What is the Best Compass for Land Navigation? Read on as we comprehensively go through the best on the market.
If you are an avid outdoorsy person, a quality compass for land navigation is the most basic navigation tool that you should never lack. This instrument will help you find your way back when you head off the wrong path. It will help you find the true north and help you pinpoint your exact location on the map.
Compasses don’t require a signal to operate. There are also reliable in all weather conditions. If you are looking for the best compass for land navigation, here is a detailed review of some of the best products available on the market. Let’s take a look.
Best Compass for Land Navigation-Top Picks
1) SUUNTO MC-2 Compass
‘
SUUNTO MC-2 Compass is precision engineered with top-notch materials for ultimate durability and accuracy. The compass is ultra-light and small which makes it the best for any outdoor excursion. The user-friendly compass has all the essential tools needed for land navigation. All its features are legible and easy to read at first glance. This makes it the perfect companion whenever you are stuck in a tough situation. When it comes to construction, the compass is liquid-filled to prohibit the needle’s jerkiness. It comes with a transparent base plate, different rulers, and a precise directional scale which is balanced for northern hemisphere use with USGS UTM measurements. The compass is highly accurate and reliable even in wet weather conditions. Not to mention that it’s easy to read the directions even in low light conditions. Features
|
2) TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass
|
3) 10-in-1 Multi-Function Camping Compass
‘
Whether hiking, camping, or navigating, this 10-in-1 Multi-Function Camping Compass will ensure that you stay on track. It has 10 different tools and each tool has its purpose. This multi-function compass tool provides most of the items you need to survive a wilderness survival situation. It has a compass, thermometer, whistle, ruler, led light, magnifier, ruler, thermometer, hygrometer, and fire starter. All these tools are packed in a compact kit that’s light and easy to carry around. For the price, it offers excellent value for money. It’s an essential tool for boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, and more. Features
|
4) Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass
‘
If you are looking for a military-grade compass, the Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass is your best option. It is designed to make navigating the wilderness a breeze. This professional-grade military compass is built to last. It is waterproof to ensure reliable performance in wet conditions and shockproof to survive the harshest outdoors. The compass allows for easy direction reading 24/7. The fluorescent interface glows in the dark, so you can still soldier on when darkness falls. Another impressive feature about it is the lensatic function. The lens on the rear sight magnifies the card dial for accurate readings. The compass is compact, light, and portable. You can take it wherever you go, whenever you want. You can either use the belt attachment loop and keep it close to you or simply slide it inside the pocket with the carrying case. Features
|
5) AOFAR Military Compass
‘
The AOFAR-4074 Military Compass top-notch multi-purpose compass suitable for camping, hiking, exploration, and land navigation among others. The compass is built to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions. It is made with zinc alloy, a high-strength metal for added durability. Besides, it is waterproof and shockproof for all-weather reliability. The compass is user-friendly and highly accurate. It has a thermoelastic liquid-filled capsule for accurate readings. It also has a true sighting optic for fast readability. This multi-function compass has a 360-degree scale, an adjustable prism lens, and a clinometer for measuring height and slopes. To top it all, the compass is ideal for both day and night use. Thanks to the night glow, you can enjoy convenient direction readings even at night. Features
|
6) Cammenga US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass
”
If you are on the market for a high-end compass for land navigation, you can hardly go wrong with the Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass. This hand-held compass is built in the USA and trusted by soldiers across the globe. When it comes to performance and accuracy, the compass is hard to beat. Thanks to the non-liquid-filled needle housing, the performance of the compass aren’t affected by changes in temperature. It’s accurate to +/- 40 mils. The USA-made compass is built to handle anything thrown at it. It is waterproof, shockproof, and damage-resistant. For added durability, the compass is fully sand proof. You can use it for hiking, camping, land navigation, boating, backpacking, and many more. Features
|
How to Choose the Best Compass for Land Navigation
- Rotating Bezel
Bezel refers to the rotating ring which surrounds the compass housing. In most cases, the bezel is printed with 4 direction indicators; N, S, E, W, and different points in between. Rotating bezels are used in taking bearings in the field. Most compasses for land navigation have a 360-degree bezel. If you want to navigate more accurately, try to look for a compass with smaller intervals from one degree to the other. Additionally, the bezel should be simple to turn.
- Night Visibility
The other important feature that your land navigation compass should have is night visibility. At one point in time, darkness might catch up with you while still in the woods or wilderness. A compass that’s operable in low light conditions comes in handy in such situations.
Look for a compass that has a luminous dot on the needle. Additionally, the orienting arrow should be clear and visible at night. That way, you are able to follow the direction without the need to use a flashlight.
- Durability
When outdoors, the compass is bound to deal with accidental falls, bumps, and scrapes. To ensure that the compass lasts for long, ensure that it is made with the highest quality materials. The compass should also be waterproof to withstand extreme weather conditions and shockproof for added durability.
- Magnetized Needle
The needle of the compass should point to the north with ease. Most compasses have needles encased in a liquid, which makes them turn freely. The liquid used should remain uncompromised by temperature changes.
- Declination Adjustment
The declination adjustment scale helps you adjust the magnetic north of the compass to the true north. Some compasses have this feature while others don’t. Make sure that the compass you choose has this feature if you want to have accurate direction readings.
Best Compass for Land Navigation FAQs
- Where should I store my compass?
In the past, taking good care of a compass involved being careful not to drop it or crush the casing. Today, people need to keep electronic devices away from the compass as they can threaten its lifespan. So, make sure that you store the compass away from any electronic device because the magnetic fields can damage it. You should also keep it in a cool place away from fires, heaters, and hot places.
- How much does a good compass cost?
A simple compass with basic orientation features isn’t costly. It can cost you anywhere between $10 to $20. However, if you are looking for a military-strength compass that has more advanced navigation features, you’ll have to pay more. You can find yourself parting with more than $100 for such compasses.
- Are compasses reliable?
Yes. As long as the compass is quality, it should be reliable and accurate. Remember that the accuracy of every compass depends on your position on earth and your experience in using a compass.
Conclusion
We hope that this buying guide has given you the information you needed to make the right buying decision. As you look for the best compass for land navigation, make sure that it’s accurate, durable, and reliable in extreme weather conditions. Also, make sure that it’s from a dependable brand.
See Also