In a hurry? Here are the best products at a glance.
If you’re planning an outdoor adventure, a compass is one of the most important tools you need. The best compass will be able to easily help you figure out how to get from where you are to where you need to be. We researched some of the best-rated and top-selling products out there and put together these compass reviews for hiking, camping, or even boating. Before we jump in, let’s look at some of the top features you need to know.
Waterproof:- If you’re an outdoorsy person who is willing to venture out no matter how much rain is forecast, you definitely need a waterproof compass. It’s also a good idea if you plan on using it near lakes, rivers, etc.
Dimensions: Compasses come in a lot of different sizes but what matters is how you want to use it. Smaller ones are usually a little more basic without as many extras. Usually. There are many exceptions to that rule.
Military Grade: We rated something military grade if it was the same quality that is used by the military. There are a lot of designs that mimic the military look but that’s definitely not the same thing.
Color: A lot of the compasses we reviewed are styled after military versions and are Army green. But you’ll also find black, white, and even clear! Color is purely personal preference, though clear ones make map plotting very easy.
Dial Diameter: This tells you how big the compass itself is. Larger ones will be easier to read and might even be easier to manipulate. Keep this in mind if you’re going to be wearing gloves while using it.
Accessories: A lot of our top picks come with some pretty nice accessories. Some of these include lanyards, protective pouches, and even belt clips. All of the accessories are designed to make it easier for you to use the compass.
Now that you know a little more about what features to look for in a compass, we can find our way into our reviews. Here’s how it works. We listed our top and budget picks first. That’s a great place to start if you’re running short on time. Then, keep reading to see what products rounded out our list. We were honestly surprised at the variety and we think you will be, too! All right, let’s get going.
Jennifer Trimbee
Expert Researcher and Writer
Jennifer Trimbee, a lead researcher and writer at GeekWrapped, is an expert writer with many years of experience. Jennifer writes about technology, sports, outdoor, and gear products.
Article last updated on:
September 30, 2019
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