Magnetic Compasses for Camping & Hiking

Compasses are tools used for route navigation during outdoor adventures or emergencies by ensuring accurate orientation and reliable guidance. They are popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and wildlife professionals for staying on course in remote or unfamiliar terrains.

Types of Compasses

Compasses are designed in diverse styles and models to suit specific environments and navigation requirements. Each type is built with features to perform in particular conditions, ensuring reliable performance whether you're in the bushes, hiking, or navigating your way out. The choice of compass depends on the intended use.

For instance A northern magnetic compass is weighted to prevent excessive tilting in the Northern Hemisphere, while a southern magnetic compass is adjusted for the opposite conditions in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia). Using either outside its intended region can cause the needle to tilt incorrectly, leading to inaccuracies. A global compass overcomes this limitation with a specialized pivot or fluid damping, allowing it to function accurately anywhere in the world.

Baseplate Compass: This type comes with a magnetic needle and rotating bezel for accurate map reading and direction-finding.
Lensatic Compass: Commonly used in the military and real-life survival scenarios, the Lensatic compass features a folding lid and sighting wire for precise bearings.
Pocket Compass: Small, portable compasses for basic navigation; includes options like lanyard and thumb tac compasses.
Carabiner Compass: A compact compass attached to a carabiner, ideal for outdoor activities and easy access.

Reliable Features for Performance

Modern compasses offer a range of functionalities. Based on the type of the compass, some features are common and fundamental to its functioning. These include:

Magnetic Needles: Ensuring consistent alignment with the Earth’s magnetic field.
Liquid Damping: Stabilises the needle for accurate readings during any movement.
Sighting Mechanisms: For precision in navigation. mechanisms such as sighting mirrors, or lenses help users take precise bearings over long distances.
Glow-in-the-Dark Markings: Essential for nighttime exploration or low-light conditions.

A Useful Companion for Your Expeditions

Compasses are instruments crafted for their diverse activities and use such as:

Hiking and Camping: The Orienteering Compass helps guide outdoor adventurers through trails and bushes.
Survival and Bushcraft: For emergency navigation and resourceful exploration, the Multi-Functional Compass serves as a great device.
Military Use: For reliability in tactical missions, the Lensatic Compass provides rugged and precise functionality.

Care and Maintenance of a Compass

These devices require proper care to ensure they last long and are effective:

Handling: Avoid exposure to magnets or electronic devices that can disrupt the needle. (Magnetic compasses can be affected by magnetic anomalies in the soil, interference from nearby metal objects or power lines, and disruptions caused by human-made structures.)
Cleaning: Wipe with a soft cloth to remove dirt or moisture.
Storage: Keep in a dry, temperature-stable environment to prevent damage.