The Best Backpacking Compass To Buy You Should Know In 2024
By, Sara RyanUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass, Survival Tactical
The compass features a built-in, long lasting glow-in-the-dark compass and an easy on/off switch. Equipped with a belt loop attachment to keep it near you with ease, the lensatic sight is perfect for navigating through the woods or even in your pocket. The low profile design of the sighting compass makes it ideal for hikers and mountain climbers. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass
The Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass is accurate to +/- 40 mils with a 400-hour luminous intensity. This quality pocket compass performs flawlessly in extreme temperatures, making it the perfect survival tool. The aluminum design will ensure you have a quality and durable product that works in any condition. Read Review
3. Best Safety: Sighting Compass Mirror Adjustable Declination - Boy Scout Compass Hiking
Sighting Compass Mirror Adjustable Declination is a must have for global travellers, hikers and adventure seekers. This mirror compass with an acrylic baseplate contains a worldwide needle that operates correctly anywhere. The map compass is lightweight and durable, easy to carry during your trips especially for field trips. Read Review
4. Best Design: Sun Company TempaComp - Ball Compass and Thermometer Carabiner
Sun Company's TempaComp is a handy carabiner clip that combines a ball compass, thermometer and clip all in one. This compact device is an essential tool for outdoorsmen who need to keep track of their location while they are out exploring the great outdoors. Read Review
Finding north when you’re out in the wilderness isn’t easy without a compass. It might not be as essential as having a map and knowing your way around, but it will make your life so much easier if you have one. We can’t even imagine how hard it would be if we were lost or trying to find our way home.
But that’s what backpacking is all about, right? A good compass will help you find north and get you on track for your next destination. You need to know where you are and where you are going before you start hiking or planning a road trip or geocaching adventure. If you want the best backpacking compass, here are some of the top ones on the market.
Our team had to focus on researching for 19 hours to get such results for readers. This type of study uses customer star ratings and customer interviews on their product experiences. In addition, Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass, Survival Tactical is one of the most wonderful models available, and it comes highly recommended by us. We also show the other fantastic alternatives with a complete guide which is worth your consideration below.
RELATED: Discover the best baseplate compass for your next outdoor adventure! Our guide will help you find the ideal compass for navigation, map reading, and more.
Our Top Picks
- Ergonomic Design: The lensatic function increases the reading’s accuracy with a lens on the rear sight that magnifies the card dial – so you’ll always get an accurate reading.
- Professional Grade: This professional grade military compass will always lead you in the right direction. Ideal for camping, military usage, emergencies, and anywhere the beaten track takes you.
- Military Construction: Tough and tenacious, the military construction with waterproof and shakeproof properties is built to survive the harshest of hikes.
- Fluorescent: The compass’ interface glows in the dark, so even when night falls, you can still soldier on.
- Portable: Keep the compass near you with a belt loop attachment, or place it safely in your pocket with a carrying case, so you can keep your hands gripped on the mountain you’re scaling.
- MADE IN THE USA - This aluminum compass is the top quality pocket compass on the market. Accurate to +/- 40 mils, it performs flawlessly in extreme temperatures.
- BUILT TO LAST - This handheld compass is water proof, sand proof and constructed with a powder coated aluminum frame for optimal endurance. Waterproof compass for hiking.
- WANT A COMPASS YOU CAN TRUST? Stay safe with this accurate compass for backpacking. Self powered lighted pocket compass provides illumination for over 12 years.
- OFFICIAL US MILITARY COMPASS - With this professional tactical compass survival is more likely. A survival compass backed by our government!
- MULTI-USE - Hand held compass can be used as a hiking compass, camping compass, surveyor compass, backpacking compass, hunting compass, youth scout compass, boat compass and orienteering compass.
- GLOBAL NEEDLE AND ACCURACY: This Sighting Mirror Compass with acrylic base plate contains a worldwide needle that operates correctly anywhere. Boy Scout compass is a necessary tool for globe travellers
- ADJUSTABLE DECLINATION: With its adjustable declination dial, the Orienteering with mirror compass makes it simple to obtain the most accurate reading. A vital piece of equipment for military survival or search and rescue circumstances
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE: This map compass is an essential piece of survival gear to have in your pocket or hiking backpack. Both children and adults can use it, easy to carry during your trips especially for field trips
- MULTI-FUNCTION: Azimuth Bearing and a 360-degree rotating bezel are included on an acrylic baseplate compass. Waterproof, glow in the dark, Magnifying glass and 1:25000/1:50k compass scale are used for reading and navigating on cartographic maps while using the field map compass
- SIGHTING MIRROR & PROTECTIVE COVER: This special feature makes it easier to see both the background and compass dial at once. You may use the notch to align the sighting compass with the target while the mirror is open at a 45-degree angle. Next, look in the mirror and adjust the orienting arrow as required. Also, it comes with the protective cover that keeps kids compass safe from damage
- LARGE BALL-COMPASS - Easy to read ball compass shows two readings. Look directly down on the top (smaller card) of compass to view general orientation cardinal points. Hold compass up to eye level and view larger side card for "direction-of-travel" compass.
