Whether you are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime or looking for a product to have in case of an emergency, you always need a compass. If you are hiking, backpacking, camping, or participating in many outdoor activities, you are going to want a compass. The last thing you want to do is get lost after a long day of adventure. Find the best compass for hiking so you can be safe on your outdoor experience.
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 11 Best Compass for Hiking Options
- 1.1 1. SE Military Lensatic and Prismatic Sighting
- 1.2 2. SUUNTO A-10 NH Metric Recreational Field Compass
- 1.3 3. Cammenga Phosphorescent Clam Pack
- 1.4 4. Brunton TruArc5 Baseplate Mapping Compass
- 1.5 5. Silva Polaris Compass
- 1.6 6. Proster IP65 Compass
- 1.7 7. Ueasy Military Compass
- 1.8 8. Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass
- 1.9 9. Celestron 48003 TrekGuide Lite
- 1.10 10. GWHOLE Military Lensatic Sighting Compass
- 1.11 11. Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass
- 2 Conclusion
- 3 FAQ
Top 11 Best Compass for Hiking Options
1. SE Military Lensatic and Prismatic Sighting
The SE Military Lensatic and Prismatic Sighting compass have a thermo-elastic liquid-filled capsule to make sure that you can use this compass no matter what time of day it is. It is fluorescent in case you are using it at night.
This compass can be used for many activities including camping, hiking, training, and many more. It is made with high-quality materials to provide military toughness. The SE Military Lensatic and Prismatic Sighting compass also come with a water-resistant nylon pouch to make sure your compass is protected and lasts throughout your adventures.
This compass is heavy compared to others on the market. It weighs 3.68 oz which can provide complications if you are planning to travel light.
Specifications
- Fluorescent
- Versatile
- Function
- Accurate
- Military toughness
2. SUUNTO A-10 NH Metric Recreational Field Compass
The Suunto A-10 NH Metric Recreational Field Compass is a great product of the market. It is very lightweight weighing 1.06 oz. This feature makes this compass very practical for various outdoor activities. Especially if you are hiking or backpacking, a lightweight compass is important to consider before purchasing.
The Suunto A-10 NH Metric Recreational Field Compass is perfect for beginners. It provides basic navigation and is very easy to use.
A unique feature of this product is the snap-lock lanyard. It is easy to detach when needed. It is convenient when you are trying to work the map to determine your path. It is also reasonably priced which is another feature that attracts numerous customers.
Specifications
- Balanced for the northern hemisphere
- Stable operation
- detachable snap-lock lanyard
- Steel needle
3. Cammenga Phosphorescent Clam Pack
The Cammenga Phosphorescent Clam Pack Lensatic Compass is going to be an investment. It is higher priced but users are convinced that it is worth the investment. It is heavier because of the phosphorescent material that is used. It weighs 5 ounces.
A few more benefits about this compass is that it is very durable. It is waterproof, shockproof, and sand proof. It is prepared to handle any activity you encounter. This compass can also last in extreme heat and cold temperatures. It also comes with a pouch to keep the compass safe and a belt clip to make it convenient to attach to you while you are hiking or backpacking.
The Cammenga Phosphorescent Clam Pack Lensatic Compass is balanced for the northern hemisphere for this model. However, they do make a compass that is balanced for the southern hemisphere. This is an important feature to take into consideration before purchasing the model.
Specifications
- Rotating bezel
- Cast Aluminum
4. Brunton TruArc5 Baseplate Mapping Compass
Brunton TruArc5 Baseplate Mapping Compass has a global needle to ensure that you can find your path no matter where you are traveling. You can adjust the declination feature but some users have had challenges with this.
A great feature of this compass is its weight. It is very lightweight at 1.1 ounces. It is also compact and easy to transport so that you can take it with you on various trips. It is practical for hiking, fishing, camping, and many more. The lightweight feature is a strong competitive advantage to reach a larger target audience. It is also reasonably priced and also includes a ruler on the side of the compass. It is a good idea to add to increase the opportunities for use. The Brunton TruArc5 Baseplate Mapping Compass also comes with a lanyard, allowing the compass to be easier to travel with.
Specifications
- Global Needle
- Tool-less
- Magnifier
- Made in the USA
- 2-degree resolution
- Weighs 1.1 ounces
5. Silva Polaris Compass
The Silva Polaris Compass is very standard. It comes in one size. One benefit of this compass is that it is very easy to read. The needle is made of steel and there is a friction-free sapphire bearing to protect your compass.
This compass is small and slim to bring on various outdoor activities. There is a clip where you have the option to attach a lanyard. Unlike other products, this compass does not come with its own lanyard. This can provide an inconvenience for users.
The Silva Polaris Compass is prepared to assist you throughout any time of the day. This compass has a high-visibility green color that makes it very easy to read in the dark. Whether you are hiking or camping, the sun can set fast and you need to be prepared.
