compass for travel

The Best Compasses of 2024

Whether hiking, traveling off-grid, or backpacking, having a reliable compass available can help ensure that you'll always find true north.

Even in this technology-filled world, a good outdoors person knows the importance of having the best compass possible when adventuring outside .

Yes, there are compass apps, but phones can break or die and there’s no beating the reliability of a tried and true compass when you head off the beaten path.

The GearJunkie team is composed of arctic explorers, competitive orienteers, and accomplished long-distance thru-hikers. We’ve ventured far beyond the bounds of well-traveled trails and 5G-LTE. We rely on compasses to maintain our bearings and remain in touch with our path of travel in white-out blizzards, dense forests, and barren featureless deserts.

A reliable compass can be the difference between efficient backcountry travel and potential disaster. Through rigorous testing of dozens of compasses, the selections of this list have proven themselves as bonafide navigation tools fit during far-flung adventures.

We’ve found the best compasses to fit every budget and use. Scroll through to see all of our recommendations, or click ahead to the product you’re looking for. For information on compass types, features, and usage tips, check out our comparison table and buyer’s guide . If you still have questions, take a look at our list of frequently asked questions at the end of this article.

Editor’s Note: We updated this article on Decembe r 15, 2023, to dial in our selection of recommended products, provide additional buying guidance, and include new photos of our testing process in the field.

The Best Compasses of 202 4

• Best Overall Compass: SUUNTO M-3 D Leader Compass
• Best Budget Compass: TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass
• Best Compass for Most People: SUUNTO A-10 Compass
• Best Travel Compass: SUUNTO MB-6G Global Compass
• Best Compass for Kids: Coghlan’s Function Whistle
• Best Thumb Compass for Orienteering: SUUNTO AIM-6 NH
• Best Hiking Compass: SUUNTO MC-2 Global Compass

SUUNTO M-3 D Leader Compass

• Weight 1.6 oz.
• Increments 2 degrees
• Dimensions 4.72″ x 2.4″ x 0.55″

• Luminescent markings
• Handy wristlock lanyard
• Small degree markings on the device can be hard to read, especially in low light

As noted, SUUNTO makes a lot of compasses, and the  M-3 D Leader hiking compass  ($65) is a big step up to a powerful navigation tool for those who desire more precision.

Simple yet effective, this compass contains everything you need to find your way and nothing you don’t. Built for hiking, the M-3 D leader is popular with backpackers and hunters for its reliability and toughness.

It sports metric and imperial scales and is balanced for use in the Northern Hemisphere, with 2-degree increments. The adjustable declination orientation is smooth for easy adjustment but is firm enough to keep its orientation while you move.

A baseplate with a magnifying lens and glow-in-the-dark markings make it easy to use on a map, even in low light. And the detachable locking lanyard allows you to keep it handy and prevents drops while moving over rugged terrain. With optimal durability and functionality, the M-3 D Leader is the best compass on the market today.

TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass

• Dimensions ‎ 8.23″ x 3.9″ x 0.67″

• Excellent price
• No declination feature, no direction box

Learning orienteering can be a daunting proposition to the uninitiated, and some of the more feature-rich compasses on this list can be intimidating for someone looking to learn to navigate without GPS devices. For beginners, we recommend a simple and inexpensive option on which you can learn the basics.

This orienteering compass from  TurnOnSport  ($12) has all the features needed for learning compass-and-map navigation without the restrictive cost of higher-end compasses. The durable acrylic baseplate sports an adjustable bearing, a compass ruler, a magnifying glass, and a 1:24,000 scale.

The liquid-filled needle case provides a quick, responsive magnetic north bearing, and the waterproof bearings mean you can use it in any weather.

The TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass is easily the best compass we’ve seen for the price . Offering only the necessary features, it’s equipped to allow you to learn basic navigational skills with minimal investment. At this price, you can upgrade to a more feature-rich compass and keep this as a backup, or buy a dozen and teach a scout troop as a group.

SUUNTO A-10 Compass

• Weight 1.06 oz.
• Dimensions 4.09" x 2.2" x 0.39"

• Easy to use
• No magnification

Finnish company SUUNTO is best known for its GPS fitness watches. It also makes excellent analog navigation devices. The SUUNTO A-10 ($24) is far from the brand’s top-shelf compasses, but for the vast majority of users, this compass does everything they need at a great price.

First, it has a liquid-filled chamber that results in a “quick-damping needle.” This, according to GearJunkie founder and U.S. champion adventure racer Stephen Regenold, is the most important element in a compass. “It means it points north extremely quickly and is solid. Most of the features on a compass are just not really needed for common navigation. You just need to know which way is north.”

And the SUUNTO A-10 will point north reliably, consistently, and quickly. It’s proven reliable over thousands of hours of use. And it’s so affordable, you have no excuse to not put one in every kit to ensure you find your way home every time.

SUUNTO MB-6G Global Compass

• Weight 2 oz.
• Dimensions ‎2.64″ x 1.85″ x 0.87″

• Balanced for use in all hemispheres
• More expensive than others on this list

Balanced for both the Northern and Southern hemispheres,  SUUNTO’s MB-6G  ($115) is built for use wherever your travels may take you. The high-grade steel needle provides specific navigational directions, and the integrated clinometer tells you the steepness of the hill you’re climbing, which comes in handy during avalanche season.

We love the matchbox design, which adds durability by not only protecting the compass from cracks and scratches when tumbling around in your pack or down a rock face but also by doing away with the weak point of the hinges that hold flip-top compasses together.

Additionally, the matchbox features a sighting mirror, which allows you to view the compass dial and the background at the same time, making it easier to take accurate bearings. If global excursions are in your future plans, the SUUNTO MB-6G might be the best compass for you.

Coghlan’s Function Whistle

• Weight 1.75 oz.
• Increments Unknown
• Dimensions ‎‎3.35″ x 1.18″ x 0.98″

• Yellow color makes it easy to find
• Shrill whistle makes your kids easy to find
• No compass features besides finding magnetic north

Keeping an eye on a child while camping is a full-time job.  Coghlan’s Function Whistle  ($7) is a great way to keep your kids safe and teach them the rudimentary aspects of navigation if they wander too far from the campsite.

The body of the compass is a whistle with a small compass on the top, a thermometer on the bottom, and a handy clip on the end. This compass is basic, but it will find magnetic north, allowing you to teach your kids how to figure out which direction is which if they get turned around.

The bright yellow body makes it easy to find if they drop it, and the key clip makes dropping it less likely. Just clip it onto a zipper, and it’ll always be easy to find.

A key function of the Coghlan Function Whistle is the whistle, which makes kids easier to find if they get lost. Just make sure they know to start blasting that whistle, and you’ll be able to zero in on them in no time.

SUUNTO AIM-6 NH

• Weight 0.95 oz.
• Dimensions ‎3.15" x 2.76" x 0.43“

• Attaches to thumb for use on-the-go
• Specialized for racers
• No measurements or sighting tools

For orienteers or other racers, running with a compass means attaching it to your thumb, where you can easily reference your direction with a map. GearJunkie founder Stephen Regenold uses this SUUNTO AIM-6 NH ($70) during his frequent orienteering and adventure races.

While he admits these are a somewhat esoteric navigation tool, they provide a quick-to-read arrow to guide racers or others moving quickly through the landscape.

As with other compasses, you want a quick-damping needle to allow for fast reads. Light, powerful, and easy to read in low light, the  AIM-6 NH  (optimized for the northern hemisphere) is a strong choice for elite users.

SUUNTO MC-2 Global Compass

• Weight 2.5 oz.
• Dimensions 3.9″ x 2.5″

• Global needle
• Protective case doubles as mirror and sighting notch
• Lid snap takes a good amount of force to lock

Compact and feature-rich, the  MC-2  ($95) is a great compass for hiking thanks to all the perks harnessed into a small package.

The global needle finds magnetic north in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. It’s also a mirrored compass, sporting a large sighting mirror that allows not only better bearing but can also be used for signaling if you manage to get lost.

A liquid-filled capsule provides stability for the needle, while the clinometer indicates incline and elevation within 2 degrees. The luminescent bezel, orientation markings, and direction of travel make it easier to read in low light, and the clear red direction arrow makes it easy to see your way when moving fast.

At only 2.5 ounces and very compact, the MC-2 is the best compass for thru-hikers, or anyone who spends a lot of time in the backcountry.

Compass Comparison Table

How we tested compasses.

The GearJunkie team is composed of hunters, anglers, climbers, backpackers, and paddlers. When our adventures take us away from the beaten path, reliable compasses become an essential tool. And our founder, Stephen Regenold, is one of the top adventure racers in the country and an avid orienteer. As such, he uses map-and-compass navigation extensively during race scenarios and has experience with many compasses.

We tested the compasses on this list while recreating in the field. Like all compass users, we prefer models that are accurate, durable, and intuitive. While roaming between waypoints and hugging long-distance bearings through featureless terrain, we paid careful attention to each compass’ precision, durability, versatility readability, and overall value. The compasses on this list held up to our scrutiny with flying colors. They’re the best of the best.

As new compasses hit the market in future seasons, we’ll be sure to test them in consideration for this product roundup. And if you’re wanting to get more digital with your navigation solutions, check out our guide on the Best Handheld GPS units .

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Compass

Compass types.

There are three main types of compasses: the basic compass, the sighting compass, and the baseplate (or orienteering) compass. Some compasses contain elements of all three.

The basic compass has only one feature: a needle that points toward the magnetic north. It’s handy for any situation in which you only need to know your approximate direction. They tend to be inexpensive as well, so they can be useful for keeping as a spare.

Sighting compasses have flip-up lenses that allow users to get bearings from a distant object like a nearby peak. Put simply, use the sight notch to identify your desired location, adjust the bezel to align with the needle to identify the direction you need to go to get there, and then follow the heading.

Orienteering (baseplate) compasses are designed to be used with a map, as the base lays directly on the map for easy triangulation and orienting.

Many compasses combine a baseplate for map navigation and sighting accessories to combine the two types. This allows for whatever navigation method is most useful at any time.

How to Use a Compass

The short lesson on compasses is very simple: The compass needle always points to magnetic north. With that knowledge, you can maintain a consistent direction of travel relative to north.

The longer version of compass use is much more nuanced and complicated. Check out our full explainer on how to use a compass here .

Basic Compass Features

By definition, a compass will have a magnetic needle that always points to the magnetic north. Beyond that, compasses can sport a bevy of features, from liquid-filled needle casings and rotating bezels to whistles and thermometers (some are more useful than others), generally depending on the price range.

For general direction-finding, a basic compass will do. But for more in-depth orienteering, you’ll want a compass with the following features:

A magnetic needle that always points north is the most basic and essential feature of any compass. One of the more important features of a good compass is a quick but stable needle that finds north fast and consistently.

The mounting case holds the needle. It’s often filled with liquid to allow the needle to float freely and find magnetic north quickly. The liquid also dampens the motion of the needle.

The mounting for the compass housing, a baseplate is generally printed with tools that help find direction and distance. It provides a straight edge for identifying your location via triangulation.

A rotating ring that surrounds the housing, the bezel is printed with direction indicators (N, S, E, W) and varying points in between.

Orienting Lines

Fixed within the compass housing, these lines are designed to align with the vertical grid lines on maps.

Orienting Arrow

Also fixed within the compass housing, the orienting arrow aligns to the magnetic north.

Direction-of-Travel Arrow

Fixed parallel to the sides of the baseplate, the direction-of-travel arrow shows the direction you want to travel.

Fixed on the bezel. The index line is an extension of the direction-of-travel arrow. It marks the direction you set via rotating the compass housing.

Many baseplates feature a small magnifying lens for easier map reading.

Compass Scale

Located on the edges of the baseplate, the compass scale allows you to measure the distance on maps.

Key Features & Considerations

Besides the basic features mentioned above, these additional features can serve to make navigation easier or more accurate. They allow you to measure height and slope and to find north on any part of the globe.

Declination Adjustment

Declination adjustment allows you to adjust your compass for the varying difference between magnetic north and true north. Magnetic north (where a compass needle points) follows the direction of north in the Earth’s magnetic lines, and true north represents the direction of the North Pole.

Magnetic declination varies from place to place due to the changing nature of the Earth’s core. To compensate, many compasses allow you to adjust your compass readings to accommodate the magnetic declination for your location.

Sighting Mirror

Sighting mirrors are mirrors on a hinged lid that attach to the compass body. They allow you to see a direction or an object and your compass capsule at the same time. This allows you to orient your direction to a location and maintain that direction even when you can’t see the marker.

Clinometers measure the angle of elevation, the slope, or the height from the ground. Clinometers measure the height of objects and the steepness of hills (useful in avalanche terrain). They also gauge the height of your bear hang when you’re setting up camp.

Global Needle

Because the Earth’s magnetic field varies in different locations on the planet, a compass needle that balances well in one location may dip and drag or stick in a different location, making it completely useless. A compass with a taller dial allows the needle to tilt without hitting the casing, preventing that drag.

Compass Storage

In the past, caring for a compass would just mean not dropping it or crushing the casing. Now, people need to consider the plethora of electronic devices that can threaten a compass’s lifespan. Be sure to store your compass away from computers and other electronic devices — the magnetic fields can damage it.

The speakers in these devices can demagnetize the needle, rendering it useless. Also, keep it away from fires, heaters, and other hot places like a hot car. Any warping of the casing can affect the needle’s accuracy.

The most accurate compass depends on several factors. Most importantly, you should know how to use it. Every compass can find north, but it’s up to you to know what to do with that information.

Your ability to read your bearings and follow them, or transfer a compass’s information to a map to find your location and put it to use accurately, is paramount. For more information on how to get the most out of your compass, check out our article on orienteering basics .

A good compass can cost anywhere from $10 for a simple compass with basic orienteering features to over $100 for a compass with a global needle, clinometer, mirror sight, and a plethora of other features. Consider the features you need versus what you’re willing to pay when choosing the best compass for you.

In addition to the standard needle and rotating bezel, look for a cover with sighting wire and luminous lighting dots for evening navigation, a flip-up sighting slot and lens (or rear sight), and a thumb loop for stability while sighting your visual marker.

Although a good lensatic compass is great for finding bearings, we prefer one that also incorporates the features of a baseplate compass. Look for a compass that combines the two to give you several methods of finding your way.

While compass apps may be less accurate than traditional compasses and rely on a battery, they’re very convenient. Most people already have their phones with them on adventures, and smartphones can sport a wide range of features that a traditional compass does not, like barometers, altimeters, and, of course, GPS.

We’re fans of the Gaia GPS app (free for iOS and Android ) because of its map integration, which allows you to use topo maps, aerial photos, or a hybrid of the two. It also shows your altitude, allows you to share that data to keep others informed of your location in case you get lost, and tracks data like speed, time, location, and direction. It can also estimate your GPS accuracy to let you know if you start going off course.

Remember, if you’re relying on an app for navigation, you’re also counting on the performance of the technology. We recommend always having a traditional compass on hand in case your phone ends up at the bottom of a lake.

The Best Handheld GPS of 2024

There’s no need to rely on your smartphone or smartwatch for navigation. We rounded up the best handheld GPS devices for finding your way.

The Best Satellite Messengers of 2024

Failure isn’t an option when it comes to choosing a satellite messenger. When you absolutely need to get the word out, here are the best sat messaging devices in 2024.

Austin Beck-Doss is a Staff Writer at GearJunkie. Austin has been writing about climbing, hiking, and snowsports for 6+ years. Prior to that, Austin worked as a rock climbing and wilderness guide.

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The 5 Best Compasses for Hiking of 2024

One of the essentials of hiking, a compass is a necessary tool to plan a route, find points of interest, and self-rescue in an emergency

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The best compass is one that you know how to use and have with you. It can help you take a bearing of a distant object, follow a route through wilderness, and orient yourself on a map. Even if you prefer digital navigation aids, like a handheld GPS , you should always have a compass on hand to ensure you never lose your bearings if the GPS runs out of battery power. Whether you are a novice to the world of orienteering or looking to level up, here are some things to consider before making your purchase of the best compass for hiking.

• Best Overall: Silva Ranger 2.0
• Best Budget: Survive Outdoors Longer (S.O.L.) Sighting Compass with Mirror
• Most Durable: Cammenga 3H Cammenga G.I. Military Lensatic Compass
• Best for Kids and Beginners: Silva Starter 1-2-3
• Best for Travel: Suunto MC-2G Global Compass

How We Picked the Best Compasses for Hiking

As an avid hiker and wilderness adventurer, I recognize that the compass is one of the most important essentials in my backpack. Even though it’s packed most of the time, I know it could easily save my life someday if I become lost, disoriented, or forced to maneuver off trail.

My compass expertise sharpened over the years I taught orienteering courses for Appalachian Mountain Club’s Mountain Classroom program. I gained experience by teaching compass skills and setting up compass orienteering challenge courses in the woods. I have spent many seasons getting to know my way around a compass.

In choosing the best compass for hiking, I looked at a few main criteria:

• Quality: There are plenty of affordable plastic compasses out there, but in a real bind, you want to have the assurance that your instrument will get you to where you need to go. If it’s a matter of life or death, the best compass is the one that will be reliable and trustworthy.
• Features: While a beginner needs few features so they can learn the basics, an experienced orienteer should choose a compass with features that make their instrument a multi-use tool. Mirrors, rulers, magnifying glass, and lanyards can have other uses in the field for first aid, survival, and hygiene.
• Durability: If you’re throwing your compass into your hiking backpack for the day, it’s important that it’s durable enough to survive the trek. I looked for compasses that were waterproof, protected, and proven industry leaders.

Best Compasses for Hiking: Reviews and Recommendations

Silva Ranger 2.0 Silva

• Type: Mirrored baseplate
• Weight: 3.88 oz
• Dimensions: 5 x 11 x 2 in
• Materials: Plastic
• Sighting mirror
• Lanyard with distance measurements
• Declination adjustment with included tool
• Complicated features not good for beginner

The Silva Ranger 2.0 is a quality mirrored baseplate compass that is the perfect fit for hiking, bushwhacking, hunting, or forestry. If you are comfortable with mirrored baseplate compass use, it is the best compass for hiking.