- HANDY CARABINER CLIP - Carabiner allows you to clip TempaComp onto any gear of your choice. From hiking and camping gear to backpacking and climbing, the TempaComp is the perfect accessory for your adventure. Just clip and go!
- NOTE: DO NOT USE THE SIDE CARD FOR GENERAL ORIENTATION PURPOSES. DOING SO WILL CAUSE READINGS TO BE OFF BY 180°
- SPLIT RING INCLUDED - TempaComp comes with a split ring so you can attach to your zipper and use it as a zipper pull or attach to a keychain for convenient use.
- EASY-TO-READ THERMOMETER - Cushion-mounted thermometer provides an "at-a-glance" weather report. Thermometer reads down to a chilly -20°F or -30°C.
- ADJUSTABLE DECLINATION - True North and Magnetic North are not identical. The Sun Company ProSight Map Compass has an adjustable declination dial that makes it easy to get the most precise reading. An essential piece of equipment for military survival or search and rescue situations.
- CLINOMETER - Includes a clinometer in the dial for measuring the height of any landmark. Full instructions are included for help with setting declination, taking bearings, and measuring target heights. A great learning tool for kids!
- MORE FEATURES - Other features include a jewel bearing, 3X magnifying glass, 4 map scales, inch and mm rulers, a break-away safety lanyard, and silicone anti-slip foot pads. The perfect map compass for any survivalist, boy scout, adult, or kid!
- SIGHTING MIRROR & PROTECTIVE COVER - The protective cover keeps the compass safe from damage. Open up the cover to reveal a full-sized sighting mirror.
- LUMINOUS ROTATING BEZEL - Compass bezel rotates 360 degrees for easy bearings. Dial is ultra-luminous which makes this one of the premier compasses for low-light situations.
- GLOBAL NEEDLE AND CLINOMETER: This Navigation Mirror Compass with acrylic base plate contains a worldwide needle that operates correctly anywhere. Backpacking compass is a necessary tool for globe travelers. A clinometer is included into the dial to measure the height of any landmark or measure the vertical angle (steepness) of a slope. It will help us setting declination, taking bearings, and measuring target heights
- MULTI-FUNCTION: Azimuth Bearing and a 360-degree rotating bezel are included on an acrylic baseplate compass. Waterproof, glow in the dark, Magnifying glass and 1:24000/1:50k compass scale are used for reading and navigating on cartographic maps while using the field map compass
- SIGHTING MIRROR & PROTECTIVE COVER: This special feature makes it easier to see both the background and compass dial at once. You may use the notch to align the boy scout compass with the target while the mirror is open at a 45-degree angle. Next, look in the mirror and adjust the orienting arrow as required. Also, it comes with the protective cover that keeps kids compass safe from damage
- ADJUSTABLE DECLINATION: With its adjustable declination dial, the Orienteering compass with mirror makes it simple to obtain the most accurate reading. A vital piece of equipment for military survival or search and rescue circumstances
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE: This map compass is an essential piece of survival gear to have in your pocket or hiking backpack. Both children and adults can use it, easy to carry during your trips especially for field trips
- Nice material: the compass is made of acrylic, lightweight and durable, easy and practical for children, and it's waterproof, suitable for bad weather
- Practical design: our compass has 360 degree swivel bezel, for cartographic map navigation and reading; It also has field compass located magnifying glass, compass ruler and 1 : 25000 compass scale
- Easy to carry: this compass is convenient to carry and use, fits into your pocket, small and has clear and understandable structure, suitable for kids and adults to use without pressure
- What will you get: 4 pieces of compasses to meet your needs, accurate and lightweight, you can pinpoint your position and find the direction you want to go, and it is the nice companion for you to travel easily
- Wide occasions: this compass is suitable for any outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing, adventure, fishing, field exercises, so you don't have to lose your direction and enjoy the thrill of sports
- Package quantity: package comes with 9 pieces hiking compasses, enough quantity for you to meet your different needs, you can share with your friends or team members when you and your friends having outdoor activities, which can bring a lot convenience for them
- Proper size: this compass is in proper size, lightweight and easy to carry, and can be placed in a pocket with a rope, you can also hang it around your neck for children, boy scout, backpackers and women
- 360 degree rotating bezel: acrylic baseplate compass with azimuth bearing and 360 degree rotating bezel, the plastic base is thick and durable, pointing to the magnetic north and the numbers on the bezel are easy to read
- Material: these orienteering compasses are made of acrylic material, durable to use, not easy to break, light in weight, easy to carry and store, can save your energy during outdoor activities, waterproof and fall resistant, suitable for bad weather and rugged terrain
- Wide applications: the compass is suitable for different kinds of outdoor activities and can be applied by both adults and children, it provides precise positioning during hiking, camping, fishing, sailing and other activities without having to worry about losing direction and enjoying the sport
- Widely usage: this compass is suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing, adventure, etc., is very nice for outdoor enthusiasts
- Multi-purpose use:Easy-rotate bezel with degree marks, orienting arrow . This compass clearly reads the logo on the map and it also comes with a zoom function.
