5 Best Hiking Compasses for Accurate Navigation

Hiking is an excellent way to explore nature and get some exercise at the same time. However, it’s easy to get lost if you don’t have the right tools. That’s where a hiking compass comes in. A hiking compass is an essential tool for anyone who loves to explore the outdoors.

A hiking compass is a small, handheld device that helps you navigate through the wilderness. It works by using a magnetized needle that points to magnetic north. By aligning the compass with the map, you can figure out where you are and where you need to go.

When looking for the best hiking compass, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing to consider is the type of compass. There are two main types of hiking compasses: baseplate and lensatic. Baseplate compasses are great for beginners because they are easy to use and read. Lensatic compasses are more accurate but are more complicated to use.

Another thing to consider is the size and weight of the compass. You want a compass that is lightweight and easy to carry with you on your hike. However, you also want a compass that is large enough to read easily.

We spent hours researching and testing various hiking compasses to identify the best ones on the market. In the following sections, we will share our findings and help you choose the best hiking compass for your needs.

Top 3 Best Hiking Compasses

1. Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass
2. Coghlan’s 1985 Carabiner Compass Durable
3. Pack of 2 Orienteering Compass Hiking-Compasses boy Scout Kids- Magnetic Gear Set Navigation map- Brujulas orientacion-Backpacking Camping Hunting Survival.

When it comes to hiking, having the right gear is essential for a successful and safe trip. One piece of equipment that should not be overlooked is a hiking compass. A reliable compass can help you navigate through challenging terrain and ensure that you stay on course. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best hiking compasses on the market. Our team has tested and reviewed each of these compasses, so you can trust our recommendations. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, we’ve got you covered with our top picks.

Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass

If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate compass for your outdoor adventures, the Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass is a solid choice.

Pros

• This compass is made in the USA and is the top quality pocket compass on the market. It is accurate to +/- 40 mils and performs flawlessly in extreme temperatures.
• As an official US military compass, it’s a professional tactical compass that can increase your chances of survival in the wild.
• The self-powered lighted pocket compass provides illumination for over 12 years, making it a reliable tool to have in low-light conditions.

Cons

• The bezel can be hard to rotate, making it difficult to adjust the compass for declination.
• The north needle can be unstable, making it harder to get an accurate reading.
• The radioactive tritium may be a concern for some users, although it provides enough lumination to read the dial in low-light conditions.

We’ve used this compass on several hiking and camping trips and found it to be a reliable and accurate tool. The aluminum frame is powder-coated for optimal endurance, making it waterproof and sandproof. We appreciate that it can be used for a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, surveying, backpacking, hunting, and orienteering.

One thing to note is that the bezel can be hard to rotate, which can make it challenging to adjust the compass for declination. Additionally, the north needle can be unstable, which can make it harder to get an accurate reading. However, these issues can be mitigated with practice and patience.

Overall, if you want a compass you can trust, the Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass is a solid choice. It’s a multi-use tool that can help you stay safe and navigate your way in the wild.

Coghlan’s 1985 Carabiner Compass Durable

If you’re looking for a compact and durable compass that can easily clip onto your backpack, then the Coghlan’s 1985 Carabiner Compass Durable is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Attaches easily to bags, belt loops, or packs
• Luminous directional markers aid reading in low light
• Durable, affordable, and practical

Cons

• Can take a few seconds to settle enough to be readable
• Carabiner is on the small side
• Not suitable for professional use

We recently took this compass on a hiking trip and found it to be a reliable and convenient tool. The carabiner made it easy to clip onto our backpacks, and the luminous directional markers were helpful when reading the compass in low light conditions.

While it can take a few seconds for the compass to settle enough to be readable, it was still accurate and functional. The compact size and lightweight design make it a great choice for day hikes or casual outdoor activities.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and practical compass that can easily clip onto your gear, the Coghlan’s 1985 Carabiner Compass Durable is definitely worth checking out.

Pack of 2 Orienteering Compass Hiking-Compasses boy Scout Kids- Magnetic Gear Set Navigation map- Brujulas orientacion-Backpacking Camping Hunting Survival.

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable compass for your next outdoor adventure, then the Pack of 2 Orienteering Compass Hiking-Compasses boy Scout Kids- Magnetic Gear Set Navigation map- Brujulas orientacion-Backpacking Camping Hunting Survival is an excellent choice.

Pros

• This pack of 2 waterproof compasses is perfect for outdoor adventures with friends and family, and its cool features will help you read maps and have a better experience.
• The ruler scale and magnifying glass make it easy to read your map and plan your route with precision.
• The non-magnetic acrylic baseplate ensures accurate readings, and the lightweight design makes it easy to carry in your backpack or pocket.

Cons

• The compass may be too small for some users, and the markings may be difficult to read in low light conditions.
• The strap may not be very durable and may break after repeated use.
• The compass may not be as accurate as some higher-end models, especially in areas with high magnetic interference.

