The Best Compass For Backpacking In 2024

Regarding navigation, the Sportneer Compass Backpacking is a true champion. Its professional-grade construction ensures accurate readings, making it perfect for camping, military use, emergencies, and off-the-beaten-track adventures. The ergonomic design enhances precision with a magnifying lens on the rear sight, guaranteeing accurate readings every time.

Built to withstand the harshest conditions, this compass is as tough as they come. Its military construction boasts waterproof and shake-proof properties, ensuring survival even on the most challenging hikes. With a convenient belt loop attachment and a handy carrying case, the Sportneer Compass is portable and always within reach. Plus, its fluorescent interface glows in the dark, enabling you to soldier on even after the sun sets.

However, it would be best if the manual could be improved. In general, the Sportneer Compass Backpacking offers a trustworthy and essential instrument for people who enjoy being outside and will provide an experience of high quality for many years to come.

The Cammenga Military Compass is the compass you can trust with your life. Its accuracy and reliability to +/- 40 mils ensure your navigation is always on point, even in extreme temperatures. This professional tactical compass is trusted by the US military, assuring you of survival in any situation.

Crafted with longevity in mind, this handheld compass is waterproof, sand proof, and built with a powder-coated aluminum frame for optimal endurance. Its self-powered lighted feature will provide illumination for over 12 years, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions. With its versatility, the Cammenga Military Compass is suitable for various activities, including hiking, camping, surveying, backpacking, hunting, and orienteering.

However, it is worth mentioning that the glass face may occasionally have small scratches. Nonetheless, this minor imperfection does not compromise the overall performance and reliability of the compass.

The SUUNTO A-10 NH Compass is the epitome of simplicity and functionality. Its minimalistic design makes this compass perfect for hikers and orienteers seeking a fast, straightforward navigation tool. It is balanced explicitly for use in the Northern Hemisphere, featuring inch/cm scales and a fixed declination for convenient and accurate readings.

As a baseplate compass, the A-10 NH is ideal for navigating with a map. Its high-grade steel needle with jewel bearing and liquid-filled capsule ensures stable and reliable operation. Made in Finland, SUUNTO mechanical compasses are renowned for their durability and precision. They are suitable for outdoor activities, including alpine skiing, hiking, trekking, mountain biking, and trail running.

The minor issue is that it doesn't have a magnifier. But this minor drawback is overshadowed by its reliable performance and durable construction, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Sun Company Compass is a versatile tool for outdoor enthusiasts. Its large ball compass provides clear readings of general orientation cardinal points, ensuring you never lose your way. The "direction-of-travel" compass on the larger side card offers precise navigation. The cushion-mounted thermometer is perfect for checking the temperature at a glance, whether camping, backpacking, or hunting.

The compass's carabiner clip lets you conveniently attach it to your gear, ensuring it's always within reach. Whether you're hiking, camping, backpacking, or climbing, the Sun Company Compass is a reliable companion. It even comes with a split ring, allowing you to attach it to your zipper or keychain for easy access.

One minor downside is that the compass's side card should not be used for general orientation purposes as it may cause readings to be off by 180°. Therefore, you need to read the instructions carefully before using it.

The TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass is a professional-grade tool for accurate directions and navigation. Its acrylic baseplate features an azimuth bearing and a 360-degree rotating bezel, allowing you to determine your heading quickly. The magnetic needle, filled with liquid for bubble-free movement, swiftly points you toward the north.

This product has a magnifying glass, perfect for reading and navigating geological maps. The compass ruler scale of 1:25000 and 1:15k provides precise route mapping capabilities, making it an excellent choice for hikers, campers, and survivalists. It comes with a lanyard for added convenience, ensuring you always have it within reach during outdoor adventures. 

Constructed with high-quality materials, this compass is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. It's an ideal companion for kayaking, camping, climbing, or observing wildlife. Nonetheless, it would be best if the numbers could be a little bigger to read the map easier.

Coghlan's Map Compass is a reliable companion for hikers who prefer map navigation. Its see-through base and rotating liquid-filled housing make it easy to align with map details and determine your heading accurately. This compass features scales in inches, millimeters, and 1:25,000 readings, ensuring precise measurements for effective route planning.

The jeweled needle and luminous pointer are invaluable features, allowing you to navigate confidently even in low-light conditions. Whether you're a novice hiker or an experienced adventurer, this compass is designed to meet your needs. Its user-friendly features and precise readings ensure you can easily navigate any terrain. 

One minor drawback is that the markings on the bottom of the compass can leave marks on paper maps if not used with a light hand. But this can be easily managed by practicing caution and using a soft touch while navigating.

The TurnOnSport Boy Scout Compass is a must-have for anyone venturing into unfamiliar territories. Its adjustable declination dial ensures accurate readings, allowing you to navigate confidently. This compass features an azimuth bearing and a 360-degree rotating bezel, making it easy to read and navigate on cartographic maps. The waterproof design ensures its functionality even in challenging weather conditions, and the glow-in-the-dark feature provides visibility during nighttime excursions.

It has a sighting mirror that lets you view the background and compass dial simultaneously, aiding in precise alignments. You can effortlessly adjust the orienting arrow with the mirror open at a 45-degree angle. Additionally, the protective cover keeps the compass safe from damage, making it ideal for kids and adults.

Nevertheless, it may be quite hard to adjust the first time, but you can get used to it after some use. Overall, the TurnOnSport Boy Scout Compass is a reliable, feature-packed navigation tool that ensures accurate readings and enhances outdoor adventures.