Best Survival Compass Selection Guide

When venturing into the wilderness, having a reliable compass is crucial for navigation and survival.

This guide will explore the key features to look for when selecting the best survival compass to meet your needs, from accuracy and durability to simplicity of use.

You'll discover top-rated compass models for beginners and advanced users, recommendations from Reddit's outdoor community, and tips to integrate compass skills with modern technology for optimum wilderness navigation.

Introduction to the Best Survival Compass

A reliable compass is an essential navigation tool for any outdoor adventurer or survivalist. Having an accurate compass can mean the difference between finding your way to safety or becoming dangerously lost in the wilderness. This article will provide an overview of what to look for when choosing the best survival compass to meet your needs.

Importance of a Reliable Survival Compass

A quality survival compass is vital for navigating unpredictable terrains during emergency situations or recreational activities like hiking and hunting. Key reasons why having a durable, precise compass is so critical include:

Provides reliable navigation when other tools like GPS fail or can't get a signal. A compass will keep working if electronics break or batteries die.
Allows you to accurately determine cardinal directions, avoiding getting lost if visibility is poor.
Features specialized designs for hostile environments - waterproof, shock-resistant.
Trusted brands like Suunto, Silva, and Brunton offer professional-grade compasses built for years of use.

Choosing the wrong compass can have serious consequences like becoming stranded or needing rescue. Investing in a top-rated model designed for survival/tactical use brings essential redundancy for when situations turn dangerous.

Essential Features of a Survival Compass

When evaluating survival compasses, key features that indicate exceptional quality and durability include:

Precision Needle and Jeweled Bearing - The compass needle should rotate fluidly to precisely point to magnetic north. Smooth bearings ensure accuracy.
Adjustable Declination - Being able to set the local magnetic declination is vital for true navigation between magnetic and true north.
Scaled Straight Edges - Straight edges with multiple scales (1:25k, 1:50k, inches) allow you to measure distances on a map.
Luminous Markings - Illuminated markings make the compass useable in low light so you can navigate at night or bad weather. High-contrast colors also assist.
Waterproof and Shockproof - Durable components prevent malfunction if exposed to harsh wilderness environments - humidity, rain, vibrations.

Prioritizing these performance and reliability-centric features helps single out the best survival compasses for safely traversing the untamed outdoors.

What is the best survival compass?

The Suunto MC-2 is considered one of the best survival compasses available. This high-quality sighting compass is designed specifically for wilderness navigation and features several key attributes that make it well-suited for survival situations:

Durability - The MC-2 has a rugged, waterproof housing that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Its jewel bearings provide smooth operation even in cold temperatures or high humidity.

Accuracy - With precise degree markings and a sighting mirror, the MC-2 allows for accurate orientation and direction-finding. It has a declination adjustment to account for magnetic declination.

Easy to Use - The simple design focuses on core navigation functionality. The MC-2 is easy to set and read for fast orientation in the field. Its large sighting arrows make aligning a map and landscape uncomplicated.

Global Needle - The MC-2's global needle works reliably in any hemisphere or inclination angle making it versatile for worldwide use. This is important for unpredictable survival scenarios.

The MC-2 hits a sweet spot between price and features to become a go-to compass for many survivalists and preppers. It provides the essential performance and durability to navigate back to safety if one becomes lost in a wilderness emergency. Whether on a hike, hunt, or other outdoor expedition, the Suunto MC-2 is a smart choice as part of any survival or bug out bag.

What type of compass is most accurate?

The most accurate type of compass for navigation in wilderness environments is a baseplate compass. Baseplate compasses provide an optimal balance of precision, ease of use, and durability.

