Gear & Defense
Phones die and GPS loses signal, so a compass and a whistle are cheap insurance. Our top pick is the Cammenga 3H, the tritium lensatic compass the U.S. military issues (NSN 6605-01-196-6971). It is sealed, shockproof and glows at night with no flashlight, and Field & Stream named it the most durable compass it tested. Its tritium glow fades over the years, and it has no declination adjustment. For map work, Wirecutter's pick, the Suunto A-10 baseplate compass, is cheaper and easier to use on a paper map; get the NH version for North America and carry a map of your area. The Shoreline Marine whistle was the loudest Wirecutter tested; three blasts is the standard signal for help. Practice taking and following a bearing before you need to.
Why it's hereThe same 3H tritium lensatic compass the U.S. military issues (NSN 6605-01-196-6971): sealed, shockproof and self-lit for night use. Field & Stream named it the most durable compass it tested.
Recommended by Field & Stream (Most Durable); RECOIL OFFGRID| Rank | Product & source | Key note | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Top Pick | Cammenga Official U.S. Military Tritium Lensatic Compass 3H (Olive Drab)Recommended by Field & Stream (Most Durable); RECOIL OFFGRID | The same 3H tritium lensatic compass the U.S. | ~$109.20Price checked Oct 20, 2026at cammenga.com View product | |
| Runner-up | Suunto A-10 NH Baseplate CompassRecommended by Wirecutter (NYT) | Wirecutter's compass pick: a cheap, clear baseplate compass that is easier than a lensatic for map work. | ~$24Price checked Oct 20, 2026at backcountrynorth.com View product | |
| Runner-up | Shoreline Marine Emergency Survival WhistleRecommended by Wirecutter (NYT) | Wirecutter's whistle: loudest (101 dB) and cheapest of six tested, heard farther than pricier whistles. | ~$7.99Price checked Oct 15–19, 2026at amazon.com View product | |
