Using a map and a compass comes with numerous benefits for campers and backpackers. It can help you find your way out of the jungle and reach your destination without getting lost.
Hence, it is advisable that you choose the best compass the next time you go out camping or when you’re out in the jungle.
How to Choose the Best Compass
Compasses are designed to be used in specific situations since they have different features. You may be wishing to lay your hands on the best compass for your outdoor activities, but the procedure of getting one may seem challenging.
That’s why it is always advisable that you seek more information about a product before heading to buy it. In this guide, we will take you through the key factors that you should consider when buying a compass.
There are four main features that you should ensure a compass has when you intend to purchase it, and they include:
1. Global needle: Get a compass model with a global needle if you plan to go on a trip that takes you south of the equator or if you are simply a world traveler.
2. Clinometer: Clinometers are often used by search-and-rescue professionals and field scientists. You can easily assess avalanche hazards by using a compass with a clinometer. It can also come in handy for outdoor activities such as backcountry skiing and mountaineering.
3. Sighting mirror: In case you are looking for more precise navigation, when traveling off trail or when you are considering working with both declination adjustments.
4. Declination adjustment: This is an essential feature suitable for those planning to go out skiing, hiking or even camping.
Best Compass Reviews 2017
1. Silva Ranger 515 Compass
This compass weighs 2.4oz, measures 4X2.5” and it includes a lanyard with a screwdriver to set declination. It has silicon feet that keep it from sliding on a map. It has a geared declination adjustment.
The compass also comes with luminous markings for use a night, magnifying lens and clinometer. A clinometer plays a big part in reading a compass because it lets you measure angles of inclination. 1: 50,000 and 1:25,000 romer scales. 1:24,000 map scale.
When taking bearings, the geared declination ensures constant compensation for this variable because it gives you the chance to set and forget the declination of your current position.
In addition, it comes with silicon feet that offer firm grip on a map. You can achieve a quick, easy plotting with a topographic map using the three scales on its baseplate.
You can be assured of superior accuracy when navigating on distant landmarks, thanks to its split-sighting mirror.
Pros:
- Comes with a map magnifier and a clinometer
- It has luminous points that make it convenient for night use
- Has 4X more intense luminous that does not degrade over time
- 1-piece mirror with etched sighting line for precise readout
Con:
- The compass may not be available for shipping to some countries
2. Suunto MC-2G In Global Compass
The compass comes with a quick release, declination adjustment key, and Suunto MC-2/360/G/D/L Compass SS004252010 lanyard with a wristlock. It also features 1:25 000 km Roamer, 1:20 000 km Roamer and easy to detach for working with the map Wristlock in the lanyard Metric scales cm, inch.
Other features include a detachable snap-lock in lanyard, luminous two-color bezel ring, a baseplate with anti-slip rubber and magnifying lens, additional sighting hole for great accuracy, an adjustable declination correction scale, jewel bearing with inch and cm scales, large mirror, a Global Balancing System Clinometer, rugged construction and sighting tools for accurate direction taking.
This compass is specially designed to deliver precision navigation with a variety of dependable and carefully engineered features for the most challenging conditions.
Hence, this compass comes in handy when you are planning to venture out into new territory.
Pros:
- Features luminous outer ring for low-light reading
- Comes with easy-grip bezel reads in 2-degree increments
- Baseplate features inch markings, straight edge, and magnifying lens
Con:
- The compass is slightly expensive
3. Suunto A-30L Field Compass
It comes with a detachable snap lock lanyard, a jewel bearing, and a Two Zone System Fixed declination correction scale.
You can easily measure a km distance using this compass by simply marking 100-meter markings on a piece of card stock or a business card and then laminating it. The straight end is marked in miles for a 1:24,000 scale.
The compass is marked in inches on one side and cm on the other side. It has markings mile scales for 1:5000 and 1:24000.
This compass comes with a declination offset and this feature will perfectly fit you if you are a casual user. It has a degree dial that rotates so you can adjust given the fact that most parts of the earth, a magnetic compass doesn’t point to the geographic north.
Pros:
- Comes with a lanyard with detachable snap-lock
- It has luminous markings and bezel for navigation in poor visibility
- Comes with marking holes, jewel bearing, and declination correction scale for control points
Con:
- This compass is not for sale in some countries like Catalina Island
4. SE Military Prismatic Sighting Compass
Please take note that SE is a registered trademark protected by US Trademark Law, hence that shows that their compass is among the best. Genuine SE Military Prismatic Sighting compass comes with an SE logo on the packaging. So, this will help you avoid being a victim of counterfeit products.