- Nice material: the compass is made of acrylic, lightweight and durable, and the compass is waterproof so that you can use it in bad weather, don't worry about it going wrong
- Careful design: needle magnetic to north very fast and stable, orienting lines on the bezel help you find your direction, solid and durable, suitable for camping, hiking
- Size information: the compass is small in size and can be put into the pocket of your clothes, both children and adults can use it, easy to carry and it is practical for your trip
A Simple Way To Choose The best backpacking compass For You
Would you like to know how to select the best backpacking compass to purchase in 2024? We have a straightforward solution for you. First, consider your own requirements. For instance, should you need something that could be used during workouts, look for products that are made of high-quality materials and are resistant to water.
Consider the price range next. Some people prefer low prices, while others prefer to invest additional money on better quality items, so weigh both choices once making a decision.
Eventually, reading reviews is a simple way to select the best backpacking compass to buy. Please read our research below before purchasing anything and follow that guide to select your best backpacking compass.
Quality
Durability
Clinometer
The feature was designed for mountaineers or backcountry skiers, and is used to assess avalanche dangers. This feature is unlikely to be used if you are hiking on maintained trails. This feature is essential for all students of geology.
Global Needle
Compasses are sometimes only balanced in one of the two hemispheres for compasses which aren't global.
Features
Stability And Speed
FAQs
Do Compasses Lose Accuracy?
If you keep your compass near a magnet, it is possible to cause the needle of your compass's magnetic field to lose its magnetic properties over time. The most common reason for replacing your compass will be wear from carrying it around in a bag, falling on rocks or enduring extreme temperature swings. A good compass can last for a long time if it is well maintained.
Is A Liquid-filled Compass Better?
Although a liquid-filled compasse is not necessarily more useful, it can have some advantages. Baseplate compasses that are liquid-filled have the needle rotating in a liquid. The needle is less sensitive to your movements because it rotates through a liquid. However, if you do not take care of your compass, it can become sloppy by causing bubbles or leaking. Compasses that are liquid-filled can also be sensitive to extreme temperatures.
How Do You Set A Compass Declination?
The compass will determine the exact requirements. Certain compasses can be used without tools, while others may require special tools or a key. Once you have turned the north arrow of the compass at the angle that corresponds to your local declination, the declination will be set. Some compasses do not allow you adjust the declination.
Are Cheap Compasses Accurate?
The majority of base models made by well-known brands will be accurate enough for you to move in the right direction. The small buttons compasses that you find online for a fraction of the price are a bit suspect. Most of these compasses will either become stuck, or move easily when bumped. A compass that is inaccurate or not accurate can be more dangerous than no compass. Before you use a compass in the field, make sure it is tested at home in a safe and familiar environment. It is important to learn its peculiarities, if they exist, before you use it to return home.
Do I Need A Compass For Hiking?
Understanding that the compass only part of your navigation system is important, first and foremost. The compass will show you the direction of north from which you can determine other directions. A map will help you find your way to camp or help. You should always have a compass on you, no matter how simple or complex. You should have a map to help you combine the tools.
What Is Declination On A Compass?
The magnetic north is indicated by the arrow in the compass. Declination refers to the angle between magnetic north and true north. True north refers to the direction of the earth's surface toward the geographical north pole. Your location will determine the declination.
Conclusion
We hope this blog has provided you with useful information about selecting the best backpacking compass to buy. If you're still unsure, consider why you're purchasing a product in the first place.
Here you can select the APACE Survival Compass for Kids Backpacking Hiking with Chain if you are unable to select one of the available items above. Consider whether any of our suggestions aided you in deciding which products to purchase. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time!
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