How to Choose a Compass?

Learn how to choose a compass. Without a compass, finding your way back to civilization becomes much more difficult. The ability to navigate with map and compass is a crucial skill, one that can literally save your life. Your compass and map can also do other helpful tasks like telling you where you are, what’s around you and the best way to get where you want to go.

Today we’ll tell you how to choose a compass. There are four main features to look at when choosing a compass: 

1, Declination adjustment: A capable compass for hikers and other trail users should have this.
2, Sighting mirror: Move up to a model with both declination adjustment and this feature if you plan to travel off trail or want more precise navigation
3, Clinometer: For mountaineering and backcountry skiing, a compass with a clinometer can help you assess avalanche hazards. Field scientists and search-and-rescue professionals also like to have a clinometer.
4, Global needle: If you’re a world traveler or simply going on a trip that takes you south of the Equator, get a model with a global needle.

While all compasses point in their designated direction, they can also have a wide array of additional features. Generally, a more feature-rich compass costs more, though the build quality (precision and durability) also factors into the price you pay.

Basic Compass Features

Magnetized needle: Usually the red end of a pivoting compass needle, it points to the magnetic pole. Most needles float in a damping fluid that helps steady their movement. The fluid won’t freeze but it sometimes forms bubbles, which typically don’t impact needle movement.
Rotating bezel (or azimuth ring): This ring marked with degrees from 0° to 360° encircles the outer edge of the needle capsule. The smaller the interval of degrees, the easier it is to navigate precisely.
Baseplate: This flat transparent base has a wide variety of navigational markings, including a ruler to measure map distances.
Orienting arrows and lines: The markings inside the needle housing and on the baseplate are used for a variety of basic navigational tasks.

Ferrous metal can distort a compass reading. Use your compass away from your car, or metallic objects like a metal picnic table or post. Even the iron levels in a lava field can have an effect. Electrical fields (a running car engine, for example) can also throw off the accuracy of a compass.

Don’t store a compass near a magnet or electric field. Over time, exposure can demagnetize the needle. Do not place your compass in your pocket next to your cell phone. Even a magnetic clasp used on the bite valve of some hydration reservoirs can be problematic.