Compasses

In this category you will find high-quality compasses for outdoor activities, hiking, orienteering and survival – from analog precision compasses and robust military compasses to digital models with GPS function. Brands such as Suunto, Silva, Recta, Garmin and Brunton offer one of the largest online selections of compasses in Switzerland – for mountain sports enthusiasts, orienteers and outdoor fans, with fast delivery throughout Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Buy compasses online – for hikers, mountaineers & outdoor fans

Whether you want to buy a compass online, prepare for an alpine trekking tour or complete your orienteering equipment: The range covers mirror compasses, sighting compasses, thumb compasses, marching compasses and digital map accessories. Whether you are a mountain hiker, hunter, geocacher or military user, you can quickly find the right compass for your needs – conveniently from home.

Compass types for every application

For precise map reading and accurate direction bearings, mirror compasses are the first choice – they allow simultaneous sighting and reading. Sighting compasses are excellent for basic orientation tasks and beginners. Thumb compasses are specifically designed for orienteering and fast navigation. Marching compasses score points with their robust construction and are ideal for military applications or long expeditions. Digital compasses and GPS devices offer additional functions such as waypoint navigation and altimetry.

Compass with declination adjustment – precise navigation in Switzerland

An important aspect when buying a compass is the ability to adjust for declination. In Switzerland, the deviation between magnetic and geographic north poles is about 2° to 4° East depending on the location. High-quality compasses from Suunto and Recta offer adjustable declination correction to compensate for this deviation – a decisive advantage for accurate map work in alpine terrain.

Top brands

Suunto Silva Recta Garmin Brunton Kasper & Richter BCB Vebos

Brand comparison

Brand	Known for	Ideal for	Price segment
Suunto	Precision compasses & outdoor instruments	Mountaineers, expeditions, professionals	Mid-range – Premium
Silva	Mirror compasses & orienteering	Orienteers, hikers	Entry-level – Mid-range
Recta	Swiss precision compasses	Alpinists, military, collectors	Mid-range – Premium
Garmin	GPS devices with digital compass	Geocachers, trekking, navigation	Mid-range – Premium
Brunton	Geologist compasses & high-end models	Geologists, professionals, expeditions	Premium
Kasper & Richter	Outdoor accessories & solid compasses	Recreational hikers, beginners	Entry-level – Mid-range
BCB	Survival & military compasses	Survival, bushcraft, military	Entry-level – Mid-range
Vebos	Compass accessories & supplementary products	Accessory seekers, protection solutions	Entry-level

Who are compasses suitable for?

Compasses are ideal for mountain hikers, alpinists, orienteers, hunters and geocachers in Switzerland who want to navigate safely even off marked trails. Survival and bushcraft fans, military personnel and outdoor beginners will also find a suitable selection of compass models tailored to their respective area of use.

Quality, materials & reliability

When buying a compass, it is worth paying attention to a shock-resistant construction, a globally balanced needle, easy-to-read scales and integrated declination correction. High-quality materials such as scratch-resistant acrylic glass, aluminum housings and waterproof constructions ensure durability – even in demanding weather conditions in the mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Which compass is suitable for hiking in the Alps?▾

For alpine hiking, robust mirror compasses or sighting compasses with built-in declination adjustment are recommended. Brands such as Suunto and Recta offer models specifically designed for demanding terrain that can be read accurately even in difficult light conditions.

What is the difference between a mirror compass and a simple sighting compass?▾

A mirror compass allows you to sight a target point and read the compass rose in the mirror simultaneously, which significantly increases accuracy. A simple sighting compass without a mirror is more suitable for basic orientation tasks and beginners.

What is the purpose of declination on a compass?▾

Declination describes the deviation between magnetic and geographic north poles. Especially in Switzerland, this deviation can be several degrees. High-quality compasses offer adjustable declination correction so that map work remains precise.

Which compass is suitable for getting started in orienteering?▾

For orienteering beginners, lightweight thumb compasses or simple sighting compasses from Silva and Suunto are suitable. They are easy to handle, quick to read and specifically designed for sporting use.

Are compasses also calibrated for use in Switzerland?▾

Yes, many compasses are equipped with a globally balanced needle or are specifically calibrated for the northern hemisphere. Models with adjustable declination can also be set precisely to the declination of 2° to 4° East applicable in Switzerland.

How do I read a map correctly with a compass?▾

First, align the map edge with the compass's long edge in a north-south direction. Then rotate the map together with the compass until the magnetic needle matches the north marking on the compass rose. You can then sight terrain points and reliably determine marching directions.

Which accessories are recommended for compasses?▾

Useful accessories include compass pouches to protect the instrument, lanyards for quick access on the go, signal colors for better visibility, and waterproof map cases. High-quality models are often supplied with appropriate accessories or can be retrofitted.

What is the difference between an analog and a digital compass?▾

An analog compass works purely mechanically with a magnetic needle and requires no power supply – it is therefore independent of batteries and electronics. A digital compass, for example in Garmin GPS devices, displays the cardinal direction electronically and often offers additional functions such as waypoint navigation and altimetry.