Hiking Backpacking Compasses - Portable Compass for Navigation and Readinghiking
Professional Hiking & Backpacking Compass — Portable Navigation You Can Trust
Compact, accurate and built for the trail. This professional acrylic baseplate compass combines a luminous display, waterproof construction, a 360° rotating bezel, magnifying lens and multiple map scales (including 1:50k, 1:63k and a 1:50000 mapping scale) to help hikers, backpackers and scouts navigate confidently in the outdoors.
Shop the compass →Why a good compass still matters
GPS devices and smartphone apps are wonderful — until batteries die, signal drops, or a device fails. A reliable, lightweight compass is your insurance for safe route-finding. This compass is designed specifically for orienteering and backpacking: it puts essential navigation tools into a pocket-sized, easy-to-use package so you can focus on the trail.
Key features at a glance
- Professional acrylic baseplate with clear measuring scales in inches and millimeters for map work.
- 360° rotating bezel & azimuth bearing — set headings quickly and read bearings precisely.
- Luminous display for low-light use and pre-dawn navigation.
- Waterproof capsule — use in wet weather without losing accuracy.
- Magnifying glass on the baseplate to read fine map details.
- Built-in declination scale inside the capsule to compensate for magnetic variation.
- Multiple map scales including 1:63k, 1:50k and 1:50000 for accurate plotting on standard topographic maps.
- Portable & lightweight — weighs only 1.8 oz and measures 5.1 × 2.6 × 0.69 inches. Includes a premium lanyard for secure carrying.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Acrylic baseplate, magnetic capsule |
| Dimensions | 5.1 × 2.6 × 0.69 inches |
| Weight | 1.8 oz |
| Scales | mm & inches on baseplate; map scales 1:63k, 1:50k, 1:50000 |
| Features | 360° bezel, azimuth bearing, magnifier, luminous markings, waterproof |
| Included | Premium lanyard |
How to use this compass for basic navigation
- Orient the map: Lay the map flat and align the map’s north with the compass north using the baseplate scales.
- Set a bearing: Rotate the bezel so the desired bearing lines up with the index mark. Hold the compass level and turn your body until the magnetic needle aligns with the bezel’s north marker.
- Adjust declination: Use the internal declination scale to offset magnetic variation for more accurate bearings when needed.
- Plot on the map: Use the 1:50k or 1:63k map scales and the magnifier to mark precise points and distances.
Who this compass is best for
This compass is ideal for:
- Hikers and backpackers who want a dependable, lightweight navigation tool.
- Beginner scouts and outdoor education students learning map & compass skills.
- Fishermen and outdoor workers who need a rugged, weatherproof compass on hand.
- Emergency kits and survival packs where space and weight matter.
Practical tips & maintenance
To keep the compass accurate and reliable:
- Keep it away from strong magnetic fields when not in use (speakers, phones, tools).
- Store it at room temperature to avoid trapped air bubbles forming in the capsule.
- Periodically check the needle against a known bearing or another compass after long travel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is this compass waterproof?
Yes — it features a waterproof capsule designed to withstand rain and wet conditions, making it suitable for normal outdoor use.
Does it include a declination adjustment?
Yes — the compass includes a use-anywhere declination scale inside the capsule to help you correct for magnetic variation when plotting bearings on maps.
Which maps work best with the included scales (1:50k, 1:63k, 1:50000)?
These scales match standard topographic maps used for hiking and orienteering. 1:50,000 and 1:63,360 (approx. 1:63k) are common military and national park map scales; 1:50000 on the compass provides an additional precision reference.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re plotting a route through backcountry terrain or teaching a new hiker how to read a map, this compact, feature-rich compass brings precision navigation to your pocket. It’s lightweight, durable and designed for practical map work — a smart addition to any outdoor kit.