This compass includes a mirror for sighting. By tilting the mirror at 45° angle, the user can keep an eye on the needle by looking at the bezel in the mirror while sighting the direction. This is especially helpful over long distances.

In addition, the Ranger comes with a magnifying glass, luminous markings, and a separate “slope card”. Experienced hikers can use the slope card to measure grade on a map or assess avalanche risk.

The lanyard of the Ranger 2.0 is unique in that it has four scales of measurement to help the hiker measure distances on a map. Since it is soft, it’s more useful than a straightedge when tracing a path on a map.

The adjustable declination of this compass allows the hiker to adjust the compass to their location. This saves time as well as reducing the possibility of user error when adjusting for declination with each bearing.

While the bells and whistles of this compass are sweet, they can also be overwhelming. If you are new to orienteering and looking for something the same quality but less overwhelming, try the Silva Explorer . It’s a quality baseplate compass that will help a hiker with basic orienteering.

Survive Outdoors Longer (S.O.L.) Sighting Compass with Mirror S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer

• Weight: 3.53 oz
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.94 x 0.79 in
• Low light visibility
• Less Durable

If you’re looking for an affordable compass that still comes with the bells and whistles of its higher price competitors, the Survive Outdoors Longer (S.O.L) Sighting Compass with Mirror is the best budget compass.

This is a mirrored baseplate compass that is great for hiking or bushwhacking. Some of the notable features include a mirror, rulers in both millimeter and inches, and magnifying glass. Luminous markings on the orienting arrow, needle, and direction of travel marking glow in the dark after briefly being exposed to a light (like your flashlight).

The SOL compass also has a clinometer on the baseplate that allows you to measure a slope angle.

One of the most useful features of this compass is the ability to adjust declination. A small tool comes with the compass that allows you to fine-tune the bezel to compensate for declination and calculate your bearing with the proper offset for your region every time.

Although this compass has held up well, its materials appear far less durable than its Silva and Suunto counterparts. My only real complaint is that I find the bezel ring a little tough to spin. Nevertheless, this compass is great value. The fold down mirror protects the compass when not in use so you don’t have to worry about it being destroyed in your pack.

Cammenga 3H Cammenga G.I. Military Lensatic Compass Cammenga

• Type: Lensatic
• Weight: 7.04 oz
• Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 6 in
• Materials: Aluminum
• Low light capability
• No declination adjustment capability

Similar to the compass used by the US military, the Cammenga Lensatic Compass is great for shooting a line to a distant object using a sight wire. This is helpful for tracking a route back to your car after a day in the woods or crossing wilderness using azimuth.

This model has some serious benefits that make it a favorite of military and civilians alike. The tough aluminum casing means it is durable and easy to toss into your pack. The housing is air filled which means the needle is more sensitive to movement but will not develop bubbles in the housing.

Perhaps most importantly, this compass comes with tritium lighting — a radioactive phosphorescence that glows in the dark (don’t worry, it’s not harmful with the amount used). This makes the Cammenga the best compass for night use as well.

While this compass is great for finding and following a sight bearing, it’s challenging to use with a map. There are no magnetic declination adjustments which makes it difficult to account for actual north. The main measurement of this compass is in Mils (short for mili-radians) whereas most hikers prefer degrees. Also, it doesn’t have grid lines like the baseplate compasses so it is challenging to line up with the grid. Still, it’s hard to argue that there is a more durable field compass on the market. If the price tag has you sweating, consider the more affordable 9077 Lensatic Military-Style Compass from Brunton .

Silva Starter 1-2-3 Silva

• Type: Baseplate
• Weight: 1.4 oz
• Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 0.4 in
• Easy to use
• Lightweight

If you are looking for a simple and sleek starter compass, the Silva Starter 1-2-3 is your best bet. The compass is small and light with an easy-to-read housing. It’s also waterproof which makes it a durable choice to bring into the field.

This starter compass is high quality with few bells and whistles. This helps beginners focus on the basics and not get overwhelmed by features on mirrored baseplate counterparts. There are mm and inch ruler markings on the side of the baseplate and clear degree parks on the bezel.

The bezel ring is fairly large and turns really smoothly. This is perfect for children and others learning the basics, easily putting “red in the shed” and orienting the compass.

Being so simple, this compass does not come with declination adjustment capacity so users pairing this with a map would need to adjust each bearing for declination. Overall, it is exactly what it’s supposed to be: a great starter compass.

Suunto MC-2G Global Compass SUUNTO

• Weight: 2.65 oz
• Dimensions: 2.56 x 3.98 x 0.71 in
• Materials: Plastic and stainless steel
• Global needle

Compasses are usually created to work in their specific hemisphere (north or south). However, Suunto’s “global needle” works in both, so whether you’re trekking through a U.S. national park, climbing a peak in New Zealand, or crossing glaciers in Patagonia, this compass will do the job. This makes the Suunto MC-2G Global Compass the best compass for travel. 

This instrument also comes with all the extras. The signing mirror, ruler, clinometer, and magnifying lens are all useful tools that a seasoned compass-user will find valuable. Another feature that makes navigating on a hike much easier is the ability to adjust declination to the area. The lanyard has a small adjustment key attached so you can adjust your declination to every new location traveled. This compass also comes with luminous points and bezel for low light navigation.

While the MC-2G is about as loaded with features as you can get, it is a tool for an experienced user and could easily overwhelm a newbie. If you are looking for a simpler model that can still take on both hemispheres (and half the cost), consider the Silva Ranger Global Compass . It can be used in all three magnetic zones and has the same simple features you see on the Silva Starter.

What to Consider When Choosing a Compass for Hiking

Types of compasses.

Before you look at brands or features on a compass, it’s important to know the types available . There are three main types of hiking compasses: baseplate, mirrored baseplate, and lensatic. All can be used to orienteer through wilderness. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Baseplate Compass: A baseplate compass is great for hiking since it pairs well with a map. As the name implies, a liquid filled housing contains the needle and sits on a clear baseplate. The liquid allows the needle to move slowly and smoothly. The clear baseplate permits you to see through to the map to set waypoints and align the compass to north. The plate usually has a straightedge on the side for drawing lines between waypoints and a ruler to determine distances.
• Mirrored Baseplate Compass: The addition of the mirror on a traditional baseplate compass adds versatility, allowing the user to see the compass dial and the background at the same time. The mirror opens with the hinge at the direction-of-travel arrow, and there is usually a v-notch on the base of the mirror that the user can use as a sight for finding objects in the field. By keeping the mirror at a 45° angle, you can align the compass to a target by looking through the notch then by looking at the mirror align the orienting arrow to the north arrow. This adds accuracy but can also add challenge. Therefore, a typical baseplate compass is better for beginners.
• Lensatic Compass: Also known as the military compass, the lensatic compass is a great companion to those who know how to use it. They are usually air-filled, which results in a faster moving needle and more durable compass. This compass type is mainly used to get a site bearing and are more challenging to use with a map. However, the military lensatic compass is durable, has night capacity, and greater precision than its baseplate companions.

Features to Look For

Most compasses come with the same basic features including a needle that points to magnetic north, direction of travel arrow, and moveable bezel ring. However, the best compasses for hiking add a few more features that make them a multi-use tool. Here are some additional items that will make the compass even better.

• Mirror: As mentioned above, some baseplate compasses come with a mirror. While it can help with accuracy, the mirror can also double as a signaling device as well as serving as a hygiene mirror for first aid in the wilderness.
• Magnifying Lenses: Some baseplate and lensatic compasses come with a small magnifying lens. This is helpful when reading fine print on a map and can be used as a tool for fire starting.
• Glow in the Dark Indicators: Luminescent markings are usually made from strontium-alumina based pigments and can help you make your way in the dark.
• Declination Adjustment: Gridlines on maps are aligned to geographic north while the compass is oriented to magnetic north. If you don’t account for this difference, you’ll be off course. Some baseplate compasses come with a declination screw that can be adjusted to match that of your region. This allows the user to change the declination to match the area. It’s very useful for backcountry navigation with a map.
• Clinometer: A small moving arrow in the liquid-filled housing allows the user to measure slope and steepness.
• Global Needle: If you plan to take your compass into the southern hemisphere, be sure to get one with a global needle that is designed for both hemispheres.

Q: Is a liquid filled compass better?

A liquid filled compass isn’t necessarily better, but it does have its benefits. Most baseplate compasses are liquid filled, which means the needle is rotating through a liquid. This slows the needle, making it less sensitive to movement in your hand. But aggressive movements, such as bumping around in your bag or drops, can develop bubbles in the liquid or create leaks which will impede the accuracy of the compass. Some liquid filled compasses are also sensitive to temperature extremes.

Q: What should I look for in a hiking compass?

If you are new to hiking compasses, you should look for a user-friendly design that’s easy to use. Make sure your basic hiking compass has: ●  A clear baseplate for seeing a map underneath ●  Easily moveable bezel ring ●  Clearly marked direction of travel arrow ●  Needle that orients to magnetic north ●  Orienting arrow and lines

Q: How much does a good compass cost?

Compass price varies wildly depending on quality and features. A good compass can cost anywhere from $15 to $100. A solid, reliable hiking compass like the Silva Explorer or Suunto A-30 fall into the $20 to $30 range. If taken care of, these can last for a lifetime of adventures.

Q: Do compasses lose accuracy?

It is possible for the needle in your compass to demagnetize over time if you store it near a strong magnet. However, the most likely need for a new compass is wear and tear from being crammed into a backpack, falling onto rocks, or tolerating extreme swings in temperature. If taken care of, a good compass could easily last a lifetime.

Best Compasses for Hiking: Final Thoughts

Whether you are headed into the woods on a hunt, staying on a hiking route, picking out a peak on a map, or following a course – the best compass is one you know how to use and keep on your person. Make sure one is tucked into your bag on every adventure.

Why Trust Us

For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.

Lindsey Lapointe is an avid outdoor adventurer. Her favorite activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, and canoeing. She also spends time rock-climbing, skiing, and fishing. She’s worked as a freelance adventure writer for multiple sites and publications. She enjoys testing outdoor gear and passing her expertise to Field & Stream readers.

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The best compass 2024: find your way with the finest standard navigational tools

A compass is essential for navigating through the wilderness confidently and effectively, and here are eight of the best

• Best overall
• Best for low-light
• Best for universal use
• Best compact compass
• Best budget compass
• Best for beginners
• Best thumb compass
• Comparison table
• How we test
• How to choose
• Your old compass

1. The list in brief ↴ 2. Best compass overall 3. Best for low-light use 4. Best for universal use 5. Best compact compass 6. Best budget compass 7. Best for beginners 8. Best thumb compass 9. Comparison table 10. How we test 11. How to choose

Navigating through the backcountry using your best compass is a hugely rewarding experience. The ability to do so is an essential skill when it comes to survival in the great outdoors, particularly as, unlike a smartphone or a GPS device, compasses aren't affected by adverse weather or battery life.

Using the planet's magnetic field to point you in the right direction, a compass can be used anywhere. Plus, the best compasses have a range of other features that help you to better interpret their main sidekick: the topographical map. We've tested these rugged little tools on our hiking and mountaineering escapades to bring you this guide to the very finest.

We'd rate Silva's Expedition Type 4 as the best compass around in 2024 and we don't go anywhere wearing our hiking backpack without it. However, it's fair to say that none of the superb products in this guide will let you down.

The quick list

This is our quick list, a brief overview of the best compass options. To delve deeper into the specifics of each tool, see our more detailed reviews further down the page in this guide.

The best compass overall

The standard against which all other baseplate compasses are measured, the Silva Type 4 is a highly regarded, expedition-proven navigational tool

Read more below

The best compass for low-light use

Sturdy, practical and with a premium feel, the Finnish-made Suunto M-3 has the edge over other compasses in its price bracket

The best compass for universal use

A universal compass with a good range of high-performing features that save time and reduce the possibility of error

The best compact compass

A compact baseplate compass with clear, practical markings and a knurled, rubberized bezel for high grip in all weather

The best budget compass

Well-built and well-priced, this is a practical, versatile and inexpensive tool for all-round navigation when hiking and hillwalking

The best compass for beginners

This budget buy is great value and makes a decent beginner’s compass for those just starting out on their navigation journey

Load the next 1 product ↴

The best thumb compass

This thumb compass is ideal for orienteers and adventure racers on a budget, offering fast and reliable direction-finding plus a couple of useful extras that might just give you the edge

• Back to the top ⤴

The best compasses 2024

You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.

1. Silva Expedition Type 4 Compass

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Silva’s Expedition Type 4 is arguably the definitive baseplate compass, used for everything from Mountain Leader training courses to international expeditions. We like how it's lightweight and sits easily in the hand, with an oil-damped needle that is weighted for use in the northern hemisphere (magnetic equator and magnetic south variants also available). Orienting arrows and lines, the direction of travel arrow and degree markings on the dial are all crisp and clear, as are the Romer scales on the baseplate, in 1:25k, 1:40k and 1:50k. 

The bezel shows the four cardinal compass points plus numeric 20-degree increments, with hashing every 2 degrees. There’s also a declination scale marked inside the capsule, which you’ll need to remember to use to allow for magnetic declination where this applies. The bezel turns easily and smoothly, though unlike some other Silva models it lacks an easy-grip rubberized housing. The compass features luminescent markings too, enabling low-light use.

Read our full Silva Expedition Type 4 compass review

2. Suunto M-3

The M-3 is Finnish brand Suunto’s answer to Silva’s classic Type 4. It’s a sturdy and practical baseplate compass that feels better-built than the Type 4, with a superior bezel that offers easy-grip knurling and numerical degree markings every 20 degrees, plus 2-degree hashing. It’s also marked with both cardinal and inter-cardinal points. The lack of 1:40k scale markings means it wouldn’t be our first choice for use with maps of that scale, although it does have both 1:20k and 1:24k scales, which are commonly used in countries other than the UK, especially Europe and the USA. There are also 1:25k and 1:50k scale distance markings. As such, it's one of the best compasses for international adventurers. 

The M-3 is slightly shorter and squatter than most full-sized baseplate compasses, but it sits snugly in the palm. On test, we found that the oil-damped needle settles quickly. The capsule can also be adjusted for declination, meaning that once set you can forget about it for the duration of your trip (unless you move to a new location with a different declination, of course). In low-light conditions, the M-3 is definitely the best compass of all the products we tested here. The luminescent bezel is easy to read, while the needle, bearing indicator and direction of travel are all lumed. The supplied lanyard is a good-quality cord with a plastic clip, an adjustable neck slider and a metal key that is used to adjust the declination (so keep it safe).

Read our full Suunto M-3 compass review

3. Brunton TruArc 10

GPS is an amazing tool. But GPS signals can be lost in remote locations, where a compass is always at the ready. We found the TruArc to be an excellent option for adventurers who travel to both the northern and southern hemispheres, as it can be calibrated for either. 

This compass saves time and reduces error with tool-free declination adjustment that allows the needle of your compass to point to magnetic north while the bearing on your compass bezel is offset. The degree reading off the bezel factors in declination, so you don’t have to do the math. The TruArc 10 has one-degree azimuth ring markings – something that’s rare in compasses in this price range – and Romer scales on the baseplate. It also has a magnifying glass over the bezel to make the bezel marks easier to read.

Read our full Brunton TruArc 10 compass review

4. Silva Ranger Compass

The Silva Ranger is a compact baseplate compass that minimises weight and bulk whilst providing all the essentials you need in a navigational tool. We found it to be a great compass for day hikes. It features 1:25k and 1:50k measuring scales plus ruled mm, a magnifier for use with a paper map, a lumed direction of travel indicator and an easy-to-read bezel with a rubberised, high-grip knurled housing. 

There’s a clear bearing indicator and orienting arrow, as well as two-colour orienting lines within the capsule, along with a declination scale. The oil-damped needle is clearly marked and weighted for northern hemisphere use, settling quickly. You also get a useful scale lanyard, which can be placed alongside non-linear paths and tracks on the map to measure distances more accurately.

Read our full Silva Ranger compass review

5. Alpkit Williams Expedition Compass

This is a classic baseplate compass that's almost identical to the Silva Expedition Type 4. It is exactly the same size and shape, with the same bezel and capsule design as well as an oil-damped needle. We found it works really well with the most common UK maps since the baseplate Romers are helpfully given in 1:50k, 1:40k and 1:25k scales. These also run in both directions (eastings and northings) too. There are also distance markers down the sides of the baseplate in 1:50k and 1:25k scales. This is arguably an improvement on the mm and inches rulers of the Type 4. 

A circular magnifying aperture also makes it easier to read place names, contours and spot heights or discern landscape features on a map. The needle itself is reflective, as is the upper section of the bezel, to aid navigation in low-light conditions. The crisp, clear dial is marked in degrees, showing the four cardinal compass points plus numeric 20-degree increments, with hashing every 2 degrees. There are also secondary ‘mils’ markings inside the bezel (for military-style navigation), though no declination scale. On test, the bezel turned easily and smoothly, though it isn’t quite as easy to grip as those with rubberised housings, especially if wearing gloves. The baseplate also lacks friction feet to help prevent it from sliding around when placed on a map. Still, for the money, this is one of the best compasses you can buy.

Read our full Alpkit Williams Expedition Compass review

6. Highlander Deluxe Map Compass

This low-cost baseplate compass is likely to attract value-conscious hillwalkers as well as those on a tight budget. With baseplate markings in mm and inches as well as scale measurements in 1:50k and 1:25k, we found it works well enough with Ordnance Survey maps. The magnifying aperture also makes it easier to read place names, contours and spot heights or discern landscape features. 

On test, we found the chunky needle to be not quite as elegant or precise as slimmer needles, but hey, it points north, and that’s the most important thing. It’s a little more important with this compass to ensure it is perfectly level in order to ensure a consistently accurate reading. But it did the job in the hills perfectly well, and at this price we can have no real complaints.

