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Compass & Navigation Equipment

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A trusty compass is a walker's best friend. It's the most important bit of kit you can have for finding your way in the outdoors, and our great range of compasses and navigation equipment has something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned trekker or just starting out.

For most people, a simple "baseplate" compass is all you need. These are the classic clear plastic ones that are brilliant for using with a map. They're easy to use, tough as old boots, and will help you to get from A to B with confidence. We've also got a great selection of DofE-recommended compasses, which are perfect for anyone taking on their bronze, silver, or gold award.

While a GPS is a great tool, a compass will never run out of batteries, so you can always rely on it. It’s a small bit of kit that makes a massive difference, helping you to explore new places and enjoy your time outside without the worry of getting lost.
  • Baseplate Compass: Ideal for map reading and general navigation.
  • Mirror Compass: Includes a mirror for precise bearings and emergency signalling.
  • Lensatic Compass: Used for military or advanced navigation with sighting capabilities.

A simple baseplate compass is the perfect place to start. They're straightforward to use, not too expensive, and have all the basic features you need to learn how to navigate properly.

A good compass should have:

  • High accuracy (±2 degrees is standard).
  • Durable, waterproof construction.
  • Features like a liquid-filled capsule, global needle, and clear markings.
  • Compatibility with map scales (e.g., 1:25,000).

Yes, the DofE award has a recommended kit list, and we stock a range of compasses that are approved for the expeditions. They're great, reliable compasses that are perfect for learning with.

It's pretty clever! It has a tiny magnetised needle inside that is free to spin. The Earth's magnetic field makes the red end of the needle always point towards magnetic north, which gives you a fixed point to navigate from.

The liquid (usually a type of purified oil) helps to "dampen" the needle, which just means it stops it from swinging about wildly and helps it to settle down and point north much more quickly.

Yes, many compasses have luminous markings on them. You can "charge" these up with your headtorch, and they will glow in the dark, which is a great help for navigating in poor light.

That's the "bezel," and it's marked with the 360 degrees of the compass. This is what you use to take a "bearing," which is the specific direction you need to walk in.

The best way is to get out and practice. There are also lots of brilliant books and online guides that can teach you the basics. A one-day navigation course is also a fantastic investment that will give you skills for life.

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