The Best Map Compass For 2024
By, Sarah CombsUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: AOFAR Map Compass AF-4580
This durable and compact map compass is designed for high accuracy and is waterproof, shakeproof and dustproof for reliable performance. The unique design features a multifunctional adjustable prism lens that allows you to easily read maps in the field. With its portable size, you can keep this map compass close at hand while exploring the great outdoors. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: COSTIN Multifunctional Map Compass
Crafted from high strength engineering metal, this durable and portable compass is designed to be waterproof and shockproof. With its fluorescent design, you'll be able to locate and navigate your way even in low light conditions. Get yours today and start your next outdoor journey! Read Review
3. Best Reliable: TurnOnSport Map Reading Compass
With its adjustable declination and multi-function design, this lightweight and durable compass makes it simple to obtain bearings and navigate your way through the wilderness. It features a sighting mirror for accurate readings and a protective cover that keeps it safe from damage when not in use. Read Review
4. Best Adjustable: Gejoy Map Compass
This multi-purpose tool features an easy-to-rotate bezel and size information, making it ideal for navigation and orienteering. It's lightweight yet durable design makes it easy to carry on any adventure, while the careful design ensures a fast and stable performance. With Gejoy Map Compass, you can always find your way back home. Read Review
5. Best Affordable: BIJIA Orienteering Map Compass
With its global needle and accurate readings, it is suitable for all terrains and climates. The adjustable declination ensures that you always have a precise indication of your location and direction. Its lightweight and durable design makes it easy to carry and travel with, while the multi-function features are great for any outdoor enthusiast. Read Review
Having a map and compass on you is always a plus when you are out exploring in the wild. Though, most compasses will not help much when it comes to finding your way with a map. A good map compass can help you find your bearings easily by using only the map for direction.
Map compasses are devices that have a magnetic compass mounted in them. Usually, these compasses come in handy when you need to find your bearings or figure out which direction you are heading based on the maps and other geographical features around you. They come in handy if you’re hiking, camping, climbing or even backpacking because they make sure that you don’t get lost while outdoors. Here we have listed some of the best map compass available in the market right now.
We think the best map compass is AOFAR Map Compass AF-4580, with that you will have no difficulty finding anything to meet your needs! This durable and compact map compass is designed to provide you with high accuracy and is waterproof, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. With its unique design and multifunction capabilities, the adjustable prism lens allows for precise measurements while being waterproof and shakeproof.
Consider COSTIN Multifunctional Map Compass as an alternative if you're still undecided. Other suggestions on this list are definitely worth considering, and we've put up a useful shopping guide to help you decide!
RELATED: If you're having trouble finding one in 2024, take a look at our list of most accurate compass. Read the full description and price to find the best one for you.
Our Top Picks
Portable - There are waterproof pouch and a black lanyard for putting or hanging the compass, which can keep the military compass near you with a leather belt, or place it in your pocket with a carrying case safely.
Unique Design: Luminous magnet arrow and dial, aiming line,magnifier viewer,tripod connection,reading eyepiece,heavy-duty zinc die-cast,slope chart.
Multifunction: Floating compass dial with 360° scale, adjustable prism lens, waterproof shakeproof.
Suitable Activities: Ideal for camping, hiking, adventure, positioning, mapping, etc.
Durable and Compact: Durable military metal compass. Thermoelastic liquid-filled capsule.High accuracy and waterproof. Works well in all weather conditions.
【High Strength Engineering Metal】 This compass is made of high strength engineering metal,which is sturdy and durable.
【Waterproof and Shockproof Design】IP 54 waterproof grade and solid metal construction so that it works well under extreme weather condition.Perfect for hiking,navigation,camping, marine,boating,adventure, travel,hunting,geology and other outdoor activities
【Fluorescent Design】Luminous magnet arrow and compass card allows you to read data in dark environment after absorbing enough sunshine. Lights up the dial in the dark for data reading.
【Multifunction and Portable】Traditional military style compass engineered in a compact metal case for maximum portability; Rugged metal body with Foldable metal lid, Floating compass dial with 360° scale, Adjustable prism lens, Sighting Telescope. Pouch and lanyard make it easy to carry around. Absolutely great for outdoor enthusiasts.
【High Accuracy】Built-in a bubble level can improve its accuracy and decrease its errors.It can always lead you in the right direction.
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
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
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
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.
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
Widely usage: this compass is suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing, adventure, etc., is very nice for outdoor enthusiasts
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
【Orienteering Compass with Mirror】A useful feature that helps you see your targeting landmark along with the compass to get more precise navigation.With a led light and luminous marking so that it is easy to read even at night time.
