Compasses

Why carry a compass when hiking?

A compass points to magnetic north and lets you orient yourself, follow a bearing and pinpoint your position on a map. Unlike a GPS, it never runs out of battery and works everywhere: it's the essential backup navigation tool, and the basic instrument for anyone who wants to read the terrain. Paired with a map, it allows precise orientation, even in fog or off the beaten track.

Accuracy, declination and reading

A good compass offers a stable needle and a clear bearing reading. Adjusting for declination (the difference between magnetic north and true north) really boosts accuracy: it prevents bearing errors over long distances. A transparent graduated baseplate makes it easy to transfer readings onto the map, and a damped liquid-filled capsule stabilises the needle for a quick reading.

Sighting mirror and features

Mirror compasses let you sight a distant point while reading the bearing at the same time: invaluable in the high mountains for precise readings. A clinometer measures slope angle (useful for assessing avalanche risk), and a magnifying glass helps you read fine map details. These features make all the difference for advanced navigation and committing adventures.

Compass or GPS?

A GPS and the GPS watch pinpoint your location precisely, but depend on battery life and signal. A compass, on the other hand, is foolproof and lightweight: the two complement each other perfectly. Carrying a compass and knowing how to use it remains a safety essential. You'll find one among our hiking accessories and equipment.

Getting your bearings right

Learn to take a bearing, orient your map and follow a course: a few basics turn a compass into a powerful tool. It's a small investment for invaluable safety out in nature. A simple, practical orienteering compass with a sturdy casing can be used anywhere outdoors: kept in the back of your rucksack or worn round your neck, it remains the trusted tool for anyone who loves reading the landscape.