Best Backpacking Compass of 2026

The Orienteering Compass is a must-have for hikers, campers, scouts, and survivalists. It features an acrylic baseplate with azimuth bearing and 360-degree rotating bezel, a magnetic needle for accurate directions, a magnifying glass for reading geological maps, and a compass ruler scale for precise route mapping. Lightweight and portable, it comes with a lanyard and is ideal for outdoor adventures. It's perfect for beginners and professionals, adults, and kids alike. This compass is an essential tool for anyone who loves hiking or camping and makes for an ideal gift for the outdoorsy types.

Whether you are camping, hiking, or on a military mission, the Sportneer Lensatic Military Compass will help you find your way. Its lensatic function increases accuracy, while its military construction with waterproof and shakeproof properties makes it durable in any situation. The compass is portable with a belt loop attachment and carrying case, and the interface glows in the dark for night navigation.

The Coghlan's 1985 Carabiner Compass is a durable and affordable compass that can be quickly and conveniently attached to bags, belt loops, or packs. Its luminous directional markers aid reading in low light conditions. As the largest single brand of camping accessories in the world, this compass is practical and reliable for outdoor enthusiasts.

The SUUNTO Clipper Compass is a tiny, easy-to-attach compass that you can clip onto your sleeve, watch strap, backpack, or even a map edge. This feature lets you keep your hands free while navigating. It’s specially balanced for use in the Northern Hemisphere and filled with liquid to keep the needle steady. The glowing markings make it easy to use even in dim light. The compass has a rotating bezel marked in 10-degree steps, helping you find your direction precisely. Made in Finland with durable materials, the SUUNTO Clipper Compass is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, or biking, and it doesn’t need batteries to operate.

The TurnOnSport Hiking Compass is a handy tool for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable navigation. It features a multi-function lensatic design that helps you take precise bearings with its sighting wire and rear sight groove, making map reading easier. The compass is filled with liquid to keep the needle steady and accurate, so you can quickly find your direction. Its fluorescent dial glows after exposure to sunlight, allowing you to navigate even in low light or at night. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable, coming with a lanyard so you can carry it comfortably on hikes or camping trips without hassle.

The Trcosenp Survival Compass is a reliable tool designed to keep you on track during outdoor adventures. Its professional-grade design makes it perfect for camping, military use, and emergency situations, ensuring you always find your way. Compact and portable, this handheld compass fits easily in your pocket or backpack, making it convenient for both kids and adults on trips or field trips. Built with durable acrylic, it’s waterproof and resistant to interference, providing accurate navigation. It also features a magnifying glass for reading maps and a ruler scale for precise route planning, helping you navigate with confidence.

The Swakuta Hiking Compass Set is designed to make navigation easier and more reliable for outdoor enthusiasts like you. Each compass is compact, measuring just over 4 by 2 inches, so you can comfortably carry it during hikes or training sessions. Made from durable acrylic, these compasses are lightweight, waterproof, and resistant to impacts, ensuring they hold up well even in wet or rough conditions. The easy-to-use design includes a rotating bezel, clear directional arrows, a ruler, and a magnifier, helping you quickly read maps, measure distances, and see fine details. Whether you're camping or learning orienteering, this set supports your navigation needs effectively.

The Cammenga US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass is an accurate and durable compass made in the USA. It is official US military compass with self-powered lighted pocket compass that provides illumination for over 12 years. This hand-held waterproof compass is made with a powder-coated aluminum frame and performs flawlessly in extreme temperatures. It is multi-use and can be used as a hiking, camping, backpacking, hunting, or orienteering compass.

The AOFAR Military Compass AF-4580 is a durable and compact compass that is perfect for outdoor activities. Its unique design includes a luminous magnet arrow and dial, magnifier viewer, tripod connection, reading eyepiece, heavy-duty zinc die-cast, and slope chart. The floating compass dial with a 360° scale and adjustable prism lens make it multifunctional and suitable for camping, hiking, adventure, positioning, mapping, and more. Additionally, it is waterproof and shakeproof, making it ideal for all weather conditions. The compass comes with a waterproof pouch and black lanyard for easy carrying and accessibility.

The Sun Company TempaComp is an ultralight, accurate compass for navigation and orienteering, ideal for hiking, backpacking, camping, and hunting. It features a large ball compass with two readings, an easy-to-read cushion-mounted thermometer, a handy carabiner clip, and a split ring for attaching to your zipper or keychain. However, users should not use the side card for general orientation purposes to avoid the readings being off by 180°.