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When it comes to survival, having a reliable compass is an absolute necessity. While many compasses out there offer basic directional information, the true survival compass must go beyond the cardinal points and provide accurate degrees. These specialized compasses, originally designed for military use, can be as precise as a GPS when paired with a map. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the top contenders and reveal the ultimate compass for survival.
Our team has invested considerable time testing various compasses, meticulously narrowing down the list to the top 7 contenders. With numerous brands and features available, we understand that choosing the right compass can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the world of compass navigation. But worry not, because you’ve come to the right place.
As we delved into the market, we also discovered that there are countless cheap knock-offs flooding the market, particularly from China, which can be of subpar quality. To ensure that you get the most reliable and effective compass for your survival kit, we personally purchased and tested these compasses, guaranteeing that everything we recommend is worthy of your trust.
In the world of survival gear, the adage “you get what you pay for” often holds true. If you’re willing to invest a little more, you can acquire a compass that won’t let you down, offering all the essential features you need to navigate with confidence. Join us as we unveil the best compass for survival, arming you with the critical tool you need to find your way in any wilderness scenario.
7 Best Compasses For Survival
1. Cammenga Official US Military - Best Overall Compass For Survival
Cammenga went to work building one of the most high-quality compasses, which this particular compass is trusted by the U.S Military.
Very similar to model 27 or Model 3H, yet some new features are that this has a phosphorescent paint for better lighting instead of a self-luminous tritium.
The design meets our standards, it is a beautifully stunning device and some of the technical specs for this compass are it’s shockproof and designed to withstand damage.
Constructed with powder-coated, military-grade aluminum for lightweight, a phosphorescent pigment for better vision when navigating during the day.
All in all, it’s the best overall compass for survival currently this year and unlike some of the other cheaper compasses on our list, this one is a mid-range cost that is a high-end compass that is waterproof, sand proof, works in cold temperatures from -50 f to 150 f and for those that want to know if it is made in America or not, yes it is a U.S product.
I have tried quite a few of these compasses and especially the cheaper ones when teaching classes on navigation and so far, nothing comes close to this compass, yet it is about 3x the cost of most of the compasses you will see when comparing.
2. Sun ProSight Backpack Survival Compass
The Sun ProSight has a minimalistic design, which makes it easy to use with a map.
The lanyard paracord too makes it easy to carry around your neck or since it’s very slim, fit right into your pocket during a hike.
Some of the features are that it has adjustable declination, is lightweight and durable, the material is made from acrylic/abs, it’s under 3 ounces, the dial glows in the dark, sighting/signaling mirror, map measurement scales, magnifying glass, highly luminous compass dial, adjustable declination, and clinometer dial, featuring anti-slip pads.
Having all of these nice features we think it is a good start to your gear for when you are going out into the wilderness and needing a reliable compass.
3. AOFAR AF-4580 Military Compass
After much debating, we agreed that the AOFAR Military Compass are one of the better compasses for survival that you buy at Amazon. It is easy to see why this has such higher ratings than some of its competitors, after going through this kit we were just stunned by all the nice utilities that came with this product. We think this is by far one of the best compasses for survival you are able to find.
The features of the Af-4580 as a durable metal compass that is a thermoplastic liquid-filled capsule.
It is accurate and is even waterproof and it seems to work great in all weather conditions as we tested this in the winter season.
It is got a unique design, which is multi-functioning for tripod connection, aiming line, magnifier, slope chart with a 360-degree scale with adjustable prism lens and it passes our shake proof test with flying colors.
This may be one of the more suitable compasses for a general-purpose compass for all hikers, and campers, adventuring the more extreme survivalists.
The compass itself is quite portable and reliable for all your mapping, positioning, and activities you will be using it for. It comes with a waterproof pouch and a lanyard for hanging, you can keep your compass near you with your belt or carry it in your pocket with its case.
4. Lensatic Military Compass Hiking
Tritium Lensatic Compass for survival and outdoor hiking adventures offers waterproof protection and accuracy that will always get you to where you need to go.
Perfect compass for camping. While having some cool features you do not see on everyday normal compasses.
Featuring glass on the cover with reference window and cross lines which makes it more accurate for your readings.
Fluorescent dial with glow fluorescent light and will last a long time after exposure to daylight. A sturdy metallic cover protects your dial and prevents you from damaging your compass.
Lots of features but the only thing I would like to mention here is it is kind of on the heavy side of being a compass.
However, this compass seems to be deadly accurate so in a survival situation this could be one of the best compasses to have in that event of things.
But if you are out hiking and camping or whatever in the wilderness then you may be looking for something that could be lighter carrying. All in all, this is still a good compass for the price, and you should at least check it out.
5. Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass with Carrying Bag
Here we are with the Sportneer Military Sighting Compass. It comes with a clear sighting line, and a carry bag, it is waterproof and Shakeproof and the color is army green. What’s not to love?
Okay, so this compass has a sighting lens, an inch and centimeter scale on the sides, a clear sighting lens, a double chain table of measurements on the bottom, and a clear sighting line with degrees. A solid military compass that is meant to hold up against water and shakes to stand rough hikes and adventures.
No matter if you are looking for a reliable compass for your bug-out kit or something to get for your next outdoor trip this is something we would recommend anyone try out.
The durable feel of this compass in your hand and the case it comes with is a nice little carry bag that will help to ensure protection when out and about.
6. COSTIN Multifunctional Compass
Costin’s multifunctional military compass is a waterproof and high-accuracy compass that is perfect for map measuring, and distance calculation. It has got a bubble level as well making it great for all outdoor adventures.
Another multi-use compass that has covered with glass, on glass is the cross-ranging aiming line. This compass has the north arrow, inch scale, cm scale, fluorescent dial, and can read adjustable eyepiece.
Some of the other features are it comes with the centimeter and inch scale, double chain design, and table of calculations underneath.
For a simple affordable compass to get your clear reading and get going where you want to go this is an awesome compass and is in no way a bad choice if you decide to pick up this bad boy.
For a decent price range that comes with everything you need and more when looking for a compass that has the degrees, waterproof, solid construction, and sighting abilities it makes this compass the go-to for a lot of hobbyists.
7. Sportneer Multifunctional Survival Sighting
One thing this Sportneer Multifunctional survival Sighting Compass has that others on our list don’t is the inclinometer.
With the built-in inclinometer, you can easily and fast measure an angle of a slope, get elevation, and check out avalanche hazards when in the backcountry. Sportneer Multifunctional compass is insanely light too weighing in at 5.6 ounces.
Having the ability to measure sloops with a compass is a fantastic idea and Sportneer has brought that awesome idea to life with this model.
Get a measurement in just 3 steps with the inclinometer. A detachable strap that you can remove so it doesn’t get in the way of things, a dial that glows in the dark, a reference window, and cross lines with accurate readings.
Level indicator, fluorescent dial, and made from heavy-duty metallic cover protecting your compass.
Overall, we are very impressed by this compass. The body is sturdy and made from aluminum, the feel of it you can tell it is constructed well.
The company did a good job at designing the compass unlike other cheap compasses, this one is the real deal. It has everything you would want a high-end compass to have except the nice thing about this is the lower price tag. We think it’s worth the price and it’s something you should check out.
Summary
Hopefully, this review has helped you find what you were looking for and has helped you to find the best compass for survival so that you can feel peace of mind knowing this compass will be in your survival gear if anything should ever happen that you need to use it.
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