3 best se hiking compasses

A hiking compass is an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who engage in hiking, camping, orienteering, or any activity where navigation is crucial. These compasses are designed to help you determine your direction and navigate through unfamiliar terrain. Here are some key points about hiking compasses:

Types of Hiking Compasses:
- Baseplate Compass: This is the most common type of hiking compass. It features a transparent baseplate with a rotating bezel and a magnetic needle. Baseplate compasses are versatile and suitable for various outdoor activities.
- Lensatic Compass: Lensatic compasses are more rugged and often used by military personnel. They have a foldable cover with a sighting wire and are typically more precise in navigation.
- Orienteering Compass: These compasses are specifically designed for orienteering races and precision navigation. They are often more lightweight and have a clear baseplate for reading maps easily.
Features:
- Magnetic Needle: The magnetic needle is the most critical component of a compass. It points to the Earth's magnetic north and helps you find your direction.
- Baseplate: The baseplate typically has a ruler or scale for measuring distances on maps and a rotating bezel marked with degrees.
- Sighting Mirror: Some advanced compasses have a sighting mirror that helps you take more accurate bearings and sight distant landmarks.
- Declination Adjustment: Many hiking compasses allow you to adjust for magnetic declination, which is the difference between true north and magnetic north in a specific area. This adjustment ensures more accurate navigation.
- Clinometer: Some compasses come with a clinometer feature, which allows you to measure angles and determine the slope of the terrain.
How to Use a Hiking Compass:
- To use a hiking compass, you typically hold it level and parallel to the ground.
- Rotate the bezel until the orienting arrow aligns with the magnetic needle.
- Read the degree markings on the bezel to determine your bearing or direction.
- Use the compass in conjunction with a topographic map to navigate accurately.
Maintenance:
- Keep your compass away from strong magnetic fields, as they can affect its accuracy.
- Regularly check the fluid inside the compass (if it's a liquid-filled compass) for air bubbles or leakage.
- Clean the compass lens and baseplate to ensure clear readings.
Choosing the Right Compass:
- Consider your specific needs and activities.A basic baseplate compass is suitable for most hikers, while serious orienteers may opt for specialized compasses.
- Look for a compass with clear and easy-to-read markings.
- Ensure the compass is durable and can withstand outdoor conditions.

In summary, a hiking compass is an indispensable tool for outdoor navigation, helping you find your way in the wilderness. Understanding its features and how to use it correctly is essential for a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best se hiking compasses on the market

SE Map Compass - CC40-1

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SE is proud to present our Map Compass. This compass is great for boating, camping, emergency and survival kits, fishing, hiking, hunting, map reading, and travel. The overall dimensions are 2” by 3-¼”.

Important:

Avoid getting counterfeit items. Genuine SE products come with our SE logo on the packaging.

SE products are quality items for extremely reasonable prices. SE is committed to providing the customer with the best source for value possible on the market. You will enjoy the quality, function and usefulness this SE CC40-1 Map Compass has to offer.

SE is a registered trademark protected by US Trademark Law.

Ruler for map reading
Compass diameter: 2"
Clear plastic body
Rotating bezel
Comes with lanyard

SE Lensatic Compass, Gold Color - CC45-3A

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SE is proud to present our Gold Colored Lensatic Compass. This item can easily fit into your backpack, pocket, or purse.

Features of SE’s Gold Colored Lensatic Compass:

Compass diameter: 2"

Liquid-filled compass dial

Cover with sighting wire

Rear sight

Bezel ring with index line and 45-degree line

Thumb loop

Directions for Use:

Compass-to-Cheek (More Accurate):

Open and fold the cover of the compass to a vertical position. Unfold the thumb loop fully and angle the rear sight to about 45 degrees. When the compass is held up to your cheek, the rear sight should clearly magnify the compass dial. If the compass dial is not in focus, adjust the angle accordingly.

Place thumb in the thumb loop and rest the bottom of the compass on your fingers. Use the index finger to hold the compass in place.

Hold the compass next to your cheek and align to the desired location with the sighting wire. Look at the dial to get a reading.

Compass Hold Method:

Fold open the compass and hold the compass between waist and chest.

Place thumb in the thumb loop and rest the bottom of the compass on your fingers. Use index finger to hold the compass in place.

Point compass toward the desired location and look at the dial to get a reading.

SE is committed to providing the customer with the best source for value possible on the market. You will enjoy the quality, function and usefulness of our SE CC45-3A Gold Colored Lensatic Compass.

IPR Rights Notice:

Important: Avoid getting counterfeit items. Genuine SE products come with the SE logo on the packaging.

SE is a registered trademark protected by US Trademark Law.

Liquid-filled compass dial, bezel ring, rear sight, sighting wire, and thumb loop
Gold-colored metal body
Compact and lightweight
Folds up for easy storage and transportation
Great for boating, camping, emergency and survival kits, fishing, hiking, hunting, outdoor activities, travel, and more

SE Map Compass with Sighting Mirror - CC45-6

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Next time you go camping, hiking, hunting, boating, fishing or traveling, make sure to bring along this Map Compass with Sighting Mirror for the journey. Its compact size makes it convenient to store and transport wherever you need it—inside your pocket, backpack, survival pack, purse, emergency/survival kit, etc.

Features of this product include:

Compass diameter: 1-¾”

Clear plastic body

Sighting mirror

Ruler for map reading

Built-in magnifier for map reading

Comes with a lanyard

Important:

Avoid getting counterfeit items. Genuine SE products come with our SE logo on the packaging.

SE is committed to providing the customer with the best source for value possible. You will enjoy the quality, function and usefulness our Map Compass with Sighting Mirror has to offer.

SE is a registered trademark protected by US Trademark Law.