Compasses

Compass for orienteering, outdoor use and boating

Choosing the right compass depends on activity, experience and how precise your navigation needs to be. A simple model may be enough for hiking and scouting, while orienteering, mountains, coast and water require different features for fast reading and reliable direction.

Silva brings together several compass types in one range. For training and racing, there are orienteering compasses, for hiking and adventure there are outdoor compasses and for navigation on water there are dedicated boat compasses.

Silva compass options for different levels and activities

For beginners, schools and outdoor use, Field Compass is a clear and easy to use model for basic map reading. If you want a small backup in your pocket or pack, Compass Pocket is a practical addition for simple direction support.

For more advanced navigation, Expedition S offers mirror sighting and functions for more accurate work with map and terrain. For faster orienteering, Arc Jet S is a strong choice, while Ranger Compass suits users who want a robust Silva compass for many outdoor activities.

How to choose the right compass

Start by deciding whether the compass will be used for orienteering, hiking, boating or as safety equipment in your pack.

• For beginners Choose a simple baseplate compass with clear markings, rotating housing and scales that make map and direction easy to connect.
• For orienteering Choose a thumb compass or wrist compass when fast map contact, stable needle and speed matter most.
• For hiking and mountains Choose a durable compass with good grip, clear reading and functions that support navigation over longer distances.
• For boating and kayaking Choose a boat compass or kayak compass that is easy to read from the right position and works well close to water.

Accessories and supporting navigation gear

With the right compass accessories, you can protect your compass, measure distance and improve map reading. Map measurers, cases, magnifiers and spare parts make your navigation setup more useful for training, trips and races.

For paddling and longer trips, 58 Kayak is relevant when the compass needs to sit low and remain easy to see. When a map or phone needs protection from rain and splashes, waterproof map cases and phone cases pair naturally with compass gear.

Silva experience in compasses and navigation

Silva has developed compasses and navigation equipment since 1933, with focus on clear reading, stable function and real outdoor use. That makes the range relevant for anyone who wants to buy a compass for everyday outdoor life, training or specialized navigation.

To learn more about direction, map reading and compass choice, Silva’s Compass School gives practical support. It helps explain the difference between baseplate compasses, thumb compasses, sighting compasses and boat compasses.

Frequently asked questions about compasses

Below we have gathered some of the most common questions and answers about our compasses:

Which compass should I buy?

Choose a compass based on activity and experience. For hiking, a clear baseplate compass is often enough, while orienteering requires a faster needle and better map contact. For boating, choose a compass made for mounting and reading on board.

What is the difference between an orienteering compass and an outdoor compass?

An orienteering compass is built for speed, fast map contact and race decisions. An outdoor compass is more focused on hiking, trekking and longer trips where stability and map reading matter. Both are used with maps, but they are made for different situations.

Do I need a compass if I have a phone?

Yes, a compass is an important complement to a phone because it works without battery, signal or screen. It gives direct direction when technology is limited. On longer trips, map and compass remain a highly reliable navigation foundation.

What makes a good Silva compass?

A good Silva compass should be clear to read, stable in the needle and suited to the activity. Some users need low weight, while others need mirror sighting, a global needle or boat mounting. The right model makes navigation simpler and safer.