Read our full Highlander Deluxe Map Compass review

7. Decathlon Geonaute Racer 900 Thumb Compass

Thumb compasses for competitive orienteering are specialist tools, and as such they are not cheap. As usual however, sporting goods giant Decathlon has come up with a high-spec, comparatively low-cost model that undercuts rivals from many of the best-known brands. It's significantly cheaper than equivalent models from Silva or Suunto, yet it feels like a premium product rather than a budget offering, coming in a sturdy protective case, while remaining compact, lightweight and robust. The chunky acrylic plate has a rubberised, high-friction grip inlay and an elastic thumb strap to keep it firmly attached to your hand. 

The capsule has a rotating bezel marked with orienting lines. On test, we found the needle was well-balanced and settled quickly – vital when moving quickly over uneven ground. The plate extends beyond the thumb, with a graduated scale that can be used easily with 1:50k or 1:25k maps. Helpfully, the Racer 900 is also available in both right- and left-hand models, depending on which hand you prefer to hold your map and compass in. If you’re prepping for a race and your nav will need to be on-point, this little thumb compass might just give you a vital edge.

Read our full Decathlon Geonnaute Racer 900 Thumb Compass review

The best compasses comparison table

How we test the best compasses.

Our reviewers put compasses to the test in the backcountry on hikes, mountaineering outings and adventure races, using them alongside a range of different topographical map styles. Qualities like accuracy, durability, smooth movement and value for money are assessed against claims made by the manufacturers.

Meet the testers

An outdoors writer, editor and expert navigator, Matt Jones has been testing kit in the field for nearly a decade. Having worked for both the Ramblers and the Scouts, he knows one or two things about walking and camping, and loves all things adventure, particularly long-distance backpacking, wild camping and climbing mountains – especially in Wales. He’s based in Snowdonia and last year thru-hiked the Cambrian Way, which runs for 298 miles from Cardiff to Conwy, with a total ascent of 73,700 feet – that’s nearly 2½ times the height of Everest.

How to choose the best compass

As with almost all outdoor kit, the best compass for you will depend on a number of factors – not least, your intended use and your level of navigational ability. (Our expert ' How to use a compass ' guide explains the basics.)

When it comes to different types of compass , most people will be best served by a baseplate compass, while orienteers and lightweight specialists might go for something lighter, such as a thumb compass. For extremely precise navigation, especially in tactical or military settings, specialist mirror compasses or lensatic compasses are often used.

Compass type

Button compasses: The cheapest and most straightforward compasses, these are small and portable. They’re generally only useful in survival scenarios, giving rough compass directions, rather than being suitable for detailed navigation. 

Baseplate compass: The most common type of compass for general outdoor use, easily used in conjunction with a paper map for route-planning, route-finding and even emergency use (since the Romer scales on a baseplate compass can be extremely helpful when giving an accurate grid reference to emergency services). 

Orienteering compasses: Worn on the wrist or thumb, these are designed to be used quickly and efficiently on the move, with or without a map. They generally feature simplified, uncluttered baseplates and dials as well as stable, balanced needles that settle quickly. These features enable the user to swiftly determine the direction of travel rather than follow an accurate numerical bearing. They’re ideal for competitive navigation and running events or adventure races, though may not be the best compass for hiking and hillwalking expeditions.  

Mirror compass: A mechanical compass fitted with a mirror, usually installed on a hinged lid. With the lid open at 45 or 90 degrees, the mirror reflects the compass dial. This enables the user to sight a direction or an object with the compass dial and housing visible at the same time. With the mirror lid fully opened to 180 degrees, you also have a longer straight line for determining the direction of travel and for map-work. A mirror also enables signalling over long distances by flashing reflected sunlight, while the lid provides extra protection when closed and stowed away. 

Lensatic or military compasses: Lensatic compasses are made up of three parts: cover, base, and reading lens. The cover protects the compass and also incorporates the sighting wire, which helps you determine direction. The base consists of the compass dial, bezel, and the thumb loop. The latter is used for stability to obtain a more accurate reading. The reading lens folds out, providing a highly accurate means of obtaining a bearing.

Compass features

This will depend entirely on the type of compass you choose. We’ve focused on the features of a baseplate compass, which is the most common and generally the most useful compass for the majority of outdoors users – though many of these features also apply to other types of compass. You won't learn techniques like how to take a bearing without having a good understanding of these features.

Bezel: The bezel of a good baseplate compass should be primarily marked in degrees rather than mils (unless you’re using it for military applications). It should have clear and easy-to-read markings, including degree hashing (usually in 2-degree increments) as well as the four cardinal compass points. The bezel should rotate easily and precisely, without sticking or jamming, though it shouldn’t spin freely either. A knurled edge is also useful as this makes it easier to grip in cold conditions or if wearing gloves.

Needle and capsule: The needle should be clearly marked, with a magnetised end (usually coloured red or orange) that points north. Ensure the needle rotates freely but settles quickly, without sticking, wobbling or jumping around. It will be set in a circular capsule filled with a clear solution – in the cheapest compasses this is a liquid, but in superior compasses it is a viscous damping oil, which helps to reduce erratic needle motion. The capsule housing should have an orienting arrow and vertical orienting lines. These are especially useful when lining a compass up with the grid lines of a map. It may also have a declination scale. Note : most compass needles are weighted for northern or southern hemisphere use, so you’ll need a model suitable for the place you do most of your hiking. The exception is a global compass, which has a specially balanced needle that can be used anywhere. Some users think that compasses with globally balanced needles tend to settle faster too, regardless of location.    

Baseplate: The baseplate on the best compasses will invariably have some sort of Romer scale and/or distance markings. It is useful if these are shown in the same scale as used on your map, whether 1:50k, 1:40k or 1:25k. Look for Romer scales that are marked in two directions (vertically and horizontally), which can then be used to obtain both eastings and northings on a map without needing to turn the compass. A magnifier is also useful for reading the details of a map, such as place names, contours, spot heights and topographical symbols. The baseplate should also feature a distinctive and obvious direction of travel arrow to aid navigation on the ground. This should align with an index line or index pointer, marked either on the baseplate or behind the bezel, which makes it much easier to read off a bearing.

Lume: ‘Lume’ refers to any parts of the compass marked with luminescent paint for use in low-light conditions. This feature is extremely useful for night navigation. Ideally, the direction of travel arrow should be illuminated, as should the upper portion of the bezel (to aid reading off a bearing) and of course the compass needle, which is typically reflective. 

Advanced compasses – especially military versions – may be powered by a tritium light source, a radioluminescent light-emitting isotope. This is even more effective than luminescence alone, but comes with an increase in cost.   

Lanyard: A lanyard is a useful addition to a baseplate compass, since it allows you to hang it around your neck or attach it to pack straps. This makes it less likely to get dropped, lost or broken. Look for a compass with a good-quality lanyard cord – or at least a compass with a large lanyard mount (a hole in the baseplate) so you can upgrade it to 550 paracord or similar if preferred. Some compasses have a scale measuring lanyard too, usually in 1:25k and/or 1:50k. This is extremely useful for measuring non-linear distances on your map (eg if following footpaths or bridleways), though remember to account for ascent too, using a rule such as Naismith’s .

Size and weight

The smallest button compasses are so-called because of their small shape and size. You can even fit one to a watchstrap. However, their navigational use is limited except in emergency situations.

Wrist and thumb compasses are also designed to be very lightweight and compact, since they are primarily used for competitive navigation – whether orienteering or adventure racing.

The most accurate mirror and lensatic compasses are generally robustly made to ensure they are rugged enough for military and tactical applications. Inevitably, the tougher components also add weight and bulk.

As such, the baseplate compass is generally the most useful navigational tool for hikers and general outdoor users. It balances navigational utility with weight, portability and overall practicality. Most will fit easily in an outstretched hand and weigh around 50g, making them a very efficient bit of kit.

What to do with your old compass

If you're upgrading a compass that's still in reasonable condition, you can donate the old one to a charity shop, thrift store, or an outdoor gear collective that will be able to give it to someone who would otherwise have a hard time affording the necessary gear for hiking.

Otherwise, look for marks on your compass that indicate whether any plastic parts are recyclable. Type 1 (PET), type 2 (HDPE), type 4 (LDPE) and type 5 (PP) are widely accepted in domestic recycling, but you'll need to remove any other parts.

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An outdoors writer and editor, Matt Jones has been testing kit in the field for nearly a decade. Having worked for both the Ramblers and the Scouts, he knows one or two things about walking and camping, and loves all things adventure, particularly long-distance backpacking, wild camping and climbing mountains – especially in Wales. He’s based in Snowdonia and last year thru-hiked the Cambrian Way, which runs for 298 miles from Cardiff to Conwy, with a total ascent of 73,700 feet – that’s nearly 2½ times the height of Everest. Follow Matt on Instagram and Twitter .

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The 10 Best Compasses for Wherever Your Adventures Take You

Whether you’re hiking, biking, or hitting open waters, you’ll always be able to navigate home.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Compasses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same basic purpose: pointing north so you navigate. They don’t require any electricity or battery power, as the compass needle simply points toward the top of Earth's magnetic field, which is why they’re an invaluable tool for any type of outdoor adventure.

The Best Compasses

Best Overall

Sportneer lensatic military compass.

Best Budget

Turnonsport orienteering compass.

Best Bracelet

The atomic bear paracord bracelet with compass (2 pack).

Best for Boating

Seattle sports searover deck compass.

Best Clip-On

Suunto clipper compass.

Best for Professionals

Suunto mc-3 leader compass.

Best Wristwatch

Suunto m-9 wrist compass.

Best for Gifting

Mah engraved compass.

Best for Maps

Coghlan's map compass.

Best for Kids

Sun company wildlife compass for kids, what to consider.

There are a wide range of compasses that you can buy today, and the best option for your needs depends on your experience level and intended use. Less expensive compasses are often less accurate, while more expensive models offer features like declination correction, which allows for extremely precise readings. Additionally, most compasses have map-reading features built-in, including rulers and magnifiers—both of which are helpful if you’re using physical maps to plot your route.

You'll also want to take into account the outdoor activities you enjoy. For example, not all compasses are waterproof, so it’s important to select one that can withstand getting wet if you plan to use it while boating. There are also options specifically designed for activities like kayaking, biking, and even scuba diving.

How We Selected

To find the best compasses for all types of outdoor exploration, we looked for top-rated models from reputable brands like Suunto and Coghlan’s. We compared the features and price points of each, prioritizing options that offered the most versatility and value. We also scoured dozens of user reviews for each product, looking for issues that might make the compass challenging to use. Also, every compass we write about has an average customer rating of 4 stars or more.

• Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.5 x 1 inches
• Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Options : 1 style; 2 colors

This durable bestselling compass is a top choice for casual outdoor enthusiasts. The durable construction is both waterproof and shakeproof, and it features a case and belt loop attachment.

The compass has a fluorescent dial so you can use it in the dark, and the lensatic design allows you to read your bearings while sighting objects through the lid. Also, the base has metric and imperial scales to help you read a map.

While the compass is extremely well-priced and a fantastic value, it's a bit heavier than some other options. Still, it gets an average 4.6 stars from more than 6,800 customers.

• Dimensions: 4 x 2.4 inches
• Weight: 50 grams

The TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass is lightweight, inexpensive, and comes in green or orange, but keep in mind that it's for more advanced users (and doesn't come with printed instructions).

It features an acrylic base and neck lanyard, with a 360-degree rotating bezel as well as metric and imperial scales along the top for reading maps. There’s also a magnifier built into the baseplate, and the whole thing can easily be tucked into your pocket as needed.

• Dimensions : 8 to 10.5 inches (diameter)
• Weight : 3.2 ounces
• Options :1 style/color

This bracelet has a stylish, rugged look, and is more than just a compass. It's also a ferro rod and striker, an emergency whistle, and is made with 12 feet of military-grade paracord, which has a multitude of uses.

The lightweight bracelet adjusts from 8 to 10.5 inches and secures with a buckle clasp. It comes in a two-pack that's a great value. Keep one and give the other to a friend or family member. Several customers say that the compass works well and is fairly accurate. The downside is that it's small and may be hard to read for some.

• Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 2 inches
• Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Options : 1 style/color

If you’re planning on taking out the kayak or canoe, it’s a good idea to strap this waterproof compass to your boat. The front-reading compass comes with adjustable nylon straps that allow you to secure it to the deck of your kayak, but keep in mind that it does require perimeter deck rigging to attach to.

It’s held in place by quick-release buckles, and its rubber base keeps it from shifting around in rough water. The compass itself is marked in 5-degree increments.

• Dimensions: 1.2 x 1 x 0.4 inches
• Weight: 0.18 ounces
• Options : 2 styles; 1 color

This liquid-filled jewel bearing compass is about inch in size and weighs less than an ounce. It features a clip on the back that allows you to attach it to a watch strap, map, backpack, or virtually any other surface.

The compass is balanced for the northern hemisphere, and it has luminescent details that are easy to see in low-light conditions. However, the marked in 10-degree increments, so it’s not the most precise option out there.

• Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches
• Weight: 1.6 ounces

If you're in the market for a high-quality compass, this one from Suunto is one of the top brands available.

The rugged compass is designed for use in the northern hemisphere, and it has a high-grade steel needle and a liquid-filled capsule for excellent performance. It even offers adjustable declination correction, allowing you to get the most accurate reading possible.

The baseplate features a magnifying lens, as well as metric and imperial scales, and it comes with a detachable snap-lock lanyard for easy carrying.

• Dimensions: 7.1 x 3.6 x 1 inches
• Weight: 0.08 pounds

Here's a compass that you can literally keep close at hand. It's from Suunto, founded in 1936 by a Finnish explorer, and delivers exceptional quality for an astonishing low price point.

It features an adjustable Velcro wrist strap and a durable waterproof design, plus has a glow-in-the-dark face so it's easy to read in the dark. The wristwatch compass is balanced for the Northern Hemisphere and backed by a lifetime guarantee against defects.

• Dimensions : 2.5 x 2 x 0.8 inches (compass); 2.5 x 2.5 x 1 inches (case)
• Weight : Not listed

If you’re looking for a compass with vintage vibes, this is your best bet. The handsome piece features an antique bronze finish and attached chain, and the back is engraved with the words “So you can always find your way home.”

It stores inside a hand-stitched, genuine leather case that's embossed with mini helms and other nautical designs, and has a sewn-in belt loop. This compass is definitely more for aesthetics than function, as it doesn’t offer precise readings, but does make a great gift.

• Dimensions: 0.9 x 9.3 x 3.8 inches
• Weight: 0.6 pounds

This inexpensive compass is a great choice for reading maps. The see-through baseplate has multiple sighting lines, as well as several marking holes and a magnifier—all useful when it comes to plotting your hiking route or camping destination.

The lightweight design comes with a lanyard, as well as an instruction booklet, and it has integrated inch and millimeter rulers, as well. A luminous pointer allows you to read the compass at night, but keep in mind that it is slightly larger than some other options.

• Dimensions: 1.1 x 2 x 0.5 inches
• Weight: 0.4 ounces
• Options : 3 styles; 2 colors

You can teach kids ages 6 and up the basics of navigation with this inexpensive compass, which comes in a variety of colors and designs. The lightweight compass hangs on a break-away lanyard and features a very simple design that’s easy to read.

The back of the compass is fluorescent to help kids see it low-light conditions, and there are centimeter and inch rulers on either side of the baseplate to assist in map-reading.

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her four years as a product tester, she's tested hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, The Spruce, Food52, and more.

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The Best Compasses of 2024

By Alex Murphy

Updated on Sep 29, 2023 7:11 PM EDT

11 minute read

Best Overall

Suunto mc-2, best for hiking, silva ranger 2.0, best budget, brunton truarc 5.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Even with an endless list of navigational apps and gadgets, it’s best to be prepared with an old school compass. After all, apps can crash, phone batteries die, and service can get lost in remote areas. There is simply no substitute for being prepared by bringing a map and compass. While compasses are an essential piece of gear for anyone going into the backcountry for safety reasons, they also play a significant role in route planning. They also add an added level of challenging fun to a long hike. 

Compasses come in a variety of styles and features. To help you pick the right compass, I tested the best compasses to evaluate their features, strengths, and weaknesses. 

• Best Overall: Suunto MC-2
• Best for Hiking: Silva Ranger 2.0
• Best Military: Cammenga Military Compass
• Best for Kids: Brunton 9041 Glow Compass
• Best Land Nav: Suunto A-10
• Best Pin-On: Coghlan’s Ball-Type Pin-on Compass
• Best Budget: Brunton TruArc 5

How I Picked The Best Compasses

To properly review these different compasses, I researched additional mapping and navigation skills to get the most out of each tool. I took several into the Colorado backcountry using compasses and maps to navigate in different terrains. I also used the compasses to try and make my way to nearby bodies of water like creeks.

Best Compasses: Reviews & Recommendations

Key features.

• Mirror compass with a clear baseplate to use on maps, as well
• Slope measurements tool on the side of the case
• Declination tool included for adjusting east and west
• Sighting hole and notch for accurate bearings
• Luminescent markings for working in low light
• Baseplate has magnifying lens
• Weight: 0.25 pounds
• Complete package
• Multiple tools allow for trip planning and backcountry navigation
• Easy to use slope indicator makes this a great compass for winter sports
• On the pricier side 
• Can seem overwhelming to someone new at using a compass

The Suunto MC-2 is one of the most popular devices in the compass industry, and for a good reason. With a wide range of tools and uses, this all-in-one compass works for any need and any level of navigational skill. While on the pricier side, this should be the only compass you need to do it all. The MC-2 is also fairly simple for newcomers, from setting a declination to using the slopes to map out where avalanche dangers may exist and other issues. 

On trail, it was easy to set my declination and hike a few miles into Roosevelt National Forest. I used the MC-2 near Greyrock in Northern Colorado and was able to follow a section of trail past the popular destination that is Greyrock to avoid some crowds and then easily find my way back.

The base model is designed for the Northern Hemisphere, but you can also upgrade to a global version for an extra $15. With a long list of capabilities, I would suggest any user at the very least read articles on compass usage or watch some YouTube videos to get the most out of this tool.

