The Best Beginner Compass For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Beginner Compass
Best Beginner Compass

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass

This compass will help you find your way through the wilderness. With a tough, military construction and waterproof and shakeproof properties, this compass is built to survive the harshest of hikes. The interface glows in the dark so even when night falls on the trail, you can soldier on. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Sighting Navigation Compass

The compass is perfect for all your outdoor adventures. Built-in sighting hairline makes it easy to align objects in the distance. It also comes with a strong canvas pouch and lanyard and can be mounted on a tripod. Other impressive features include an adjustable diopter sighting lens, a rotating bezel ring, and a measurement conversion chart. Read Review

3. Best Adjustable: Sun Company TempaComp Ball Compass

The TempaComp is perfect for hiking and backpacking adventures. Featuring a carabiner clip, the TempaComp makes it easy to keep your compass at hand so you can make sure you're on the right path. The large ball compass offers a 2-in-1 reading with a general orientation and direction-of-travel card so you can navigate in style. Read Review

4. Best Design: SUUNTO Compass A-10 NH

Suunto A-10 is a recreational compass designed for hikers, trail runners, and orienteers. This compass is perfect for your next adventure through the woods or across the country. With its minimalistic design, it's easy and simple to use. Featuring a fixed declination in the northern hemisphere, this compass is a must-have tool for your next great journey! Read Review

Beginner outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the quality of this reliable compass. With a thickness of just 1.5cm and reliability features like shock-proof construction, it’s perfect for anyone venturing out on their first overnight camping trip or as an essential piece of kit for any future longer treks.

This compass is also waterproof, so you can be sure your compass will never let you down when it comes to keeping you safe in the backcountry.

To get the results you will read next is thanks to the hard work of our team during 13 hours of product research and analysis. As a direct consequence of this, we were able to identify Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass as the top model for this year. The performance of this product is of an excellent standard, and it offers a Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Sighting Navigation Compass that can satisfy your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass
Our Score:
9.7
Sportneer

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

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

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

TOP Choice #2 Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Sighting Navigation Compass
Our Score:
9.5
Eyeskey

✔️OTHER IMPRESSIVE FEATURES - You can align objects in the distance with the sighting hairline, it also has an adjustable diopter sighting lens, a rotating bezel ring, and a measurement conversion chart, it comes with a strong canvas pouch and lanyard and can be mounted on a tripod.

✔️PERFECT FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES - It works great at taking bearings and sighting when camping, hiking, hunting, scouting, and more.

✔️EASY TO HANDLE & READ - A liquid-filled compass with an integrated bubble level, it delivers reliable and accurate readings, thanks to the luminous dial, adjustable luminous marching line, thumb hold and magnifying viewer, you can get a fast and easy read.

✔️BUILT WITH CLINOMETER - With the clinometer, you can measure the angle of slope, elevation, and avalanche hazards when mountain climbing, backcountry skiing, or hiking steep slopes.

✔️SOLID BUILD QUALITY - Waterproof rugged aluminum alloy build means it can withstand extremely tough situations, due to its size, features, and military-level sturdiness.

TOP Choice #3 Sun Company TempaComp Ball Compass
Our Score:
9.3
Sun Company

Note: DO NOT USE THE SIDE CARD FOR GENERAL ORIENTATION PURPOSES. DOING SO WILL CAUSE READINGS TO BE OFF BY 180°

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!

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.

Split Ring Included - TempaComp comes with a split ring so you can attach to your zipper or keychain. One of the essential EDC survival accessories for outdoorsmen/women, hunters, or boy scouts.

Easy-to-Read Thermometer - Cushion-mounted thermometer provides an "at-a-glance" temperature. Thermometer reads down to a chilly -20°F or -30°C. Perfect for outdoors, camping, backpacking, or hunting.

4 SUUNTO Compass A-10 NH
Our Score:
9.1
SUUNTO

Authentic Heritage: Founded in 1936, Suunto brings over 80 years of high quality heritage craftsmanship, relentless accuracy, and pioneering innovation to our watches, compasses, and dive products

Recreational Compass: Minimalistic and straightforward, the A-10 compass is the ideal hiking and orienteering compass that is fast and simple to use; Balanced for northern hemisphere use with inch/cm scales and a fixed declination

Stay On Course: Made in Finland, Suunto mechanical compasses help you safely and accurately navigate the great outdoors; Great for Alpine skiing, hiking, trekking, mountain biking, trail running and more

Baseplate Compass: Ideal for navigating with a map and compass, the A 10 is compact and features a high grade steel needle with jewel bearing and a liquid filled capsule for stable operation

Pioneering Exploration: Combining advanced engineering and thoughtful design with ultra durable materials, our adventure ready compasses are fast, stable, and simple to use; No batteries required

5 Kakuru Vintage Pocket Compass
Our Score:
9.0
Kakuru

COMPACT & CONVENIENT: Pocket Compass is Easy to use and carry.

