Silva Expedition 4 Compass

We’re often asked by clients coming on our popular National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) and Mountain Training courses which is the best compass for navigating in the hills. We always have the same answer; the Expedition 4 compass from Swedish navigation experts Silva.

So what makes this compass different from something you could buy for less on Amazon? Well there’s the manufacturer’s history (the men behind Silva actually invented the liquid filled compass back in 1933). It’s been the most popular selling compass for decades and it’s recommended by the DofE for their young people on expedition.

The Expedition 4 is an advanced compass designed for outdoor enthusiasts who crave the best equipment. It contains everything you need in a compass and has added functionality for GPS. The full-size base plate makes it easy to take bearings and measuring distance on maps making it perfect for when you want need to navigate with more advanced and precise techniques.

It’s made of robust materials to withstand the toughest of conditions. The magnifying lens is essential for detailed map reading (brilliant for those of us with deteriorating vision!) and includes a detachable lanyard for attaching the compass to yourself. NOTE we never put compasses around our neck. If you’d like to know why, come along to one of our map reading courses.

With its luminous markings it’s ideal for night navigation and includes map measuring scales for 1:25k, 1:40k and 1:50k.

The Silva Expedition 4 retails at £35.99 but can be bought for less online at Dash4it, Go Outdoors or as part of a ‘NavPack’ from Shaven Raspberry. You can also use your MountainXperience client discount to buy from our friends at Cotswold Outdoor.

If you’re coming on a MountainXperience Introduction to Mountain Navigation or Bronze NNAS Navigator Award course, we have Expedition 4 compasses for you to borrow free of charge so you can ‘try before you buy’.