• Weight: 0.3 pounds
• Contour card to measure slopes and avalanche risk
• Built in adjuster for magnetic declination based on location
• Mirror sighting with sighting hole for determining direction over long distances
• Magnifying lens
• Lanyard has distance markers
• Great value for a fairly complete package
• Ease of use with a bold font for many indicators
• Easy to attach a lanyard
• Similar to the MC-2 but half the price
• Has slightly fewer features than the MC-2
• Heavier for anyone counting each tenth of a pound
• Slope measurements in a separate card 

The Silva Ranger 2.0 is very similar to the best compass overall, the MC-2, so it’s hard to review it without drawing comparisons. While the Silva Ranger 2.0 does weigh a small amount more than the Suunto MC-2, you get a lot of tools with this compass, like a similar case and mirror. However, unlike the MC-2, the Ranger doesn’t come with a slope indicator directly on the device or a key to change settings. 

Using the Ranger on trail felt very similar to the MC-2 as well and, in many ways, just as reliable. The clear base plate allowed me to do some extra navigating before arriving in Rocky Mountain National Park to get an idea of what was ahead. With just a few minor differences, like the use of a card for slope measurements that come in the box, the Ranger was very reliable. 

Overall, the Ranger 2.0 is a great option for someone slightly more on a budget but looking for a lot of the quality of the industry’s standard. 

• Hard metal shell keeps it safe
• Used by the U.S. Military 
• Seven Tritium micro-lights, providing continuous illumination for over 12 years
• Accuracy +/- 40 mils.
• Works in temperatures from -50° to 150° 
• Weight: 1 pound
• Extremely durable
• Very simplistic and easy to use
• Battle-tested
• Comes with added protection with a case
• Uses accurate lensatic technology
• Maybe trickier to use for mapping
• At one pound, it can be considered fairly heavy for anyone concerned with their base weight
• One of the more expensive options

Cammenga’s Military Compass remains the official compass manufacturer for the U.S. military. This metal wrapped compass allows for simple directional help and orientation. While this is probably not the number one choice for mapping, it does come with a scale to help measure distances on maps.

This compass has been battle-tested, works in a vast range of temperatures, and is water and sand-proof. I figured with such a strong design, it wouldn’t hurt to throw it down a few rock slopes just to see how it fared, and honestly, it didn’t get a scratch. I would be afraid to drop many of the other compasses due to their plastic cases.

The compass comes in a canvas bag for even more added protection, and with a forest green color, this is an excellent device for hunters. 

• Glows in the dark
• Key ring attachment
• Weight: 0.02 pounds
• Very affordable 
• Easy to understand for just about any user including kids
• Glows in the dark for added safety if needed at night 
• The lack of features makes it more of a life-saving device than a route finder

The Brunton 9041 Glow Compass is a great addition to have in the car or at the bottom or a backpack for when you need it. The added fact it glows in the dark makes it even more useful for anyone who could get turned around in the dark. 

The low price and ease of use are also great for teaching the basics of navigation to kids. With a small lanyard, it’s also great to clip on a belt or the bottom of a pack. However, with the ease of use comes also the lack of being able to use this for route finding or mapping out new adventures. Also, while it does glow in the dark, it’s probably not bright enough to be used as a way to signal a rescue.

Best Simple: Suunto A-10

• Fixed declination
• Clear baseplate
• No clinometer 
• Weighs around 0.07 pounds
• Easy to use
• Great for simple navigation
• Popular option for mapping
• Does not have all the capabilities some mirror compasses have
• Seemed a little less accurate when setting orientation and took multiple tries

The Suunto MC-2 is the industry standard for backcountry guides, but the A-10 is one of the most popular tools for mapping. A fraction of the price, this is a great tool to find new routes and plan ahead before heading into the field. It’s also a good option for anyone a little newer to using a compass and staying a little closer to civilization. It is a great option for basic use, whether that’s figuring out a route or getting your bearings in the woods. This baseplate compass is an affordable and lightweight option that will get the job done for the majority of users.

As a big map fan, I decided to put this to the test by pulling out some National Geographic brand maps and furthering my navigation skills with some help from instructional videos. The A-10 was a great tool and was even the compass used in some videos. As mentioned earlier, while it’s a great basic compass, it does lack some of the added tools of pricier options. It also did not seem as reliable.

Best Clip-On: Coghlan’s Ball-Type Pin-On Compass

• Pin-on compass
• Luminous directional arrow
• Very affordable leaving little excuse to not carry one
• Lightweight and small enough to put anywhere
• Couldn’t use for mapping or other more in-depth navigation needs

A longtime classic aimed at simplicity, this pin-on compass is designed to go wherever you are. The close pin can easily be stuck on a backpack for the added insurance of having a compass with you without adding weight or much thought of all. The Coghlan’s ball-type pin-on compass could not be any simpler. With a floating ball constantly facing north, the added pin allows users to put this on a bag or in a vehicle and forget about it until it’s needed. With this level of minimalism, it’s hard for anything to go wrong with the one job this compass is focused on doing.

Due to the pure simplicity, the best way to test the spinning globe compass was to connect it to my shoulder strap in a hiking pack. I was able to eye the compass and keep a close eye on the direction I was heading. 

At the same time, this is probably best as a complement to another more elaborate compass that can help you find locations, retrace your steps and figure out new trails and sources of water. 

• Magnifier 
• Works in both northern and southern hemisphere
• Toolless declination adjustment 
• Large font 
• Weighs 0.11 pounds
• Very direct with indicators
• Global compass so it can be used in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres
• The needle does seem to stick occasionally
• Lacks additional navigation tools

Like the Suunto A-10, this Brunton compass is a baseplate compass made mostly for mapping. The simple design also makes it a great compass to learn mapping on as it’s straightforward. Due to the similarities, I also tested the TruArc 5 as I did with the A-10 by learning additional skills to use while in the backcountry.

Brunton, a Wyoming-based company, also designed this to work globally, meaning it will be in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, so you can use this compass wherever your journey brings you. While trying to orient, I noticed the arrow occasionally sticks and is not as responsive as some other brands.

How to Choose the Best Compass

With dozens of variations and a huge range of prices, figuring out the best compass for you can be a little tricky, if not overwhelming. 

There are many things to consider, such as where you are using the compass, how far off-grid you plan on going, and understanding your skill level to make the most of your purchase. With an endless list of best GPS units , many will look for a compass as a backup or an instrument to use in an emergency. But, a compass can be the primary navigational aid and a GPS can be a back up. 

Before you can choose the best compass, you’ll need to understand the features compasses can have. Here are important features to know: 

Declination adjustment: Declination is the difference between true north and magnetic north. Declination varies depending on your location and maps will note the necessary declination adjustment needed. Adjustable declination allows you to adjust your compass to make route finding faster and easier. 

Sighting mirror: Helps you shoot an accurate azimuth to distant landmarks. 

Clinometer: Measures the steepness of a slope. This feature can help assess avalanche hazards. 

Global needle: If you hop between the northern and southern hemisphere a global needle is a great feature to have. 

Rotating bezel: The bezel is used for taking bearings and is marked from 0 to 360 degrees.

Baseplate: This flat transparent base has a ruler to measure map distances and can also include a magnifying glass. 

It’s also important to do some research and learn the basic skill sets needed to get the full potential from your compass.

This depends on what you’re looking for. A basic navigation tool starts at under $10. Next is up are baseplate compasses used for mapping and navigation, coming in around $20 to $40. Finally, mirror compasses, which often also have a baseplate, can cost $40 to above $100.

Compasses on the higher end are more likely to be accurate. Plus, compasses like the Suunto MC-2 that have a way to change your declination only add accuracy for users that know how to properly work it. Be sure to buy a compass that is either global or designed to work in your region of the world. 

For the most part, the ones I tested were more or less accurate in pointing north. However, you do get what you pay for, and some are less responsive or could be a few degrees off. Also, remember to keep metal away as it will disorient your compass.

In short, yes. If for nothing else than added peace of mind, compasses provide extra security to those hiking to find their way back to a trail or your car. There are plenty of basic cheap options that many longtime wilderness guides carry at the very least, as you cannot always rely on newer electronics.

Final Thoughts

Truly understanding how to use a compass is key. It’s basic knowledge that, most simply, compasses will point you north, but there’s a lot more to that. To get started, here are three basic compass skills everyone should learn , which cover skills like setting your orientation. Also, for those looking to use a compass as a backup to new electronic devices, here’s how to use a compass if you are in the wilderness and the GPS you were relying on fails . 

While almost all compasses work on a basic level, learning the skills of proper navigation can be a literal lifesaver in a time of need. Having the right compass may make a big difference. Spending extra money will not be a regret in a time of need.

Plus, the more tools that come with a compass, the more users will get out of it in the backcountry, whether that’s exploring new terrain or trying to get home quickly. Understanding your needs for a compass will help you find your way to the right tool to help in your adventures.

The best compasses to keep you on target no matter what

"The magnetic compass was the first technological invention after the wheel to change the world." — Amir D. Aczel, 'The Riddle of the Compass'

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Why do I need to know which is the best compass when I’ve got a GPS? That’s a great question, and I have a great and simple answer: technology breaks and batteries die. But even if the polar ice caps melt away completely and Las Vegas becomes the finest post-apocalyptic beachfront resort left in the world, the magnetic poles of the Earth will still be magnetic. 

We are lucky to live in a time when most of our navigation needs can be solved by the little supercomputer most of us carry in our pockets these days. They can tell you where you are, how to get where you’re going, where there are traffic jams along the way, and where to find the best craft cocktails or authentic street tacos when you get there. But sometimes, that device is no longer an option.

Suunto M-3 Compass

In the world of hiking and orienteering, Suunto is navigation royalty. Founded in 1936 by a Finnish surveyor, the company is mostly known today for its high-end multifunction wrist watches with GPS, altimeter, and compass functions, and their scuba gear. But they never left behind their legacy as a creator of high-quality, reliable magnetic compasses.

I was first introduced to Suunto in 1991 during a land navigation course taught by a Special Forces 18B, or weapons sergeant. During the course, he pointed out that even though he relies on his military-issued compass and GPS, he always kept a Suunto compass in his shirt pocket because when everything went bad or he was separated from his kit, he had a readily accessible orientation on-hand that weighed next to nothing and took up no significant space. I took this advice to heart and started carrying a Suunto in the field. He was not wrong. It got me out of a couple of tight spots over the years.

The Suunto M-3 is a lightweight baseplate compass with a high-grade steel needle encased in liquid with a jewel bearing. The M-3 is functional from minus 22 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It has imperial scales of 1:24,000 miles and 1:50,000 miles and metric scales of 1:20,000 km, 1:25,000 km, and 1:50,000 km.

The Suunto M-3 has an adjustable declination correction feature, which allows the user to adjust the declination between true north and magnetic north. This allows the user to navigate without making that adjustment as they go, which can keep you on track more easily.

The Suunto M-3’s clear plastic base plate allows you to place the compass directly on a map to help orient yourself. It has an ergonomically rounded back end, which helps to hold it comfortably in your hand and minimizes accidentally holding it backwards.

One big complaint about the Suunto M-3 is the tool required to adjust the declination correction. The tool itself isn’t an issue, but the Suunto M-3 has no convenient place to hold it. Some users attach it to the lanyard which comes with the compass, which keeps the tool easily accessible.

Some folks don’t care for the lanyard. It is a bright red cord, which makes a great “dummy cord” to tie your compass to a pocket or onto your kit, but it isn’t quite long enough to comfortably wear the compass around your neck — the preferred carry method for a lot of people when orienteering or navigating.

Overall, this is a great compass that is reliable and accurate, and available at a reasonable price.

• Weight: 1.62 ounces
• Material: Plastic
• Type: Baseplate

Available in Northern Hemisphere and Global models

Adjustable declination correction

Lightweight and flat design makes it easy to pack/carry

Ergonomically rounded back end for easy hold

Requires tool to adjust the declination

Lanyard is too short

Luminous markings fade relatively quickly

TruArc3 Baseplate Compass

The TruArc3 baseplate compass is something of a powerhouse in the features you get for a budget-priced compass. First and foremost, for under $20, you get a global compass that can be used equally well in the southern hemisphere as the northern hemisphere. Most other compass models will charge extra for that. The other great feature this model brings is a tool-free declination adjustment, which is a huge benefit since the tools used to adjust the declination in most compasses are small and easy to lose.

This is an excellent beginner’s compass or a backup compass. Its shortcomings include a lack of luminous materials on the bezel and the needle, making it a challenge to use in low-light settings. The baseplate measurements are in inches and centimeters rather than being scaled for map grids, meaning you would have to do good math before stepping off the X. It’s a minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience just the same.

Overall, this is a very solid instrument. It doesn’t quite have all the features we would like to see, but you get a serious compass for the price.

• Weight: 1.3 ounces

Tool-free declination adjustment

Global needle suitable for use in both the northern and southern hemispheres

Economically priced

Both standard and metric measurements

Baseplate is too small for use as a straightedge on a map

No luminescent materials on the bezel

No magnifying lens on the baseplate

Suunto MC-2

The Suunto MC-2 is one of the most versatile and useful compasses on the market. By now, you’ve probably noticed Suunto features heavily in this guide and there is a good reason — they consistently put out a solid product. The MC-2 is no exception.

The MC-2 has several useful features including a clinometer to measure slope and degree of the terrain, an adjustable declination measure, and exceptional luminous markings for easy visibility in low-light conditions. The MC-2 is functional from minus 22 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The sighting hole and notch in the mirrored lid allow the user to get extremely precise directional measurements.

In addition to providing excellent directional measurements, the lid helps protect the compass while you are moving. The mirror can, in a pinch, be used to signal for help. If you are serious about hiking, cross country skiing, mountaineering, trekking, or hunting, this is the compass you want to carry.

The Suunto MC-2 has measurements in inches and centimeters and is available in a Global version suitable for use in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Weight: 2.61 ounces
• Type: Mirror

Adjustable declination setting

Available in Northern Hemisphere and global

Includes clinometer

Luminous markings

Suunto logo on face can interfere with bearing reading

Cammenga Lensatic Compass

If you ever served a day in the Army or the Marine Corps, you are likely intimately familiar with the Cammenga Lensatic Compass. This is the green metal folding compass you used to learn land navigation and map reading — also known as the M-1950 3H lensatic compass. There is a pretty high chance you had one attached to your field kit. Since 1992, Cammenga has held the DoD contract for lensatic compasses.

Those familiar with the military lensatic compass know it was not only what you used to get you safely from your rucksack to the spot you dug your cathole and back to your rucksack, but also a potential improvised weapon. This slightly bulky hunk of metallic navigation could probably kill or stun a Florida panther if swung with the correct combination of angle and velocity. Seriously, though, the Cammenga lensatic compass was probably the single most durable item of kit issued by the military. Damn close to indestructible.

Despite all the cool guy wazoo stuff other compasses offer, the thing about the lensatic compass is they are durable in just about any weather or condition and they are dead on balls accurate (it’s an industry term).

Several companies make military-style lensatic compasses, but when you put your hard-earned money down on something that could potentially save your life, you go for the real deal. Cammenga is the real deal.

• Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Material: Aluminum
• Type: Lensatic

Reliable from minus 50 degrees to 150 degrees Fahrenheit

Nostalgia — this is the compass most of us learned on and served with

Compass lid locks azimuth in place when not in use

Tritium microlights provide visibility at night

Bulkier than most compasses

Risk of bad memories from basic training/OCS/ROTC

Coghlan’s Deluxe Map Compass

The Coghlan’s Deluxe Map Compass is a very good basic and everyday compass. The compact design was made for beginners. There is an integrated magnifier in the baseplate and scales in millimeters and 1:25,000 making it ideal for orienteering and general map reading. The compass comes with an instruction book.

This is not the compass you want to take on a trekking expedition across the Alaskan wilderness, but it is the perfect compass to teach your kids a useful lifelong skill like map reading and navigation. It’s also a great compass for an easy, casual hike not too far into the deep, dark wilderness, either as a primary or backup compass.

The Coghlan’s Deluxe Map Compass is a very inexpensive, basic compass perfectly designed for kids and novices. It’s a great learning tool for someone looking to enjoy the world of map reading and navigation.

• Weight: 0.96 ounces

Why you should trust us

I was first introduced to compasses and navigation as a young Army private in the mid-1980s. I have done navigation training in a variety of settings — as a candidate for the Army’s Expert Field Medical Badge, during various military leadership schools and military exercises, and as a student in the now-defunct U.S. Army Jungle Warfare Course in the Panamanian jungles. I’m an avid hiker and camper, and even one of those weirdos who has done orienteering as a sport. 

In short, I have been using compasses for a very long time. Moreover, as a gear reviewer for Task & Purpose, I earn my keep by poring through pages and pages of professional reviews, customer reviews, speaking to experts, and field-testing gear on my own. Prior to joining the Task & Purpose team, I have relied heavily on reviews for purchases of kit from inexpensive knives to expensive camera equipment. I understand how important it is to be able to rely on getting accurate and up-to-date information from a review, so I make it my mission to bring you the best of the best.  

Through Task & Purpose, I work with a team of assorted subject matter experts (think “Guardians of the Galaxy,” but with tactical gear) whom I can rely on to steer me in the right direction when I need some additional information or background. 

Types of compasses

Baseplate compass.

The baseplate compass is the most common type of compass today. It allows for easy reading of the map because the baseplate is usually made of clear plastic with orienting arrows and lines throughout to make it easier to align the compass with your map and plot points. The baseplate usually includes an integrated magnifier to help read small print and terrain features on a map. 

Lensatic compass

The lensatic compass is a type of sighting compass. The lensatic compass has a small magnifying lens on the near side — in fact, the term lensatic comes from the presence of this lens. The lensatic compass is commonly used similarly to a baseplate compass –— level hold and eyeball the degrees — but they are designed to be used for more precision sighting. The cover of a lensatic compass has a long, vertical notch that lines up with the bezel and the magnifying lens to allow the user to get a very specific and precise directional alignment. 

Mirror compass

A mirror compass has a lid that goes over the face of the compass. The underside of the lid has a mirror with a long, vertical notch. This allows the user to view their landmark through the notch while using the mirror to accurately view the magnetic needle and bezel. The result can be a more accurate azimuth towards your destination. 