We recently took these compasses on a hiking trip and were impressed with their performance. The non-magnetic acrylic baseplate prevented interference with the magnetic needle, ensuring accurate readings even in areas with high magnetic interference. The 360-degree rotating bezel and magnifying glass made it easy to read our map and plan our route with precision.

However, we did notice that the compass may be too small for some users, and the markings may be difficult to read in low light conditions. Additionally, the strap may not be very durable and may break after repeated use. Finally, the compass may not be as accurate as some higher-end models, especially in areas with high magnetic interference.

Overall, the Pack of 2 Orienteering Compass Hiking-Compasses boy Scout Kids- Magnetic Gear Set Navigation map- Brujulas orientacion-Backpacking Camping Hunting Survival is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable compass for their next outdoor adventure.

TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass

If you’re looking for a reliable compass to take with you on your next hike, the TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass is a great option.

Pros

• The compass is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry in your pocket or backpack.
• The acrylic baseplate and 360-degree rotating bezel make it easy to find your bearings and navigate accurately.
• The compass ruler scale of 1:24000 allows for precise route mapping.

Cons

• The azimuth ring may be off alignment by one degree, which could affect the accuracy of your readings.
• The magnifying glass may not be as durable as other components of the compass.
• Some users may prefer a compass with additional features, such as a sighting mirror or declination adjustment.

We found the TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass to be a solid choice for anyone in need of a basic, reliable compass for hiking and other outdoor activities. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry with you wherever you go, and the acrylic baseplate and rotating bezel provide accurate readings even in challenging terrain.

The compass ruler scale is a useful feature for precise route mapping, and the included lanyard makes it easy to keep the compass close at hand. While the azimuth ring may be slightly off alignment, we didn’t find this to be a major issue in our testing.

Overall, we would recommend the TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass to anyone in need of a basic, reliable compass for hiking and other outdoor activities. It’s a great choice for beginners and experienced hikers alike, and its affordable price point makes it a great value for the money.

Outdoor Guardian Pathfinder Camping and Hiking Compass

If you’re looking for a reliable compass that can help you navigate in the great outdoors, the Outdoor Guardian Pathfinder Camping and Hiking Compass is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The magnetic, mirrored sighting compass features a global needle so you can be assured of accurate readings in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
• The declination adjustment means you’ll always know your magnetic north from your true north.
• The compass includes a 3x magnifying lens, 6 measurements scales and a clinometer so you can measure the height of landmarks and the gradients of slopes.

Cons

• The needle can get stuck sometimes, making it difficult to get a reading.
• The LED light on the lanyard is not very bright, so it may not be very helpful in low-light conditions.
• The included survival whistle is not very loud.

We found the Outdoor Guardian Pathfinder Camping and Hiking Compass to be a great tool for exploring the great outdoors. The compass is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your backpack or pocket. The luminous dial and directional markings are easy to read, even in low-light conditions, and the LED light on the lanyard is a nice touch.

The compass is also very versatile, with a 3x magnifying lens, 6 measurement scales, and a clinometer for measuring slopes. The sighting notch and mirror allow you to view your targeted landmark and the magnetic compass dial simultaneously, making it the perfect compass for orienteering.

One downside to the compass is that the needle can get stuck sometimes, making it difficult to get a reading. We also found that the LED light on the lanyard is not very bright, so it may not be very helpful in low-light conditions. Finally, the included survival whistle is not very loud, so it may not be very effective in an emergency situation.

Overall, we think that the Outdoor Guardian Pathfinder Camping and Hiking Compass is a great tool for anyone who loves exploring the great outdoors. It’s compact, versatile, and reliable, making it a great addition to any backpack or survival kit.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best hiking compass, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when choosing a compass:

Type of Compass

There are two main types of compasses: baseplate and lensatic. Baseplate compasses are the most common type and are ideal for beginners. They come with a clear plastic baseplate that has a ruler and a magnifying glass for reading maps. Lensatic compasses, on the other hand, are more advanced and are used by experienced hikers and military personnel. They have a sighting mechanism that allows for more accurate readings.

Accuracy

Accuracy is crucial when it comes to a hiking compass. Look for a compass that has a high degree of accuracy, preferably within 2 degrees. A compass with a declination adjustment feature will allow you to adjust for the difference between magnetic north and true north.

Durability

A hiking compass is an investment, so you want to make sure it will last. Look for a compass that is made of durable materials such as aluminum or high-grade plastic. A compass with a scratch-resistant baseplate will also help ensure its longevity.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of a compass are important factors to consider, especially if you plan on carrying it with you on hikes. Look for a compass that is lightweight and compact enough to fit in your pocket or backpack.

Additional Features

Some hiking compasses come with additional features such as a sighting mirror, luminous markings, and a clinometer. While these features are not necessary, they can be helpful in certain situations.

In summary, when choosing the best hiking compass, look for a durable, accurate, and lightweight compass with a clear baseplate and a high degree of accuracy. Consider additional features based on your specific needs.