A compass helps us navigate since it can quickly point us to where north is, so it’s always useful to have a compass handy. But what type of compass do you need? The best survival compass is one that you can safely and securely carry with you wherever you go. The great thing about a compass is s that it’s very small, so there are a lot of smart people out there who have designed compasses into other essential things. You have seen sports wristwatches that come with a small compass, and that type of multi-use tool is exactly what I had in mind when putting this list together. I hope you will learn the importance of multi-use tools, survival compasses, and how they can save our lives in a disaster.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoodTake 7-in-1 Green Survival Whistle Compass | The GoodTake 7-in-1 Green Survival Whistle Compass is precisely what you need in an emergency where you are lost and in need of rescue. You can get one whistle or a pack of three or 30 if you are prepping for your family or a group. | ||
| COSTIN Multifunctional Compass | The COSTIN Multifunctional Compass should be in your survival list items as it sure can come in handy. It made from high-strength metal and its luminous magnet arrow and compass card allows you to read data even in a dark environment. | ||
| Sun Company Ball Compass and Thermometer Carabiner | This clip-on ball compass and thermometer from Sun Company is certainly a must-have during outdoor activities, like hiking and camping. Keep it close to you as it may be useful during emergency or survival situations. | ||
| AOFAR Military Compass AF-4580 Lensatic Sighting Navigation | If you love going on adventures or would like to prepare for a possible apocalypse, then the AOFAR Military Compass AF-4580 Lensatic Sighting Navigation is certainly what you need. With its first-class production technology and R&D experts, you’re sure that this compass will deliver. | ||
| Suunto MC-2 Compass | The Suunto MC-2 Compass is a compass for survival, especially for hikers and climbers. A clinometer is included in this device, which you can use to measure angles. | ||
| Proster IP65 Compass with Sighting Clinometer | The Proster IP65 Compass with Sighting Clinometer is what you need during camping, hiking, or hunting. It is also a must-have item in your emergency bag in case a disaster or survival situation happens. This military compass is waterproof and has several features that you’d love. | ||
| Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass | This old-school compass is what you need when modern gadget and devices run out of batteries and won’t work properly. The Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass is one of the best lensatic compasses in the market and is easy to use even for beginners. |
A Detailed Review of the 7 Best Survival Compasses
GoodTake 7-in-1 Green Survival Whistle Compass
The GoodTake 7-in-1 Green Survival Whistle Compass is precisely what you need in an emergency where you are lost and in need of rescue. You can get one whistle or a pack of three or 30 if you are prepping for your family or a group.
Product Highlights
These whistles include a compass, a signal mirror, a small container, and even a Ferro rod. A Ferro rod is used to help start a fire, which you will need to keep warm or signal for help. The signal mirror will also help you use light to signal rescuers. You can store emergency medication in the container. The whistle is bright orange, which makes it easy to spot when you need to use it.
The Good
This is a top-notch multi-tool and very easy to use. When you are out walking, hiking, or on the road, you can hang this from your neck, keep it in your pocket or have it attached to your bug out bag.
The Bad
These are small whistles, so the compass is small as well. If you have trouble reading a small compass, you may need something bigger.
PROs
- Multiple usage
- Portable and very easy to use
- Suited for emergency rescues
CONs
- The compass may be too small to read
COSTIN Multifunctional Compass
The COSTIN Multifunctional Compass should be in your survival list items as it sure can come in handy. It made from high-strength metal and its luminous magnet arrow and compass card allows you to read data even in a dark environment.
Product Highlights
This traditional military-style compass has a fluorescent design that allows users to use it even at night or dark environment after its magnet arrow and compass card absorbs enough sunshine. It has a rugged metal body with foldable metal lid, floating compass dial with 360 degrees scale, an adjustable prism lens, and a sighting telescope.
The Good
The COSTIN Multifunctional Compass is IP 54 waterproof grade and has a solid metal construction that enables it to work well under extreme weather conditions. It has a pouch and a lanyard, making it easy to carry around.
The Bad
Some users say that it has very slow response and that the reading is not always accurate.
PROs
- Has a built-in bubble level to improve accuracy
- Compass is in a compact metal case
- Well made and durable
- Comes with a tripod mount
CONs
- Not very accurate
- Complicated to use
- A bit heavy
Sun Company Ball Compass and Thermometer Carabiner
This clip-on ball compass and thermometer from Sun Company is certainly a must-have during outdoor activities, like hiking and camping. Keep it close to you as it may be useful during emergency or survival situations.
Product Highlights
The large ball compass shows two readings: it gives general orientation cardinal points and “direction-for-travel.” It also has a cushion-mounted thermometer that provides “at-a-glance” weather report and can read down tp negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 degrees Celsius).
The Good
This cushion-mounted compass is readable at any angle and its solid aluminum carabiner with brass split ring enables users to clip this device onto any gear.