Global compass

A global compass is a compass that can be used in both the northern and southern hemispheres. This is particularly useful to those who travel extensively, like the ski bums I met in Bariloche, Argentina, who fled the northern hemisphere in the summer to ski in the Andes Mountains when the seasons reverse. 

Thumb compass

Thumb compasses are small compasses designed to be attached to the thumb for more rapid bearings while on the move. They are not commonly used as a primary navigation device, but as a readily accessible backup. They help competitors stay on course without stopping to acquire their azimuth with the more traditional compass. They are similar to the small compass attachments you can attach to your watch strap or embed in the top of your wooden walking stick. 

Key features of compasses 

Magnetized needle.

The magnetized needle — the needle that constantly points to magnetic north — is the core of the compass. Typically, the end of the needle that points north is colored red and the needle is encased in damping fluid to help steady the movement of the needle. Damping fluid is also resistant to freezing in extreme temperatures. 

Rotating bezel 

The rotating bezel, which is also known as the azimuth ring, is a bezel ring around the outer edge of the capsule in which the magnetized needle is encased. The bezel is marked with degrees from zero to 360. During orienteering, this needle can (and should) be turned to the designated azimuth so the north tip of the magnetized needle lines up with the zero-degree point on the bezel. This creates a visual reference for the navigator to stay on course. The bezel and needle tip are usually equipped with luminous markings to make the lined-up markings visible in low light and darkness. 

The baseplate is a flat surface on which the compass needle and fluid compartment are housed. The baseplate is commonly clear plastic and often contains features such as rulers, orienting arrows and lines, an integrated magnifier to help see small map features, and luminescent indicators.  

Reliability

The biggest benefit of a compass is the reliance on magnetic poles instead of battery power. Unless you break it somehow, a compass always works. Even a compass that has been sitting in the bottom of a gear bag for months will work on demand. There are, of course, considerations to be taken, e.g., your Northern Hemisphere compass isn’t going to do you much good if you get lost hiking in Argentina. Overall, though, they are ready to go when you are. 

As a society, we have become very used to instant gratification via electronics. Music on demand. Information on demand. Even navigation on demand. Modern navigation apps available on smartphones will usually immediately tell you where you are and the best way to get where you’re going. When you and a friend are having trouble meeting up, you can just send your friend a pin drop of your location so they can navigate to you. With a compass, you get to engage your brain again and focus on a task. There is a satisfaction that comes from doing something for yourself, especially in this world of instant gratification. Have you ever eaten something you hunted, caught, or grew yourself? Using a compass can give you the same sense of fulfillment. 

Portability

Most compasses weigh only a couple of ounces. Most are small and flat, so they take up minimal space in your bag or pocket. They add almost no weight to your gear but can be a literal lifesaver in a bad situation. 

Pricing considerations for compasses

You can pick up a good compass for under $20. There are several very good models that come with the basic needs to navigate and find your way from point to point. These are great for beginners and kids. They are excellent choices if you need to buy several because you want to teach a class in navigation or start an orienteering club. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good, quality compass. 

There are many great compasses ranging in price from $20 to $50. They come with numerous features and are made with high-quality materials. In fact, most of the compasses the average person wants to look at fall into this range. They are high-quality and reliable and make great additions to your kit. Many of them are solidly built and can take a beating out in the wilderness on a long hike or cross-country ski trip. 

Once you go over the $50 price tag, you are getting into the best of the best. These are the compasses that are the most durable and the most accurate. It is rare to see a compass tilt the scales past $150, so overall, these are affordable toys (ask your photographer friends or shooting enthusiasts). With premium compasses, you will also see a higher caliber of materials. Your luminous materials will hold their glow longer and your magnetic needles will move more smoothly and with more accuracy. 

How we chose our top picks

Selecting products for this review was a combination of reading what the experts had to say on the subject, comparing their conclusions, and looking at everything through the prism of my own experience with compasses and navigation. 

In addition to expert reviews, I like to deep dive into the experiences of consumers. In other words, I feel I can make a more accurate assessment when I have access to 100 consumer reviews in addition to my own experiences. To round the process off, I like to reach out to others who have had first-hand experience with a product type or with a particular brand.

Luckily, this is a topic I have enough hands-on experience with that I have a pretty good idea of what makes sense and what doesn’t. As always, I wish I had six months to field-test dozens of products and make my own first-hand assessments, but that just isn’t reality. 

FAQs on compasses

You’ve got questions, Task & Purpose has answers.

Q. Who invented the compass?

A. Historians believe the magnetic navigational compass was invented by the Chinese, possibly as early as the 11th or 12th century. Pre-navigational compasses were invented during the Han Dynasty sometime between the 2nd century BCE and the 1st century CE. 

Q. I’m a new Army lieutenant; what compass should I carry?

A. Two good squad leaders: a jaded corporal, and a platoon sergeant. 

Q. What are the best accessories for a compass?

A. The very best accessory you can have for your compass is a map. Without a map, your compass isn’t useless, per se, but you’re extremely limited in your ability to navigate beyond a panic azimuth. Other good accessories are a case of some sort to keep it from getting damaged or beat up. and maybe a length of paracord for a tie-down. 

Q. What compass does the U.S. military use?

A. The military typically uses lensatic compasses, which are more durable and rugged than most. Since 1992, the contract for all military compasses has been with Cammenga, whose lensatic compass we named as our pick for Most Durable. 

Q. How do you pick a good compass?

A. The most important thing is to assess your needs. Are you teaching your child orienteering as a family weekend activity, or are you solo trekking across the Pacific Northwest? After that, factor in your budget and your skill level — both your current level and the level you wish to achieve. Make sure your compass has a few basics, such as good luminous markings, a solidly fluid encased magnetic needle, and readable markings. 

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Paul O’Leary is an Army veteran and tactical nerd. He’s served multiple tours in Atropia and other theaters and once ate a Norwegian reindeer MRE. He fancies himself a connoisseur of good bourbon, wine, and cigars. He also writes for Duffel Blog.

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Best Compass For Hiking (Budget to Expert)

While hiking around the backcountry wilderness, you’re going to need to know where you’re going. These days people tend to rely on technology more and more for navigation using things like handheld GPS’, watches, and smartphones, but you never know when tech is going to fail you. Batteries run out, phones get wet, and tech sometimes just ‘bluescreens’ you and ends up failing. At the end of the day, nothing beats a map and a compass.

Our Top Picks

Suunto a-10 nh.

Silva Ranger S

Suunto MC-2G

A good compass is the most reliable form of navigation, they don’t need batteries, they’re light and if you drop them, even in water, they aren’t going to break. They will show your heading, bearings, and can even be used to triangulate your location. You do of course need to have a good map of the area to go with it.

In this article, we are on the hunt to find the best compass for hiking and have taken 8 of the best and compared them against each other.

Top Product Overview

Best compass for hiking, suunto m-3 g.

The Suunto M3-G is ideal or hiking for those that need a simple but reliable compass. It’s liquid-filled with a global needle that’s quick to show your direction.

The baseplate the needle sits in is made to sit comfortably in your hand and comes with rubber pads to ensure it doesn’t slip off your map or out of your hand.

The baseplate includes a ruler and a clinometer for both metric and imperial UTM scales, so no matter what your map uses, this compass has got it covered. There is a magnifying lens to make it easier to read the details on your map and the markings are luminescent so you can keep using your compass at dawn and dusk without a torch.

A detachable snap-lock lanyard with a wristlock is included so that you can keep the compass safe and access it easily. 

The only things missing from this compass are a lid for protection and a sighting mirror with does reduce marginal errors, but overall, it’s a solid choice for general map reading and navigation.

• It's very accurate and comes with a global needle
• The baseplate comes with luminescent markings for low light use
• Baseplate comes with non-slip rubber pads
• The clinometer comes with metric and imperial UTM scales
• Detachable snap-lock lanyard included
• Doesn’t have a protective lid
• A sighting mirror is not included

Product Information

• Weight: 1.55 oz
• Liquid Filled: Yes
• Declination scale: Yes
• Declination Correction: Adjustable
• Rotating Bezel: Yes

The Suunto A-10 NH compass is super simple, robust, and easy to use. It’s ideal for use by beginners or anyone who wants a basic, inexpensive compass that’s reliable.

It comes with a high-grade steel needle with a jewel bearing, that sits in a liquid-filled capsule to ensure stable and accurate readings. It’s balanced for the northern hemisphere, so if you’re going to South America to hike in the Andes, this isn’t the compass you need.

The baseplate and compass cover are made from durable scratch-resistant hard plastic. The baseplate includes a declination scale, ruler, and rotating bezel for general navigation. Both cm and inches are included.

Being a simple compass it does not come with a magnifying lens, clinometer, or a sighting mirror but a handy d etachable snap-lock lanyard is included. 

Overall, it’s a great compass for beginners and basic navigation.

• Quick to find direction and is accurate
• Made from durable materials
• It's very inexpensive
• Ideal for use by beginners
• A clinometer, magnifying lens and sight mirror are not included
• Declination correction is not adjustable
• Weight: 1 oz
• Declination Correction: Fixed

Silva Guide 2.0

The Silva Guide 2.0 compass takes things up a notch and includes both a cover for protection and a sighting mirror for increased accuracy.

The needle is made from the finest Swedish steel and sits in a liquid-filled capsule. It’s incredibly quick to find North and exceptionally accurate.

The sighting mirror doubles up as the lid and locks at 45 degrees when open. This is ideal and allows you to read your compass whilst looking into your direction of travel, giving you much more accurate readings. The mirror can also be used to attract attention in emergencies.

The baseplate comes with 1:24k, 1:62.5k mile, inch (1/20th) map measuring scales that work with all maps. It can also be used at night, the luminous markings glow for up to 4 hours once activated by daylight or a flashlight. 

The only things missing from this compass are a magnifying lens and a clinometer, so you won’t be able to measure slope angles and you might have to strain your eyes to see the map clearly.

Overall, its an awesome value compass for hikers, hunters, and mountaineers.

• Very affordable for such an accurate compass
• Comes with a lid for extra protection
• Sighting mirror included
• Luminous markings for nighttime use
• It doesn't include a magnifying lens or clinometer
• Declination correction is fixed and can be adjusted
• Weight: 2 oz

The Silva Ranger S is quite similar to others in the review but it’s built a little tougher. It comes with a lid and safety strap to protect it from being dropped. It’s waterproof to IPX8 standards and can be submerged below 1m. This compass is going to be tough to break.

The needle sits in a liquid-filled capsule and provides a quick and accurate heading. The baseplate includes a ruler, soft and non-slip DryFlex Socket, and an extra large-sized direction finder for simple and exact course planning.

It also has fluorescent elements for use in the dark and the declination scale is easy to adjust for a more accurate reading. The sighting mirror is part of the lid for more accurate readings too.

A clinometer and magnifying lens are not included. Overall it’s an awesome compass for accurate and reliable readings and is durable as hell.

• Quick and very accurate readings
• Made to be very durable
• Waterproof to IPX8
• Comes with a sighting mirror and lid
• Fluorescent elements for use in the dark
• Clinometer and magnifying lens not included

The Suunto MC-2G is the first compass in the review that comes with all the tools you need, and it’s the most expensive so far, which is to be expected. It’s ideal for even the most technical outdoorsmen.

It comes with a global needle for use anywhere in the world. The needle sits in a liquid-filled capsule and gives precise and quick readings. It made to be very durable and handles water, shock, and dirt well.

The baseplate includes a rotating bezel, ruler, clinometer, magnifying lens, and sighting mirror. Plus the declination is easy to adjust using the key that comes attached to the included lanyard. It also comes with luminescent markings for use in the dark.

All of these features used together will give you the most accurate readings a compass can give. Overall it’s an awesome compass and best suited for explorers who need highly accurate and dependable navigation.

• Comes with all features you might want
• Global needle for use anywhere in the world
• Excellent against shock, dust, and water
• Highly accurate and quick readings
• Comes with luminescent indicators for night use
• A little expensive
• Weight: 2.65 oz

Cammenga 27CS Lensatic Compass

The Cammenga 27CS Lensatic Compass is an ideal choice for those who want a basic compass that is pretty much indestructible. It made with a cast aluminum housing, is shockproof and waterproof. You find it pretty hard to break and is the same compass the US defense force uses.

The needle is made for the northern hemisphere only and sits in a copper induction damping housing rather than liquid. This makes it impervious to temperature and bubble problems, it can be used in temperatures ranging between  -50 F to +150 F.

The housing comes with a retractable peephole for shooting a sightline to a landmark, magnifying lens, and a dial in both degrees and milliradians. The body has a 1:50,000 scale on the side to show distances of up to 5000m on a map

The rotating bezel comes with a luminescent azimuth marker and the phosphorescent coating keeps the compass visible for easy use in the dark.

Overall this is not the most sophisticated compass in terms of measurements but it is as durable as they get and can handle extreme temperatures.

• Exceptionally durable with an aluminum shell
• Phosphorescent display for night nav
• Non-liquid damping mechanism for extreme temps.
• Sighting peephole for better accuracy
• Waterproof casing
• 10-page compass-reading guide included
• Heavier than baseplate compasses
• No declination scale, or clinometer
• Weight: 6.4 oz
• Liquid Filled: No
• Declination scale: No
• Declination Correction: No

Brunton TruArc5 Baseplate Mapping Compass

The Brunton TruArc5 Baseplate Mapping Compass is about as simple as a compass gets but at the same time does a great job and is ideal for recreational use or beginners.

It comes with a global needle that sits in a liquid capsule, meaning you can use it anywhere in the world. It’s quick and accurate at finding bearings and although it’s smaller and lighter than a normal baseplate, it still packs a punch.

The baseplate features a ruler, in both cm and inches, a magnifying lens and the declination is adjustable East or West to +/- 180°. There are however some things that are missing from this compass. The cardinal points are not marked, there is no sighting mirror or clinometer, and the fact that it’s small means the markings are a bit tough to read, oh and there are no luminescent markings either.

Overall, it’s very basic but has the added bonus of a global needle and adjustable declination, in a light, small package.

• Comes with a lanyard
• Very inexpensive and simple
• Magnifying lense included
• Cardinal points not marked on degree markings
• Clinometer and sighting mirror not included
• Weight: 1.1 oz

Silva Polaris Compass

The Silva Polaris Compass is another simple option ideal for an advanced orienteer or someone who wants to learn. It’s made with quality materials and just enough features to get by.

The needle is made from tungsten and sits on a sapphire bearing in a liquid-filled capsule. It’s very accurate and quick to find north.

The clear baseplate features inch, millimeter, and 1:24,000 scales making it easy for map reading, trip planning, and setting a course into the wilderness. It comes with a fixed declination which is a bit tiresome but at least it has one. 

It is missing the extras such as a sighting mirror, clinometer,  and a magnifying lens but will suffice for basic orienteering and learning. It also comes with instructions on how to use it to find your location and set a bearing.

• Available in a hi-viz version for night use
• Affordable with a durable construction
• Sapphire bearing and tungsten steel needle
• Accurate and quick to find north
• Lanyard, magnifying lens, mirror, and clinometer not included
• Fixed declination correction

What To Look For In A Compass For Hiking

Compass needles.

The needle is the most important part of the compass, and without it, you’re just holding a piece of plastic with some numbers on it. There are a few types of needle, some made just for certain areas like the northern hemisphere and others are global. The faster your needle shows north, the less time you waste and the more accurate it is. This is extremely valuable when you’re in a race, trying to find shelter in bad weather or need pinpoint accuracy for your trek.

Every compass in the review gives quick and accurate readings so that you can be safe on the trail, no matter which one you prefer. Some come with global needles and others with northern hemisphere needles, be sure to pick the one that matches your hiking locations.

When trekking around your compass is bound to deal with some bumps and scrapes. There are so many ways it can get damaged; you can trip and land on it, or your backpack falls on it, you could drop it, the list is endless. Your compass needs to be able to survive these moments because without it, you’ll be up canyon creek without navigation.

All the compasses in the review are durable and made to handle a beating. Some are more robust than others and if you know the likely hood of damaging yours is high, pick one more suited to your adventures. If you’re a rock climber, you may want an aluminum casing or as a fisherman, you’ll want a waterproof one.

Declination Scale

The declination scale allows you to adjust from magnetic north to true north. Some compasses include them and others don’t, but if you want to be as accurate as possible, you’re going to need one. They come in two forms, fixed and adjustable. Adjustable declination scales are far easier, and once set, show your adjustment as you go. Fixed declination scales make you calculate and adjust every time you read the map. If you want a declination scale make sure it’s adjustable, it’ll make life much easier.

A clinometer allows you to measure a slopes angle or steepness. It’s useful for mountaineering when planning a route or spotting avalanche hazards. It’s a very technical feature that not everyone needs but if you’re a pro, you’ll probably want it on your compass.

Magnifying Lens & Luminescent Indicators

The magnifying lens helps you read your map and spot little symbols and details. It’s a useful addition and most of the compasses in the review include one. The luminescent indicators allow you to read your compass in the dark, this is extremely useful as you never know when you might get caught out.

Our Favorite Hiking Compasses

The best compass for hiking in the review is the Suunto MC-2G . It’s durable, global, and comes with every feature available from a clinometer and adjustable declination scale to a magnifying lens and sighting mirror. If you’re a serious explorer, this is the one to go for.

• 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

The best on a budget hiking compass is the Suunto A-10 NH. It’s very inexpensive but still has all the features you need for basic navigation including a fixed declination scale. Be aware the needle is for use in the northern hemisphere only.

• Recreational Compass: Minimalistic and straightforward, the A-10 compass is the ideal hiking and orienteering compass that is fast and simple to use; Balanced for northern hemisphere use with inch/cm scales and a fixed declination
• Baseplate Compass: Ideal for navigating with a map and compass, the A 10 is compact and features a high grade steel needle with jewel bearing and a liquid filled capsule for stable operation

The best all-round hiking compass is the Silva Ranger S . It’s durable, waterproof, accurate, global, and comes with every feature needed for general exploring.