Some key reasons why baseplate compasses are the best choice include:

Clear baseplate for map navigation: The transparent rectangular baseplate allows you to accurately plot your location and route on a topographic map. This makes navigation much more precise.
Rotating bezel for taking bearings: The bezel (housing) of the compass contains the magnetic needle and rotates to allow you to set and take accurate bearings to plot a path through rough terrain.
Durability: Quality baseplate compasses are designed for rugged outdoor use with waterproof housings and lanyard holes for securing with a cord. Models like the Suunto MC-2 are known for reliability.
Lightweight and portable: Weighing only an ounce or two, baseplate compasses are easy to carry in a pocket or pouch on your pack or belt.

While more advanced GPS units or orienteering compasses have their place, a good baseplate compass provides an optimal blend of simplicity, accuracy, and reliability for most outdoor navigation needs. Following basic compass skills like taking bearings and plotting declination will ensure you can effectively utilize a baseplate compass to navigate the wilderness.

Which brand compass is best?

When choosing the best survival compass, there are a few top brands that stand out for their quality, features, and reliability. Based on my testing and experience, here are some of the best compass brands to consider:

Suunto MC-2

The Suunto MC-2 is my top pick for the best overall survival compass. Suunto is known for making high-quality compasses used by military personnel and adventurers around the world. The MC-2 has a global needle for accuracy anywhere on Earth. It also has adjustable declination and luminous markings for use at night. The compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or survival kit.

Silva Ranger 2.0

For hiking and outdoor adventures, I recommend the Silva Ranger 2.0. This versatile compass has a sighting mirror and rotating housing to take bearings easily. The Ranger 2.0 is made of durable, waterproof materials and has a handy lanyard to prevent drops. The precision needle keeps you on track through all types of terrain.

Cammenga Military Compass

Serious preppers should consider the Cammenga Military Compass. This mil-spec compass is used by soldiers and meets rigorous durability standards. The self-luminous dial glows for up to 10 years. It has a liquid-dampened needle for steady readings. The Cammenga compass attaches to a lanyard or molle gear.

Brunton 9041 Glow Compass

For a reliable kids compass, choose the Brunton 9041 Glow Compass. It has a easy to read dial with large direction letters. The glow-in-the-dark needle makes it usable at night. It comes with a break-away lanyard for child safety. This high-visibility compass is affordable, making it a good choice for Scouts and school groups.

Suunto A-10

If you need a compass for land navigation, I recommend the Suunto A-10. It has an adjustable declination and precise global needle. The A-10 features a durable aluminum housing and a convenient rear sight for taking azimuths. With its quality construction, the Suunto A-10 is an excellent land navigation compass.

When navigating unfamiliar areas, having a reliable compass can be a lifesaver. Choose a quality brand designed for your intended purpose, whether hiking, emergency preparedness, or military operations. Investing in a good compass from a reputable brand is worth the cost for the security it provides.

What compass does the US military use?

The U.S. military uses the Army Official Tritium Lensatic Compass (3H Model) which is built to withstand extreme conditions. Here are some key features that make it well-suited for military use:

Waterproof and Sandproof Design: It can function properly even when submerged in water or exposed to sand and dust. This allows it to be used in diverse terrain and weather.
Tritium-Powered Illumination: It has self-powered Tritium micro lights that allow the compass to be read in low-light conditions, making night navigation possible.
Durability: Constructed from impact-resistant plastic and designed to military specifications, it can withstand shocks and extreme temperatures.
Accuracy: Features jewel bearings and a precision balanced needle allowing for accurate readings and ease of use.
Made in the USA: Manufactured domestically according to strict quality standards.

With its ruggedness and reliability even in harsh environments, it's easy to see why the Army 3H model is the choice for military personnel who need to navigate using a compass. It has the crucial features needed for use in combat and field operations.

Essential Features for the Best Survival Compass

A reliable survival compass is a crucial navigation tool when venturing into the wilderness. The best options provide durability, accuracy, and usability to help you find your way in demanding environmental conditions. Here are some key features to look for in an optimal survival compass.