The Bad
It is a little complicated to use as some users get confused with the readings. The carabiner clip opens down on the compass side, making it difficult to maneuver on and off.
PROs
- Simple design
- Small and portable
- Doesn’t require batteries
CONs
- A little confusing to use
- Tends to give inaccurate readings and temperature
AOFAR Military Compass AF-4580 Lensatic Sighting Navigation
If you love going on adventures or would like to prepare for a possible apocalypse, then the AOFAR Military Compass AF-4580 Lensatic Sighting Navigation is certainly what you need. With its first-class production technology and R&D experts, you’re sure that this compass will deliver.
Product Highlights
The compass has a built-in optical eyepiece for sighting bearings with azimuth 360-degree and reversed 360-degree scale. It also features a luminous magnet arrow and dial, aiming line, a magnifier viewer, tripod connection, die-cast, and slope chart.
The Good
This durable military metal compass is both waterproof and shockproof which makes it perfect for outdoor activities.
The Bad
Several users mentioned that the compass doesn’t lock to magnetic north and the reading is off by several degrees.
PROs
- Comes with a handy pouch and user manual
- Rugged and sturdy
- Great customer service
CONs
- Inaccurate readings
- A bit heavy and bulky
Suunto MC-2 Compass
The Suunto MC-2 Compass is a compass for survival, especially for hikers and climbers. A clinometer is included in this device, which you can use to measure angles.
Product Highlights
The Suunto MC-2 Compass 1.7 x 5 x 3.6 inches, weighs 4 ounces and includes a handy lanyard you can use to wear around your neck. The built-in sighting mirror will help you get a clear look at your surroundings without having to move around. You can also use the mirror to signal for help.
The Good
Climbers, skiers, and hikers, or any survivalist who has to get through mountains and hilly areas will love this compass. The compass and clinometer are large and easy to read. The whole device is lightweight enough to carry at all times.
The Bad
If you do not need to measure steep angles or you don’t climb, the clinometer is essentially useless. There is no light built-in, so it will be hard to navigate if at night or in gloomy weather conditions.
PROs
- Built-in clinometer
- Easy to use and read
- Lanyard included
CONs
- Not suited for people who don’t climb
- No built-in light
Proster IP65 Compass with Sighting Clinometer
The Proster IP65 Compass with Sighting Clinometer is what you need during camping, hiking, or hunting. It is also a must-have item in your emergency bag in case a disaster or survival situation happens. This military compass is waterproof and has several features that you’d love.
Product Highlights
This professional compass from Proster is not just an ordinary compass. It also features a sighting telescope, clinometer function, and has a fluorescent design that makes it easy for users to read data even in dark places. It uses a true sighting optic that allows users to directly read the internal compass card housed in the capsule and the clinometer allows you to measure differences in height and slopes. It is made from high-strength engineering materials which ensures durability of the product.
The Good
The Proster IP65 Compass with Sighting Clinometer has a foldable metal lid and comes with a carry bag and rope and an instruction manual. It is also waterproof and shake-proof.
The Bad
The compass doesn’t get an accurate reading when it is not level, which is a common thing in compasses. Also, light cannot come through the compass with its metal cover, thus the glow-in-the-dark feature may not work at times.
PROs
- Ideal for military land navigation test
- Solid built
- Worth the price
CONs
- A bit bulky and heavy
- Have reading inaccuracies
Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass
This old-school compass is what you need when modern gadget and devices run out of batteries and won’t work properly. The Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass is one of the best lensatic compasses in the market and is easy to use even for beginners.
Product Highlights
The Eyeskey Tactical Survival Compass features a thermo-elastic liquid-filler housing with coating dial that has a 360 degree scale and a level bubble to improve reading accuracy. Its waterproof, shockproof, and its base and cover are built with metal, making it an ideal tool when going outdoors.
The Good
Its north arrow and display light up in the dark that enables users to read data in the dark. It also has a conversion chart for angle, gradient, and distance at the back of the compass and a rotating bezel ring that allows you to lock it in your bearing. The compass can stand in extreme temperatures from -30 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius.
The Bad
This compass is quite heavy considering its size. There are also some issues about not being accurate.
PROs
- omes with a lanyard and pouch
- Waterproof and Impact resistant
- Has heavy duty housing
- Does not need batteries
CONs
- A bit heavy for its size
- Difficult to use
Conclusion
The multi-use tool is every prepper’s best friend, and I hope this list has shown you how the simple compass has come a long way. While you are figuring out how to get back home or find a safe zone, you will also need other tools to ensure your safety and plan your rescue. Even with just a simple compass at hand, you do not need to wait for help to come your way. I hope this article has helped you determine the best survival compass for your survival and emergency needs. Get more tips on survival kits.