Nowadays most of us rely on the GPS systems built into our devices, but those heading off the beaten track should never leave anything to chance. With GPS, if the signal drops or the battery runs out, you could be left stranded. Analogue compasses offer good old-fashioned reliability. However, if you’ve never bought a compass for hiking before, then the terminology associated with them can be confusing.
We’ve put together this buying guide that discusses the main features that experienced walkers expect from a compass. We share the ranking of our 10 favourite compasses for hiking, including top brands such as Suunto, Silva and Geonaute, all of which are available in the UK, from Amazon and Decathlon.
Quick List - Top Compasses for Hiking
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Table of Contents
Analogue compasses require a magnetized needle, non-magnetized digital options do exist but are not covered in this guide or in the ranking. The needle in a compass will point north - compass needles are encased in a liquid that allows them to turn freely to align with the top of the Earth's magnetic field, the North Pole.
The best compasses will be engineered with precision to ensure a smooth and definitive needle movement, without air bubbles. A compass needle that moves jerkily and slowly, could lead to you thinking it had settled on north when in fact it hadn't.
A needle that spins too freely will move away when you try and rotate the casing to take a bearing. Those who need accuracy fast should read reviews mentioning needle performance before buying.
Be sure to look after your compass as it will be accompanying you on rugged terrain. Many come with the ability to attach a lanyard - a useful feature which can be worn around your neck or wrist, so if dropped, the compass won't hit the ground. Some included a carabiner to clip to your rucksack. If you want to be especially safe, then picking a compass that comes with a case or pouch is also a good idea.
The style of baseplate for your compass is important. When using a compass, chances are that you’ll be using it alongside a map. Therefore, choosing a compass with a see-through baseplate allows you to place it on the map and still see beneath it, allowing you to plot your route, judge the scales and get your bearings with the compass still in place.
When it comes to casual or child-friendly compasses, the baseplate can come in a variety of opaque colours, such as luminous yellows or army greens. These will be fine to use if you don't require the compass to support serious map reading.
Now, we’re going to be looking at some more advanced features, starting with the ability to adjust the declination on your compass. You might be aware that true north and magnetic north are not the same. Declination is the difference between these two places (in degrees), and the difference will change depending on where in the world you are.
For this reason, many professional compasses have a small tool attached to the base plate or lanyard. Turning this allows you to change the orienting arrow so that it can make up for the disparity between the two different norths.
Another advanced feature to consider is whether the compass has a sighting mirror. This is pretty easy to identify, as these compasses will pop open like a compact mirror or an old flip phone. These mirrors usually have a notch that you look through when sighting a landmark. Through the mirror, you can see the compass and the bezel at the same time. Using these features combined ensures a more precise route.
Picking a compass with a luminescent bezel and markings will mean that you can use your compass for early morning and late evening walks, and even on pitch black night hikes. The length of time the luminescence will work for after dark, and the intensity of sunlight needed to charge it up in the first place varies - so look for manufacturer assurances or delve into reviews if you feel that this is an important feature.
To avoid the map slipping around under your compass when trying to take a bearing perched on a windswept hill, look for a gripping fixture, such as silicone feet on the bottom of the compass. The feet will keep both the compass and map in place.
For more quality hiking kit, check out our recommendations for the best hiking socks, trekking poles and hiking jackets.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Suunto MC-2G Global Compass | ![]() | Impressive Features and Reliable Accuracy | |
2 | Silva Field Compass | ![]() | An Entry Level, Functional Compass | |
3 | Silva Ranger 2.0 Compass | ![]() | Accurate Sighting Mirror From a Reputable Brand | |
4 | TurnOn Sport Orienteering Compass | ![]() | Simple and Intuitive For Beginners | |
5 | Sportneer Hiking Military Navigation Compasses | ![]() | A Military Aesthetic in a Handy Khaki Pouch | |
6 | Geonaute Compact 50 Snap-Hook Orienteering Compass | ![]() | A Convenient Spare to Have in Reserve | |
7 | Suunto M-3 NH Compass | ![]() | Usable Even in the Most Extreme Conditions | |
8 | Geonaute Explorer 900 Sighting Compass | ![]() | A Precise and Robust Compass | |
9 | Skylety Navigation Compass | ![]() | Useful Compass For General Direction | |
10 | Four Function Whistle Coughlan's | ![]() | Ideal for Teaching Children the Basics |
The MC-2G from Suunto is our favourite of all the compasses in terms of aesthetics. Thankfully, the quality doesn't stop there, as this is a beast of a compass that has practically every feature one could ever want.
