metal benches, and signs. Also, electrical fields can also throw off the accuracy of a compass. Always be sure to have another source of navigation when you are in the wilderness!
When you’re hiking, it’s easy to get caught in bad weather quickly or become lost before you’ve even realized that you’ve wandered off-track. If this happens to you, then you’ll need to reorientate and find north quickly.
The time it takes for the needle to settle is known as the dampening time. Having the needle in a liquid-filled housing is one of the main factors in dampening time. Liquid allows the needle to float freely and find north quickly. Just make sure that the liquid won’t freeze if you’re hiking in cold temperatures!
Sometimes the liquid in the compass can develop air bubbles, and these can mess with the compass reading. Giving the compass a few light taps usually does the trick, but if there are too many air bubbles, you might need to purchase a new compass.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Suunto Baseplate Compass with Attached Sighting Mirror|MC-2 NH USGS | $70.00 High | Adjustable Declination and a Mirror for Signalling | ||
2 | Gwhole Military Lensatic Sighting Compass | $9.99 Mid | Sturdy Compass That Can Take Some Damage | ||
3 | TurnOnSport Hiking Backpacking Compass | $8.77 Mid | Clear Numbers That Are Easy to Read | ||
4 | Ust Deluxe Map Compass With Raised Base Plate | $6.63 Low Mid | A Good Teaching Compass | ||
5 | Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Metal Sighting Navigation Compass | $27.99 High Mid | Durable Compass With a Number of Features | ||
6 | TurnOnSport Hiking Backpacking Compass | $9.77 Mid | Good Compass for Map Reading | ||
7 | Coghlan's Map Compass | $6.99 Low Mid | A Basic Compass With Many Features | ||
8 | Costin Multifunctional Compass | $12.99 Mid | Durable and Well-Constructed Compass |
You can keep this compass protected thanks to the attached lid that also doubles as a sighting mirror. The compass is housed in a clear baseplate that has a number of scales printed on the sides. You can adjust the declination, and it has luminous markings for use at night.
A few reviewers note that the placement of the company logo can interfere with reading the compass. However, most reviewers say this compass is well-made and sturdy. They like that the declination can be adjusted and note that the mirror is useful for signaling if you are in trouble.
This heavy-duty compass is housed in a metal case and comes with a protective pouch to keep it clean and safe. The compass has sighting lines and a conversion chart for distances on the cover. It's also glow-in-the-dark, waterproof, and shake-proof.
Some reviewers feel like this compass too heavy and others say it needs to be held at the right angle for the reading to be accurate. But, reviewers say that it's well-constructed and durable, making it a good choice for wilderness hikes or other situations that create heavy wear and tear.
This compass is waterproof and durable, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. The magnifier in the baseplate is quite large, and it features measurements of many different scales. The baseplate is clear and attached to a 16-inch lanyard.
A few reviewers report receiving faulty compasses. However, reviewers that received functioning products say this compass is accurate and easy to use. They like the clear base and say the numbers are easy to read.
This compass has several different scales around the base plate so you can plot your route. The baseplate is clear and has a magnifying section to help you read your map. There is a lanyard attached to the compass, and the bezel swivels to aid with orienteering.
There are some reports that the compass requires shaking to make it work correctly. However, many reviewers say it's ideal for teaching children how to use a compass. They also note that it performs as well as more expensive options, especially if you just need a basic compass.
If you're looking for something more than a basic compass, this might be the one for you. The compass is housed in a metal casing, and it has a luminous dial and a built-in clinometer. It also has a sighting optic so you can look in the distance while also seeing the reading.
There are reports that parts of the compass weren't level enough to be used, especially the clinometer. However, many other reviewers say the compass is well-made and durable. They say it's easy to read and user-friendly.
With this compass, you have the option of either a green or orange baseplate. Both options are see-through to enable you to read maps, and they have a magnifier to enlarge the print. It has a lanyard attached, a rotating bezel, and several measuring scales along the baseplate's sides.
Some reviewers report that the needle sticks and doesn't move freely in the housing, making it difficult to find north. However, many reviewers say it is a great compass for orienteering from a map due to its features. They note that the compass is accurate and the various markings are easy to read.
This lightweight and compact compass features a clear baseplate with measurements along the side and a small magnifier. The needle is housed in liquid, and the compass is attached to a lanyard so it can easily be kept at hand.
Some reviewers say that the compass they received didn't have any liquid inside, so the needle didn't move correctly. However, most reviewers like that this compass is accurate and has a lot of useful features. They also say it's great for kids!
This metal compass has a cover with aiming lines printed on it. The sides have measurement scales, and the back has a table to help with your calculations. There is also a fluid level and, after receiving enough light, the compass will be luminous at night. Plus, it's the only option on our list with a waterproof IP rating!
Some reviewers dislike that this compass is quite heavy. This makes it durable, but they note that it can be cumbersome on hikes. Overall, reviewers like the variety of features and solid construction, saying that it can survive rough treatment.
Any compass made by Suunto will really reliable. These are a Finnish brand company made over 70 years ago and are the standard for outdoor expeditions of all kinds. These compasses come with all of the necessary elements for orienteering and are able to take a beating and last a very long time.
If you like to hike, having the right gear is essential. Thankfully we have more recommendations to help you!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Suunto|Baseplate Compass with Attached Sighting Mirror|MC-2 NH USGS
No. 2: Gwhole|Military Lensatic Sighting Compass
No. 3: TurnOnSport|Hiking Backpacking Compass
No. 4: Ust|Deluxe Map Compass With Raised Base Plate
No. 5: Eyeskey|Multifunctional Military Metal Sighting Navigation Compass
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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