Compasses for hiking and fieldwork

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A compass is a navigational instrument used to determine the position of north: a freely suspended magnet turns to align with the Earth's magnetic field. Compasses come in several types — plastic, metal, oil-filled or digital — and an oil-filled model, like all three below, damps the needle's movement so it settles quickly and stays readable even while walking.

Choosing a compass

• Konus Compass Konuspoint-6 (€8,95) — compact plastic construction, lightweight and easy to carry every day.
• Konus Metal Compass Konustrek-1 (€15,95) — metal body built to withstand most climates, a step up in durability from the plastic Konuspoint-6.
• Konus Compass Konustar-11 (€30,95) — metal, 95 x 65 x 31mm, 290g, the largest and most robust of the three, suited to regular field use.

All three are oil-filled and come with a multilingual instruction manual (8 languages).

Which one do you need?

For an occasional walk or as a backup in a bag, the Konuspoint-6 is the lightest and cheapest option. For regular outdoor use in variable weather, the metal-bodied Konustrek-1 or the larger, heavier Konustar-11 hold up better over time — useful alongside your photo hide gear when scouting a new location on foot.

Frequently asked questions

What does "oil-filled" mean for a compass?
The needle sits in a liquid-filled capsule that dampens its swing, so it settles on north faster and stays stable while you are moving, rather than swinging freely.

Is a plastic compass less accurate than a metal one?
No, accuracy comes from the magnetic needle and oil-filled damping, not the housing material — metal housings are chosen for durability, not for reading accuracy.

Do I need a compass if I use GPS on my phone?
A compass works without battery or signal, making it a reliable backup for remote sites where a phone might lose charge or coverage.

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