5 Best Compasses for Outdoor Adventures

Buying Guide for Best Compasses

A compass is a vital tool for anyone venturing into nature, whether hiking on marked trails or exploring off the beaten path. In situations where your smartphone loses signal or your GPS battery dies, a trusty compass can guide you safely home.

Despite its simplicity, using a compass can be daunting for some. Even seasoned hikers may feel challenged when navigating using azimuths and bearings—a skill that becomes invaluable in unfamiliar terrain.

When selecting a compass, it’s essential to consider its type, features, and your intended use. Below, we explore key factors to help you find the best compass for your adventures.

Understanding Compass Functionality

How Compasses Work

The beauty of a compass lies in its straightforward design. Unlike GPS devices that depend on batteries and satellite signals, a compass uses Earth’s magnetic field to indicate direction. The needle floats freely, aligning itself with the magnetic poles.

Basic compasses display cardinal points (North, East, South, and West) on their housing. More advanced models include a 360° bezel for precise navigation, often used alongside topographical maps.

Assessing Your Exploring Needs

If you’re planning short hikes on well-marked trails, a simple compass will suffice to guide you back if you stray off course. However, for longer treks in less familiar areas, a more sophisticated compass designed for orienteering or survival might be necessary.

Preparedness for Emergencies

Even experienced hikers can become disoriented. Keeping a compass handy in your vehicle or bag can be a lifesaver in areas with weak GPS reception. It’s a simple yet effective way to stay oriented.

Types of Compasses

Baseplate Compass: Ideal for beginners, featuring a clear baseplate that aids in map reading.

Global Compass: This type works in both hemispheres and remains accurate even when tilted, making it versatile for various environments.

Orienteering Compass: Designed for precise navigation, it often includes features for declination adjustment and map scales.

Thumb Compass: This compact model straps to your thumb and is useful for keeping track of your bearings without stopping frequently.

Sighting Compass: Allows for more accurate readings by aligning a landmark with the compass, available in mirror, lensatic, prismatic, and optical types.

Choosing an Accurate Compass

To find a compass that delivers accurate readings, consider the following features:

Quick-Dampening Needle: A needle that settles quickly on magnetic north saves time and reduces frustration.

Detailed Degree Indicators: Look for models with closely spaced degree markings to improve accuracy.

Weather-Resistant Bezel: A robust bezel helps maintain accuracy in varying temperatures.

Essential Features in a Compass

While no compass has every feature, certain qualities enhance usability:

Basic Features

• Durable Housing: Your compass should withstand drops and rough handling.
• See-Through Baseplate: Useful for aligning the compass with a map.
• Lanyard: Prevents loss in rugged terrains by keeping the compass secure.
• Clear Bezel: Ensure that azimuth and degree markings are easy to read.
• Azimuth Scale: The outer markings should provide precise bearing readings.

Specialized Features

• Orienting Lines: Help align the compass with north on a map.
• Declination Adjustment: Allows for accurate navigation by accounting for true north.
• Clinometer: This feature measures terrain slopes and heights.
• Reciprocal Scale: Assists in finding your direction back to a previous location.
• Luminous Markings: Glowing indicators are advantageous in low light conditions.
• Magnifier: Built into baseplate compasses, this feature aids in reading fine details on maps.

Consider trying orienteering! This sport challenges participants to navigate to multiple checkpoints using only a map and compass.

Accessorising Your Compass

Storage Case

A protective case shields your compass from damage, moisture, and temperature changes.

Map

Essential for navigation, maps complement your compass perfectly.

Paracord Lanyard

Using paracord as a lanyard can enhance your survival kit.

Orienteering Course Kit

If you’re interested in teaching others to navigate, a course kit includes flags and punches for setting up your own orienteering course.

Compass Pricing

Budget Options

Beginner compasses start around £4 to £19, often featuring basic functionalities.

Mid-Range

For more advanced features, expect to pay £20 to £48 for better-quality baseplate or lensatic compasses.

High-End

Specialised compasses, including optical sighting types, range from £49 to £129.

Tips for Effective Use

• Familiarise Yourself: Test your compass in a local park or familiar trail before your trip.
• Check Older Models: Compare your compass readings with GPS for accuracy.
• Store Properly: Keep your compass in a protective case when not in use.
• Avoid Magnetic Interference: Keep the compass away from strong magnets.
• Set True North: Adjust the compass to the local declination before your hike.
• Always Use the Lanyard: This prevents accidental drops and loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I use a compass?

A. A compass helps find your direction and pinpoint locations on a map. Hold it steady at chest height, allowing the needle to settle. Align your body with the needle to determine your direction.

Q. Is a compass effective without a map?

A. While it’s best to use a compass with a map, it can guide you in the right direction even alone, especially when heading towards a known landmark.

Q. What is the difference between true north and magnetic north?

A. True north is a fixed point, while magnetic north changes over time. Understanding magnetic declination is crucial for accurate navigation.

Q. Why is it important to orient the compass north?

A. Orienting your compass north establishes a frame of reference for all other directions and aligns with the maps you’re using.

Q. Do compasses wear out?

A. Yes, over time, a compass can degrade or demagnetise if subjected to strong magnetic fields. Proper care ensures longevity.