How to add compasses to trekking poles?

For backcountry hikers, backpackers, and wilderness explorers, navigation is non-negotiable—and the best navigation tools are the ones you can access without breaking your stride. Trekking poles are already essential for balance, knee support, and stability; adding a compass turns them into dual-purpose gear that keeps your hands free and your bearings steady. No more fumbling with a compass in your pocket, dropping it in mud, or stopping to rummage through your pack mid-hike.​

But how do you add a compass to trekking poles effectively? The key is choosing a method that’s secure, easy to read, and compatible with your pole’s design—whether you prefer a temporary fix for day hikes or a permanent upgrade for long expeditions. Below, we break down the top techniques (from no-tool hacks to DIY installs), gear recommendations, pro tips for optimal placement, and safety notes to ensure your compass stays functional when you need it most.​

Why Add a Compass to Trekking Poles?​

Before diving into the "how," let’s clarify the "why"—this upgrade isn’t just a convenience; it’s a smart move for trail safety and efficiency.​

Instant Access: When navigating steep, rocky terrain or dense forests, you rarely have a free hand to dig through a pack. A compass on your trekking pole lets you check directions with a quick glance down—no need to stop, set down your pole, or juggle gear.​

Reduced Gear Clutter: Instead of carrying a standalone compass, a watch compass, and a phone GPS (which dies fast in cold weather), combine two tools into one. This lightens your load and minimizes the risk of losing small items (a common issue with pocket compasses).​

Stability for Accurate Readings: Holding a compass in your hand can lead to shaky, inaccurate readings—especially if you’re balancing on uneven ground. A compass mounted on a trekking pole (which stays steady against the earth) gives you more precise bearings, critical for off-trail navigation.​

Weather Resistance: Unlike phone GPS, a physical compass works in rain, snow, and thick cloud cover. Mounting it on your pole keeps it elevated from mud, puddles, and snowdrifts—extending its lifespan.​

Key Considerations Before You Start​

Not all compasses or trekking poles are created equal. To avoid frustration (and a compass that falls off mid-hike), keep these factors in mind:​

Compass Type: Opt for a miniature, durable compass—look for models labeled "hiking" or "backcountry" (they’re water-resistant, shockproof, and have clear, easy-to-read markings). Avoid large, bulky compasses (they’ll throw off your pole’s balance). Top picks: Suunto M-3 NH (compact, reliable) or Brunton TruArc 3 (affordable, lightweight).​

Pole Material & Design: Most trekking poles are made of aluminum, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. Aluminum poles are easiest to work with (adhesives stick well, and you can drill small holes for permanent mounts). Carbon fiber poles require extra care—avoid drilling (it weakens the material) and use non-abrasive adhesives.​

Grip Style: Poles with foam or rubber grips (the most common) are ideal for mounting. Avoid poles with textured grips (adhesives won’t stick) or ergonomic "contour" grips (they leave little flat space for a compass).​

Removable vs. Permanent: Choose a temporary method if you switch poles often or only need a compass for occasional hikes. Go permanent if you have a dedicated pair of poles for backcountry trips—this ensures the compass stays put through rough use.​

4 Proven Methods to Add a Compass to Trekking Poles​

From 5-minute no-tool hacks to weekend DIY projects, these methods suit every hiker’s skill level and needs.​

1. No-Tool Temporary: Adhesive Mount (Best for Day Hikes)​

This is the fastest, easiest way to add a compass to your pole—no drills, glue, or special tools required. It’s perfect for casual hikers who want a removable solution.​

What You Need:​

1 miniature adhesive compass (look for models with 3M adhesive backing, like the Coghlan’s Mini Compass)​

Rubbing alcohol (to clean the pole)​

A lint-free cloth​

Step-by-Step:​

Clean the Mounting Spot: Pick a spot on the pole’s grip—aim for the "sweet spot" where your thumb rests (usually 2–3 inches below the top of the grip). Wipe the area with rubbing alcohol and the cloth to remove dirt, sweat, and oil (adhesive won’t stick to a dirty surface). Let it dry for 1 minute.​