• With soft and non-slip DryFlex Socket, an extra large sized direction finder for simple and exact course planning.
• Scale for declination compensation is located within the capsule.
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The Best Car Compasses: Make Navigation Easier With These Top Compasses

The best car compass is easily readable and displays accurate readings

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When driving along a new path, you may not be sure which direction to follow. With a car compass, however, navigating that road will be easier because it will guide you towards your intended destination. A hard-to-read car compass or one with poor functionality may not provide you with the navigation solutions that you desire. Below is a compilation of the best car compasses available to make your driving experience easier and fun.

Ritchie Navigation Compass

This compass has a moveable sun-shield that blocks reflection from the sun to increase its readability. It features a green illumination that ensures that the directions are visible in poorly lit environments. The compass has compensators that reduce the impacts of stray magnetic effects around the compass.

• The small size of this compass makes it handy and easily portable. 
• It is also easy to install, which saves you time during setup. 
• You can use it effortlessly without strain, thanks to its clear and precise calibration.
• The compass freezes and its display window may break when exposed to extreme weather conditions. 
• It also takes a while to find the accurate direction, as it rotates with every slight movement.

Filfeel Pivoting LED Compass

ABS plastic construction. Bright LED in dial. Mounts easily. The compass is accurate and responsive.

• High-quality ABS plastic resists corrosion and is long-lasting. 
• The LED light in the dial makes the compass easy to see and read, night or day. 
• Mount the compass easily on any flat surface with screws or EVA foam sticker.
• The LED may be loose in the casing. 
• Compass may be too high for your vehicle.

ACECAR Upgrade T800 Universal Car Head Up Display Digital GPS Speedometer with Compass

Navigate your way accurately with this compass, as it gives accurate readings that are easily comprehensible. This compass also lights up in dimly lit environments, making it clear and easily readable. It also has a universal design that makes it compatible with most boats and vehicles.

• Installing this compass is easy—all you need to do is plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter. 
• Its solid construction makes the compass sturdy and not easily breakable. 
• You can read directions effortlessly from its precise calibration and clear display window.
• The speedometer is laggy, which reduces this compass’s efficiency. 
• It also takes longer to find directions on cloudy days, since it derives information from satellites.

Benefits of Car Compasses

• Shows direction . A car compass installed on your dashboard can literally point you in the right direction while on the road. The best car compass will help you determine the direction you are heading so you don’t have to rely on your mobile phone, physical features, or maps for directions while driving.
• Multifunctional. Apart from showing direction, some car compasses have many other functionalities. Some of these functions include latitude and longitude, vehicle speed, voltage, and driving distance measurements. Some car compasses even act as an overspeeding alarm and can show altitude and satellite information..
• Enhance looks . Depending on the type of compass, it can add extra beauty. Some compasses feature sapphire jewel construction, which adds an extra touch of elegance,  while the night lighting on the compass dashboard and the combination of colors on the compass ball enhances the appearance even further.
• Versatility . Car compasses are often versatile enough to be used in boats and even on motorcycles.

Types of Car Compasses 

Magnetic or traditional compasses.

These are the most common types of compasses. They come with a pointer that faces the magnetic meridian or “magnetic north.” The car compass gives direction with reference to the true north. Although they are normally affected by magnetic field inclination, the compasses work better when placed away from any magnetic material. The magnet is either screwed or mounted on the car dashboard to make the car compass more intact and secure.

Non-Magnetic or Digital Compass

These are car compasses that do not utilize the principles of magnetism and therefore they are not affected by a magnetic field. These compasses are more effective because they are not affected in any way by ferromagnetic metals such as nickel, cobalt, and iron. They adopt a simple technology. They are compact in size and are a bit lighter than magnetic car compasses. Digital car compasses also exist in the form of Head-Up Display (HUD) or a mini-display that shows the car mileage, speed, and time. 

Top Brands 

Ritchie navigation.

Ritchie Navigation is a leading company in the supply and distribution of quality car compasses all over the world. The company has been in operation since 1850 when Edward Samuel Ritchie established it. The family-owned company offers top-quality and reliable car compasses. Some of their best-selling car compasses include Ritchie Navigation Compass and Ritchie Navigation Explorer Compass . The company offers a warranty and replacement parts for its products, which gives you peace of mind when shopping.

TurnOnSport 

This is another popular brand of car compasses. TurnOnSport has been in the compass manufacturing industry since 2006. The company specializes in different product categories like sports, outdoors, balance boards, devices and car accessories, as well as car compasses. It is an international company that sells its products online to reach their customers faster. Some of its best-selling products include TurnOnSport Compass, Dash Mount Flush , and TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass . All the products from this company come with a warranty and user guide, which gives you some peace of mind when buying.

HR Imotion, also known as Herbert Richter GmbH & Co. KG, is a respected international company that manufactures quality and reliable car accessories, storage and fastening systems. The company was founded in 1956 by Herbert Richter and is based in Pforzheim, Germany. The company’s products pass through rigorous testing and continuous improvement to ensure reliability, safety, and ease of usage. Its best-selling compass is the HR 10310601 Self-Adhesive Automobile Dashboard Compass .

Best Car Compasses Pricing 

• Under $25 : These are some of the most affordable and compact compasses you will find in the market. The car compasses are made of a lighter material and use the traditional magnetic inclination technology to show direction. They are a bit difficult to install because they may not come with mounting brackets for a secure attachment.
• $25 and up : Car compasses in this price range are some of the best you will find for your car. They come with a simple design and a bracket mount, which makes them easy to install. They also have sturdy surfaces that can withstand offroad usage and they are also made of durable materials. Many of them have a clear display window, and they are well-calibrated for correct reading on time, speed, and direction. They come with advanced features such as a movable sunshade and easy-to-read dial.

Key Features 

A high-quality car compass should have an easy to view display. You should be able to view the reading on the compass regardless of your sitting position. That means it should come with a wide and transparent display window. Also, it should have LED lights for night illumination. HUD car compasses have the best displays. You can easily adjust the contrast and brightness of the car compass display to make it clearer.

Calibration

Traditional or magnetic car compasses have the best calibration. They have magnets installed in them to ensure the needle is always pointing north. Traditional car compasses will calibrate the direction immediately because they do not use electricity to run. Conversely, for a digital car compass to calibrate, it takes about five minutes. Most traditional car compasses come with adhesive sticks for accuracy in reading.

A car compass can be fitted on your car in different ways. They can come with either suction cups or adhesive strips for easy fitting. Car compasses with adhesive strips are difficult to remove once fitted on the dashboard. Most car compasses come with suction cup fitting design because they are easy to install. You can easily move the car compass anywhere you want on the dashboard. However, suction cups are less effective because they are affected by moisture, dirt, and dust in the car.

Other Considerations 

• Size . When choosing a quality car compass, you must check the size. Car compasses come in a variety of sizes. Smaller car compasses are difficult to read because they come with narrow view windows. Also, if the car compass is too big for the dashboard, it can affect your driving, so check the diameter and height measurements first.
• Ease of Use . When buying a car compass, you must ensure that you can read it correctly. It is not easy to navigate your car if your compass is difficult to read. Therefore, the car compass should be well-calibrated (with larger point letters) and have nighttime LED illumination. This will reduce eye strain.

Best Car Compasses Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Best Overall

This is one of the best car compasses from Ritchie Navigation. It comes with almost every single feature that you need in a quality car compass. It has a movable sunshield that will block all the sun reflection, making it easy to read. You can still read it at night because it has a green light illumination that makes it more clear in dark places. It also comes with built-in compensators that reduce the magnetic effect of materials close to it.

The car compass is easy to install and highly portable. The precise and clear calibration on the machine also makes it easy to use.

The main downside of the car compass is that it is not suitable for extreme weather. The display window can easily break in freezing weather. Also, it is a bit slow in giving the exact direction.

This economically-priced compass is accurate so you know exactly which direction you are going. The bright LED light in the casing is easy to read, especially at night. The compass is responsive—in other words, when you turn, it turns.

This compass is mounted on a pivoting bracket so you use it right-side-up or pivot it towards you so you can see it straight on. It is made of black ABS plastic, which is durable, attractive, corrosion-resistant, and environmentally friendly. You can mount the compass on any flat surface using the included screws or the EVA foam sticker material. 

However, the compass may be too high to fit your car. Also, you may find the LED light loose in the casing.

Most Versatile

ACECAR Upgrade T800 Universal Car Head-Up Display Digital GPS Speedometer with Compass

This is another quality car compass you can use for your car navigation. It is well-calibrated, which makes it easy to read and understand. It comes with night illumination features, which enhances readability in a less lit environment. With its universal design, you can fit it on any car model.

You don’t need any special skills to install and start using this compass. The compass comes with sturdy and strong construction, which makes it long-lasting and resistant to breakage. It has a wider display window for easy and convenient reading.

What makes it less preferable by a driver is the low efficiency on the speedometer. The speedometer is a bit laggy, which affects the accuracy of the reading. Also, it can be unreliable to use when the atmosphere is cloudy because it relies on information from the satellite.

Largest Display

Odowalker Electronic LED Light Marine Digital Compass

The Odowalker Electronic LED Light Marine Digital Compass is designed for boats, trucks, and cars, and it will point you in the right direction when you're driving. It is available in black or white and is constructed of high-quality ABS material with an adjustable magnetic declination sheet.

The compass includes an incandescent light bulb that will help you read the display at night and navigate in the dark. It includes adjustable brackets, so you can position it exactly as you need it. Users report that it works just as well as some more expensive options, it's easy to see, and it's accurate.

However, the device is a little large and may be a distraction, depending on where you place it in your vehicle. It also doesn't come with any instructions.

Honorable Mention

Estink Car Mount Compass

The Estink Car Mount Compass may have a funny name, but there's nothing humorous about this multi-functional compass. It's made of ABS and is waterproof and corrosion-resistant, making it a great option for both marine and automotive use. The compass is accurate and includes a built-in compensator that you can adjust for deviation.

The compass comes with an adjustable bracket and lubber line, which makes it easy to read the direction straight ahead. You can mount it in several areas of your vehicle to find the optimal viewing position. It's available in either black or white, so you can choose the option that blends seamlessly with your vehicle's interior. Instructions and mounting hardware are included.

However, there have been some complaints that mounting it in the right position is not always easy. The company also notes there’s a margin of error due to manual measurement.

• Avoid hitting your car compass against hard surfaces to prevent it from breaking. If your compass breaks, the fluid pours out, reducing the efficiency of your device. The compass fluid facilitates direction setting and prevents the compass from compressing under pressure.
• Do not expose your compass to too much heat to avoid leakage and formation of bubbles inside the compass’s display window. Bubbles make it difficult to read directions.
• Always place your compass away from metallic surfaces. This is because magnetic car compasses may display inaccurate readings when placed close to metallic surfaces due to their magnetic effects.

Q: Is it possible to adjust my compass to obtain better accuracy?

A: Yes, you can adjust your compass by turning the screw at the front to adjust it either front or back. Ensure that you use another accurate compass for reference to avoid compromising the readings.

Q: Is the cover shield on the compass removable?

A: Yes, you can remove the cover shield. However, you do not need to remove it often, since it rotates and covers the parts that you need to be covered. 

Q: Are car compasses repairable?

A: Yes, you can repair your car compass if it becomes faulty. However, you may need to consult a technician, since some damage is irreparable. 

Final Thoughts

Our top pick is the Ritchie Navigation Compass . It features a green illumination that lights the window display when light is insufficient. It is also robust and durable, thus serving you for a long time.

If you have a constrained budget, consider buying the Filfeel Pivoting LED Compass .

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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How to Use a Compass

Last Updated: March 29, 2024 References

Learning the Basics

Using the compass, finding your bearings when lost.

This article was co-authored by Josh Goldbach . Josh Goldbach is an Outdoor Education Expert and the Executive Director of Bold Earth Adventures. Bold Earth leads adventure travel camps for teenagers all over the world. With almost 15 years of experience, Josh specializes in outdoor adventure trips for teens both in the United States and internationally. Josh earned his B.A. in Psychology from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. He’s also trained as a wilderness first responder, a Leave No Trace master educator, and a Level 5 Swiftwater rescue technician. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 1,584,991 times.

A compass is an essential tool in wilderness survival. Along with a good quality topographical map of the area you're navigating, knowing how to use a compass will ensure that you're never lost. You can learn to identify the basic components of the compass, take an accurate reading of your bearings, and start developing the necessary skills of navigation with a few simple steps. See Step 1 to start learning to use your compass.

How do you use a compass?

Hold the compass so it's flat on your palm with your palm centered in front of your chest. Use the magnetic needle for guidance—it will spin unless you're headed north. Adjust the direction-of-travel arrow on your compass so it's pointing in the direction that you're traveling.

• The baseplate is the clear, plastic plate on which the compass is embedded.
• The direction of travel arrow is the arrow in the baseplate pointing away from the compass.
• The compass housing is the clear, plastic circle that houses the magnetized compass needle.
• The degree dial is the twistable dial surrounding the compass housing that displays all 360 degrees of the circle.
• The magnetic needle is the needle spinning within the compass housing.
• The orienting arrow is the non-magnetic arrow within the compass housing.
• The orienting lines are the lines within the compass housing that run parallel to the orienting arrow.

• Turn the degree dial until the orienting arrow lines up with the magnetic arrow, pointing them both North, and then find the general direction you're facing by looking at the direction of travel arrow. If the direction of travel arrow is now between the N and the E, say, you're facing Northeast.
• Find where the direction of travel arrow intersects with the degree dial . To take a more accurate reading, look closely at the degree markers on the compass. If it intersects at 23, you're facing 23 degrees Northeast.

• True North or Map North refers to the point at which all longitudinal lines meet on the map, at the North Pole. All maps are laid out the same, with True North at the top of the map. Unfortunately, because of slight variations in the magnetic field, your compass won't point to True North, it'll point to Magnetic North.
• Magnetic North refers to the tilt of the magnetic field, about eleven degrees from the tilt of the Earth's axis, making the difference between True North and Magnetic North different by as many as 20 degrees in some places. Depending where you are on the surface of the Earth, you'll have to account for the Magnetic shift to get an accurate reading.
• While the difference may seem incidental, traveling just one degree off for the distance of a mile will have you about 100 feet (30.5 m) off track. Think of how off you'll be after ten or twenty miles. It's important to compensate by taking the declination into account.
• In the US, the line of zero declination runs up through Alabama, Illinois, and Wisconsin, [5] X Research source at a slight diagonal. East of that line, declination orients toward the West, meaning that Magnetic North is several degrees West of True North. West of that line, the opposite is true. Find out the declination in the area in which you'll be traveling so you can compensate for it.
• Say you take a bearing on your compass in an area with West declination. You'll add the number of degrees necessary to get the correct corresponding bearing on your map. In an area with East declination, you'll subtract.
• Twist the degree dial until the orienting arrow lines up with the north end of the magnetic needle. Once they're aligned, this will tell you where your direction of travel arrow is pointing. [6] X Research source
• Take off local magnetic variation by twisting the degree dial the correct number of degrees to the left or right, depending on the declination. See where the direction of travel arrow lines up with the degree dial.

• If visibility is limited and you cannot see any distant objects, use another member of your walking party (if applicable). Stand still, then ask them to walk away from you in the direction indicated by the direction of travel arrow. Call out to them to correct their direction as they walk. When they approach the edge of visibility, ask them to wait until you catch up. Repeat as necessary.
• Draw a line along the compass edge and through your current position. If you maintain this bearing, your path from your current position will be along the line you just drew on your map.
• Rotate the degree dial until the orienting arrow points to true north on the map. This will also align the compass’s orienting lines with the map’s north-south lines. Once the degree dial is in place, put the map away.
• In this case, you'll correct for declination by adding the appropriate number of degrees in areas with West declination, and subtracting in areas with East declination. This is the opposite of what you'll do when first taking your bearing from the compass, making this an important distinction.
• Repeat this process for the other two landmarks. When you’re done, you will have three lines that form a triangle on your map. Your position is inside this triangle, the size of which depends on the accuracy of your bearings. More accurate bearings reduce the size of the triangle and, with lots of practice, you may get the lines to intersect at one point.

Community Q&A

• You can also hold the compass square to your body by holding the sides of the baseplate between both hands (making L shapes with your thumbs) and keeping your elbows against your sides. Stand facing your objective, look straight ahead, and square yourself with the object by which you are taking your bearing. The imaginary line extending out from your body will travel through your compass along the direction of travel arrow. You can even rest your thumbs (against which the end of the compass is resting) against your stomach to steady your hold. Just be sure you aren't wearing a big steel belt buckle or some other magnetic material close to the compass when doing this. [12] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Trust your compass: 99.9% of the time it is giving you the correct direction. Many landscapes look similar, so again, TRUST YOUR COMPASS. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
• For maximum accuracy, hold the compass up to your eye and look down the direction of travel arrow to find landmarks, guide points, etc. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://americanhiking.org/resources/how-to-use-a-compass/
• ↑ https://www.seattleymca.org/blog/how-use-compass
• ↑ https://irp.fas.org/doddir/army/fm3-25-26.pdf
• ↑ https://www.sco.wisc.edu/learning-center/magnetic-declination/
• ↑ https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/how-to-read-a-compass
• ↑ https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pms475.pdf
• ↑ https://www.usgs.gov/educational-resources/method-1
• ↑ https://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/mapcompass3.shtml
• ↑ http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/mapcompass3.shtml#Scenarios

About This Article

To use a compass, hold the compass flat on your outspread hand in front of your chest. Next, turn the degree dial so that the orienting arrow lines up with the magnetic arrow inside the compass. Then, look at the travel arrow on the baseplate of the compass to tell you which direction you’re facing. For example, if you want to find which direction is North, rotate slowly with the compass until the travel arrow is pointing to the N on the dial. If you want to learn how to use a compass to find your bearings on a map, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or just a casual outdoor enthusiast, you need the best compass for survival. However, many people don’t realize the importance of having a compass when they’re out in the wild. Most of us are also too reliant on the GPS navigation system. Even though smartphones nowadays already come with sophisticated GPS systems, they may not be that reliable when you’re out in the wild.

