Ever found yourself lost on a trail, wondering if that tree really does have moss on its north side? I’ve been there too! So today with this hiking compass review, I’m here to help you find the best hiking compass.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 9 best hiking compasses. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a serious backpacker, you’ll learn exactly what features matter and which is the best compass to suit your needs.
No more getting turned around on the trail or relying on dying phone batteries. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to choose a reliable hiking compass that fits your adventure style and budget.
1. Antiqued Brass Poem Compass with Leather Case
This unique compass caught my eye while searching for meaningful travel gifts. What makes it special is Robert Frost’s beloved poem “The Road Not Taken” beautifully engraved on its antiqued brass surface. At just 2 inches across, it’s a perfectly portable size that can slip into any pocket or bag.
The combination of brass and glass gives it an elegant, timeless look, while the leather case adds both protection and classic style. While modern travelers might rely on GPS, this compass seems more like a beautiful reminder to take the path less traveled.
It would make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves poetry, adventure, or both. The craftsmanship suggests it could indeed become a family heirloom worth passing down.
Did you know? The earliest compasses weren’t used for navigation at all! In ancient China around 200 BCE, people used lodestones as fortune-telling devices. They would place these stones on bronze plates and interpret the directions they pointed to as answers to their questions.
2. Eyeskey Multifunctional Tactical Survival Military Compass
Eyeskey Multifunctional Tactical Survival Military Compass
Buy on AmazonI can’t say enough good things about this rugged compass! I’ve been using it for the past trips, and it’s become my most trusted navigation tool.
What I love most is how tough it is – the metal body has survived being dropped on rocks and even a quick dip in a stream during one of my adventures. The glowing arrow and numbers are super helpful when I’m camping and need to check my direction at night. For additional nighttime visibility around camp, consider pairing your compass with one of the best camping lanterns for a complete navigation and illumination setup.
The best part? It’s really easy to use. The bubble level helps me get exact readings, and I can quickly figure out which way I need to go using the sighting window. The charts on the back have helped me calculate distances during my treks.
If you’re into outdoor activities like hiking or camping, this is a good hiking compass – definitely worth getting. It’s reliable, built to last, and could be a real lifesaver when your phone’s GPS stops working in the wilderness.
3. Sun Company ProMap Compass
This sleek compass is one of the best compasses, a fantastic find for both beginners and experienced hikers. At an incredibly light 1.3 ounces, it’s about as heavy as a single egg – perfect for those who count every gram in their backpack.
The standout feature appears to be its 3X magnifier, which would make reading those tiny map details much easier on the trail. With six different measurement scales and a declination adjustment, it looks like it could handle everything from basic navigation to detailed map work.
The break-away lanyard is a smart safety feature – no worries about getting tangled up while scrambling over rocks. For scouts, students, or anyone learning navigation, this compass seems to offer the right mix of features without overwhelming complexity.
4. Bahfir Camping Survival Compass
This copper and acrylic hiking compass for camping brings together vintage style with modern functionality. Like your monocular for distance viewing, it’s an essential tool that looks like something out of an old maritime adventure, its shiny copper body seems to tell stories of exploration before you even begin your journey.
The glow-in-the-dark feature is particularly intriguing – after a quick charge in sunlight, the dial promises to light up your nighttime adventures. It’s small enough to slip into a pocket but appears sturdy enough for serious outdoor use.
What’s interesting is its versatility – beyond hiking and camping, it can even detect magnetic fields in everyday items. However, remember to keep it level and away from your phone or other magnetic objects for the best readings.
For anyone seeking a blend of classic style and practical navigation, this could be the best hiking compass.
5. Compasses Orienteering Hiking Survival Backpacking Compass
I’ve been testing this cool pirate-style compass on my hiking trips, and it’s been quite a fun companion. The brass case really gives it that old-school treasure hunter vibe – my niece says it looks just like something from Pirates of the Caribbean!
I especially love how it fits perfectly in my palm and slips easily into any pocket. During a recent rainy hike, I was impressed that the compass kept working perfectly thanks to its waterproof design. The protective liquid inside keeps the needle steady, which is super helpful when trying to find your way.
