Choosing the best keychain compass for you depends on a couple of factors; your reason for having one and how it will be used. Of course, all things being equal, it all comes down to your style. To that end, I put together this list to help you find the one that perfectly fits your needs.
1. The Sun Company TripleGage
Let’s cut right to the chase and start off with my personal favorite, even though it won’t win any beauty contests.
I love how this multipurpose tool has not just a compass but also a thermometer (with a wind chill chart) and magnifying glass. As you know, survival outdoors is all about redundancies. Having an additional fire-starting possibility with the magnifying glass and being able to instantly know if you are in dangerous weather conditions is a huge bonus. It’s also great for reading maps while on the trail or signaling for help if things go sideways.
When you are out and on the go, the Sun Company TripleGage compass will give you peace of mind and save you some time packing.
Key Features:
- Easy to read compass.
- Temperature range from -20 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wind chill chart on the back.
- Magnifying glass
2. Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass
For those who are looking for a professional-grade compass, the Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass is just what you are looking for. This product is military-grade, which means it can withstand most any damage and will be a tough product to break. It is both waterproof and shock-resistant, which is helpful when traveling in treacherous conditions.
This product also is complete with a lens reader that helps magnify the compass screen and increases your accuracy while reading it. While this compass does not already come with a keychain, it can easily be attached to one or you can use the carrying case that is included with the purchase.
Reviews of this compass confirm that the lens reader makes it very easy to read the compass and gives easy, consistent readings. One reviewer shared that the compass design might be a little too advanced for kids, so make sure to purchase this compass for a more experienced navigator.
One downside to this compass is its weight. Since it is made military-grade, it is extremely durable but it is made of metal. For those who really want a lightweight plastic compass, this one might be too heavy for your preference.
3. LytHarvest Survival Compass
If all you need is a compass and you are looking for something high-quality, durable, and precise, this survival compass by LytHarvest is just what you need. The sleek design is stylish but also easy to carry on hiking or biking trips.
The design includes a floating compass dial. This allows for accuracy, which is a must-have for anyone using a compass. Finally, for those who know they are hard on their gear or are buying a compass for a child, this compass can withstand the use of children as well as the effects of the outdoors. Features that make this a great compass for both children and adults include:
- Durable
- Shock-resistant
- Waterproof
- Accurate readings
Better yet, is the fact that this compass comes in a two-pack. This allows you to have a dependable compass between yourself and your travel buddy or one on your person and one of your gear. Better to be safe than sorry, so it never hurts to have an extra to spare.
Just like any compass you buy, make sure that you lay the compass flat as you are using it and keep it away from other magnetic objects. This gives the compass the best accurate readings.
4. MiniComp – Zipperpull Mini Compass with Split Ring
Sun Company is at it again with another great keychain compass that is both durable and reliable. This zipper pull compass from Sun Company is extremely small and lightweight, which makes it great for carrying along anywhere.
The compass itself is 1.1 inches by 2 inches and weighs only 0.4 ounces. It is compact and has a ring attached to it that can be used to attach to several items to keep it handy and safe.
- Zipper pull on a jacket
- Zipper pull on a backpack or luggage
- Added to your keychain
The clear plastic makes it easy to read in the daylight and the sunlight will create a luminous glow at night, which makes it good for even nighttime adventures. The compass will continue to stay lit with the charge of the sun for up to an hour after sunset.
On the sides of this compass ruler, markers are attached for any situations that require a straightedge or a ruler. One side of the compass is marked in inches while the other side is in centimeters.
5. MecArmy CMP2-T High Sensitivity EDC Compass
Another great option for an accurate compass with a great design is the MecArmy High Sensitivity EDC Compass. With this compass, you will have the choice between several styles and you can choose the one that is best for you.
- Brass
- Copper
- Sandblasted
- Titanium Black
It also has a very small size with about 1 inch in height and 1½ inches in width. Make sure you double-check that the size of the compass is something you are fine with. This is the biggest complaint about this product from reviewers because they did not check the size before they ordered.
This compass has a 6 hour light capacity at night, which means it will glow in the dark if navigating during the night. To charge the compass, just place it in the sun or another UV source for a few minutes. The light is charged only by UV light, so do not expect it to glow after sitting underneath a different light source.
The best part about this compass is that the reviews on it share that it is great for daily use and can withstand daily wear and tear. It can be used as a zipper pull on a backpack or on a jacket, and the stylish look of this compass will add a little flair to your trip.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. If you want simplicity and multi-functionality, go with my recommendation and get the triplegage. Or, if it’s only about the compass, I would go with the Sportneer. It’s a solid model and should remain reliable for many years.
I hope this list has helped you find the perfect one for you. Thanks for reading!
For more, check out Basic Wilderness Navigation Techniques: A Beginners Guide.
Jim James is a published author and expert on the outdoors and survivalism. Through avid research and hands-on experience, he has gained expertise on a wide variety of topics. His time spent at college taught him to become really good at figuring out answers to common problems. Often through extensive trial and error, Jim has continued to learn and increase his knowledge of a vast array of topics related to firearms, hunting, fishing, medical topics, cooking, games/gaming, and other subjects too numerous to name.
Jim has been teaching people a wide variety of survivalism topics for over five years and has a lifetime of experience fishing, camping, general survivalism, and anything in nature. In fact, while growing up, he often spent more time on the water than on land! He has degrees in History, Anthropology, and Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. He extensively studied Southern History, nutrition, geopolitics, the Cold War, and nuclear policy strategies and safety as well as numerous other topics related to the content on survivalfreedom.com.