The 10 Best Military Compass in 2023 (Review) – For Outdoor Activities
Last Updated on March 1, 2023
Preventing you from getting lost on camping trips, hikes or even military missions, you may find GPS handy. But without the satellite signal or batteries, they are worthless.
In that situation, you have to rely on a traditional compass and map. So you must include a military compass in your outdoor gears collection.
After hours of research, our experts list down ten best military compasses considering their durability, portability, accuracy, and cost. So, let’s read and find the best military compass for you!
Quick Answer – Top 10 Best Military Compass
1. CMMG Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass
2. Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Aluminum Alloy Compass
3. Rothco 3H Cammenga G.I. Military Compass
4. Eyeskey Waterproof Military Aluminum Alloy Compass
5. Cammenga G.I. Military Phosphorescent Lensatic Compass
6. Cammenga S.W.A.T.Black Tritium Lensatic Compass
7. Silva Lensatic 360 – Compass
8. Proster Professional Compass
9. TAFULOR Multifunction Compass
10. SE CC4580 Military Survival Emergency Compass
Reviews of the Best Military Compass
In this era of technology and GPS navigation, the traditional military-style compass is still preferred by the pro and newbie outdoor enthusiasts. A good quality, rugged and long-lasting Lensatic compass will guide you right every time.
In this article, our experts list down ten professional level military compass that you can include as a back-up on your next outdoor trip. As choosing the perfect product is a tough task, we hope this article will help you.
1. CMMG Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass
Do you look for a survival thing that can help you as like as your most trusted one? The CMMG Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass is the best military compass is exactly what you’re waiting for.
It is designed to last, vindicated, and standardizes in all sorts of different survival situations. The CMMG is the most reliable surviving gears in every sense of the way. This gear has a great history to the U.S. military for decades.
This great compass is constructed with the amazing innovative features which are the latest water waterproofing technology, extreme shock, and sand proofing method. The performance of this compass never gets down even in the toughest environment situations.
It is also designed with some great features such as, a microlight that can live entirely dazzling for over a dozen years also sighted wire, both degrees dial graduations, and a super magnifying glass that provide you the most precise direction.
The dimension is 6 x 4 x 3 inches and it is functional from -50o F to +150o F. It has seven Tritium Micro Lights that give you exact navigation in less light situations.
Pros
- It will perfectly work in extreme temperatures
- Tested in battle through severe shock, water, and into the sand
- Very helpful for older people who have poor night vision
- No need flashlight.
- Enabled with high Waterproofing technology
Cons
- Little heavy
- The compass features lock mechanism
- Performance may little down after operating under a bright lamp
2. Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Aluminum Alloy Compass
If you have a weak sense of direction and too simple of gone astray in an unknown place, so, this best military compass will help you amazingly. It is designed just like the GPS you have used in your cell phone.
The compass is a very trusty piece of an element for any outdoor activities, for example, hiking, camping, motoring, and boating and so on as you planned for adventure.
It is built with strong, heavy duty and extremely durable materials. Its super construction makes this device highly professional. This lensatic compass is too lightweight.
It is patented conveniently folded size and a thermo-elastic liquid-filled capsule with floating dial. The floating compass works with the 360-degree range.
It has a rotating bezel ring, tripod screw hole on the base, an adjustable diopter sighting lens and built with the method of the bubble level.
It has featured with a conversion table for angle, gradient & range on the back. The compass is perfect for using extreme weather because of its latest technology and especially for very sturdy aluminum alloy made.
It is greatly invented to use in fluorescent light, and you will be able to read data on it in dark conditions after decreasing enough sunlight.
Pros
- Sturdy, durable aluminum alloy made.
- Super featured and too easy to handle and maintain.
- Its measuring wheel helps you to detect both curve and straight distance on the map.
- Waterproof and extreme shake proof.
- Comes with nice pouch and lanyard adding user manual in English
Cons
- Accuracy may decrease for closing to the high magnetic field
- You need to be more conscious of using in strong magnetic zone
3. Rothco 3H Cammenga G.I. Military Compass
The Cammenga G.I. Military Tritium Lensatic Compass is specially designed for the U.S. fighting forces. It is tested on the battleground, and heavily constructed for the shock, water and sand proof.
This best military compass is well functioned from the -50ºF to +150ºF. There are seven Tritium Micro Lights gives the proper navigation even in very less-light situations.
It assembled with a powerful magnifying lens a sighting wire, and it also works magnificently by dial graduations in both mils and degrees to provide accurate readings.
This compass has a Copper induction dampening system that milds the spin of the magnet but the use of liquids. It is made of an aluminum frame and incredible waterproofing technology.
The Cammenga Lensatic Compass comes with a nice bearing bag and a powerful belt clip. The sturdy aluminum frame and super waterproofing method make this device invincible and extremely durable during all environmental situations.
Pros
- This device launched with a pouch, a strong belt clip, and lanyard
- Sturdy aluminum frame, the super quality which meets the demands the U.S force
- Seven Tritium Micro Lights helps to perform properly in low light
- Both degrees dial graduations
- The copper induction dampening system
Cons
- Little heavy
- Not smooth enough for the southern hemisphere
4. Eyeskey Waterproof Military Aluminum Alloy Compass
This compass is multifunctional, and it would be your best military compass for outdoor activities, such as hiking, hunting, camping, and so many outdoor actions. It has great versatility.