Peel and Stick: Remove the backing from the compass’s adhesive pad. Press the compass firmly onto the cleaned spot, holding it for 30 seconds to ensure a tight bond.​

Test for Stability: Shake the pole gently and swing it as you would on a hike. If the compass shifts, peel it off (while the adhesive is still fresh), clean the area again, and reapply—this time pressing harder for 1 minute.​

Pros: Fast, removable, no damage to poles.​

Cons: Adhesive may fail in heavy rain or extreme heat (reinforce with a small strip of duct tape if hiking in wet conditions).​

2. Secure Temporary: Velcro Strap Mount (Ideal for Variable Weather)​

If you need more durability than adhesive but still want a removable option, a Velcro strap mount works for all pole types—even those with textured grips. It’s great for hikers who switch between poles or use their compass on other gear (like backpack straps).​

What You Need:​

1 miniature compass (any style—keychain compasses work well)​

1 heavy-duty Velcro strap (1 inch wide, 6 inches long; look for outdoor-grade Velcro, which resists water and UV rays)​

Scissors​

Step-by-Step:​

Choose Placement: Mount the compass on the upper pole segment (just below the grip) instead of the grip itself—this keeps it away from sweat and ensures it’s easy to read when holding the pole normally.​

Cut the Strap: Trim the Velcro strap to 4 inches (you want enough length to wrap around the pole twice).​

Secure the Compass: Place the compass flat against the pole. Wrap the Velcro strap around the pole and compass, overlapping the ends by 1 inch. Press the Velcro firmly to seal—ensure the compass is centered and doesn’t spin.​

Reinforce (Optional): For extra security, add a second Velcro strap perpendicular to the first (forming a "cross")—this prevents the compass from sliding up or down.​

Pros: Weather-resistant, works on all pole types, easy to move between gear.​

Cons: Bulkier than adhesive; may shift slightly if the strap loosens (check it before each hike).​

3. Semi-Permanent: Epoxy Glue Mount (Great for Frequent Hikers)​

For hikers who use their poles weekly (or more), epoxy glue creates a strong, long-lasting bond without damaging the pole (it can be removed later with acetone, though it’s tedious). This method works best with aluminum or fiberglass poles.​

What You Need:​

1 small hiking compass (with a flat base, like the Silva Field Compass Mini)​

2-part epoxy glue (outdoor-grade, like Loctite Epoxy Plastic Bonder—waterproof and shockproof)​

Rubbing alcohol and lint-free cloth​

Masking tape​

Disposable gloves (to avoid getting glue on your hands)​

Step-by-Step:​

Prepare the Pole: Clean the mounting spot (on the grip or upper segment) with rubbing alcohol—let it dry completely. Use masking tape to mark a small circle (the size of the compass base) to keep glue neat.​

Mix the Epoxy: Put on gloves. Squeeze equal parts of epoxy resin and hardener onto a disposable surface (like a paper plate). Stir with a toothpick for 1 minute (follow the glue’s instructions—most epoxies need 5–10 minutes of setup time).​

Apply the Glue: Spread a thin layer of epoxy on the compass’s base (avoid getting it on the compass face—this will ruin readability). Press the compass onto the marked spot on the pole.​

Secure While Drying: Wrap masking tape around the compass to hold it in place. Let the epoxy dry for 24 hours (don’t use the pole during this time—rushing drying weakens the bond).​

Clean Up: Peel off the masking tape. If any excess epoxy oozed out, scrape it gently with a plastic knife (metal may scratch the pole).​

Pros: Ultra-secure (won’t fall off in rough terrain), low-profile, long-lasting.​

