Should I use the lanyard that comes with my compass?

Honestly, most people don't. The lanyard tends to catch on branches, tangle with other gear, and makes the compass swing around annoyingly whilst you're walking. Most experienced walkers remove it and just keep the compass in a zipped pocket instead.

Where's the best place to keep my compass whilst hiking?

A chest pocket with a zip works best. Compasses don't actually fall out of pockets on their own, so as long as it's zipped up, you can access it easily without dealing with tangles or it bouncing against your chest.

When would a compass lanyard actually be useful?

It depends on the conditions. In winter with thick gloves, a lanyard stops your compass disappearing into snowdrifts if you drop it. During scrambling it might be marginally helpful too. But for regular walking on paths, it's more hassle than it's worth.

Do You Actually Need That?

The Compass Lanyard: A Solution Nobody Actually Wanted

There's something deeply optimistic about the little cord that comes threaded through every compass, as if dangling a metal disc against your sternum whilst scrambling over fences is somehow more practical than keeping it in your pocket. Within an hour it's either caught on every protruding branch in the forest or wedged sideways under your rucksack strap, leaving you wondering whether the manufacturer has ever actually been outside.

20 October 20267 min read