The Best co*passes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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Even with an endless list of navigational apps and gadgets, it’s best to be prepared with an old school co*pass. After all, apps can crash, phone batteries die, and service can get lost in remote areas. There is simply no substitute for being prepared by bringing a map and co*pass. While co*passes are an essential piece of gear for anyone going into the backcountry for safety reasons, they also play a significant role in route planning. They also add an added level of challenging fun to a long hike.
co*passes co*e in a variety of styles and features. To help you pick the right co*pass, I tested the best co*passes to evaluate their features, strengths, and weaknesses.
How I Picked The Best co*passes
To properly review these different co*passes, I researched additional mapping and navigation skills to get the most out of each tool. I took several into the Colorado backcountry using them with maps to navigate in different terrains. I also used the co*passes to try and make my way to nearby bodies of water like creeks.
Best co*passes: Reviews & Reco*mendations
A widely popular, all-in-one co*pass for all skill levels.
Pros
- co*plete package
- Multiple tools allow for trip planning and backcountry navigation
- Easy to use slope indicator makes this a great co*pass for winter sports
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Can seem overwhelming to someone new at using a co*pass
Key Features
- Mirror co*pass with a clear baseplate to use on maps, as well
- Slope measurements tool on the side of the case
- Declination tool included for adjusting east and west
- Sighting hole and notch for accurate bearings
- Luminescent markings for working in low light
- Baseplate has magnifying lens
- Weight: 0.25 pounds
The Suunto MC-2 is one of the most popular devices in the co*pass industry, and for a good reason. With a wide range of tools and uses, this all-in-one co*pass works for any need and any level of navigational skill. While on the pricier side, this should be the only co*pass you need to do it all. The MC-2 is also fairly simple for newco*ers, from setting a declination to using the slopes to map out where avalanche dangers may exist and other issues.
The Suunto MC-2 is the industry standard for land navigation. Alex Murphy
On trail, it was easy to set my declination and hike a few miles into Roosevelt National Forest. I used the MC-2 near Greyrock in Northern Colorado and was able to follow a section of trail past the popular destination that is Greyrock to avoid some crowds and then easily find my way back.
The base model is designed for the Northern Hemisphere, but you can also upgrade to a global version for an extra $15. With a long list of capabilities, I would suggest any user at the very least read articles on co*pass usage or watch some YouTube videos to get the most out of this tool.
A mirror co*pass with a clear base that is more affordable than co*petitors.
Pros
- Great value for a fairly co*plete package
- Ease of use with a bold font for many indicators
- Easy to attach a lanyard
- Similar to the MC-2 but half the price
Cons
- Has slightly fewer features than the MC-2
- Heavier for anyone counting each tenth of a pound
- Slope measurements in a separate card
Key Features
- Weight: 0.3 pounds
- Contour card to measure slopes and avalanche risk
- Built in adjuster for magnetic declination based on location
- Mirror sighting with sighting hole for determining direction over long distances
- Magnifying lens
- Lanyard has distance markers
The Silva Ranger 2.0 is very similar to the best co*pass overall, the MC-2, so it’s hard to review it without drawing co*parisons. While the Silva Ranger 2.0 does weigh a small amount more than the Suunto MC-2, you get a lot of tools with this co*pass, like a similar case and mirror. However, unlike the MC-2, the Ranger doesn’t co*e with a slope indicator directly on the device or a key to change settings.
Using the Ranger on trail felt very similar to the MC-2 as well and, in many ways, just as reliable. The clear base plate allowed me to do some extra navigating before arriving in Rocky Mountain National Park to get an idea of what was ahead. With just a few minor differences, like the use of a card for slope measurements that co*e in the box, the Ranger was very reliable.
Overall, the Ranger 2.0 is a great option for someone slightly more on a budget but looking for a lot of the quality of the industry’s standard.
An extremely durable military-grade co*pass.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Simple and easy to use
- Battle-tested
- co*es with a case
- More accurate lensatic technology
Cons
- May be trickier to use for mapping
- Heavy at 1 pound
- One of the more expensive options
Key Features
- Hard metal shell keeps it safe
- Used by the U.S. Military
- Seven Tritium micro-lights, providing continuous illumination for over 12 years
- Accuracy +/- 40 mils.