【Lightweight and Durable】Lightweight compass made of clear,scratch resistant actylic. Only 76g≈0.16ib,it is great for hiking backpacking and easy to take to everywhere.
【Global Needle and Accurate】Base plate compass with a global needle, that works accurately anywhere on the planet.If you’re a world traveler,this compass is an essential component.
【Adjustable Declination】Adjustable declination:It is a useful feature for hikers or other outdoor lovers that made long hikes in different regions in the world.Clinometer: Allows you to measure the vertical angle (steepness) of a slope; helpful for assessing avalanche hazards and the heights of objects.
【Multi-function Compass】With many other features such as magnigying lens,and measuring scales(in Inches, mm, 1:25000),lanyard with LED light.Packed a small screwdriver with compass as well.This orienteering compass may be what you are looking for before you can set out for your next hike.BIJIA provide lifetime warranty for every customers.Please contact us if you have any questions.
IDEAL FOR LONG-DISTANCE & NIGHTTIME – Our glow-in-the-dark military compass illumination dial enables you to trek in broad daylight or pitch darkness, and our mirror sighting feature allows you to view the dial and the background at the same time.
WILL NOT FAIL YOU – In emergency situations, you can open up the paracord to reveal 9 life-saving survival strands installed inside its length: 1 fire tinder cord, 1 fishing line, and 7 triple-braided polyester strands for cordage.
PROFESSIONAL, ACCURATE NAVIGATION YOU CAN COUNT ON – Our orienteering compass is constructed for perfect directional accuracy, making it an ideal all-around land navigation kit for hikers, campers, girl & boy scouts, and survivalists.
ULTIMATE SURVIVAL COMBO – Waterproof, glow-in-the-dark, large compass, and neck lanyard made from 35+ feet of 550 paracord, and also includes a survival whistle and emergency fire starter.
PREPARED FOR ANYTHING – Ideal for camping, orienteering, hiking, survival, navigating, mountaineering, outdoors, field trips, and perfect gift for girl & boy scout.
Acrylic Baseplate Compass with Azimuth Bearing and 360 degree rotating bezel. For cartographic map navigation and reading , Compass Ruler and 1:25000 compass Scale.
Liquid-filled compass, The pointer can stop quickly,that allows you a direct read of the internal compass card housed in the fluid filled capsule.
Perfect for outdoor adventures ,It works great at taking bearings and sighting when camping, hiking, hunting, scouting.
Includes a clinometer in the dial for measuring the height of any landmark. This clinometer will help us setting declination, taking bearings, and measuring target heights.
Map Compass has an adjustable declination dial that makes it easy to get the most precise reading. Include a clinometer in the dial for measuring the height.
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.
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!
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.
SIGHTING MIRROR & PROTECTIVE COVER - The protective cover keeps the compass safe from damage. Open up the cover to reveal a full-sized sighting mirror.
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!
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
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
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
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
Outdoor activities necessary: this compass with clear scale is suitable for outdoor activities, such as mountaineering, hiking, riding, hunting, climbing, camping and geological exploration, it is also suitable for boy scouts and army field exercises
Material: the orienteering compass is made of acrylic, has long service time due to durable acrylic material, lightweight is convenient for you to carry and take accurate directional measurements, you can put it in your pocket or bag
Nice design: the boy scout compass comes with centimeter scale, inch scale, compass, scale ring, lanyard, the scale is clear enough for you to read easily, and the lanyard is convenient for you to carry, you can hang it on your neck
Easy to use: the compass contains liquid and no air bubbles, the pointer swings quickly and points to the north direction accurately, the rotating bezel is easy to rotate, you can make precise route planning with the multiple measurement scales
What you receive: you will receive 8 pieces compasses, each compass is in individually wrap, which can satisfy your quantity needs, you can share them with you friends, family or team members during outdoor adventures to avoid getting lost
To Choose The best map compass, What Criteria Do You Need To Study Before?
Almost all buyers are anxious about getting best map compass. Whenever creating multiple purchases, various issues need to be resolved. Our market expertise will give you help to make the best shopping selection.
Please consider the following factors before selecting best map compass:
Global Needle
Compasses are sometimes only balanced in one of the two hemispheres for compasses which aren't global.
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.
Durability
Quality
Stability And Speed
Features
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Since merchandising consultant pros have a wide variety of expertise, the information above is presumed to be accurate. The data of best map compass is also updated on a regular basis. You may feel confident that the data is current and accurate.
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About Sarah Combs
