Advanced map reading sighting compass
Designed for serious navigators who require precise bearings and accurate map work for detailed route planning and execution.
Outdoors & Adventure
Navigational compasses
5 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
A compass makes a good gift for someone who already spends time outside: a hiker who wants to rely less on a phone, a teen starting orienteering, or a grandparent who likes a well-made pocket tool. The ones that get used match how the person actually gets around. A map compass with a clear baseplate suits trail and backcountry trips, while an orienteering compass suits someone who races or practises with a club map. Think about where they go, whether they already read topographic maps, and whether they'd use it on the trail or keep it on a shelf.
Kind 1 of 5
Compasses built for reading a map
A map compass is made to work flat on a paper map. It has a clear body, a rotating bezel marked in degrees, and edges for lining up routes. It suits someone who plans trips with topographic maps or wants to learn. Before buying, check that the bezel turns firmly and isn't loose, that the degree markings are easy to read, and that the rulers match common map scales. An adjustable declination setting helps a lot, since the gap between true north and magnetic north varies across Canada and the US.
Kind 2 of 5
The classic baseplate compass
The baseplate compass is the standard for hiking and learning to navigate: a see-through rectangular plate with a liquid-filled capsule that turns on top. It's light, simple and forgiving, which makes it a good first compass for a teen or anyone new to map work. Look for a plate long enough to measure distances comfortably, a needle that settles quickly, and a lanyard hole. A small magnifier on the plate is handy for reading map details, especially for older eyes.
Durable baseplate hiking compass
An essential tool for any outdoor enthusiast, providing reliable navigation on trails and in the wilderness.
Kind 3 of 5
Orienteering compasses for speed
Orienteering compasses are made for moving fast across terrain with a detailed map. Many are thumb compasses that sit on the thumb and hold the map steady in one hand. They suit someone who runs club events or takes the sport seriously, and they're less useful for general hiking. Check whether the person is left or right-handed, since thumb models are often made for one hand. Also look for a needle that settles fast while running.
Fast-read thumb orienteering compass
Designed for speed and efficiency, this compass is perfect for orienteering sports and quick map-to-terrain correlation.
Kind 4 of 5
Compasses for everyday hikers
A hiking compass can be anything light and dependable enough to live in a daypack. Some people like a compact wrist or strap-on compass for quick direction checks, while others like a digital compass device. A classic brass pocket compass suits someone who values a keepsake they'll still carry. Think about how the person hikes. Casual walkers do fine with a simple compass, but anyone going off marked trails will get more use from a model that works with a map.
Compact wrist-mounted compass
A convenient and quick-reference tool for casual explorers or as a reliable backup for any outdoor activity.
Digital electronic compass device
A modern navigational aid offering precise digital readings and often integrated with additional useful outdoor functions.
Traditional brass pocket compass
A timeless and elegant gift for those who appreciate classic design and a simple, reliable directional tool.
Kind 5 of 5
Sighting compasses for precise bearings
A sighting compass has a mirror, a lensatic eyepiece or a sighting notch, so the user can line up a distant landmark and take an accurate bearing. It suits hunters, experienced backcountry travellers and anyone who enjoys precise navigation. Lensatic models are sturdy and often come in a folding metal case. Mirror models also work well on a map. Check that the sighting line is clear, the lid closes securely and the dial can be read in low light.
Precision lensatic sighting compass
Ideal for advanced navigators or those needing highly accurate bearings, perfect for detailed land navigation.
How to choose navigational compasses as a gift
- Match the compass to how they get around: trail hiking, orienteering, hunting or the water each points to a different style.
- Pick an adjustable declination setting if they travel between regions, so they don't have to do the math in their head.
- For a beginner, a simple baseplate compass paired with a local topographic map makes a more useful gift than an advanced model.
- Check that markings are large and clear enough to read with gloves on or in dim light.
- For a keepsake gift, a brass pocket compass works well because it looks good on a desk and still points north.
Usually safe to skip
- Novelty compasses built into keychains or gadgets are hard to read and rarely give a direction anyone would trust.
- A sighting or lensatic compass for someone who never uses maps tends to end up in a drawer.
- Thumb compasses for casual hikers usually miss, since they're built for racing and one specific hand.
Questions people ask about navigational compasses
- What's the difference between a baseplate compass and a sighting compass?
- A baseplate compass lies flat on a map and is quick for planning and following routes. A sighting compass adds a mirror or lens so the user can aim at a distant landmark and take a more precise bearing. Beginners usually start with a baseplate compass.
- Is a compass still a useful gift if they have a phone with GPS?
- Yes, for many hikers. A compass needs no battery or signal, and it works even when a phone is cold or dead. Plenty of people like learning to read a map, and a compass gives them a reason to start.
- What compass is good for a teen starting orienteering?
- A simple baseplate orienteering compass with a clear plate and a needle that settles quickly is a good start. If the teen joins a club and starts racing, a thumb compass for their dominant hand could make a good follow-up gift.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All navigational compasses picks
Showing 1–8 of 8
Marine boating directional compass
Essential for water enthusiasts, providing reliable direction finding for kayaking, canoeing, or small boat navigation.