- Works in temperatures from -50° to 150°
- Weight: 1 pound
Cammenga’s Military co*pass remains the official co*pass manufacturer for the U.S. military. This metal wrapped co*pass allows for simple directional help and orientation. While this is probably not the number one choice for mapping, it does co*e with a scale to help measure distances on maps.
The Cammenga Military co*pass provides extreme durability and accurate readings under all conditions. Alex Murphy
This co*pass has been battle-tested, works in a vast range of temperatures, and is water and sand-proof. I figured with such a strong design, it wouldn’t hurt to throw it down a few rock slopes just to see how it fared, and honestly, it didn’t get a scratch. I would be afraid to drop many of the other options due to their plastic cases.
It’s equipped with a magnifying lens and sight wire to facilitate more accurate readings. The co*pass co*es in a canvas bag for even more added protection, and with a forest green color, this is an excellent device for hunters.
Simple, easy, lightweight, and great for learning the basics.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to understand for just about any user including kids
- Glows in the dark for added safety if needed at night
Cons
- The lack of features makes it more of a life-saving device than a route finder
Key Features
- Glows in the dark
- Key ring attachment
- Weight: 0.02 pounds
The Brunton 9041 Glow co*pass is a great addition to have in the car or at the bottom or a backpack for when you need it. The added fact it glows in the dark makes it even more useful for anyone who could get turned around in the dark.
Small and luminescent this is a great backup co*pass or one to teach navigation to kids. Alex Murphy
The low price and ease of use are also great for teaching the basics of navigation to kids. With a small lanyard, it’s also great to clip on a belt or the bottom of a pack. However, with the ease of use co*es also the lack of being able to use this for route finding or mapping out new adventures. Also, while it does glow in the dark, it’s probably not bright enough to be used as a way to signal a rescue.
One of the most popular co*passes for mapping.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great for simple navigation
- Popular option for mapping
Cons
- Does not have all the capabilities some mirror co*passes have
- Seemed a little less accurate when setting orientation and took multiple tries
Key Features
- Fixed declination
- Clear baseplate
- No clinometer
- Scale
- Weighs around 0.07 pounds
The Suunto MC-2 is the industry standard for backcountry guides, but the A-10 is one of the most popular tools for mapping. A fraction of the price, this is a great tool to find new routes and plan ahead before heading into the field. It’s also a good option for anyone a little newer to using a co*pass and staying a little closer to civilization. It is a great option for basic use, whether that’s figuring out a route or getting your bearings in the woods. This baseplate co*pass is an affordable and lightweight option that will get the job done for the majority of users.
As a big map fan, I decided to put this to the test by pulling out some National Geographic brand maps and furthering my navigation skills with some help from instructional videos. The A-10 was a great tool and was even the co*pass used in some videos. As mentioned earlier, while it’s a great basic co*pass, it does lack some of the added tools of pricier options. It also did not seem as reliable.
Designed to go wherever you are.
Pros
- Very affordable leaving little excuse to not carry one
- Lightweight and small enough to put anywhere
Cons
- Couldn’t use for mapping or other more in-depth navigation needs
Key Features
- Pin-on co*pass
- Luminous directional arrow
- Weight: 0.02 pounds
A longtime classic aimed at simplicity, this pin-on co*pass is designed to go wherever you are. The close pin can easily be stuck on a backpack for the added insurance of having a co*pass with you without adding weight or much thought of all. The Coghlan’s ball-type pin-on co*pass could not be any simpler. With a floating ball constantly facing north, the added pin allows users to put this on a bag or in a vehicle and forget about it until it’s needed. With this level of minimalism, it’s hard for anything to go wrong with the one job this co*pass is focused on doing.
Due to the pure simplicity, the best way to test the spinning globe co*pass was to connect it to my shoulder strap in a hiking pack. I was able to eye the co*pass and keep a close eye on the direction I was heading.
At the same time, this is probably best as a co*plement to another more elaborate co*pass that can help you find locations, retrace your steps and figure out new trails and sources of water.
Another baseplate co*pass that works best for mapping.
