Your phone works for most trails, but these backup navigation tools work when batteries die and signal drops.
Suunto A-10 Compass
Liquid-filled needle stabilizes quickly, baseplate markings work with any map. Balanced for northern hemisphere, lifetime warranty. The benchmark for budget compasses.
Prices and ratings last checked Aug 17, 2026 and can change at any time. Confirm the current price on Amazon before buying.
Navigation Picks
Prices and ratings last checked Aug 17, 2026 and can change at any time. Confirm the current price on Amazon before buying.
Start With Your Phone
Before buying anything, download offline maps (Gaia GPS or CalTopo). This is your baseline navigation kit. Then add a compass as backup.
Navigation Essentials
01
Download Offline Maps
02
Carry a Compass
03
Know How to Take a Bearing
04
Pack a Paper Map
Technology fails. Batteries die. Signal drops. When it happens on a trail, a compass and basic map reading skill save lives.
Start With: Your Phone
Before buying anything, download offline maps. Gaia GPS and CalTopo offer free tiers with downloadable topo maps. This is your baseline navigation kit.
The Essential Backup: Compass + Map
Price: $10-30 | Reliability: 100% (never batteries, never signal)
A compass doesn't need power, connectivity, or software updates. It just works. Learn to read a map with a compass and you'll never truly be lost.
Our Pick: Suunto A-10 Compass
The A-10 is the benchmark for budget orienteering compasses. The liquid-filled needle stabilizes quickly, and the baseplate markings work with any map.
What we love:
- Balanced needle for northern hemisphere
- Fixed declination for map work
- Lanyard included
- Lifetime warranty (Suunto stands behind this)
When You Want GPS: Garmin eTrex 22x
Battery: 25 hours
The eTrex 22x adds GPS accuracy to your toolkit. Preloaded TopoActive maps, barometric altimeter, and 25-hour battery life cover most backcountry scenarios.
What we love:
- Preloaded maps
- Electronic compass + barometric altimeter
- Accepts AA batteries (rechargeable in field)
- Rugged and waterproof
Best for: Backcountry hikers, off-trail navigation, extended trips
The Navigation Essentials
- Download offline maps before your trip
- Carry a compass even if you carry GPS
- Know how to take a bearing - 5-minute YouTube video teaches this
- Pack a paper map as final backup
Our Recommendation
Start with Suunto A-10 Compass and learn to use it. Add Garmin eTrex 22x only if your adventures demand it.
Shop Navigation Tools on Amazon
Never rely on a single navigation method. Redundancy saves lives.