Getting ready for autumn adventures — how to choose the right compass?

At a time when we increasingly rely on smartphones and GPS devices for navigation, there is one small but reliable companion that has not lost its importance: the compass.

It may be used less often than it once was, but a compass remains an essential part of the equipment for orienteering. And not just for sport! Whether you’re hiking, picking mushrooms or simply exploring less familiar forest trails, knowing how to navigate with a map and compass can be very useful.

We have access to a range of navigation apps, digital maps, GPS devices and marked hiking trails. But let’s not forget that devices can run out of battery, signals can disappear, and maps don’t always load.

A compass is a dependable classic. It doesn’t need batteries, an internet connection or software updates. All you need to do is learn how to use it properly!

Autumn is also a great time to try orienteering. It’s a chance to combine physical activity with an outdoor adventure, exercise your mind and discover new places. And if you’re looking for a longer adventure, we recommend trying rogaining — a team orienteering competition in which you visit checkpoints within a set time and collect as many points as possible.

Baseplate or thumb compass — which should you choose?

There are many different types of compass, but this time we’ll focus on the two most popular: baseplate compasses and thumb compasses.

If you’re new to orienteering, we recommend starting with a classic baseplate compass.

It’s a versatile navigation tool that’s especially suitable for beginners, children, hiking and working with a map. A baseplate compass lets you learn how to find a bearing, orient a map and maintain your direction in the field.

Depending on the model, it may have several additional features, such as a rotating capsule, rulers with different scales for measuring distances, a declination scale, a magnifying glass and luminous markings.

These features are especially useful on hikes and longer routes, where accurate navigation matters more than speed.

Who is it for? Beginners, children, hiking enthusiasts, school orienteering classes and anyone who wants to learn the basics of navigation.

If orienteering has already become a passion, or you’d like to try a more dynamic competition, it’s worth taking a look at thumb compasses.

Unlike a classic baseplate compass, a thumb compass is attached to your thumb and held together with the map. This lets athletes quickly align the map with the terrain while running, without constantly transferring the compass from one hand to the other.

Most thumb compasses designed for sport have a fixed capsule. There’s no need to keep setting the degrees during a race; the main thing is to orient the map quickly and accurately.

Professional athletes often choose compact, highly transparent models. The fewer unnecessary markings on the compass, the easier it is to see the details on the map.

When choosing a thumb compass, pay attention to which hand it’s designed for and whether it fits your hand.

Who is it for? Orienteers, competition participants and anyone who wants to work with a map quickly and easily on the move.

One of the most important compass features to consider if you want to use it for orienteering is needle stability and settling time.

Imagine you’re running through the forest, changing direction quickly and glancing at the map every few seconds. If the compass needle keeps swinging for a long time, you have to wait for it to settle. 

That’s why we recommend picking up a compass and trying it out before you buy it.

Turn the compass in different directions and see how quickly the needle settles. It should move freely and smoothly, without catching or jerking unusually.

It’s important to remember, however, that not all thumb compasses are automatically faster than baseplate compasses. How the needle performs depends on the design and quality of the specific model. Some baseplate compasses designed for sport also have very fast needles.

A few important principles for using a compass

• Use the compass horizontally so the needle can move freely.

• Keep it away from magnets, cars, large metal objects and electronic devices that may affect the reading.

• It’s safer to secure the compass to your hand or equipment rather than wear it dangling freely around your neck, especially when moving actively through the forest.

• Learn how to orient a map and find a bearing before setting out on a more challenging route.

How to navigate the SILVA compass range

The Swedish brand SILVA is one of the best-known compass manufacturers in the worlds of orienteering and hiking. Its range includes both simple models for beginners and technical solutions for experienced athletes.

Let’s take a look at the most popular models to make choosing one easier.

If you’re a beginner, start with the Starter, Field and Classic models

SILVA Starter 1-2-3

A simple, compact and lightweight compass to get you started with navigation. It has a rotating capsule, millimetre and inch scales, and a declination scale. Especially suitable for children and beginners.

SILVA Field

The next logical step. An easy-to-use entry-level compass with a rotating capsule, designed for learning basic navigation skills. A good choice for hiking and working with a map.

SILVA Classic

Another simple entry-level option. Suitable for anyone who wants a reliable compass without complicated extra features.

For hiking and more serious navigation — Ranger and Expedition

SILVA Ranger

A versatile middle ground between a simple beginner compass and more technical models. A good option for regular hikes, learning orienteering and working with a map.

SILVA Ranger SL

Small and nimble — that’s how SILVA describes this model. A compact option that’s easy to bring along as an additional navigation tool.

SILVA Ranger S

A model with a mirror for more accurate direction finding. The mirror sighting system lets you view a distant landmark while checking the compass needle reading.

SILVA Expedition

A more technical model for experienced users. It offers more features for precise navigation, route planning and working with topographic maps.

SILVA Expedition S

An Expedition series model with a mirror sighting system. Suitable for anyone who needs to take accurate bearings and wants more extensive navigation features.

For sport and speed — Arc Jet, Race Jet and Spike Jet

If you’re ready to trade hiking pace for the speed of an orienteering race, take a look at SILVA’s sport compass ranges.

SILVA Arc Jet

A thumb compass with a fast, stable Jet 2.0 needle. Designed for orienteers who need to orient a map quickly and prefer a minimalist design.

SILVA Arc Jet S

This model also has a Jet 2.0 needle. The letter S in this model range indicates Spectra Speed Dial markings, not a faster or stronger needle. The main difference is the visual information on the compass capsule.

SILVA Arc Jet C and Arc Jet C S

The letter C indicates a more compact version for smaller hands. The Arc Jet C S combines a design suited to a smaller hand with Spectra Speed Dial markings.

SILVA Arc Jet 360

The main difference from the classic Arc Jet is its rotating capsule. This allows you to use a more traditional approach to setting a direction while retaining the advantages of a thumb compass.

SILVA Race Jet

A range of sport compasses designed for fast, precise orienteering navigation. Suitable for athletes looking for a minimalist solution tailored to competition.

SILVA Spike Jet

A good option for those who prefer a classic baseplate compass but want the fast needle response characteristic of a sport compass.

It’s also worth highlighting the SILVA Terra Ranger.

It combines the classic functionality of the Ranger range with the Terra series’ approach to material selection.

SILVA says that the alternative materials used in Terra compasses can reduce material-related CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared with conventional plastic.

It’s an opportunity to choose a functional navigation tool while also considering the materials used to make it.