Specifications
- Slim
- Durable
- Easy to read
- Fixed declination scale
- Friction-free sapphire bearing
- Comes with instructions
6. Proster IP65 Compass
The Proster IP65 Compass is very basic. It does not have many high tech features. However, it does have a clinometer to measure height and slopes. It also has a luminous feature for you to use the compass in the dark. This compass also functions under extreme weather conditions. Whether you are in an area where it is super hot or extremely cold, this compass will work.
The weight of this compass is not ideal. It weighs much more than the other compasses we have included in this article. Weight at 11.02 ounces, this compass is not recommended if you are trying to travel light. Additionally, the declination of the compass can not be set. Many users like to have this option.
The Proster IP65 Compass does have a foldable metal lid to ensure that the face of the compass is protected.
Specifications
- Clinometer
- Sighting telescope
- Fluorescent design
- Multifunctions
- Application
7. Ueasy Military Compass
The Ueasy Military Compass is a well-received compass on the market. The aluminum material ensures that the compass is very durable and able to keep up with all of your activities. It is also waterproof and shake-proof. This compass is designed to last you throughout the years. One factor to consider is that it is heavier than other compasses. If you are planning on purchasing a compass for its lightweight features to travel lightly, this may not be the compass for you.
The Ueasy Military Compass has different features to allow this compass to be multifunctional. Some of the features include a sighting telescope, a ruler, and a conversion chart. These features are a great way to further utilize the space of the compass. It also ensures that this compass is very practical for any obstacles you may run into.
Specifications
- Shakeproof
- High accuracy and stability
- Special design
- Fluorescent light
- Multifunctional
- Money-back guarantee
8. Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass
The Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass is a professional grade military compass. It has many uses but is designed for camping, military use, and emergencies. The military construction ensures that this compass is durable. It is shake-proof and waterproof to last through tough adventures.
The lensatic function improves the accuracy of the compass. It is also very portable and comes in different ways to carry the compass. It comes with a belt loop attachment and also includes a carrying case.
The Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass is fluorescent so you can find your way in the dark.
Specifications
- Carrying case
- Professional grade
- Ergonomic design
- Military construction
- Portable
- Fluorescent
9. Celestron 48003 TrekGuide Lite
The Celestron 48003 TrekGuide is a digital compass. Since it is digital, it includes many features that others do not. Some of those differentiating features include; weather forecasting, temperature, time, calendar, and an alarm. This compass also includes a barometer that shows the air and sea pressure. These features make this compass very different from the others on the market. Its digital and high-tech features provide a huge competitive advantage for this compass. This compass is also reasonably priced considering the features it includes.
One feature that is not well received by users is the batteries. Unfortunately, you need batteries to use this compass. If you are planning on using this compass for a long period of time, make sure you bring backup batteries.
Specifications
- Digital compass
- Headings and degrees
- Barometer
- Weather forecast
- Bubble Level
- Backlight LED
10. GWHOLE Military Lensatic Sighting Compass
The GWHOLE Military Lensatic Sighting Compass is a very inexpensive product. It is shake-proof and waterproof to protect the compass. It also comes with valuable additional products. Such as a lanyard, pouch, and manual. This compass also includes a fluorescent light to allow you to use the compass in the dark.
The GWHOLE Military Lensatic Sighting Compass has a built-in bubble level to ensure that the compass is providing accurate readings. Another feature of this product is that it has rules on each side.
Unfortunately, this compass is heavy for its size. If you are looking for a lightweight compass for hiking or backpacking, this may not be the right fit for you. It also cannot adjust the declination. Many users like to adjust their declination.
Specifications
- Metal body
- Can work under all weather conditions
- High accuracy
- Waterproof and shake-proof
- Includes pouch and lanyard.
11. Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass
The Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass is ready for your travel adventures. It is shockproof and waterproof to protect your compass and ensure it can handle your adventures. This compass is easy to read and also provides accurate readings. The fluorescent light will help you find your way at night.
The Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass includes a rotating bezel that is designed to ensure you are traveling in the right direction. It also has a conversion chart. It comes with a pouch and lanyard so you can travel with this compass conveniently.
Specifications
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Easy and accurate readings
- Taking bearings easily
- Allow for clear reading at night
- Conversion chart
Conclusion
With many compasses on the market, how are you going to know which one to choose? It is important to understand your needs for the compass. Whether you need a high-tech compass that includes various features, or a basic functioning compass, this article has the products for you. Either way, I hope this list led you to find the best compass for hiking. Don’t get lost and don’t forget to bring your compass on every adventure.
FAQ
Do you need a compass for hiking?
A compass for hiking can be a very useful tool especially if you’re taking a long trip. Packing a compass and a map can be an extra security measure in case of emergency.
What is the most accurate compass?
The Silva Ranger 515, The Suunto M-3, The Brunton Eclipse 8099, and The Suunto M-9 Wrist Compass are some recommendations.