The best compasses give you something very important for any outdoor adventure: peace of mind. While navigation has been revolutionised by GPS, which is now built into your smartphone, a compass and map are a failsafe way of finding out where you are and showing you to where you want to go. They don’t need recharging or lose signal, won’t break easily and are always on hand to show you the way. Lightweight, compact and reliable, we wouldn’t go on a hike without one.
Being able to use and read a compass is also enjoyable and allows you to understand the landscape of where you’re hiking and find points of interest you would have otherwise missed. There are three most common types of compass with a magnetised needle to point you in the right direction. Small basic models will fulfil the compass’ most important function – showing you where north is and let you check you're heading in the right direction. Sighting compasses are designed to let you take a bearing from a distant object. Often used by the military they can be very accurate but you need to know how to use them. The orienteering or baseplate compass is the most flexible type. The clear baseplate means you can lay it on a map and the measurements help you accurately judge distances and set a heading. So for any outdoor activity where you need to navigate from hiking and walking to cycling and sailing, with a compass you really can’t go far wrong.
Orienteering Compass
Clear and reliable
This compact compass has an azimuth bearing and 360-degree rotating bezel with the orienteering lines, magnifier and ruler you’d expect. It helps you navigate on a 1:24000 compass scale with its magnetised needle suspended in liquid oil. Perfect for Scouts, backpacking and orienteering.
COSTIN Multifunctional Compass
Rugged and accurate
A traditional military-style compass, this has been designed to be a durable navigational aid. It’s made from high strength metal with a foldable lid for extra protection. It has a luminous magnetic arrow and dial plus an adjustable prism lens and sighting telescope. A built-in bubble level will keep you on track and it all fits in a pouch and lanyard.
SUUNTO A-30 NH METRIC COMPASS
Easy to use from a famous brand
Suunto are famed for their navigational kit so it’s no surprise that the Finnish maestros deliver a basic compass that ticks all the boxes. Balanced for Northern Hemisphere, it has metric and imperial scales in luminescent markings so they can be seen in low light. Hang it around your neck on the included snap-lock lanyard with a wrist lock. You can easily detach it to work with your map.
Kakuru Vintage Pocket Compass
Traditional and dependable
This classic compass comes in a neat copper case showing the Statue of Liberty on one side, the Earth on the other. Inside, the floating compass with 360-degree scale will always point you in the right direction. It makes an ideal first compass for kids or as a gift for anyone who needs to find their way in the outdoors.
Bottom line
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A compass is an essential tool for anyone who wants to navigate outdoors. While modern GPS technology can also show you where you are, it’s not as reliable or enjoyable to use as a compass. And not having to worry about battery life or dropping it in a river can make your hikes much more relaxing. For everyone who needs a compass, we would recommend the Orienteering Compass. It’s clear, accurate and dependable to use with a map. It does everything you need a compass to do and won’t let you down.
If you’ve mastered the baseplate compass and enjoy navigation, the COSTIN Multifunctional Compass is a good addition to your kit. It’s well-made from durable metal and once mastered, will give you another navigation aid you can rely on.