You will enjoy the usefulness, function and quality this Military Prismatic/Lensatic Sighting Compass with pouch has to offer. SE is dedicated to providing the customer with the best source for value.
Other features that come with this product include: water-resistant nylon pouch, 36” lanyard, heavy-duty digital camouflage print cover, conversion chart for distance, gradient and angle on back plate, sighting lines on cover, adjustable dioptre sighting lens, tripod screw hole on base, folding thumb ring, built-in bubble level, ruler units on the sides measuring centimetres and inches, rotating bezel ring and thermo-elastic liquid-filled capsule with floating dial.
Pros:
- Comes with one water-resistant nylon pouch and one 36” lanyard
- Features ¼” sighting lines and sighting lens on cover
- Has a face diameter of 2-1/8” marked in 5-degree increments
- Closed dimensions of 2-1/2” x 1-1/4” x 3-3/8”.
- You can get the ultimate direction finder in digital camouflage print
Con:
- The product may not be shipped to some countries
5. Professional Multifunction Military Army Metal Sighting Compass
The lines on the face are properly aligned over the pointer center. It accurately articulates the directions with the face turning. It comes with a reference table to estimate scope and distance. The compass also features a sighting window with sighting line.
You can enjoy convenient night clearly viewing using this compass with a luminous display inside. It is shakeproof and waterproof. The materials used to manufacture it include glass and metal.
The compass measures 65x53x26mm. Please take note that there is no luminous effect without light. The luminous indication is more durable when there is a longer irradiation time. The fluorescent lamp can be seen after irradiation. Luminous effect refers to the phosphor powder under natural light.
Pros:
- It is shakeproof and waterproof
- It ensures convenient night clearly viewing with luminous display inside
- It comes with a sighting window and a sighting line
Cons:
- This item may not be shipped to some countries
- The compass can’t be used on magnetic fields
6. GWHOLE Military Lensatic Sighting Compass Waterproof
It comes with a heavy-duty digital camouflage print cover. It has a conversion chart for distance, gradient, and angle on the back plate. The compass features sighting lines on a cover.
What makes this item cool is that it comes with an adjustable diopter sighting lens. Other cool features that come with this product include: tripod screw hole on base, folding thumb ring, built-in bubble level, ruler units on the sides measuring centimeters and inches, rotating bezel ring, and thermo-elastic liquid-filled capsule with floating dial.
The package includes one User guide in English and GWHOLE Lensatic Compass (with Lanyard and Pouch).
The lanyard is 18”, the product weight is approximately 7×5.2×2.5cm, it is made of metal and the color is army green.
Please take note that there is no luminous effect without light. The luminous indication is more durable when the irradiation time takes longer. The fluorescent lamp can be seen after irradiation.
Pros:
- Product includes 1-year warranty from GWHOLE
- The compass is shakeproof and waterproof making it suitable for hunting, hiking, camping, boating and motoring.
- Features high accuracy, built-in bubble level
- Special design of fluorescent light
Con:
- The product can’t be used on magnetic fields
- The product may not be available for shipping in some countries
7. Brunton TruArc 3 Base Plate Compass
From one generation to the other, outdoorsmen have trusted the global needle system in the characteristic form. The TruArc confirms that this compass is a scouting compass with modern updates.
The 3 Base Plate Compass is a great example of a top quality compass that perfectly fits into today’s most demanding outdoor adventures.
Pros:
- The product comes with a U-Proof Warranty
- It is made in the USA
- It has a global needle
- It comes with a 2-degree resolution
- It is great for camping
Con:
- The product may not be shipped to some countries
Tips on Using a Compass for Hiking, Backpacking
- Learn How to Use Your Compass: It is advisable that you take your time and learn how to use your compass before you go try it out on an outdoor adventure.
- Don’t Store a Compass Near an Electric or Magnetic Field: Magnets can be problematic when using a compass because the exposure demagnetizes the needle.
- Ferrous Metal Can Distort a Compass Reading: Electric fields (like a running car engine) can distort the accuracy of a compass. Even the iron levels in a lava field can have an effect. Hence, use your compass away from metallic objects like a metal post or even metallic picnic table.
Conclusion
Conclusively, top quality compasses can deliver more accurate results. You should be very keen when buying a compass to ensure that its features are compatible with your camping or outdoor needs.
And yes, take note that you generally get what you pay for, with compasses just like with any other product. So, it is advisable that you invest in best quality compasses.
In this case, the Silva Ranger 515 Compass appeared to be the best compass given its top quality features including 4X more intense new luminous that does not degrade over time. It also features a classic bezel, map magnifier, clinometer, and utilization of quadrant graduations.