Cons: Hard to remove; messy if not done carefully.​

4. Permanent: Drill-and-Mount (For Dedicated Expedition Poles)​

This method is for serious hikers with aluminum trekking poles (never drill carbon fiber— it causes structural damage) who want a compass that’s part of the pole itself. It’s ideal for multi-day backpacking trips or off-trail expeditions.​

What You Need:​

1 compass with a mounting bracket (like the Brunton Eclipse 8099—comes with screws)​

Electric drill with a 1/8-inch drill bit (aluminum-friendly)​

Screwdriver (matches the compass’s screws)​

Masking tape​

Measuring tape​

Sandpaper (fine-grit, to smooth drill holes)​

Step-by-Step:​

Mark the Spot: Use measuring tape to find a spot 3 inches below the top of the pole (this keeps the compass at eye level when holding the pole). Wrap masking tape around the spot—this prevents the drill bit from slipping.​

Drill the Holes: Put on safety glasses. Drill two small holes (spaced to match the compass bracket’s screw holes) through the masking tape—drill slowly to avoid bending the pole. Remove the tape and sand the holes gently to smooth sharp edges.​

Attach the Bracket: Place the compass’s mounting bracket over the holes. Insert the screws and tighten them with a screwdriver—don’t over-tighten (this can strip the holes).​

Test the Compass: Ensure the compass face is level (if it’s tilted, loosen the screws and adjust the bracket). Give the pole a shake— the compass should stay firmly in place.​

Pros: Indestructible (survives drops, impacts, and extreme weather), professional-looking, easy to read.​

Cons: Permanent (can’t move the compass to another pole); risks damaging the pole if drilled incorrectly.​

Pro Tips for Optimal Compass Performance​

Even the best mount won’t help if your compass is hard to read or inaccurate. Follow these tips to get the most out of your upgrade:​

Prioritize Level Placement: A compass only works if it’s horizontal. Mount it on a flat part of the pole (avoid curved areas) and test it before hiking—hold the pole normally; if the compass needle tilts, reposition the mount.​

Keep It Away from Metal: Trekking poles have metal parts (locks, tips), but too much metal near the compass can skew readings. Mount the compass at least 2 inches away from lever locks, metal grips, or other metal accessories (like pole baskets).​

Protect the Compass Face: Cover the compass with a clear, adhesive lens protector (cut from a phone screen protector) to shield it from scratches, mud, and rain. For extra protection, choose a compass with a scratch-resistant mineral glass face.​

Calibrate Before Each Trip: Even with a perfect mount, compasses can lose calibration. Before hitting the trail, hold your pole steady, turn in a slow circle, and ensure the needle points to magnetic north. If not, use the compass’s adjustment screw (most have one) to calibrate it.​

Recommended Gear for Every Method​

Not sure which compass or tools to buy? Here’s a quick breakdown of reliable, hiker-approved gear:​

Adhesive Compasses: Coghlan’s Mini Adhesive Compass (

​

5–

8) – small, water-resistant, and sticks to most grips.​

Velcro Straps: Gear Aid Heavy-Duty Velcro Tape (

​

7–

10) – outdoor-grade, UV-resistant, and cuts to any length.​

Epoxy Glue: Loctite Epoxy Plastic Bonder (

​

10–

15) – bonds to metal/plastic, waterproof, and dries clear.​

Drill-Mount Compasses: Brunton Eclipse 8099 (

​

30–

40) – comes with a durable bracket, easy to install, and accurate in all conditions.​

Final Thoughts​

Adding a compass to your trekking poles is one of the simplest, most impactful upgrades you can make for trail navigation. Whether you choose a no-tool adhesive mount for day hikes or a permanent drill-in install for expeditions, the result is the same: a hands-free, always-accessible tool that keeps you on track and safe.​

Remember, the best method is the one that fits your hiking style—don’t overcomplicate it if you only need a compass occasionally, but invest in a secure mount if you spend weekends in the backcountry. With this upgrade, you’ll spend less time fumbling with gear and more time enjoying the trail—confident that you’ll never lose your way.​