7 Best Compasses

Built with a powder-coated aluminum frame, this compass is guaranteed to survive just about anything you can throw at it. The metal case snaps tightly shut, protecting the compass, and the navigation tools are built into the durable aluminum frame.

The compass is fully waterproof, shockproof, and sandproof, and it works perfectly in temperatures ranging from -50F to 150F. The non-liquid-filled needle housing won’t be affected by temperatures or climate, guaranteeing an accurate read anywhere you are. And, thanks to that tough aluminum frame, you can always rest assured the compass will stand up to any conditions!

The compass is fairly simple—it has a magnifying lens, sight wire, and dial graduations in both degrees to guarantee the most accurate readings. The copper induction ring on the compass also stops the needle’s rotation quickly, allowing you to take faster readings. And, thanks to the seven built-in tritium micro lights, you can navigate easily in the dark.

At a starting price of $110, this is definitely the most expensive compass on our list, but it’s absolutely worth the cost if you want a compass that will keep up with any outdoor activity you throw at it, no matter how rough or rugged.

The metal body protects the compass itself, and the metal-built navigation tools won’t wear out or fade with regular use. It’s even built to stand on a tripod for hands-free orienteering.

It comes with a lanyard you can sling over your neck or around the steering wheel of your boat, keeping it from falling overboard as you sail or row.

Built from solid aluminum, this compass is waterproof, shock-resistant, shakeproof, and rust-resistant. You’ll find that it can be submerged in up to 30 meters of water without a single leak or crack.

The compass lights up in the dark, allowing you to chart your course in even the darkest night. The bubble level and clinometer will help you measure the angle and elevation of slopes, and the adjustable diopter sighting lens is excellent for taking long-distance readings when out at sea. It even comes with a built-in measurement conversion chart to help you as you take measurements, and the magnifying viewer will make it easier to see your maps and charts.

At $25, it’s not the cheapest compass on our list, but certainly one of the best! It’s durable, compact, and highly reliable as a navigational tool.

The design is simple: the compass housing (including bezel and declination tool) built atop a plastic ruler to take measurements. It’s small enough to sit in the palm of your hand and is so lightweight you’ll hardly feel a thing carrying it all day long.

Durability is about average with this compass—the plastic can handle a lot of daily wear and tear as well as shock, water, dust, and sand. However, if you’re expecting maximum durability, you’re better off considering other options—without a cover to protect the compass, the glass case is at risk of breakage.

This compass comes with tool-free declination adjustment, making it easier to get accurate readings of true north without magnetic north interfering with your compass. It also includes metric and imperial measurements for more accurate orienteering, a responsible needle resistant to magnetic interference, and a rotary bezel marked at 2-degree increments. The only thing it doesn’t have is a luminous dial for easy night readings—you’ll need a flashlight for that.

At $13, this is the sort of compass you can take with you everywhere you go and use it anytime. It’s conveniently lightweight and compact, inexpensive, and a great EDC choice if you’re hiking or backpacking.

This little clip-on compass is ideal for hikers who are already loaded down with gear and want a back-up tool that doesn’t weigh a lot. At just 1 inch tall and 4 inches wide, you’ll find it travels easily no matter how heavy your pack. Just clip it onto your watch band, sleeve, map, backpack strap, or your pocket for easy portability.

Made of high-impact plastic, you’ll find this little compass can survive falls, drops, water, snow, rain, and heavy dust. It’s built to last, and you’ll find it does an amazing job of keeping up with you no matter where you go or what you do.

It’s a very simple compass: liquid-filled jewel bearing with a rotating bezel that comes in 10-degree increments, and a luminous dial that lights up in the dark for nighttime navigation. No fancy frills with this little compass—just maximum portability and ease of use!

At $15, this is definitely on the budget side, and you can rest assured that the compass will serve its job well every time you take it out into the wild with you.

Built like your classic sports watch, this compass is designed to be worn like a wristwatch, allowing for hands-free carrying and easy readings on the go. Though you have to hold it very level to get an accurate reading, it’s easy to use and will help you stay on track even if you don’t have a free hand to carry a compass.

Definitely a plus with this bad boy! It’s resistant to water, rain, snow, dust, sand, or dirt, and you’ll find it can take quite the beating before giving out. You can even switch out the wrist bands, making it easy to find a style that suits you best.

Navigation with this compass isn’t quite as good as you could ask for, as it’s too small to get a truly accurate reading. However, you’ll love the fact that the rotating bezel can be ratcheted into place for quick and easy navigation, and the serrated bezel can be turned by even heavily-gloved hands.

Though it won’t work in the Southern Hemisphere, it’ll serve you well in the Northern Hemisphere, doubling as a back-up compass to use with your higher-grade orienteering compass. It’ll just be so much handier when trying to take quick measurements on the go!

At $26, it’s a tad pricier than you might expect, but well worth the cost if you need a compact, highly portable navigation tool to add to your hiking gear.

At just 2.5 inches long, this little keychain compass is perfect for you to use wherever you are. Clip it onto your key chain, put it in your pocket, or wear it on a lanyard—however you wear it, it’s highly portable and easy to carry.

Built from durable plastic, it’s fully waterproof, damage-resistant, and scratch-resistant.

The compass comes with basic navigation features, a mostly accurate needle (for magnetic north, not always true north), and a bezel displaying the 16 compass points. However, it also has a built-in thermometer (Celsius and Fahrenheit). It’s great for casual use when hiking or camping, and it’ll go wherever your car or RV keys go!

At $5, this is a total steal! You’ll never be really lost when you’ve got one of these bad boys on your key chain.