Which Compass Should I Buy?

Q: I want to get a compass. Which one should I get?
— David, Sunnyvale, California

A: Knowing how to navigate is a valuable life skill, so it’s important to use a quality, reliable navigation tool when you head out on an adventure.

A cheap key chain or zipper-pull compass won’t cut it; they are novelties more than serious tools. But you don’t have to drop serious cash for a good compass. Basic features you’ll want are a magnetized needle, rotating bezel and baseplate with navigational markings to help you measure distances on a map.

Some compasses to consider are the Suunto A-30 ($30, us.suunto.com) and the Silva Starter 1-2-3 ($19.99, scoutshop.org). Both include a magnetic declination scale to help you adjust your compass from magnetic north to true north.

The Suunto A-30 also features luminescent markings to help you read the compass in low light, as well as a magnifying lens on the baseplate to help read small map markings.

The Silva Starter 1-2-3 is a basic device that’s comfortable to hold and carry — perfect if you’re a beginner.

You can upgrade to the Silva Guide 2.0 ($39.99, scoutshop.org), which comes with a sighting mirror that aids in more precise readings. Silva compasses are available at the Scout Shop.