Durability and Water Resistance

Since you'll likely face rain, snow, temperature swings, and rough terrain in a survival situation, your compass needs to withstand the elements. Seek out compasses made of durable materials like aircraft-grade aluminum that resist corrosion. All-weather compasses with waterproof casings can maintain functionality even after submersion in water. This level of durability ensures your compass remains usable no matter the conditions.

Luminescent Markings for Low Light Conditions

Luminescent markings on the compass dial and bezel that glow in the dark are extremely valuable for low light and nighttime navigation. Phosphorescent paint charges up under sunlight during the day, then emits a glow to illuminate the compass components when needed. This allows you to see and use your compass even in pitch black wilderness areas on overcast nights.

Since declination is the difference between true north and magnetic north, adjusting for this variance is vital for precise navigation using a map and compass. The best survival compasses have adjustable declination settings, often via a small screw, to account for your region's specific declination angle. After aligning declination properly, you can plot accurate courses on a map that translate correctly in the field. This helps you navigate precisely to landmarks and destinations.

In summary, seek out survival compasses offering maximum durability, luminescent markings for low light use, and adjustable declination for pinpoint navigation. These key features help ensure your compass serves as a reliable wayfinding tool even in harsh wilderness conditions.

Selecting the Best Survival Compass for Beginners

When choosing a survival compass, simplicity and ease of use should be top priorities for beginners. Look for compasses with intuitive, user-friendly designs to ensure you can effectively utilize them when navigating unfamiliar terrain.

Simplicity and User-Friendly Design

As a beginner, avoid complex compasses with too many features that may overwhelm or confuse you. Seek out compasses with simple designs centered around core functionality - setting declination, taking bearings, and basic navigation.

Prioritize compasses with features like:

Large sighting mirrors for easy viewing
Fixed declination scales
Easy-to-set bezel ring
Simple keychain attachment

Compasses that require extensive setup or have tiny parts can be frustrating to use in survival situations. Keep it simple early on.

Budget-Friendly Options

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a reliable, functional survival compass as a beginner. Quality options are available for under $20 such as:

Suunto A-10 - A lightweight, baseplate compass perfect for beginners.
Coghlan's Ball-Type Pin-on Compass - An inexpensive keychain compass for basic navigation.

Avoid breaking the bank early on. Affordable options can teach you the basics of navigation without heavy investment upfront.

Recommended Beginner Compasses

The Suunto A-10 is an excellent choice for those new to wilderness survival and land navigation. It combines simplicity of design with proven reliability. Key features that make it ideal for beginners include:

Large mirrored sighting system
Fixed declination correction scale
Simple keychain attachment
Affordable price under $15

The A-10 focuses on core functionality for new navigators. Once you master the basics, you can level up to more advanced compass options.

Best Survival Compass Options for Advanced Users

Advanced navigators and survivalists require compasses with specialized features to assist with complex navigation tasks. When choosing the best survival compass for advanced use, key considerations include:

Suunto MC-2: A Navigator's Choice

The Suunto MC-2 is an excellent choice for advanced navigators. Key features include:

Precision baseplate with detailed scales for map navigation
Adjustable declination for true north calibration
Inclinometer for measuring slopes
Luminous markings for low light visibility
Durable, waterproof construction

With its extensive measurement tools, the Suunto MC-2 enables accurate plotting and orientation even in demanding wilderness settings. Its reliability makes it a top choice for search & rescue professionals.

Silva Ranger 2.0: Precision and Reliability

Distinguished by its red anodized aluminum construction, the Silva Ranger 2.0 is highly regarded for its precision and durability. Notable features include:

Fine 1-degree gradations on dial for precise bearings
Declination adjustment for true north calibration
Inclinometer for slope measurement
Magnifying lens for enhanced map reading
Water and shock resistant

Whether trekking remote mountain ranges or traversing dense forests, the Silva Ranger 2.0 provides unmatched accuracy and reliability to stay on course. The magnifier and precise dial optimize advanced map and compass work.

