Best Compass for Day Hikes (Buying Guide 2023)

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Rob Johnston

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Best Compass for Day Hikes

Going hiking, even just for a relatively short day hike, it’s always best to carry a reliable compass and set of maps of the local area in case you’re unsure of the way ahead. This is why I always take a compass with me if I’m new to a particular hiking route.

That said, what compass should you choose? Today I want to help you find the best compass for day hikes, one which I would use myself.

Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Lensatic Tactical Compass

One of the reasons I love this compass is simply because it looks really cool. No, it’s not a feature per say, but who doesn’t like good looking products?

Anyway, besides the look of it, something else which stands out is how durable this compass is. It’s made with a metal shell that you can drop over and over without fear of damage.

As I have discovered firsthand, it is also 100% waterproof, and it is advertised as being shockproof too.

Moreover, the Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Compass is very accurate and has always managed to help me find the right path again.

This is even true when I have gotten lost at night, because the compass face glows in the dark, so it can easily be seen even when the moon isn’t out.

It comes with a rotating bezel to help lock in a bearing, something which every compass should come with.

Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Lensatic Tactical Compass | Impact Resistant and Waterproof |Metal Sighting Navigation Compasses for Hiking, Camping, Motoring, Boating, Boy Scout (Camouflage)

Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

AOFAR Military Compass

Another one of my favorites, this is also a military compass, and as seems to be the case with military gear, this thing is about as tough as it gets.

I have actually thrown this compass at a tree before, and dropped it in a river, both of which had no effect. When it comes to durability, this is one of the top options as far as I am concerned.

You can shake, drop, and wet this thing all you want, and it will stay functioning no problem.

What I also like about this AOFAR Military Compass is that it comes with a carry bag, a lanyard, and a carabiner, making it very portable.

It’s one of those things I tend to forget that I have with me because it’s so lightweight, and yes, it functions just as it should.

AOFAR Military Compass Lensatic Sighting Navigation, Waterproof and Shakeproof with Map Measurer Distance Calculator, Pouch for Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Backpacking

Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

SUUNTO MC-2 Compass

This is one of the more expensive compasses I am going to recommend to you, but it is also one of the best. It’s got a few awesome features that I personally love.

One of the best features of this compass, especially for climbers and people who love the mountains, is the declination tool Simply put, it allows you to easily find a bearing even on a steep hill, which is easier said than done without a tool like this.

The sighting mirror is something else that tends to come in quite handy, because you can see your target while getting your bearings.

I like the Suunto MC-2 Compass because it comes with everything you need to accurately find and maintain a bearing.

The only downside as far as I am concerned is that it’s not the most durable compass around. Dropping it will not go well.

Suunto – High Grade Steel MC-2 NH USGS Compass with Mirrored Sighting, Adjustable Declination, and a Clinometer

Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

SUUNTO M-3 NH Compass

This is a like a downgraded or more basic version of the MC-2 I just reviewed above. What I like about this compass is how simple it is to use. It’s a simple liquid-filled capsule compass, one that is very accurate. I have never had any problems with accuracy or finding a bearing.

Keep in mind that it is balanced for the northern hemisphere, or in other words, if you want to take a trip south, it won’t work.

My favorite part about the SUUNTO M-3 NH Leader Compass is how easy and accurate it is, as well as how it is lightweight. However, just like with the MC-2, it lacks durability, so you always have to be careful with it.

Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Lensatic Prismatic Sighting Compass

What I really like about this particular compass is that it has a lot of user-friendly features which make it really easy to find and maintain a bearing. It comes with a rotating bezel, a bubble level, and adjustable sighting lens, sighting lines, and more.

Simply put, as long as you are just doing some basic hiking, it works fine. As far as I am concerned, it’s one of the more user-friendly compasses out there.

Now, in terms of durability, I would say it’s not fragile, but it’s not the toughest of compasses either, so don’t be too rough with it. That said, it is definitely very lightweight, it comes with a carrying bag, and a lanyard too, so it is a convenient option to keep on hand.

Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Final Thoughts

Personally, I would recommend either of the first 2 compasses I reviewed, as both are military compasses, and I know that they are about as tough as can be, and of course highly accurate too.

If you’re thinking of using an iPhone for navigating with a compass app then check out my article on compass apps.