#best compass

Consider the following when shopping for a hiking compass:

Backlighting and luminosity 

Global Needle 

Sighting Mirror. 

Durability 

Declination adjustment 

I had written another post regarding the hiking compasses and the different types. Today, I will be providing another two types of hiking compass.

Types of hiking compass

Simple baseplate compass

The simple baseplate compass has clear acrylic baseplates to enhance map viewing and reading through the compass. The compasses are all-purposes compasses for beginners and serve backpacking and hiking needs.  

Orienteering compasses

The orienteering compasses are features with a high level of navigation. The orienteering compasses are meant to help you navigate using maps or a GPS. These compasses feature declination scales, rulers, clinometers and sighting mirrors. They are fully featured for regular and skilled navigators with need for high level navigation tools.

There are other things you need to consider when purchasing a compass. Some of the things to consider include:

•        Sighting mirror for precise navigation

•        Declination adjustment to account for the difference between the North Pole and magnetic pole

•        Clinometer to measure angles for avalanche risk

•        A global needle used by world travelers and much more.

Many people plan to spend some time hiking, recreating and backpacking in the wilderness. You will be amazed by how more comfortable and confident you have after having getting more knowledge. Using maps and compass can help you recognize landmarks, surroundings and navigate easily using a simple compass. Every person going hiking should carry a hiking compass. You might need it sooner than expected.

Basic features of compasses

•        Some of the basic features of a compass include: rotating bezel that adjusts the heading

•        Orienting lines and arrows or work with maps

•        Baseplate with rulers to use on maps

•        Magnetizing needle pointing to the magnetic north

Types of hiking compasses

I will focus on one of the types of compasses that’s mostly used.

Liquid filled compass

There are many types of compass you can use when going for your hiking, camping or backpacking. Some people prefer a baseplate compass and maps while other love more advanced compasses with a handheld GPS especially if they are advanced hiking. Here are three common types of hiking compasses that you should consider taking along.

You love hiking and going to places you have never been before? Well, you would admit that you need a hiking compass with you. Here are some of the tips you can use when choosing the best compass:

·         Durability

Compasses are not as breakable as compared to a GPS, but this doesn’t mean that you won’t drop the compass accidentally or it won’t bump against something in your backpack. Be sure the compass won't shatter or break in that instance to avoid problems in the field.

·         High-resolution bezel

The bezel is circular and movable surrounding the compass housing. There are degrees onto it from 0 to 360. A good bezel is more precise and has markings for every one or half a degree. Pick the compass that is most precise.

·         See through baseplate with a direction of travel arrow

The see-through baseplate allows you to see what is beneath the map when you are taking a bearing. The rulers on the sides of the baseplate, parallel median lines and magnifying lens will help your readings be precise. It also helps read the small symbols on your map.

·         Wide temperature range

All hikers know that the ability to navigate with a map and compass is a vital skill that can literally save your life. This combination can help you know where you are, what is surrounding you and the best and easiest way to get there. If you are lost and have a map and a compass, finding your way back is not going to be that challenge. Before you go ahead and buy a hiking compass, here are a few details you should carefully take a look at:

·         Magnetized needle

A magnetized needle that shows north quickly is an important feature in a hiking compass. You might be hiking for leisure and there is no rush. However, bad weather can come fast and at this time, you will need a needle that settles as quickly as possible. This is called dampening time. The needle should be in a liquid filled compass housing and the liquid should not freeze. The fluid will allow the needle to move freely and keep it from twitching when taking the readings.

Analog vs. Digital

Analog compasses do not need an external source of power while the digital ones need the batteries for power.

 You are planning to go hiking but cannot settle on the best compass to carry? Worry no more. I will be reviewing two of the best compass that you can use while hiking or when trekking through an unknown pace.

Brunton compass

These compasses are for those who want an accurate but simple navigation compass. The compass works globally. With bezel and other features like outer rulers, it is among the best camping or hiking compass with high resolution that you can find. It has an accurate navigation and adjustable declination. Brunton Nomad G3 pro Compass and Brunton TruArc 3 Base Plate compass are some of the brand compasses you can check

Coughlan’s outdoorsman digital compass

This type of compass is among the best hiking compass because of its general navigating and orienting ability. It can be used for digital and analog purposes with features like baseplate with a straight edge, rotary bezel and inch markings for map reading.

There are other brands that offer a better quality you can choose from but these brands offer the best hiking compass you need.

GPS is taking over tracing a tracking. Many people nowadays don’t see the need to have a compass anymore. Compasses seem to be old-fashioned remnants in our history, But they are as important they once were years ago. If you lose your track hiking, these primitive survival tools will mean your survival. There are plenty of hiking compass that allows you to find and trace your tracks to wherever it is you are going. Let’s see the top best brands for hiking compass in 2018

Suunto compasses

Suunto is known for making high quality and reliable navigation compasses in the world. These compasses are modified to incorporate other features like multiple rulers, sighting mirror, and a linking lanyard to help maintain a higher degree accuracy in any condition. Suunto M-9 Wrist Compass and Suunto A-10 Recreational Field compass are some of the best hiking compasses from Suunto.

Silver compasses