Pros
- Very direct with indicators
- Global co*pass so it can be used in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres
Cons
- The needle does seem to stick occasionally
- Lacks additional navigation tools
Key Features
- Magnifier
- Works in both northern and southern hemisphere
- Toolless declination adjustment
- Large font
- Weighs 0.11 pounds
Like the Suunto A-10, this Brunton co*pass is a baseplate co*pass made mostly for mapping. The simple design also makes it a great co*pass to learn mapping on as it’s straightforward. Due to the similarities, I also tested the TruArc 5 as I did with the A-10 by learning additional skills to use while in the backcountry.
Brunton, a Wyoming-based co*pany, also designed this to work globally, meaning it will be in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, so you can use this co*pass wherever your journey brings you. While trying to orient, I noticed the arrow occasionally sticks and is not as responsive as some other brands.
How to Choose the Best co*pass
With dozens of variations and a huge range of prices, figuring out the best co*pass for you can be a little tricky, if not overwhelming.
There are many things to consider, such as where you are using the co*pass, how far off-grid you plan on going, and understanding your skill level to make the most of your purchase. With an endless list of best GPS units, many will look for a co*pass as a backup or an instrument to use in an emergency. But, a co*pass can be the primary navigational aid and a GPS can be a back up.
Before you can choose the best co*pass, you’ll need to understand the features co*passes can have. Here are important features to know:
Declination adjustment: Declination is the difference between true north and magnetic north. Declination varies depending on your location and maps will note the necessary declination adjustment needed. Adjustable declination allows you to adjust your co*pass to make route finding faster and easier.
Sighting mirror: Helps you shoot an accurate azimuth to distant landmarks.
Clinometer: Measures the steepness of a slope. This feature can help assess avalanche hazards.
Global needle: If you hop between the northern and southern hemisphere a global needle is a great feature to have.
Rotating bezel: The bezel is used for taking bearings and is marked from 0 to 360 degrees.
Baseplate: This flat transparent base has a ruler to measure map distances and can also include a magnifying glass.
It’s also important to do some research and learn the basic skill sets needed to get the full potential from your co*pass.
FAQs
Q: How much does a co*pass cost? This depends on what you’re looking for. A basic navigation tool starts at under $10. Next is up are baseplate co*passes used for mapping and navigation, co*ing in around $20 to $40. Finally, mirror co*passes, which often also have a baseplate, can cost $40 to above $100.
Q: What is the most accurate co*pass? co*passes on the higher end are more likely to be accurate. Plus, co*passes like the Suunto MC-2 that have a way to change your declination only add accuracy for users that know how to properly work it. Be sure to buy a co*pass that is either global or designed to work in your region of the world.
Q: Are cheap co*passes accurate? For the most part, the ones I tested were more or less accurate in pointing north. However, you do get what you pay for, and some are less responsive or could be a few degrees off. Also, remember to keep metal away as it will disorient your co*pass.
Q: Do I need a co*pass for hiking? In short, yes. If for nothing else than added peace of mind, co*passes provide extra security to those hiking to find their way back to a trail or your car. There are plenty of basic cheap options that many longtime wilderness guides carry at the very least, as you cannot always rely on newer electronics.
Final Thoughts
Owning a co*pass is great, carrying one is better, and knowing how to use one properly is best of all. Alex Murphy
Truly understanding how to use a co*pass is key. It’s basic knowledge that, most simply, co*passes will point you north, but there’s a lot more to that. To get started, here are three basic co*pass skills everyone should learn, which cover skills like setting your orientation. Also, for those looking to use a co*pass as a backup to new electronic devices, here’s how to use a co*pass if you are in the wilderness and the GPS you were relying on fails.
While almost all co*passes work on a basic level, learning the skills of proper navigation can be a literal lifesaver in a time of need. Having the right co*pass may make a big difference. Spending extra money will not be a regret in a time of need.
Plus, the more tools that co*e with a co*pass, the more users will get out of it in the backcountry, whether that’s exploring new terrain or trying to get home quickly. Understanding your needs for a co*pass will help you find your way to the right tool to help in your adventures.
The post The Best co*passes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Outdoor Life.
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