One heads-up though – you’ll need to keep it away from anything metal (like your phone) to get accurate readings. Also, remember to hold it flat!
While it might not be as fancy as some high-tech options, it’s a reliable little tool that makes navigation feel like a pirate adventure.
6. PPbean Classic Pocket Style Camping Compass
This vintage-style copper compass brings together old-world charm and modern functionality. At just 48mm x 12mm, it’s about the size of a cookie – perfect for slipping into any pocket or backpack.
The glow-in-the-dark feature makes it the best hiking compass for those late-night camping or early morning hikes. The 360-degree rotating bezel appears to make navigation straightforward, even for beginners.
While it channels that classic explorer vibe with its copper design, it’s important to note that like all compasses, it needs to be kept level and away from phones or other magnetic objects for accurate readings.
7. COTOUXKER Pocket Compass
COTOUXKER Pocket Compass
Buy on AmazonThis clever little compass looks like it combines convenience with functionality in a really smart way. The carabiner design means no more digging through backpack pockets when you need to check your direction – it’s always right there at your fingertips.
Built with a shock-resistant case, it seems ready to handle the bumps and drops that come with outdoor adventures. The dial appears particularly well-designed, with clear markings that should make navigation straightforward even for beginners.
The included storage box adds a nice touch, making it an appealing gift option for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether clipped to a backpack, belt loop or used as a keychain, this compass looks like a handy tool for anyone who loves exploring.
Expert Tip: To get the most accurate readings, clip this compass to your backpack’s sternum strap or chest pocket. This keeps it stable and away from metal zippers or phone pockets that could interfere with the magnetic needle.
8. Suunto Compass M-9 NH with Velcro Wristband
This Finnish-made wrist compass brings an interesting twist to outdoor navigation. The velcro strap design seems particularly clever – imagine checking your direction while climbing or holding trekking poles, without having to stop and dig through your pockets.
The luminescent card feature adds value for early morning starts or late evening adventures. Being waterproof and specifically balanced for the Northern Hemisphere, it appears ready for serious outdoor challenges.
Coming from a company with over 80 years of experience in compass-making, this piece looks like it could be a reliable companion for everything from skiing to trail running. The no-battery-needed design means one less thing to worry about in the wilderness.
9. Skywalker Pocket Sized Economy Compass (1-1/4″)
This pocket-sized compass takes minimalism to heart with its simple 1.25-inch design. The red and black color scheme against a dark background seems thoughtfully designed for quick, clear readings, even in bright sunlight.
With 5-degree graduation lines, it appears to offer decent precision for basic navigation needs. At just 3/8 inches deep, it’s about as thick as two stacked quarters – perfect for slipping into the smallest pocket or pouch.
While it may not have fancy features, this may be the best hiking compass for day hikers or a good starter compass for those just beginning to learn navigation basics.
Our Final Words
There you have it, fellow adventurers! Whether you’re looking for the best hiking compass or trying to find the best budget hiking compass that won’t break the bank, remember that the perfect navigation tool is the one that matches your needs and comfort level. Also, be sure to maintain it well, keep it away from magnetic interference, and always carry backup navigation tools. Pack it alongside your hiking snacks and you’ll be ready for any adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I just use my phone’s compass for hiking?
While phone compasses can work in a pinch, they’re not reliable for serious hiking. Phones can lose battery, break, or lose signal. Traditional compasses never need charging, work in any weather, and are more accurate.
How do I know if my compass is working correctly?
The easiest way to test your compass is to compare it with a known direction or another reliable compass. If the needle moves sluggishly or doesn’t point to magnetic north, it might be damaged.
What’s the difference between a basic compass and a more expensive one?
Basic compasses simply show magnetic north, while pricier models often include features like declination adjustment, sighting mirrors, clinometers for measuring slope angles, and more precise degree markings.
More expensive compasses also typically have better build quality, more accurate readings, and better performance in extreme temperatures.