EXQUISITE COPPER COMPASS: Classic cover and floating compass dial with 360 degrees scale.

SENSITIVE & ACCURATE COMPASS, NEVER GET LOST AGAIN: Uses special encapsulation technology to improve the sensitivity and precision. This lovely compass will always lead you in the right direction.

SHAKEPROOF & WATERPROOF COMPASS: Fully sealed. Works well in all weather conditions.

Protected By Kakuru No-Hassle Lifetime Replacement.

WIDELY APPLICATIONS: Portable Compass is the Perfect gift for kids, exploring nature, hiking, camping, hunting, scouting, navigation & orienteering etc. If you're an outdoor person you need a compass.

Widely usage: this compass is suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing, adventure, etc., is very nice for outdoor enthusiasts

Portable and Lightweight: the compass is small 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

Advance Compass Navigation: 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

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

Compass set: you can get 6 pieces of compasses to meet your needs, it is the nice partner for your life, you can take it with you when you are traveling; 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

7 Silva Starter 1-2-3 Compass
Our Score:
8.7
Silva

Robust material withstands tough treatment and conditions

Declination scale inside the capsule to simplify the calculations required

Waterproof

Red/black N/S lines in capsule ensure easy and safe settling

Includes detachable lanyard

Easy to carry: Non-slip texture handle, you can hold this compass firmly, not easy to lose, the lanyard made of nylon material allows the compass to be hung on the zipper of the backpack or hung on the key ring for easy carrying, making it ideal for zippers.

Package: You will receive 20 pieces mini compasses in 9 colors, it can be worn like a bracelet and it is easy to find in an emergency.

Wild necessities: the compass provides a general direction for your field activities, the compass can be hooked on your jacket to prevent it from being lost, it is suitable for connecting outdoor backpacks, key chains, and any conventional zippers, help you find your way home quickly.

Compass design: The compass with black chassis, the vibrant green direction indicator and the liquid-filled, the compass's scale is clear and precise, makes it easy to read and easier to confirm the direction, allowing you to be more precise when looking for directions, practical and convenient.

Durable material: Zipper Pull compass made of high-strength plastic and sturdy nylon material for durability, the liquid-filled compass is well-made, vacuum and the dial rotates flexibly for accurate readings, ensure you to use for a long time.

Warranty: Every compass enjoys 90 days money back & lifetime worry-free guarantee.For any possible problem, please feel free to contact us.

Fluorescent Light Design: Special design of fluorescent light allows you to read data in dark environment after absorbing enough sunshine.

Waterproof and Shakeproof Prismatic Compass: Suitable for motoring, boating, camping, mountaineering, exploring, hunting and other outdoor activities. Can be used for positioning, orienting on a map, outdoor Activities and so on.

High Strength Engineering Metal: The compass with high strength engineering metal body, durable, can work in extreme weather conditions.This professional-grade lensatic compass is super lightweight, and built to the absolute highest standards to ensure it will be ready when you need it.

Multifunctional Metal Military Compass: The bubble level can improve its accuracy and decrease its errors;aiming window and line of sight can accurate locating. Floating compass 360 degree dial and  Foldable metal lid.

Antique Nautical Vintage Directional Magnetic Compass with Famous Scripture Quote Engraved Baptism Gifts with Leather Case or Wooden Case for Loved Ones, Son, Father, Love, Partner, Spouse, Fiancé.

Under the glass cover is a beautiful, detailed copper compass.

The High-Quality Jewelled Compass Needle Settles to The North Very Quickly for Timely and Accurate Readings. An Impressive and Unique Gift for Your Loved Ones Loving Hiking, Trekking, Sailing, Adventure, Marine, Travelling, Jungle Safari, Boating, etc. It Has Multipurpose Use for Any Kind of Outdoor and Indoor Activities.

Solid Brass Compass Antiquated Brass Finish With Thoreau's Quote "GO CONFIDENTLY IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR DREAMS LIVE THE LIFE YOU HAVE IMAGINED".

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Custom design/finish compass can order direct to Amazing Art Handicrafts

A truly impressive and unique gift for your loved one and for various occasions. Father's day gifts, Christmas gifts

Which Criteria Do Our Experts Advice To Consider When Purchasing Of best beginner compass?

According to our experts, you should understand some sides of the product to get the finest one. Like others, best beginner compass of 2024 might include many factors for you to take into account. For that, each among best beginner compass will have unique features and challenges as well to consist of.

The focus on the following features of best beginner compass is highly recommended, given they have come together with tech-evaluated certification:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Right now, you can catch up with the most updating best beginner compass news and description. As aforementioned, our post is supported by the research and analysis using high technology. Thus, the details given to you are essential and valuable.

All of your feedback and responses are accepted. So please don’t hesitate to contact us and ask for help. You’re welcome to get in touch with us!


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

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