The 10 Best Hiking Compass Of 2024, Tested By CampFireHQ

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Hiking Compass
Best Hiking Compass

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Sportneer Lensatic Military Compass

This tactical compass is intended for precise navigation in any environment. This compass will be your trusted companion in the great outdoors thanks to its sturdy construction and accurate readings. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: TurnOnSport Compass Hiking

The TurnOnSport Compass Hiking is a high-quality manual magnet compass that provides accurate and reliable navigation for outdoor enthusiasts. It is constructed for accurate directions and is an ideal all-around land navigation kit for hikers. Read Review

3. Best Quality: SUUNTO MC-2 Compass

This precision-engineered compass is made of high-quality materials for long-term durability and accuracy. It has a mirror sighting system for improved visibility and accuracy and a fixed declination correction scale to aid navigation. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: AOFAR Military Compass

This tough military metal compass is made with a thermoelastic liquid-filled capsule for high accuracy and waterproof performance in all weather conditions. Because of its small size, this dependable compass can accompany you on any adventure. Read Review

5. Best Multiple Features: Eyeskey Navigation Compass

The Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass has a metal base and covers to ensure that it will last for many years. It is suitable for driving, boating, and other activities in the great outdoors. Read Review

If you're an avid hiker, having the right tools is essential for safe and successful outdoor adventures. One of the most critical pieces of gear is a good-quality hiking compass. A good hiking compass will help you stay on track and find your way home safely.

It's essential to choose a compass that is durable, lightweight, and easy to use. Knowing the best hiking compass for your needs can be challenging with so many options available. We've done the research and put together this guide to help you find the perfect hiking compass for your next outdoor adventure. We'll look at the features to look out for, the different types of compasses available, and the best brands on the market. So read on to find the best hiking compass for your needs!

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 17 hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. As a result, We believe the best hiking compass is the Sportneer Lensatic Military Compass. It has a military-grade structure, which is waterproof and shake-proof and is designed to resist the most strenuous of hikes thanks to its tenacity. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, you may check out the following buying guide & FAQs.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Sportneer Lensatic Military Compass
Our Score:
9.9
Sportneer

This military compass of professional standards will always put you in the right direction, so you can always rely on it. It is an excellent tool if you use it outside, in the military, during a crisis, or anywhere else that will take you off the beaten route. The card dial is magnified by a lens located on the rear sight, which makes it possible for the feeling function to increase the reading's level of precision. Because of this, you may rest assured that the readings you get will always be reliable. The only drawback is that it is a bit heavier than other models.

The military-grade structure, which is waterproof and shake-proof, is designed to resist the most strenuous hikes thanks to its tenacity. Thanks to its perseverance and determination, the system is designed to withstand the most strenuous walks. You can also continue your journey even when night falls because the user interface of the compass generates a glow that can be seen in the dark.

TOP Choice #2 TurnOnSport Compass Hiking
Our Score:
9.7
TurnOnSport

The TurnOnSport Compass Hiking features an acrylic baseplate with an azimuth bearing and a 360-degree rotating bezel, which makes it easy to find your direction. The magnetic needle is fast and stable, and the liquid-filled capsule ensures that it swings freely and points toward the north. The magnifying glass is a bonus that makes it easier to read maps, and the compass ruler scale of 1:24000 makes precise route mapping possible.

The compass is portable and lightweight, making it an essential survival gear in your pocket or hiking backpack. It is small and can be used by both children and adults, making it an excellent option for field trips. It also comes with a lanyard, making it easy to carry. The only downside to this compass is that it doesn't turn very smoothly, which can sometimes be a little inconvenient. But, overall, the TurnOnSport Compass Hiking is an excellent option for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants a reliable and accurate navigation tool.

