10 Best Compasses 2025 in the United States

The TurnOnSport Orienteering Compass is designed to cater to a wide range of users, from boy scouts to seasoned hikers. One of its standout features is its acrylic baseplate with an azimuth bearing and a 360-degree rotating bezel, which provides clear and accurate directional guidance. The magnetic needle is stored in a liquid-filled capsule, ensuring fast and reliable north-pointing for effective navigation. Additionally, the built-in magnifying glass aids in reading geological maps, and the compass ruler scale of 1:24000 allows for precise route mapping, which is a valuable feature for both beginners and professionals.

The compass is portable and lightweight, measuring 4 inches by 2.4 inches and weighing just 0.04 kilograms, making it easy to carry in a pocket or backpack. This makes it suitable for both children and adults, ensuring it is accessible for various outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and scouting. Durability is another strength, as it is made from high-quality plastic, designed to withstand rugged outdoor use.

The compass lacks a declination adjustment feature, which might be a drawback for advanced users who require this for more precise navigation. Another minor downside could be its simplistic design, which may not appeal to users looking for more advanced features or a more sophisticated appearance. Despite these drawbacks, it remains an excellent choice for beginners and casual users. Its affordability and robust design make it an ideal choice for hikers, scouts, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable navigation tool.

The Garmin eTrex 32x is a rugged handheld GPS navigator that serves well for outdoor enthusiasts. This device includes a 3-axis compass, which is essential for accurate orientation. The 2.2-inch sunlight-readable color display ensures readability in bright conditions, and the 240 x 320 resolution provides clear visuals. The inclusion of preloaded TopoActive maps, which cover routing for roads and trails, is a strong point for hikers and cyclists.

Additionally, it supports both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems, enhancing its accuracy and reliability in challenging environments where GPS alone might struggle. The eTrex 32x has an impressive battery life of up to 25 hours on two AA batteries, making it suitable for extended outdoor use. Its durability is another positive, designed to withstand rugged conditions. Weighing only 5 ounces and with compact dimensions, it is portable and convenient to carry.

However, it lacks advanced declination adjustment features found in some other high-end compasses. The device's internal memory of 8 GB, expandable via a micro SD card slot, is adequate for additional map downloads. One minor drawback is the reliance on physical buttons for interface navigation, which might be less intuitive compared to touchscreens. The eTrex 32x might not meet the needs of individuals who require advanced declination adjustment, but it excels in durability, battery life, and additional features, making it a solid choice for most outdoor activities.