The 7 Best Backpacking Compasses For Safely Going Off-Grid

You will see several Suunto products on this list since this brand has already proven itself to be reliable. This is a compact and well-designed compass for orienteering and hiking. It has luminous markings and bezel that you can see even in the dark. Also, it is a highly accurate instrument that you should carry with you anywhere.

This high-quality hiking compass is lightweight and has a bezel rings and markings to help you read it even in the dark. The built-in magnifier at the center also allows you to read the compass without using your reading glasses.

The compass does not automatically adjust for declination.

This hiking and orienteering compass is ideal for hikers and scouts. Also, the Suunto baseplate compass is fast, accurate, and straightforward. You can easily use it since the whole thing is minimalistic and straightforward.

If you are into simple gizmos without complicated operation and such, then this is the perfect hiking compass for you. It only weighs 3.52 ounces and is very durable. Also, it is constructed with acrylic, making it scratch-resistant. The item perfectly fits in the palm of your hand. 

The directions that this compass gives are excellent, based on customer reviews. The needle will point accurately, even when placed on uneven surfaces. You can carry this around in your pocket since it is durable and scratch-resistant. 

The product comes with a detachable snap-lock lanyard. This is easy to detach while you are working on the map.

This compass does not come with a magnifier and is not designed to glow in the dark.

You can take this compass, whether to the northern or southern hemisphere. Suunto MC-2 has a global needle that allows it to operate from anywhere in the world. It is one of the most highly-regarded backpacking compasses for that reason.

Suunto MC-2 has a global needle that allows it to operate from anywhere in the world. There is an additional sighting hole, large mirror, and a bezel ring so you can read it even in the dark. Moreover, magnifying is also a big help when you do not have your glasses with you.

Overall, this is an excellently built compass. Some essential features, such as the mirror reflection, needle pointing north, declination adjustment, and many more are beneficial even for starters.

This compass works excellent for both the wilderness explorer and the beginner. It also does an exceptional job of magnifying. You won't have any problem with reading directions.

The bezel ring is a little loose on edge.

With the TruArc 3 compass, you can stay on track anywhere in the world. Each compass has a tool-free declination system, making it one of the most precise finds out there. If you are on a tight budget, this is also an excellent steal for you.

This hiking compass is cheap but not in quality. It has a global needle system, which is a typical feature for the more expensive compasses. The global needle ensures that the direction the compass gives is accurate in both the northern and southern hemispheres. It also has advanced navigation, which means that it resists magnetic interference.

The compass is very easy to use with its metric and imperial scales. Moreover, the multi-zone needle is useful in both hemispheres.

The needle in the compass is steady enough for you to use the compass accurately, even when walking. Also, the nylon lanyard and reference guide come in handy when traveling.

It does not light up nor glow in the dark.

Silva Ranger compasses never fail to deliver topnotch accuracy even in the most difficult situations. It has a sighting mirror for accuracy when it comes to the navigation of distant landmarks. The three scales are also handy for quick and easy plotting with any topographic map.

If you are the type who is into the rugged lifestyle, then this compass is your new best friend. This compass delivers exceptional accuracy even in the worst conditions imaginable. Also, its baseplate contains three scales so you can easily navigate with the map. The map contains silicone feet so you can have a tight grip on it without slippage.

The compass has a clinometer so you can measure different angles of inclination. This is an excellent compass for the winter hiker as well since you can measure slope angles. Such a feature can help in the danger estimation on avalanche-prone slopes.

Reviews state that the declination adjustment works excellently and that the dial spins smoothly. Also, the compass comes with a mirror, which is an excellent addition to an already beautiful compass. 

The sighting options make it difficult for the user to read the headings while aiming at the object.

SE Military Survival Compass is made to be durable and contains a variety of features. It has a rugged die-cast body, making it sturdier than other brands. Moreover, this compass also features a thermo-elastic capsule and a floating dial to the rotating bezel. This is a must-have for every backpacker.

This compass is great for beginners. It is effortless to use, thus making it a low-risk and low-cost way to learn and practice being off-grid. The price is so reasonable, and one would not even think twice about buying it. You do not have to worry about dropping the compass, too, since it is very durable.

It comes with a tripod mounting screw and a plastic base to keep the fluid inside free of air bubbles. That also allows it to give more accurate readings.

SF Military compass is perfect for those who are still learning how to use one.

Some users said that the construction is a little unreliable but good enough for its price.