How to Choose a Compass: A Guide to Outdoor Navigation
A reliable compass is one of the most useful pieces of navigation equipment you can carry when walking, hiking, backpacking or exploring unfamiliar terrain.
Unlike a smartphone or GPS device, a traditional magnetic compass doesn't require batteries or a mobile signal. Used alongside a suitable map, it can help you establish direction, follow a route and navigate when electronic equipment is unavailable.
However, not all compasses are designed for the same purpose. From simple baseplate models to specialist sighting compasses, understanding the differences will help you choose the right equipment for your adventures.
What Type of Compass Do You Need?
There are several types of compass, each suited to different activities and levels of navigation experience.
Baseplate Compasses
A baseplate compass is generally the best choice for hillwalking, hiking and most recreational outdoor navigation.
It features a magnetic needle mounted on a transparent baseplate, allowing you to place it directly onto a map.
Common features include:
- A transparent baseplate for map reading.
- A rotating compass housing marked in degrees.
- A direction-of-travel arrow.
- Orientating lines for aligning with map grid lines.
- Ruler markings for measuring distances on maps.
Some models also include a magnifying lens, luminous markings or a built-in magnifier for reading small map details.
Best for: Walking, hiking, backpacking, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and general outdoor navigation.
Mirror Sighting Compasses
A mirror sighting compass incorporates a hinged mirror that allows you to view the compass dial while sighting a distant landmark.
This can make it easier to take accurate bearings across open terrain.
Mirror compasses are particularly useful when navigating between distant landmarks or where greater precision is required.
Best for: More advanced navigation, mountain walking and route finding across open landscapes.
Lensatic Compasses
Lensatic compasses are commonly associated with military-style navigation.
They typically feature a folding sighting mechanism and a lens for reading bearings.
These can be useful for taking directional bearings, although they are generally less convenient than a transparent baseplate compass for working directly with a walking map.
Best for: Users familiar with military-style navigation techniques and sighting compasses.
Button and Mini Compasses
Small button compasses are often incorporated into survival kits, whistles, watches or other outdoor accessories.
They can provide a basic directional reference, but their small size and limited markings make them less suitable for precise map navigation.
Best for: Emergency backup, basic orientation and lightweight survival kits.
Important Features to Look for in a Compass
1. A Clear, Easy-to-Read Dial
A compass should have legible markings that allow you to read bearings accurately.
For general walking and hiking, a rotating housing with a full 360-degree scale is particularly useful.
Clear direction-of-travel and orientating arrows also make the compass easier to use.
2. A Transparent Baseplate
For navigation using a paper map, a transparent baseplate makes it easier to align the compass with routes, grid lines and landmarks.
Look for a baseplate long enough to draw or follow bearings comfortably without becoming unnecessarily bulky.
3. Map Measuring Scales
Many baseplate compasses include ruler markings or scales designed for common map ratios.
For UK walking, Ordnance Survey maps commonly use scales of 1:25,000 and 1:50,000.
A compass with matching scales can help you measure distances more conveniently.
However, you can still navigate successfully using a compass without these features, provided you understand how to measure map distances separately.
4. A Stable Magnetic Needle
The magnetic needle should move freely and settle reliably.
Many outdoor compasses use a liquid-filled capsule to dampen needle movement, making bearings easier to read.
A good compass should be straightforward to use without requiring excessive waiting for the needle to settle.
5. Declination Adjustment
Magnetic north and grid north are not necessarily the same.
The difference varies according to location and changes over time.
Some compasses include an adjustable declination feature, which can simplify navigation once correctly set.
For most UK recreational walkers, a standard baseplate compass is sufficient, provided they know how to apply the current magnetic variation information for their map and location.
6. Luminous Markings
Some compasses feature luminous markings to help with reading in low-light conditions.
These can be useful for early starts, evening walks or emergency navigation.
However, luminous markings do not replace the need for a suitable torch or headlamp.
7. Size and Weight
A compact compass is convenient to carry, particularly when backpacking.
However, very small compasses can be harder to read accurately or use with a map.