The GPS on your phone isn’t accurate when the signal is weak. Besides, there’s also one major flaw: it heavily relies on battery. If your phone dies, you have no access to the navigation system anymore. This is why you need a real compass to help you find directions and guide you to the desired destinations. That said, what is the best compass for survival? A manual compass is much more accurate and reliable.

If you’re serious about your safety, you got to have a compass to help you navigate the outdoors. Nature can be very unpredictable. Many of us don’t understand that we could be in a life or death situation. Imagine getting lost in the wild, and you have no idea where to go. A high-quality compass for survival will be your lifesaver. You won’t know when you’ll need it. Above all, it’s better prepared than sorry!

How to Choose the Best Compass for Survival

Modern compasses are now more sophisticated than ever. And it’s pretty easy to find the best compass for survival. Many compasses today are packed with features and add-ons that make your life easier. Firstly, before you buy your first manual compass, you need to understand the basics. Make sure you buy the highest quality compass that ensures your safety. So, here are a few crucial things to consider when buying a compass.

Durability is the number one priority when you buy a compass for survival. Since you’re going to use it while exploring in the wild, it may slip off of your hand or your survival kit backpack dozens of times. Purchasing a durable compass ensures the compass won’t break after dropping only a few times. Make sure you buy a compass from a reputable brand that has a proven track record.

Never ever buy a cheaply made and low-quality compass because it can cost you your life. Accuracy is non-negotiable when it comes to compass for survival. You don’t want your compass pointing in the wrong direction, do you?

Modern compasses are often packed with features that make adventurers’ life easier. Even though all those additional features may not be necessary, it’s still nice to have extra features like a temperature indicator, clinometer, and a global needle. But if you don’t need all of those features, a basic compass is also acceptable.

What is the best compass for survival? You need to know that there are three types of compasses. Those are baseplate compass, lensatic compass, and gyrocompass. You need to know the difference between those compasses to avoid possible confusion. A baseplate compass is composed of a magnetic needle that sits on a baseplate. A lensatic compass is the one usually used by the military. And the gyrocompass uses a fast-spinning disk that detects the earth’s rotation. However, if you’re planning to use the compass more during water activities, we suggest getting the best kayak compasses instead.

What compass does the military use?

If you’re looking for a military-grade compass, you should buy a lensatic compass. It’s typically used by the US military because this type of compass is ultra-durable. This compass is called lensatic because there’s a lens on the rear side that aids the orienteering process.

How much does a good compass cost?

Depending on the brand, you can find a good quality compass anywhere from 10 USD to over 100 USD. If you have the budget, we recommend investing in a high-quality compass even when it costs more.

What can ruin a compass?

Your compass can be thrown off when you use it too close to metal objects or electromagnetic fields generated by electricity cables. You may need to avoid things like keys, wristwatches, mobile phones, heavy framed spectacles, and steel screws if you want your compass to work correctly.

Silva Expedition S Compass

What is the best compass for survival? Silva Expedition S Compass can be the right answer for that. This advanced compass features an easy-handling DryFlex housing for better grip and silicon rubber feet for more precise map work. Also, with the slope card, you can calculate the avalanche risk. It allows you to determine how challenging your journey will be so that you’ll be more prepared.

This compass can map-measure 1:40.000, and it has a clinometer for measuring angle and slope. The best thing about the Silva Expedition S Compass is that it has night-enabling luminous markings and a magnifying lens. Also, it features a peephole in the mirror for better accuracy. And with the silicone feet, it offers improved stability.

What We Love

A simple compass with easy handling housing.

• Night lights navigations
• Magnetic declination adjuster
• Lightweight
• Doesn’t come with a manual book

Tritium Lensatic Military Grade Style Compass (CU)

The Tritium Lensatic Military Grade Style Compass is the best compass for survival. It always directs you in the right direction. This is a multifunctional military-grade compass made of a rugged metal body with a foldable metal lid. It’s an ultra-durable compass that comes with a floating azimuth compass dial with a 360-degree scale, adjustable prism lensatic, and sighting lines. When you go on a field trip, having this excellent compass is a must!

What makes the Tritium Lensatic Military Grade Style Compass unique is its glow-in-the-dark interface. Besides, the north magnetic arrow and accurate display light up with fluorescent light when you use it in the dark. So even in the middle of the night, you’ll be able to find the right direction just fine.

An ultra-durable military-grade lensatic compass.

• Glow in the dark interface
• Floating azimuth compass dial with 360° scale
• Waterproof pouch with a belt loop included
• Quite heavy

TurnOnSport Advanced Orienteering Compass

There’s nothing better than bringing a compact and lightweight compass when you’re on an adventure. The TurnOnSport Advanced Orienteering Compas s is the best compass for survival for those starting their exploration journey. Besides, this simple and lightweight compass is suitable for beginners, as well as scout boys and girls. This magnetic compass features an azimuth bearing and 360-degree rotating bezel. It’s excellent for cartographic map navigation.

This simple travel compass is a great choice whether you’re going camping, hiking, kayaking, cycling, or other outdoor activities. You won’t get lost in the wild and stay on the right track. This best-selling compass comes with multifunctional features that include a high-speed precision magnetic needle, horizontal orienteering lines, a scale map for mapping navigators, and accurate magnifying glass maps.

A multifunctional compass in a travel size.

• Ultra-lightweight
• 360-degree rotating bezel
• Made of plastic

COSTIN Multifunctional High Accuracy Compass

When you go on an adventure, you need a durable compass to handle even the most extreme condition. The weather can be very unpredictable. That’s why it’s crucial to have a rugged compass made of the best material. And talking about the best compass for survival, you should consider buying the COSTIN Multifunctional High Accuracy Compass . This compass is made of high-strength engineering metal, which is ultra-durable and sturdy.

This solid compass also has a waterproof and shockproof design. The IP54 waterproof grade and solid metal construction make this compass work well under harsh conditions and extreme weather. The best thing about the COSTIN Multifunctional High Accuracy Compass is its accuracy. The built-in bubble level increases its accuracy and decreases errors. Besides, you don’t have to worry about getting lost since the compass always leads you in the right direction. This compass is definitely the perfect choice for an outdoor enthusiast like you.

A high-accuracy compass made of high-strength metal.

• Fluorescent design
• Adjustable prism lens
• IP 54 waterproof
• Built-in bubble level
• The metal design makes it heavy

AOFAR Military Compass AF-4074 Camo

AOFAR always focuses on the research and development of outdoor tools. This brand has first-class production technology. If you’re asking, what is the best compass for survival? Then, the AOFAR Military Compass AF-4074 Camo is the perfect answer for that. This multifunctional compass features a floating compass dial with a 360-degree scale, adjustable prism lens, and foldable metal lid. Besides, this compass also comes with a clinometer, making it easy for you to measure height and slopes.

The AOFAR Military Compass AF-4074 Camo is made of durable metal construction. It’s also waterproof and shake-proof, allowing the compass to withstand even the most extreme conditions. This compass is ideal for hiking, camping, positioning, mapping, and all your adventures. This model uses a sighting optic that allows a direct read of the internal compass card. Also with the thermoelastic liquid-filled capsule, it enables high accuracy.

An advanced multifunctional compass.

• Made of zinc alloy
• Waterproof and shake-proof
• Glow in the dark
• Would open on its own while being hung

Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass

Getting lost while walking through an overgrown trail is probably everyone’s biggest fear. That’s why it’s crucial to have a compass. Even though you already have a digital compass on your phone, it won’t be functional if out of the battery or signal. And for that, we recommend you getting the Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass to guide you through the track. Besides, this is the best compass for survival with a lensatic system that’s extremely easy to use while moving through unknown terrains. It’s a powerful tool for your adventures.

What is the best compass for survival? The Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass is the answer. The best thing about this compass is its waterproof and shockproof design. It can withstand even the roughest weather. The base and cover are constructed of durable metals. The compass dial has a 360-degree scale with a liquid-filled capsule for stable operation and better accuracy.

A durable lensatic compass with excellent accuracy.

• Lights up in the dark
• Accurate measurement of direction
• High-resolution rotating bezel ring
• Lacks a thumb loop

Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass

Need a high-quality compass that you can truly trust? The Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass is the official US military compass. This professional compass ensures better survival when you’re out in the wild. Stay safe with this highly accurate compass backed by the military. This aluminum compass is the top-quality pocket compass you can find on the market.

This self-powered lighted compass provides illumination for up to 12 years. And because it’s military-grade, it performs flawlessly even in extreme temperatures. Besides, the Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass is built to last. It’s constructed with a powder-coated aluminum frame for optimal endurance. And because of that, the compass is also waterproof and sand-proof.

A high-quality self-powered lighted compass.

• Equipped with 7 Tritium micro-light
• Waterproof and sand proof
• Aluminum frame for optimal endurance.
• No protractor base for map bearings

SUUNTO MC-2 Compass

The SUUNTO MC-2 Compass is the best compass for survival if you’re looking for a compact compass that won’t take up so much space. This is a professional mirror compass with top-of-the-line features for precise directional measurements. No batteries required! And in the world of digital compass and GPS systems, the mechanical compass is still the most reliable.

With advanced engineering combined and thoughtful design, the SUUNTO MC-2 Compass is simple, fast, and stable. SUUNTO MC-2 Compass is engineered with high-grade materials for maximum precision and durability. It’s an essential navigation tool for venturing out into new territory. This is the perfect compass for any kind of adventure.

A simple compass with high-grade materials.

• Baseplate with a magnifying lens
• Detachable snap-lock lanyard with a wristlock
• Adjustable declination correction
• Luminescent markings
• Not suitable for extreme weather

Sharp Survival Camping Survival Compass

Out of all the compasses on the list, the Sharp Survival Camping Survival Compass is one of our favorites. It’s the best compass for survival with a unique design. We really love the retro design, which makes it unique and artistic. Also, besides the beautiful design, it features a 360-degree rotating bezel for easy navigation and orienteering. With the glow in the dark interface, it’s easy to read the direction in all weather at any time.

The Sharp Survival Camping Survival Compass has a very compact design, and it’s very convenient to wear. Never get lost again! The accuracy of The Sharp Survival compass prevents you from guessing and actually head in the right direction. Whether you’re going for an outdoor adventure or in an emergency situation, this is an essential piece for you. If you often go camping, you should get one of these inflatable tents to make your camping experience more convenient.

A compact compass with an antique design.

• High-accuracy
• Features glow in the dark interface
• Gets scratched rather easily

AOFAR AF-4580 Lensatic Sighting Navigation

The AOFAR AF-4580 Lensatic Sighting Navigation is a durable and compact military-grade compass that works well in all weather conditions. This compass is made of solid metal. And with a thermoelastic liquid-filled capsule, it has high accuracy and better waterproofing. We also love the fact that it comes with a unique design with its luminous magnet arrow and slope chart. This multifunctional compass features a floating compass dial with a 360-degree scale and adjustable prism lens. And not only is it waterproof, but this compass is also shockproof.

What is the best compass for survival? We highly recommend the AOFAR AF-4580 Lensatic Sighting Navigation. And we love this excellent compass because it’s suitable for any kind of outdoor activities including camping, trail running, kayaking, and hiking. When you buy this compass, it also comes with a waterproof pouch and lanyard for hanging the compass when you’re on the go. Do you also bring all the camera gear with you when exploring? We recommend checking these camera backpacks to keep your camera safe.

A multifunctional compass that’s suitable for any type of activity.

• Luminous magnet arrow
• Magnifier viewer
• A waterproof pouch and lanyard included
• The built-in level indicator isn’t really accurate

Proster IP65 Compass with Sighting Clinometer

Whether you’re trekking through rugged plains or just casually exploring, the Proster IP65 Compass with Sighting Clinometer should always be in your pocket. Imagine having a compass that does it all. This compass is an ultimate direction finder. It navigates, measures slopes, orientates positions, locates direction, and also measures angles and scales. With this tool, you never have to worry about getting lost again. You’ll be able to stay on the right track.

The Proster IP65 Compass with Sighting Clinometer is a sturdy metal compass that allows you to read data directly. The vertical rubber line improves accuracy and decreases the chance of errors. The luminous magnet arrow will enable you to use it in the dark. Therefore, it’s still convenient to use at night. With all the top-notch features, this is the best compass for survival.

A portable compass with complete features.

• Clinometer function
• Sighting Telescope
• Pretty heavy

Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass

This professional military-grade compass will always lead you in the right direction. The Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass is ideal for camping, hiking, military usage, emergencies, and anywhere the beaten track takes you. It’s the ultimate adventure companion. This compass features an ergonomic design and lensatic function that increases the reading’s accuracy with a lens that magnifies the card dial. Wherever you are, you’ll always get an accurate reading.

We highly recommend the Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass because it’s tough and tenacious. Military construction can withstand even the harshest conditions. And not only that, but this compass is also waterproof and shockproof. Therefore, no matter where you are, this durable compass is built to last.

A professional-grade compass with an ergonomic design.

• Belt loop attachment
• Glows in the dark
• Measure slopes, angles, and scales
• The strap isn’t the best quality

SE Military Lensatic and Prismatic Sighting Survival Emergency Compass

It should come as no surprise that the SE Military Lensatic and Prismatic Sighting Survival Emergency Compass is genuinely the best compass for survival. This versatile compass is suitable for any kind of adventure. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or just a casual outdoor enthusiast, this compass is an excellent choice. Accuracy matters the most. And the SE Military Emergency Compass offers high accuracy. In addition to pointing directions, this compass has sighting lines and a conversion chart for gradient, angle, and distance measurement to make sure you get where you want to be.

What’s more, with its military toughness and heavy-duty digital camouflage, as well as water-resistant nylon pouch, the compass will last through the most extreme conditions. Besides, the SE Military Lensatic and Prismatic Sighting Survival Emergency Compass also feature sighting lines on the cover, an adjustable diopter sighting lens, and a handy paracord loop.

A complete package compass with military toughness.

• Water-resistant nylon pouch included
• Thermo-elastic liquid-filled capsule
• Rotating Bezel Ring
• Tripod Connection
• It’s not that compact in your hand

Author:  Adam G

As a travel enthusiast and experienced adventurer, I have spent years exploring the world and discovering hidden gems in every corner of the globe. From backpacking through Europe to trekking in the Himalayas, I have chased my passion for travel and embraced every opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of life. Now, as a travel writer, I channel my love of exploration into creating informative and inspiring content for fellow travelers. Whether you're planning a solo trip to a remote destination or seeking family-friendly activities in a bustling city, I am dedicated to providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to make the most of your journey. With a keen eye for detail and a love of storytelling, I bring each destination to life through vivid descriptions and engaging narratives, highlighting the unique experiences and attractions that make each place so special. So join me on this journey of discovery, and let's explore the world together!

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Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world

They are the premier global air medical transport. One caveat to travel insurance is that medical evacuation usually gets you to the closest facility to care for you. Medjet gets you back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you are stable enough to fly. They cover COVID-related transport as well.

Medjet carries its own policies. These policies are only for transport and do not cover other aspects of travel insurance. They have individual trip policies starting at $99 and annual policies for around $300. Most of their policies limit the age to 74 and younger. Prices are not based on age below that.

To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.  

Expedia . com  

Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours 

Expedia is a US-based company whose mission is to power global travel for everyone and everywhere. Whether planning a family vacation, booking for business, or organizing the trip of a lifetime, they are a fantastic resource. Wanderers Compass focuses on independent travel, and using sites like Expedia makes that possible. Every aspect of travel you need, from airfare, accommodations, rental car, and cruises to activities to do at your destination, can be booked on Expedia .  

Booking.com

Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours 

Booking.com connects millions of travelers to memorable experiences, various transportation options, and incredible places to stay – from homes to hotels and much more. It is one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes.

We always check Expedia and Booking.com to verify prices. At times, one is sold out of rooms while another at the same place has rooms. We also often find some European hotels, especially smaller ones, on Booking.com but not on Expedia. It could be they are a Europe-based company. Try both before booking accommodations.

Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO)

Are you traveling with a family or having an extended stay at your destination?

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, VRBO connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The VRBO community offers families or groups various rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, etc.

VRBO is now under the Expedia group’s ownership, which many were worried about, but it hasn’t panned out to be a concern. It is a massive network with access to all lodging forms should issues arise. Joelle has used VRBO for many years with her family and has had no problems with it.

As the leading marketplace for travel experiences, Viator believes that making memories is what travel is all about. And with 300,000+ experiences to explore—everything from simple tours to extreme adventures (and all the niche, interesting stuff in between)—making memories that will last a lifetime has never been easier.

With industry-leading flexibility and last-minute availability, it’s never too late to make any day extraordinary. This one site has it all and has experiences throughout the world. We use them often during our travels, especially for food tours. We especially take the time to read the reviews provided.

An excellent source for travel essentials and guides

We now have our own Amazon Storefront with all our favorite travel accessories and gear in one place. Check out our travel store at the link below.

Amazon is one of the most comprehensive online shopping sources in the world. Teams worldwide provide lower prices, better selection, and rapid delivery on behalf of customers. They offer a vast inventory, and their 1.7 million small and medium businesses worldwide selling on Amazon.com offer extensive options to customers.

We buy most of our travel books, accessories, and luggage from Amazon. We have ordered up to two days before travel and get what we need.

This is not your ordinary drinkware company. The  HYDAWAY  difference is what their products do when you’re not using them. Practical and portable, HYDAWAY doesn’t take up unnecessary space in your already-packed life or pile up in landfills. We all know that trying to pack light while being environmentally conscious can be difficult. Having the right items can make a world of difference.  HYDAWAY  provides that.

We have used their collapsible water bottle, carrying case for the water bottle, and collapsible insulated drink tumbler. They are all lightweight and durable. A conservation-focused product you can be proud to buy.

Use our Promo Code. WANCOM15, at checkout for 15% off your Hydaway order

Welcome Pick-ups (Airport and sightseeing service)

A global leader in ground transportation for travelers. They help hundreds of companies worldwide enhance their services and boost their revenue with our 5-star ride experiences and hassle-free automation.