Its accurate measuring power will help you to make sure your presence everywhere with a lot of confidence. It will help you to detect altitude, horizon, angle properly, and dislocating viewpoint.
This compass comes with a 360-degree scale with precision up to 0.5 degrees. The lens is ultra clear, and you can see the calibration smoothly.
You would be able to measure so easily an object located in the horizontal distance through the Sighting window with reticles.
The size of the compass is 3.9×2.6×1.3 inches, 7oz. It is nicely bearable for the reason of its lightweight and compact design. You can keep it in your pocket simply.
So, it doesn’t need extra things to bear it. You will not at all get confused while you are on the journey. This compass works well in extremely cool conditions.
It shows the better performance in zero degrees, and even it has been examined at -15 degrees with ice and after melting the ice, it works correctly and gives proper readings. This product launched with a pouch, a lanyard, a user manual in English and with a warranty Card.
Pros
- It is made from aluminum alloy
- This compass has a rotating bezel ring
- It is designed with a liquid filled capsule with floating dial
- It has a built-in bubble level and with an adjustable diopter viewing lens
- Designed with the tripod screw hole on the base and features a conversion chart
Cons
- Pretty hard to use in the active magnetic area
- Little interrupting in dark operations
5. Cammenga G.I. Military Phosphorescent Lensatic Compass
The Cammenga G.I. Military Phosphorescent Lensatic Compass is one of the best military compasses for its super feature. It comes with an innovative feature which has been placed as an economical switch to the Tritium model.
This best military compass is designed especially for night time operation patented with its phosphorescent markings which will allow you to produce external lights.
The compass is built with a powerful magnifying lens, sight wire, and dial graduations in both degrees and mils to make sure exact readings.
Its Copper induction dampening mechanism calms the whirl of the magnet but the use of liquids. It has been constructed to last with an Aluminum frame, and it is superbly assembled with waterproofing technology.
You will get a nice bearing pouch, lanyard, and sturdy belt clip and for ensuring your best military compass, the phosphorescent is sealed on the back part of the compass.
The metal case and the induction dampening system make sure the great compasses performance. It will works for long periods because of its Phosphorus-based luminous points.
Pros
- Induction dampened with phosphorescent illumination.
- Normal functioning in temperatures between -49 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Manufactured to U.S. Military specs.
- Included nylon case clips to almost any belt.
- Die-cast metal.
Cons
- Little pricey
- Comparatively less heavy.
6. Cammenga S.W.A.T.Black Tritium Lensatic Compass
The Cammenga Model 3H SWAT Tritium Lensatic Compass is constructed to the requiring specification MIL-PRF-10436N. This compass is tested on the battlefield.
It has been passed successfully through severe shock, proven in the underwater test, and amazingly sand proof. It is functional from -50o F to +150o F.
There are Seven Tritium Micro Lights ensure you accurate navigation in less-light situations. You don’t need to use a flashlight or any kinds of light source.
Tritium Micro Lights have a great exceptionality high that’s can luminous for more than twelve years, and never needed to take care for maintaining it.
The compass is well assembled with a powerful magnifying lens, sight wire, and dial graduations in both degrees and mils to make sure the precise readings.
It also featured with the Copper Induction Damping procedure which mild the spin of the magnet but the use of liquids. The compass is built to last with an aluminum physique and super protecting waterproof housing.
The Cammenga Compass is relied on by fighting forces, government agencies, and daring outdoor peoples around the world.
Pros
- Strong, durable cast aluminum structure
- Luster type is Tritium and expected luminous life is over 12 years
- It has a Bi-Directional rotating bezel
- The device is waterproof
- Both dial degrees and mils
- Carrying pouch, lanyard, and belt clip included
Cons
- Little high priced
- Pretty heavy
7. Silva Lensatic 360 Compass
Are you looking for a military-style Lensatic compass at a reasonable price? Then Silva Lensatic 360 will be an affordable choice for you.
This classic design Lensatic compass has all the features you will appreciate. It has heavy-duty, black powder-coated aluminum housing. It will resist oxidation, even from seawater.
The liquid-filled compass comes with 2-degree increments, sighting-slit unit or top cover, and quality lens to magnify dial reading. It also features highly accurate bearings in land navigation.
Luminous points on rotating bezel allow readings/easy directional tracking under low light conditions. The Silva Lensatic 360 compass is a reliable, sturdy, and accurate military-style compass for wilderness navigation.
It is a very simple Lensatic compass, and very easy to read & operate. It will perform alongside the best compasses available in the market. It measures 3.1X2.1X1 inches and weighs 3 ounces. Overall, it is a perfect compass for beginners and experts alike.
Pros
- Classic military style compass
- Black powder-coated aluminum case
- Liquid-filled compass with 2-degree increments
- Luminous points on rotating the bezel
- Measures 3.1×2.1×1 inches
- Weighs 3 ounces
Cons
- Limited luminosity at night
- Instruction manual too short
8. Proster Professional Compass
The Proster IP65 is a metal compass. It is capable of working under severe weather condition, very suitable for hiking, camping, boating, climbing, geology and other outdoor activities.
