DIGITAL COMPASSES

Digital technology is changing the way we do nearly everything, and its use in compasses is no exception. Instead of the traditional dial and needle, a digital compass displays the information, well, digitally. At the touch of a button you’ll know exactly which direction you’re heading. Most digital compasses include displays for time and temperature, plus alarms, and some feature altimeters, barometers, and chronographs.

Wayfinder V700 Hike and Drive Digital Compass

This is a unique compass in that it switches automatically from car to hand-held modes and back again. In your car the compass sits in a mounted bracket; its magnetic-sensor technology means your car’s magnetic field won’t interfere with the compass readings. Slip it out of the holder to take along on a hike. The display features a compass rose and eight cardinal points for general headings and a numeric readout for more specific information. The holographic screen provides a crisp image in bright light and is backlit at night.

Brunton Nomad V2 Digital Compass

The Nomad V2 is a handy little compass. An easy-to-read backlit screen displays the numeric readout of your bearing. The compass is declination adjustable so you can find true north, and gives you both forward and reverse bearings. In addition, the temperature (in Celsius or Fahrenheit) and time/date information is available and you can set two daily alarms. One 3-volt lithium battery and a wrist/neck lanyard are also included.

High Gear TrailDrop Digital Compass

Take along the TrailDrop digital compass and you’ll never get lost. It displays your bearing both in degrees and with cardinal points and you can choose to show a single reading or a continually adjusting reading. Accuracy is ensured with adjustable declination and leveling bubble. The TrailDrop is also more than just a compass. As a watch it tells you the time/day/date/month in either 12- or 24-hour format. As a thermometer, it functions in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. It also includes two daily alarms, an hourly chime, and a 24-hour chronograph. Attachment rings let you use it as a key chain or hook it onto your belt or backpack.