We particularly like the large sighting mirror and the luminous bezel (which is easy to grip). This compass is accurate, so you know you can rely on it even when in the middle of absolutely nowhere.
The Silva Field Compass is a straightforward, tried and tested compass that is ideal for when you only need the basics. It's durable, has a see-through baseplate, declination adjustment and an easily attachable lanyard.
While this might sound odd, it's known for being a comfortable compass to hold It's also worth mentioning that on this version, the graphics have been overhauled so that they're super clear and effortless to read.
Silva is known for producing some of the best compasses that come with sighting mirrors, so it's only right that they made their way into our top three. The mirror is incredibly accurate and will allow you to determine your bearings over long distances.
Additionally, it has rubber grips on the bottom, luminous markings on the bezel and a needle that will work for up to 4 hours after the sun has gone down. There are also scales printed onto the lanyard, which help when aligning with the map.
If you're looking for a compass to take orienteering for the first time, then you'll know that map reading can be a daunting task. Some of the feature-rich compasses can be somewhat intimidating, which is why a simple and intuitive option can be the best one.
This beginner-friendly compass from TurnOn Sport has all the features you'll need to get up and running, or walking. The needle is fast, the double acrylic base is solid in construction yet see-through, and there's even a magnifying glass for those moments when you want to check your eyesight.
If you're buying a compass as a present, or you yourself prefer the army aesthetic, then you might just have found the perfect compass from Sportneer. This compass comes decked out in full army green, from the baseplate to the lanyard, and even the separate case.
The compass utilises a sighting mirror for increased efficiency when plotting your course, along with a laminated bezel. The baseplate is not transparent but we think that the reasonable price, handy pouch and military vibe make up for that.
This offering from Geonaute many not be an explorer's go-to compass, but it's certainly convenient to have as a spare, or to give to a child or teenager to use. It's made from aluminium, and the compass is built-in to the carabiner itself.
As for the compass itself, the needle settles pretty quickly, which is always helpful. Plus, it's super lightweight, so you won't have to worry about it dragging you down. The only issue is that it needs to be laid completely flat when using it, so there'll be no checking it on the side of the bag while you're on the go.
Suunto is well-respected in the compass world, as you'll soon find out! The M3-NH is a reliable compass with a hardy acrylic baseplate that will help you navigate and survive in the most extreme conditions, as it has an incredible temperature range from - 30 to + 60°C.
It has many features that one could wish for, from a lanyard attachment to luminescent markings. The only downside is that the needle can be somewhat temperamental, so you'll want to have a little patience when waiting for it to settle.
Here we have a robust compass that's designed for precise work when orienteering, hiking or going on expeditions. It uses a sighting mirror for more rigorous routing, an addition that also provides the compass with a natural folding case, keeping it better protected.
On top of that, there is a clear baseplate with gripping features to keep it secure on your map. However, some have found the compass graduations to be on the smaller side, so you'll need good eye sight for this one.
This offering from Skylety is made from a durable acrylic plastic. This means that it's robust enough to stand up to a few drops, and can be slung in the backpack once you're finished with it. It has a see-through baseplate that's ideal for use alongside a map, and even has luminescent markings.
Sadly, the needle isn't known for being the most accurate and doesn't move particularly freely. It may be okay if you need a compass for general directions, but it will fall short if you need real accuracy.
The Swiss army knife of the compass world, this multifunctional bit of kit won't just provide you with the directions you'll need. It contains a whistle in case of emergencies, as well as a thermometer on the bottom to keep an eye on the temperature.
Furthermore, it comes with a carabiner clip to keep it attached to your belt or bag to ensure it doesn't go missing. Of course, it isn't the most accurate or reliable compass available, but each of the features does a surprisingly good job. This makes it a handy piece of kit, as well as a great teaching aid for children.
When using an analogue compass with a baseplate, to help you walk to a set destination - that you can see initially but can't reach directly because of trees and hills - there are three things to remember:
No. 1: Suunto|MC-2G Global Compass
No. 2: Silva |Field Compass
No. 3: Silva |Ranger 2.0 Compass
No. 4: TurnOn Sport|Orienteering Compass
No. 5: Sportneer|Hiking Military Navigation Compasses
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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