The quality is great, materials are high quality, and the price is reasonable. It has a nice case that can fit your belt. This model features a true sighting optic that offers you a direct read of the inner compass card.
This professional compass allows you to read data directly. The vertical lubber line of the sighting optic increases its precision and also decreases its errors.
You can also measure height and slopes as it is also a clinometer. This military-style compass is multifunctional as it features a floating compass dial with 360-degree scale, foldable metal lid, and adjustable prism lens.
It is also waterproof and shake-proof. The luminous magnet arrow and compass card offer you to read data in a low light condition which is convenient to use at night. Overall, this is worth the purchase.
Pros
- Foldable metal lid
- Sighting window with sighting line
- Luminous magnet arrow
- Adjustable prism lens
- Floating compass dial with a 360-degree scale
- Fluorescent dribbling fluorescent display
Cons
- Nice compass but heavy
9. TAFULOR Multifunction Compass
The main functions of this compass include positioning, slope measurement, map orientation, pointing, and deviation angle measurement.
Its compact size and durable metal construction made this compass unique. It provides high accuracy. This military style compass comes with waterproof and shock-proof features.
And perfect for all weather conditions. Perfect for adventure, geodesy mapping, military, mountaineering, hiking, camping, and navigation, etc.
This multifunction compass features horizontal ruler, floating compass with 360-degree luminous dial, adjustable prism, coordinatometer, foldable metal cover, metric and English measuring scale, equipped with a tripod hole and the dial is fitted with magnifying glass. Besides, with the purchase, you are getting a lifetime warranty service and a 30-day refund guarantee.
Pros
- Compact size and durable metal construction
- Waterproof and shock-proof feature
- Floating compass with 360 ° luminous dial
- Foldable metal cover
- Adapted to all weather conditions
- A lifetime warranty service
Cons
- Heavy metal compass!
10. SE CC4580 Military Survival Emergency Compass
The SE CC4580 is a nice looking ultimate direction finder whether you are a pro or newbie. The compass seems solid, and it has a heavy metal feel.
It has ruler units on sides for measuring inches and centimeters. It also features an adjustable diopter sighting lens, tripod screw hole on base, and sighting lines on the cover.
The SE CC4580 is a great direction finding tool for camping, scouting, hiking, and more. You will never get lost and worry about the accuracy of the compass.
At a low price and with all the great features, this compass is highly recommended. Its thermo-elastic liquid filled floating dial is accurate and quick.
It has a conversion chart for the gradient, angle, and distance on the back. It also includes a water-resistant nylon pouch and a 36-in lanyard. Overall, this is durable, well made and reasonable price military compass.
Pros
- Thermoelastic liquid filled capsule with floating dial
- Folding thumb ring
- Built-in bubble level
- Tripod screw hole on the base
- Water-resistant nylon pouch
- Rotating bezel ring
Cons
- Takes a second to zero out
- Design of the interior is a bit low quality compared to better-made compasses
Military Compass FAQs
What Makes the Military Compass Different?
Durability is the top concern feature that sets the military compass apart from the rest of traditional compasses. It is manufactured to deal with the harshest conditions. That’s why users can drop the military compasses without worrying that they may get damaged. Users can use them while climbing mountain, hunting, hiking, and during a military operation. In those conditions, regular compasses can leave users at disadvantages, though. So, it is one of the reasons for people to choose the military compass over other compasses.
What is the Accurate Way to Hold a Military Compass?
There are several ways of holding a military compass. Among them, two methods are considered more comfortable. These techniques are center hold and compass to cheek. The Center-hold method is a bit challenging compared to compass to cheek. It requires more practice. On the contrary, the compass to cheek requires simple alignment to work correctly.
Do I Need a Mirror in My Compass?
The compass mirror helps you view your target and compass capsule. It makes sighting less problematic. So, undoubtedly it is an essential feature. Although users need a little knowledge to use this feature, they shouldn’t avoid it while choosing their desired military compasses.
Should I Use a Lanyard With My Military Compass?
Although manufacturers make the military compass highly durable, it doesn’t mean that it is indestructible, and it can’t be lost. So, some brands offer lanyards with their compasses. It is a fantastic feature for those who tend to use the compass throughout the day and night. If you consider yourself as one such person, you should use a lanyard with your military compass.
Can a Compass Point the Wrong Direction?
Yes, a compass can lead you in the wrong direction. As you know, it features a needle which is made out of a magnetic instrument. So, it can show you the wrong direction when it comes into close contact with another magnet. In such a case, users need to remagnetize the needle using a strong magnet.
Final Words
Military compass, also known as the Lensatic compass, is a straightforward tool that will guide you in the right direction along with a physical map. A quality compass is must have for anyone who endeavors into wild outdoor consistently.
Whenever you plan your next trip into the great outdoors, you should always bring a quality compass with you. Here our experts tried to give you right info about ten best military compasses available in the market today. Hope that helped you.
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