Brunton TruArc 5: Rugged and Versatile

With its global needle and adjustable declination, the Brunton TruArc 5 enables accurate navigation across diverse regions and conditions. Additional advantages include:

Rugged ABS plastic housing to withstand impact
Liquid-filled capsule for steady needle alignment
Glow-in-the-dark dial for low light visibility
Attachment point for securing to gear

Boasting versatile features in a durable format, the Brunton TruArc 5 is a trusted standby for military personnel, emergency responders, and expert outdoorsmen operating in extreme wilderness environments. Its versatility supports reliable navigation regardless of the conditions.

The Best Survival Compass for Specific Activities

Explore compasses tailored for activities like hunting and hiking, focusing on features that enhance these experiences.

Best Survival Compass for Hunting

When choosing a survival compass for hunting, key features to look for include:

Stealth design: Compasses like the Cammenga Military Compass have a low-profile olive drab design that doesn't reflect light and draws less attention when in use. This helps hunters stay concealed.
Lanyard attachment: A lanyard allows you to quickly access and reference your compass without fumbling in your pack or pockets. The Brunton TruArc 5 has a convenient lanyard attachment point.
Sighting mirror: Some compasses like the Silva Ranger 2.0 have a sighting mirror for targeting distant objects. This aids hunters in scoping out terrain and game.
Fast orientation: Quality compasses like the Suunto MC-2 allow rapid orientation and direction identification so hunters can quickly ascertain and navigate terrain.

When selecting a hiking compass, key features include:

Durability: Compasses meant for trail use like the Suunto A-10 are made of durable materials to withstand scrapes and falls. Things to look for include scratch-resistant mirrored lids and solid metal casings.
Declination adjustment: Being able to account for differences between true north and magnetic north is essential for accurate navigation. Compasses like the Brunton TruArc 5 allow easy declination adjustment.
Global needle balancing: This feature helps stabilize the magnetized compass needle to provide more steady and accurate readings on the go. The Silva Ranger 2.0 uses global needle balancing technology.
Easy-grip case: Quality compasses have textured, non-slip casings that are easy to grasp and manipulate in cold, wet, or gloved hands. The Coghlan’s Ball-Type Pin-on Compass uses an overmolded thermoplastic rubber grip.

Purpose-built marine compasses are ideal for navigating boats or watercraft. Features to look for include:

Gimbal mounting: This special swiveling mount allows compasses like the Ritchie Navigator to stay level despite a boat's rocking motion. This provides stability for accurate heading readings.
Night visibility: Many marine compasses like the Garmin Quatix use electroluminescent backlighting so display and readings are visible at night. This aids low-light navigation.
Waterproof casing: Compasses for marine use are made to withstand wet conditions and even temporary submersion. The Suunto M-9 uses a waterproof acrylic glass lens and sealed casing rated to 100 feet.

No matter the activity, choosing a purpose-built compass designed for your needs enhances effectiveness and safety during outdoor navigation. Carefully evaluate features like durability, visibility, and special mountings or attachments to select an optimal compass. Proper preparation prevents poor performance!

Integrating Compass Skills with Modern Technology

Combining traditional navigation techniques with modern technology can enhance wilderness travel and emergency preparedness. However, retaining fundamental compass skills remains vital as a reliable backup.

Combining GPS with Traditional Compass Use

GPS devices provide convenient navigation, but batteries can fail or signals get lost. Having a quality compass like the Silva Ranger 2.0 allows you to orient maps and take bearings even without GPS access.

Use your compass to verify GPS readings. Take a bearing to a distant object using your compass, then check the GPS coordinates. This helps confirm both devices are correctly calibrated.

Plot GPS waypoints on a paper map using your compass to orient map to north. This allows navigation by map if batteries die.

Having both compass and GPS skills makes navigation easier. But you need to practice core compass techniques before relying on technology.

GPS fails if batteries die or signals get blocked. A compass like the Brunton TruArc 5 will always work to plot a course.