For most walkers, a standard-sized baseplate compass provides a practical balance between portability and usability.
How Accurate Does a Walking Compass Need to Be?
For ordinary hillwalking, a good-quality baseplate compass is generally accurate enough when used correctly.
In practice, navigation errors are often caused by incorrect technique rather than the compass itself.
Common mistakes include:
- Reading the wrong end of the magnetic needle.
- Failing to align the compass housing correctly.
- Confusing magnetic north with grid north.
- Holding the compass close to metal objects.
- Following a bearing without checking surrounding landmarks.
Learning to use a compass confidently is therefore just as important as choosing the right model.
What Can Affect Compass Accuracy?
Magnetic compasses respond to the Earth's magnetic field, but nearby magnetic influences can interfere with their readings.
Keep your compass away from:
- Mobile phones and electronic devices.
- Magnets and magnetic closures.
- Large metal objects.
- Vehicles and metal structures.
- Electrical equipment.
Some watches, tools and other equipment may also affect the needle.
When taking a bearing, hold the compass level and away from potential sources of interference.
Do You Need a Special Compass for the UK?
Most standard outdoor compasses sold for use in Europe are suitable for navigation throughout the United Kingdom.
However, magnetic compasses may be balanced for different geographical zones.
If you're purchasing a compass for use in other parts of the world, check the manufacturer's geographical compatibility information.
Some specialist models offer global needle systems designed to work across a wider range of locations.
Compass Navigation and Magnetic Declination
When navigating with a map and compass, it's important to understand the difference between true north, grid north and magnetic north.
- True north: The direction towards the geographical North Pole.
- Grid north: The direction of north indicated by the vertical grid lines on a map.
- Magnetic north: The direction indicated by the compass needle.
The angular difference between these directions can affect navigation accuracy.
For UK walking, use the relevant Ordnance Survey map information and up-to-date magnetic variation guidance rather than assuming a fixed correction applies everywhere.
Magnetic variation changes over time, so information printed on an older map may need updating.
Should You Carry a Compass If You Have GPS?
Yes. A map and compass remain valuable navigation tools even when you regularly use a smartphone or GPS device.
Electronic navigation equipment can be extremely useful, but it has limitations.
Batteries can run flat, devices can become damaged and satellite positioning may be less reliable in some environments.
A magnetic compass doesn't depend on batteries or a mobile signal.
However, a compass is most useful when you also carry a suitable map and know how to use both together.
For remote walking and mountain environments, developing traditional navigation skills provides a valuable backup to electronic devices.
Which Compass Is Best for Beginners?
For someone learning outdoor navigation, a straightforward baseplate compass is usually the best starting point.
Look for:
- A transparent baseplate.
- A rotating 360-degree housing.
- Clear orientating lines.
- A visible direction-of-travel arrow.
- A stable magnetic needle.
- Map measuring scales where useful.
There's generally no need to start with a complicated specialist model.
A reliable baseplate compass and some practice with a suitable map will provide a strong foundation for developing navigation skills.
How to Look After Your Compass
A quality compass should provide many years of service when treated carefully.
- Keep it away from strong magnets and magnetic equipment.
- Avoid dropping it onto hard surfaces.
- Protect the capsule from excessive heat and physical damage.
- Keep the baseplate clean and free from deep scratches.
- Store it somewhere dry and protected.
- Check that the needle moves freely before important trips.
If the capsule develops a significant bubble, the needle sticks or readings become unreliable, consult the manufacturer and consider replacing the compass.
Final Advice on Choosing a Compass
For most UK walkers, hikers and backpackers, a good-quality baseplate compass is the most practical choice.
It provides the essential features needed for map navigation without unnecessary complexity.
More specialised compasses can be useful for advanced navigation or particular activities, but understanding how to take and follow bearings is more important than having additional features.
Whichever compass you choose, practise using it in familiar surroundings before relying on it in remote or challenging terrain.
Explore our range of outdoor compasses or visit our Outdoor Navigation Equipment department for more navigation essentials.