TOP Choice #3 SUUNTO MC-2 Compass
Our Score:
9.5
SUUNTO

This professional mirror compass was designed for precise directional measurement. It has been balanced for usage in various contexts by including metric and UTM scales and an inch ruler. Even in conditions with little available light, the MC-2 Compass will continue to perform correctly. This compass features a sighting hole and notch for accurate bearings, a clinometer, and a declination adjustment tool; all included in the package. Additionally, it is intended to guide you through the vast outdoors in an accurate and risk-free manner. 

Because it results from a combination of cutting-edge engineering and design and ultra-durable materials, this expedition-ready compass is swift, steady, and simple to use because it is a product of advanced technology. This product also comes with a detachable lanyard with a snap lock that may be utilized and a wrist lock included in the package. Unfortunately, the ruler markings are a little tricky to read.

4 AOFAR Military Compass
Our Score:
9.3
AOFAR

Utilize the AOFAR Military Compass AF-4580 to help you get your bearings. This reliable metal compass is built to operate accurately over various landscapes and climates without fail. The thermoelastic liquid-filled capsule offers high accuracy and is waterproof, making it an excellent choice for use during activities that take place outside. Because of its small stature and low weight, it is convenient to carry in one's pocket or bag due to its portability. Nonetheless, you must always maintain it free from corrosive solutions; otherwise, it will be damaged.

Camping, hiking, accurate locating, and accurate mapping are just a few of the many uses of this versatile compass. The floating compass dial is a trustworthy companion for outdoor activities because it features a scale that goes all the way around and an adjustable prism lens. It is also resistant to water and shaking, so you can be assured that it will not disappear when you require it the most. 

5 Eyeskey Navigation Compass
Our Score:
9.1
Eyeskey

This compass has an optical eyepiece that makes it simple to view bearings. Additionally, it features an azimuth 360-degree scale and a reversed 360-degree scale, which make it possible to quickly take directions from you to the objects or change trends from the thing to you. If you expose the north arrow to a sufficient quantity of light and display it in an area with ample sunlight, it will glow with fluorescent light when it is dark. Thanks to this, even in poor light, you should be able to make out what the reading says.

The floating compass features a dial with a scale that goes all around and is filled with liquid to ensure it functions accurately and consistently. Plus, a rotating bezel ring lets you lock in your bearing, guaranteeing that you are progressing appropriately. Nevertheless, it is possible that the fluid could leak after prolonged usage, so you need to use it carefully.

6 SUUNTO M-3 NH Compass
Our Score:
9.0
SUUNTO

The SUUNTO M-3 NH Compass is a precision instrument explicitly developed for challenging environments. It has a needle calibrated for the northern hemisphere, a declination that can be adjusted, and scales in metric and imperial. Plus, it can mark that glow in the dark to be used in low light. This product also features a magnifying lens mounted on a transparent baseplate to be used easily with maps. Because of all these factors, it is an excellent option for people interested in exploring new territory and venturing into the unknown.

The M-3 NH is designed with highly long-lasting materials, which allows it to be quick, stable, and easy to operate. In addition to this, batteries are not necessary in any way. The minor shortcoming is that it's a little bit on the pricey side. Overall, the SUUNTO M-3 NH Compass is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable, high-quality compass for adventures. 

7 PREPARED4X Hiking Compass
Our Score:
8.9
PREPARED4X

Designed with impeccable accuracy, this compass ensures you can confidently find your way in the great outdoors. Its sturdy construction and reliability make it an all-around land navigation kit suitable for hiking, camping, and orienteering. Not only is it waterproof, but it also boasts a glow-in-the-dark dial, ensuring easy readability even in low-light conditions. The large size and the included neck lanyard made from 550 paracords add to its convenience. The paracord has hidden surprises—a survival whistle and an emergency fire starter.

Moreover, the glow-in-the-dark military compass illumination dial allows nighttime navigation without external light sources. The mirror sighting feature also lets you view the dial and surrounding landscape simultaneously, enhancing your accuracy and efficiency. Nevertheless, after prolonged use, the neck strap can become slightly itchy. However, this can be mitigated by adjusting the fit or wearing a soft cloth underneath.