Determine your pace count over various terrain. Then use compass bearings and pace counting to estimate distance traveled without GPS data.

Learn to use landmarks, contour lines, and dead reckoning along with map and compass. These skills allow navigation even if all electronics fail.

A compass gives analog redundancy and is much more durable than delicate GPS equipment. When planning for emergency scenarios, a compass is essential backup.

Educational Resources for Three Basic Compass Skills

Orienting a Map: Sight along map edge to match terrain features. Rotate map until north arrow aligns with compass needle pointing to magnetic north. Learn more.

Taking Bearings: Sight direction line on baseplate from your location to destination. Read bearing degrees on compass dial. Account for magnetic declination.

Following a Course: Choose landmark on your desired heading. Walk towards landmark, keep taking bearings to stay on course. Use pace count to estimate distance.

Resources like REI's navigation basics teach key skills. Taking a class provides hands-on practice before venturing into remote areas.

Community Insights: Best Survival Compass According to Reddit

Reddit can provide valuable first-hand insights into the best survival compasses from a community of experienced users. Here's a summary of some of the top recommendations and advice on Reddit for choosing a reliable compass.

Reddit's Top-Rated Compasses

These are some of the most frequently recommended survival compass models on Reddit:

Suunto MC-2 - A top choice praised for its durability, accuracy, and ease of use. Features include a global needle, magnifying lens, and luminous markings.
Silva Ranger 2.0 - Popular for its high-quality construction and useful scales for map navigation and measuring distances.
Brunton TruArc 5 - Known for its versatility, with both a global and local needle. The rotating bezel helps set declination.
Cammenga Military Compass - A heavy-duty model made for military use. Appreciated for its tritium-lit dial that glows without batteries.

User Experiences and Testimonials

Many Reddit users share tips from having field-tested compasses while hiking, hunting, or during military training:

"I used my Brunton 9041 Glow Compass on a 10 day trek through the backcountry last summer. Worked flawlessly the whole time despite constant use and pretty rough treatment."
"The Suunto A-10 is super reliable. I've had mine for years, it has never failed me. Solid piece of gear."
"For a budget choice, the Coghlan’s Ball-Type Pin-on Compass gets the job done. Just be careful with it as it feels kind of fragile."

Reddit's Tips for Compass Maintenance

Redditors offer advice for keeping compasses in working order:

Store compass properly when not in use to prevent damage to the needle.
Periodically check calibration by comparing against known direction points.
Be gentle to prevent shocks - dropping can affect accuracy.
Check fluid levels in liquid-filled models to ensure needle can spin freely.
Use fine tweezers to remove any dirt or debris around rotating needle.

Choosing the best survival compass comes down to your specific needs and budget. But with help from the Reddit community's insights, you can find a model that will serve you well when navigating the wilderness.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Way to the Best Survival Compass

Final Recommendations

Based on the features and considerations discussed, here are the top recommendations for the best survival compass:

For beginners, the Silva Ranger 2.0 is easy to use while still being durable and reliable. It's a great entry-level option.
For advanced users who need maximum precision, the Suunto MC-2 is the top choice. It has a global needle and adjustable declination for pinpoint accuracy.
For those on a budget, the Coghlan's Ball-Type Pin-on Compass gets the job done at a very affordable price point.
For navigating at night or in low-light conditions, go with the Brunton 9041 Glow Compass for its illuminated dial and sighting mirror.

Recap of Essential Features and Skills

When selecting a survival compass, key features to evaluate include durability, precision, ease of use, special features like glow-in-the-dark or mirror sights, and price.

It's also important to practice core navigation skills like taking bearings, plotting courses on a map, and adjusting for declination. Understanding these basic techniques is essential for leveraging the full capabilities of your compass.

With the right compass and knowledge of navigation fundamentals, you'll be equipped to find your way even when off the beaten path. Choose wisely and practice often for confidence in your direction-finding abilities.