Choosing the Right Compass for Long-Distance Hiking — Any Recommendations?

Choosing the Right Compass

When selecting a compass, consider the environment you’ll be hiking in. For dense forests or urban areas, a compact compass with a rotating bezel and adjustable declination is ideal. A compass with a larger dial and a more pronounced needle is better suited for open terrain or navigating through dense fog. Consider a compass with a needle that can be magnetically adjusted to account for local declination.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a compass, look for the following features: a high-quality lens that minimizes glare, a rotating bezel that clicks into place to prevent accidental adjustments, and a smooth-moving needle that can be easily read in low-light conditions. A clinometer, which measures the angle of elevation, can be useful for scaling steep terrain or navigating through dense forest. An altimeter, which measures elevation, can be helpful for monitoring your ascent and descent. A magnifying glass can be useful for reading small text or navigating through dense fog.

Magnifying Glass and Clinometer Techniques

To use a magnifying glass effectively, hold it up to your eye and adjust the focus until the image is clear. To use a clinometer, hold the compass level and read the angle of elevation off the calibrated scale. Practice using these techniques in a controlled environment before relying on them in the field.