Founded in 2015 in Athens, Greece, Welcome Pick-ups goes above and beyond the standard transfer service as the first company to deliver a holistic, in-destination travel experience. From the moment a traveler arrives at a new destination until they return home, Welcome accommodates all their travel needs (transfers, travel products, things to do, information) as the easiest, friendliest, and most personalized solution.

Do you feel like you are wasting time visiting an on-site photographer only to be embarrassed by the photo? Would you like control of the final product? Get the perfect VISA or passport photo online with PhotoAID.

When traveling, you often need to apply for official documents such as a passport, ID, and different kinds of licenses or cards. Those applications require a picture that must meet specific conditions to be accepted, depending on the country. Now, it is possible to take this picture at home without the help of a professional photographer. PhotoAiD allows you to take the perfect biometric photo you approve without leaving home.

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Now booking, why book your vacation with us.

Compass Travel Company specializes in creating customized, one-of-a-kind trips around the world. Whether you are looking for a river or ocean cruise, a romantic honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort, a multi-generational vacation to a theme park, an outdoor adventure at a national park or a train trip visiting multiple international countries, we can help get you there. Our expert travel advisors listen to your ideas and use their experience to handcraft the perfect vacation to meet or beat your expectations.

Your dedicated Travel Advisor is with you every step of the way. We start by learning your likes, dislikes, travel preferences and budget to create a unique itinerary designed around you. Once you review your itinerary, you can give your feedback and we will make any adjustments necessary. From the first stages of planning all the way through to your return home, your Travel Advisor is there to ensure you have the best vacation possible.

Our Travel Advisors not only love to plan vacations, they have a passion for travel as well. They have traveled around the globe to personally experience some of the world’s most popular destinations. This experience translates into unique perspectives and the expertise to help plan every detail of your trip.

Not only do our Travel Advisors have the experience to plan your trip, they also have the education. They work closely with our suppliers to complete vendor training programs to ensure our clients have the most knowledgeable and up-to-date advisors in the travel industry.

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• Moscow Metro Compass 1.9.4 for Android

Moscow Metro Compass for Android

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Efficient Moscow Metro Compass for Seamless Subway Navigation

Moscow Metro Compass is a free Android application tailored for effortless exploration of Moscow Subway and Central Circle stations. Leveraging GPS or wireless networks, the app swiftly pinpoints the user's location to exhibit nearby subway stations. Primarily designed for outdoor usage, it functions optimally in settings distanced from large metallic structures.

To initiate the app, users simply select the subway navigation mode and await location detection. Subsequently, the app presents nearby subway stations, allowing users to pick the most suitable one. Moscow Metro Compass furnishes compass-guided directions to the chosen station and offers the option to visualize the station on a map.

The app excels in not requiring a Moscow city map or internet connectivity for operation. It proficiently showcases stations with clear subway lines and distances, facilitating seamless navigation. Moscow Metro Compass stands out for its user-centric design and commendable performance.

• Android 9.0

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Bucket list travel on a budget: Expert tips for airfare, loyalty programs, credit card perks and more

Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy dives into ways to save this summer.

Many travelers have their sights set on summer getaways , but with everything from baggage fees to fuel costs impacting the price of a ticket, "Good Morning America" is asking travel experts to share tips for booking bucket list destinations on a budget and finding savings along the way.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin, senior director of content for The Points Guy, offered his tips for affordable travel techniques.

Where to find the best flight deals

Kelvin encourages travelers to utilize Google Flights and other free price-tracking tools to compare fare prices and snag the best deal.

He also suggests using both the calendar and map features within Google Flights to see which airports, dates and destinations how the lowest fare.

From the Google Flights homepage on a computer, click "explore destinations" and select a departure city without adding a destination. Then zoom out on the map to see the best prices for destinations all over the world.

Get the most out of free travel loyalty programs

Travelers should be earning points for anything and everything that they are buying or booking from airline and hotels to car rentals, Kelvin said.

In addition to the points that can can help travelers earn free flights and hotel stays, Kelvin said to look for extra perks just for joining.

Hyatt rewards, for example, offers all guests free breakfast.

For Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental, he said you can add your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver for free.

Loyalty programs are great for airlines too. JetBlue, for example, allows enrolled customers -- even if they don't have enough points for a flight -- to use points for discounts. Plus, with any airline, as you accumulate points to earn status, you can get free seating upgrades.

Travel credit cards with cash back perks

Along with earning points, travel credit cards give you protection for your trip like insurance to help with lost or damaged baggage and trip cancellation protection

Chase debuts new airport lounge: Gourmet menus, sleek interiors, free facials redefine hospitality for airport travel

As for credit cards, The Points Guy team suggests the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card as an all-around pick -- you get 75,000 miles after meeting your minimum spend in the first three months. Which Kelvin said is a value of over $1,300.

If you're looking to earn the most miles, he said look to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

"You'll earn the most points on all your purchases with this one," he said.

Finally, if you want a credit card with no fee, Kelvin suggested the Bilt Mastercard, which he said is particularly great for renters because you can earn points on what's likely someone's biggest expense.

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If someone's trip is taking them out of the country, using a cell phone internationally can cost $10 to 15 per day. For a family of four, that's more than $400 for a week.

If your phones support eSIM, Kelvin suggested purchasing a data plan for your destination through an app such as Airalo, Truphone or GigSky.

For example, one of Airalo's global SIM plans costs $9 for one week, which could save a family close to $350 dollars, depending on their existing international coverage.

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Slim Packing Cubes with Unique Number AND Color Coded Organization System for Carryon Women Kids Baby, by Travel Fashion Girl, Red & Grey

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• PERFECT WIDTH for international carryon luggage (dimensions are 13 x 5 x 2.8 inches)
• COLOR and NUMBER CODED organizational system includes 2 grey and 2 red packing cubes; each cube has a number from 1-4 offering maximum luggage organization.
• CARRYON PACKING SYSTEM designed by blogger, Travel Fashion Girl. Offers six unique packing strategies for an efficient, stress-free travel experience. The different combinations of color and numbers on the bags make it easy to divide and separate your clothing.
• STRUCTURED FABRIC: retains the flat rectangular shape so your packing cubes always fit in your suitcase. They don’t bulge or lose shape once filled so you can neatly stack them like shelves or lay them flat on top of each other.
• OFFER MORE COMPRESSION than a standard packing cube due to durable fabric and quality zippers. They look small but our customers fit 3-10 clothing items in each cube.

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Chrystal Shiarla

Should I Roll or Fold My Clothes in a Packing Cube?

Travel Fashion Girl

How Do You Use Compass Rose Packing Cubes?

How to pack & use these small but mighty compression cubes

Great shape! Makes better use of luggage space.

The Professional Hobo

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Product description.

WHY ARE THESE PACKING CUBES DIFFERENT? Compass Rose Packing Cubes have been designed based on the strategies we developed that have helped MILLIONS of people travel carry on only. We're in the business of packing. In fact, Compass Rose Travel Accessories was founded by the owners of Travel Fashion Girl, a website whose sole purpose is to help travelers pack more efficiently. Designed by travelers for travelers, they're not just traditional packing organizers. They're a carryon packing system. PRODUCT DETAILS There are four packing cubes in each set. Each set has two grey and two red packing cubes and each cube features a number from one to four allowing you to maximize organization. The one of a kind suitcase organizational system enables you to pack using one of six unique packing strategies , which are explained in the included insert. ADDITIONAL FEATURES International carryon sizing so your packing cubes will fit perfectly for a wide range of airlines worldwide. Versatile packing options. Position the cubes vertically like drawers or stack them flat on top of each other. Color-coding helps families, friends, and couples share a suitcase. Each member can have their own color to easily identify their belongings. Structured fabric: so your packing cubes always fit in your suitcase. They don’t bulge or lose shape once filled so you can pack them flat. Use them at home, too. Organize your daily items in the house, work, school, or your car – they’re not limited to luggage. Not only can you use them to store clothing but you can also use them for toiletries, snacks, electronics, food, and so much more.

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the weight, organization, and ease of use of the storage bag. For example, they mention it's slim, durable, and allows them to fit a lot of stuff in them. Some appreciate the quality, and zipper. Opinions are mixed on value, compressability, and size.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the storage bag. They mention that it is well-made, sturdy enough for rough handling, and has tough stitching and durable zippers. The material and zippers are of high quality and hold their shape. They also appreciate the lightweight rip-stop fabric and double zippers, which keep things together nicely. Overall, most are happy with the product's quality.

"... Worked well for a 10 week trip . My son is travelling for months with COO and got them for his bag...." Read more

"...NOTE: They don't have SUPER compression, just slight. But they are sturdy enough to shove a little extra in after mostly zipping closed." Read more

"...They are made of very good quality material and sturdy zippers. I like that it zips from both sides (not just one zipper)...." Read more

"...although the dimensions make them perfect for carry on luggage , they are a couple of inches longer than the width of a ladies' t-shirt, leaving an..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the organization of the storage bag. They mention that the packing cubes are sturdy and allow them to fit a lot of stuff in them. They also say that the cube is a great way to organize their clothing and that it helps them make more room in their suitcase. Customers also appreciate that the storage bags give them opportunities to pack differently for each type of trip.

"...I love this size. It is small, therefore holds your like items in a very compact space. Easy to get to. Easy to organize...." Read more

"...They helped me fit more in my carryon luggage on a recent trip and fit MUCH more easily into the luggage than my other brand that is larger and less..." Read more

"...they kept the unused clothes neat ...." Read more

"...I rolled everything. These little packing cubes hold an amazing amount of stuff . I was impressed...." Read more

Customers like the weight of the storage bag. For example, they mention it fits perfectly in their carry on bag, is slim, and durable. Some appreciate the color and size.

"...They also fit perfectly in checked baggage. I love this size. It is small , therefore holds your like items in a very compact space. Easy to get to...." Read more

"...me fit more in my carryon luggage on a recent trip and fit MUCH more easily into the luggage than my other brand that is larger and less..." Read more

"...well madeable to (slightly) see what is inside fits perfectly in a carry on bag , stacked neatlyCONS:..." Read more

"Excellent item. Well designed. Fits perfect in 21inch carryon bag like custom built...." Read more

Customers like the zipper of the storage bag. They mention that it has strong, nice, and smooth zippers. They also appreciate the double zips and the durable material.

"...They are made of very good quality material and sturdy zippers . I like that it zips from both sides (not just one zipper)...." Read more

"...The fabric is very sturdy but light. The zippers glide smoothly ...." Read more

"...Three times. These are tough, with tough stitching and tough zippers . Thank you for that- I need stuff that holds up in, well, the jungle...." Read more

"...The compression material and amazingly strong zippers allow you to fit so much in a slim cube that hardly takes up any room in your luggage..." Read more

Customers find the storage bags simple to use, convenient, and versatile. They also say the instructional video is easy to follow, easy to get to, and easy to find what they need. Customers also say it comes with packing directions that really work and the number on the side makes it easy to know which one to open.

"... Easy to get to . Easy to organize...." Read more

"...They are durable, breathable and easy to use . Fit perfectly in a carry on." Read more

"...They are durable, lightweight and easy to use ." Read more

"...And the best part is that it was easy to find what I needed without going through my whole suitcase!..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the size of the storage bag. Some mention that it's the perfect size to fit in an international carry-on suitcase, while others say that it takes up more room than just shoving nylon shorts in.

"...We both love them, shape, size , color and numbering.One suggestion - wish they came in 4 different colors instead of 2 different colors." Read more

"...make them perfect for carry on luggage, they are a couple of inches longer than the width of a ladies' t-shirt, leaving an awkward gap on the ends" Read more

"...Even so, they fit . I prepared. I rolled everything. These little packing cubes hold an amazing amount of stuff. I was impressed...." Read more

"...Finally, these four cubes fit easily (with plenty of room to spare) into my 17" carryon roller bag...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the value of the storage bag. Some mention it's well worth the money, while others say it was overpriced, not useful, and not impressive.

"...They are a bit pricey ." Read more

"...gift them to all my traveling friends - they are that good and worth every penny !" Read more

"Update, I finally tried to pack in these and they are worse than I thought . I’m so glad I am still within the return window...." Read more

"...They fit perfectly in my carry on suitcase. Worth every penny !" Read more

Customers are mixed about the compressability of the storage bag. Some mention that it has strong zippers and compresses well, while others say that it's not good for compression and difficult to compress larger items into.

"...NOTE: They don't have SUPER compression , just slight. But they are sturdy enough to shove a little extra in after mostly zipping closed." Read more

"These are sturdy and fit a good amount. The compression helps them all to fit easily in your bag." Read more

"...(which I didn’t realize before purchasing) is that these are not compressible ...." Read more

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Bucket list travel on a budget: Expert tips for airfare, loyalty programs, credit card perks and more

Many travelers have their sights set on summer getaways , but with everything from baggage fees to fuel costs impacting the price of a ticket, "Good Morning America" is asking travel experts to share tips for booking bucket list destinations on a budget and finding savings along the way.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin, senior director of content for The Points Guy, offered his tips for affordable travel techniques.

Where to find the best flight deals

Kelvin encourages travelers to utilize Google Flights and other free price-tracking tools to compare fare prices and snag the best deal.

He also suggests using both the calendar and map features within Google Flights to see which airports, dates and destinations how the lowest fare.

From the Google Flights homepage on a computer, click "explore destinations" and select a departure city without adding a destination. Then zoom out on the map to see the best prices for destinations all over the world.

Get the most out of free travel loyalty programs

Travelers should be earning points for anything and everything that they are buying or booking from airline and hotels to car rentals, Kelvin said.

In addition to the points that can can help travelers earn free flights and hotel stays, Kelvin said to look for extra perks just for joining.

Hyatt rewards, for example, offers all guests free breakfast.

For Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental, he said you can add your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver for free.

Loyalty programs are great for airlines too. JetBlue, for example, allows enrolled customers -- even if they don't have enough points for a flight -- to use points for discounts. Plus, with any airline, as you accumulate points to earn status, you can get free seating upgrades.

Travel credit cards with cash back perks

Along with earning points, travel credit cards give you protection for your trip like insurance to help with lost or damaged baggage and trip cancellation protection

Chase debuts new airport lounge: Gourmet menus, sleek interiors, free facials redefine hospitality for airport travel

As for credit cards, The Points Guy team suggests the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card as an all-around pick -- you get 75,000 miles after meeting your minimum spend in the first three months. Which Kelvin said is a value of over $1,300.

If you're looking to earn the most miles, he said look to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

"You'll earn the most points on all your purchases with this one," he said.

Finally, if you want a credit card with no fee, Kelvin suggested the Bilt Mastercard, which he said is particularly great for renters because you can earn points on what's likely someone's biggest expense.

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Save money on international phone plans for summer trips

If someone's trip is taking them out of the country, using a cell phone internationally can cost $10 to 15 per day. For a family of four, that's more than $400 for a week.

If your phones support eSIM, Kelvin suggested purchasing a data plan for your destination through an app such as Airalo, Truphone or GigSky.

For example, one of Airalo's global SIM plans costs $9 for one week, which could save a family close to $350 dollars, depending on their existing international coverage.

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3 travel apps you need before your next flight to keep you out of long TSA lines

Travel can be stressful, especially when airports are involved. 

Flights get delayed, or, worse still, canceled.  

Ever-growing security lines sometimes snake through the airport, putting you in jeopardy of missing your flight.

Last-minute changes can happen and derail months of planning, potentially starting off your trip on a bad note.

Programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can help travelers, but there are also ways that tech can help you prepare for your journey and stay aware of the curveballs that might come your way.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Here are three apps to download before your next trip. 

Watch the video above to learn which three apps you need before your next trip. 

Airline app 

Download your airline’s app! 

It keeps all of your travel information in one, easy-to-access place. 

Turn on notifications to get immediate alerts when it's time to check in so you'll know if there are any delays or gate changes. 

Once you have a boarding pass, save even more time by adding it to the digital wallet on your smartphone.

The lines at airport security can be very unpredictable. Sometimes there is no wait, other times, the line extends into the check-in area. 

The Transportation Security Agency’s (TSA) app, MyTSA, tries to make the wait a little more predictable and helps you determine what to expect, especially if you’re traveling from one of the busiest airports in the US.  

The app provides a real-time look at your selected airport's wait time, any FAA delays, and which TSA PreCheck lanes are open. 

The app also uses historical data to help you plan ahead. So, even if your flight is three days away, the app can show you what you’re likely to encounter that day based on previous experiences. 

It’s also a useful resource if you’re unsure about what you can or can’t pack in your carry-on and checked luggage.

Mobile Passport Control

If you’re traveling abroad, the Mobile Passport Control app makes your return through U.S. customs much faster. 

The app is a digital version of the Customs and Border Patrol Declaration Form that anyone entering the U.S. is required to fill out.  

You can save up to 12 profiles in the app, and only one form is needed per family, per residence. 

The app doesn't work at every airport, so check  the CBP website to see where you can use it. 

Reviewed-approved iPhone accessories  

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.   

Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of tech experts test everything from Apple AirPods and screen protectors to iPhone tripods and car mounts so you can shop for the best of the best. 

• The best rugged iPhone case: Spigen Slim Armor  
• A top wireless charger: Yootech Wireless Charger  
• Our favorite screen protector: Ailun Glass Screen Protector  
• The best portable battery pack: Mophie Powerstation Plus  
• Durable phone car holders: Beam Electronics Phone Holder  
• An iPhone tripod we love: Aureday Phone Tripod  
• The best lightning cable: Anker 6 ft Premium Double-Braided Nylon Lightning Cable  

More problems, solved

• Pre-travel checklist: 4 things you need to do before your next trip
• Plan your trip: 3 tips to plan your next trip using social media
• Easily get around: 4 tech tips to easily explore a new city
• Stream offline: How to watch TV shows, movies offline
• Communicate in any language: 5 ways to use Google Translate on your phone
• Photograph your food: 4 tips to capture delicious photos of your food
• Snap the perfect pic: 4 iPhone camera tricks you need to know

Journey to Moscow

   Welcome to Moscow - the capital of Russia, its political, scientific, historical, architectural and business centre, from which power and might of the Russian state developed.