If you’re not a fan of the MCA sighting compass we previously reviewed, consider the A-30 Compass from Suunto. The A-30 is very affordable and offers exceptional value. Although it’s labeled a “recreational compass” it could quite easily be the only compass you’ll ever need (unless you’re traveling in a hemisphere it’s not calibrated for).

This particular model features a luminescent bezel and directional arrow, which helps not only with functionality at night, but also with general visibility of the compass itself in low light conditions. The A-30 also features a magnified glass, which can be used to start fires by concentrating sunlight. Though the MCA has a sighting mirror which can be used as a heliograph in a survival situation, it doesn’t have a magnified glass or luminescent properties for nighttime visibility.

It can certainly be argued that the luminescent features of the A-30 are frivolous as most people don’t tend to wander around at night with a map and compass (if you do, please pack a head-lamp and/or flashlight). Nonetheless, the bright yellow glow helps your compass stick out in the dark, reducing the chances of it getting lost, stepped on, damaged etc.

Like the MCA, the bezel is easy to grip and turn, but not so loose that it will turn on its own. The design of the A-30 is a very simple yet highly functional which will serve most of your navigational needs quite sufficiently without breaking the bank.

As with the MCA sighting compass, the red string that the A-30 came with was too small to serve as a proper lanyard. Instead, swap it for some Mil-spec 550 Paracord.

If you’re looking for a simple, functional, affordable and reliable compass – consider the A30 Recreational Compass from SUUNTO.

Extremely Lightweight and Thin

Sufficiently Durable

Simple and Easy to Read

Luminescent Bezel

Magnified Glass

Very affordable

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Made in Finland

Cost: Around CDN $20

www.suunto.com