COMPASSES

For nearly a century, Silva has been at the forefront of compass technology, developing products for orienteering, outdoor activities, adventure, and marine navigation. Since our founding in 1933, we have continuously refined our craftsmanship to offer high-quality compasses designed for fast and precise navigation, whether on land or at sea. 

Our compasses are trusted companions both day and night, engineered to meet the highest standards, from beginners to elite athletes and professional sailors alike.

How does a compass work?

A compass is a navigation tool that utilises the Earth's magnetic field to indicate direction. It consists of a magnetised needle that always points towards the magnetic North Pole. By aligning the needle with the compass housing, you can determine your course and navigate with precision.

Our compasses are liquid-filled, stabilising the needle to ensure fast and accurate readings. Whether navigating through forests, mountains, or open waters, a compass is an essential tool to help you stay on course and avoid getting lost.

Benefits of a compass:

• Reliable navigation in all weather conditions
• No reliance on electricity or batteries
• Fast and easy readings with a stabilised needle
• Durable construction for long-term outdoor use

How to use a compass?

To navigate with a compass, start by calibrating it — place it on a flat surface and allow the needle to stabilise. Align the compass housing so that the red needle points north, then adjust the compass to set your desired course in relation to your map.

By keeping the compass level and reading the degree markings, you can accurately follow the intended direction. Using a compass requires some practice, but with the right technique, it becomes an invaluable tool for all types of outdoor adventures.

Orienteering Compasses – For Fast and Precise Navigation

Our range of orienteering compasses includes everything from beginner models for children and adults to high-performance compasses developed by and for elite orienteers. Choose from wrist compasses and ruler compasses for orienteering and hiking, as well as thumb compasses with a rotating capsule for high-speed navigation.

We also offer Silva orienteering markers and controls, perfect for training and competitions. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or a competitive orienteer demanding precision, there’s a model to suit your needs.

Boat and Marine Compasses – For Safe Navigation at Sea

Whether you’re sailing, motorboating, or kayaking, we have a compass to suit your needs. Our marine compasses are built to withstand harsh conditions and include bulkhead-mounted sailing compasses, pedestal compasses for added stability, and high-performance motorboat compasses that function even at high speeds.

We also offer kayak compasses, easily secured with rubber straps, universal compasses that can be used both as a steering compass and a handheld bearing compass, as well as inclinometers and illuminated compasses for night navigation. With the right compass on board, you can navigate safely in any conditions and reach your destination with confidence.

Outdoor Compasses – Reliable in All Weather Conditions

For outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, we offer compasses designed to perform in any environment. Our standard compasses with a rotating compass housing are ideal for beginners and educational use, commonly used in schools and youth groups to teach fundamental map and compass skills.

We also provide expedition compasses with a global needle, sighting function, and clinometer for assessing avalanche risks, as well as magnifying lenses and additional features for precise map reading in challenging terrain. Whether you’re heading out on a day hike or a remote expedition, we have a compass to help you stay on course.

Quality Compasses Since 1933

Silva’s history began when the Kjellström brothers invented the first liquid-filled compass, an innovation that revolutionised navigation and set a new global standard. The liquid provided resistance, stabilising the needle and reducing reading time from 30 seconds to just 4 seconds.

Since then, we have continued to refine and improve our compasses to ensure fast, accurate, and reliable navigation in all conditions. We remain a pioneer in compass technology, constantly innovating to meet new navigation challenges.

Whether you’re an experienced adventurer, orienteer, sailor, or outdoor enthusiast—Silva has a compass to guide you in the right direction, every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Compasses 

Below, we have compiled the most common questions and answers about our compasses. 

How do i calibrate a compass?

To calibrate a compass, place it on a flat surface and allow the needle to stabilise. Ensure you are in an area free from magnetic interference, and align the compass housing to point north for an accurate reading. 

Can I use a compass anywhere in the world?

Yes, but it’s essential to choose a compass with the correct needle balance. Some compasses are designed for specific magnetic zones, while models with a global needle can be used worldwide. 

How should I store my compass to prevent damage? 

Store your compass in a dry, cool place, away from strong magnetic fields and extreme temperatures. Avoid placing it near electronic devices that may interfere with the magnetic field. 

Why do I need a compass when I have GPS? 

A compass always works, regardless of battery life or signal strength. It serves as a reliable backup navigation tool for hiking and expeditions where GPS may fail. 

What does heeling angle mean on a marine compass? 

The heeling angle indicates how much a boat can tilt before the compass becomes difficult to read. Silva marine compasses are designed to withstand high heeling angles, ensuring stable and reliable navigation at sea.