More To Consider

8 Gejoy Hiking Compass
Our Score:
8.7
Gejoy

The Gejoy Hiking Compass is an excellent tool for anyone who loves outdoor activities. The compass needle is magnetic and quickly and accurately points to the north. The orienting lines on the bezel help you find your direction, and the easy-rotate bezel with degree marks makes it easy to use. This compass also has a zoom function that makes it easy to read maps and find your way.

This product is made of acrylic, making it lightweight and durable. It is also waterproof, so you don't have to worry about getting damaged in bad weather. The compass is small and can be put into the pocket of your clothes, making it easy to carry and practical for your trip. The minor drawback is that the direction of the travel indicator is a bit hard to see under the degree ring. This can be a little frustrating if you're trying to use the compass to find your way, but it is a minor issue that can be overcome with some practice.

9 SUUNTO MB-6 Global Compass
Our Score:
8.4
Suunto
10 Silva Guide 2.0 Compass
Our Score:
7.9
Silva

What to Look For in a best hiking compass?

Buyers are frequently hesitant to purchase best hiking compass. Certain factors should be considered while making a significant purchase. Our understanding and expertise with best hiking compass will assist you in making the right decisions.

Please take the following points into consideration before selecting best hiking compass:

Features

For hiking, the compass should include a declination and rotating scales, as well as a plate that has a ruler. The declination scale allows you to make adjustments to declination for specific areas, so the compass points towards magnetic north. While the rotating bezel lets you measure azimuth easily. When measuring distances on a map, a ruler is useful.

Durability

Because it is possible for your compass to get knocked around in your pack or land on the ground, a hiking compass must be strong. It happens more frequently than you might imagine, particularly since you'll likely be using a map while hiking. The risk of it being dropped increases when you add a little wind resistance and gloves. We only selected durable items in this list.

Global Needle

Some compasses can't be used everywhere in the world. A compass that has a global needle is required if you plan to use your compass in any part of the world. It is usually indicated by the last 'G' in the description.
Compasses are sometimes only balanced in one of the two hemispheres for compasses which aren't global.

Clinometer

The clinometer is usually found with an advanced compass and used to determine the slope angle (or rockbed for those geologists). A clinometer is a free-moving arrow that moves freely within a liquid capsule below the magnetized needle.
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.

Quality

Although there are many affordable options for compasses, it is important to be able to rely on your instrument to get you where you need. It's not a question of safety, but it is a matter for life and death to have dependable and reliable compass.

Stability And Speed

It is better if the needle points north faster. You can be slower with older compasses. You might argue that speed does not matter when you're hiking or mountaineering, as you don't have to rush like orienteering race participants. You will want to get down as quickly as you can if it is bad.

FAQs

What is a hiking compass?

A hiking compass is a navigational tool that helps hikers find their way on the trail by providing directional references. It typically consists of a circular dial with an arrow pointing north and a needle that aligns with the Earth’s magnetic field.

How do I use a hiking compass?

To use a hiking compass, first align the arrow on the dial with north. Then, orient the map to the compass so that the map’s north arrow points to the north on the dial. Then, hold the compass flat in your hand and rotate the map until the needle points to north on the dial. This will provide a reference for you to follow on the map.

What other features does a hiking compass have?

Many hiking compasses also have a scale on the dial so that you can measure distances on the map. Additionally, some compasses have a built-in inclinometer to measure slopes and angles.

What should I do if my compass isn't working properly?

If your compass isn’t working properly, make sure that the needle is able to move freely and that there are no metal objects nearby that may be interfering with the compass’s ability to accurately read the Earth’s magnetic field. Additionally, if your compass is electronic, make sure that the batteries are fresh. If the problem persists, consider replacing the compass.

We constantly update the list of best hiking compass as new data becomes available. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website regularly.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries or concerns with best hiking compass. If you ask, we'll do our hardest to help you in any way we can!


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

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