Helikon-Tex Ranger Compass Mk2 — Aluminium

The Ranger Compass Mk2 is a lensatic (prismatic) compass with an aluminium alloy body, designed for land navigation without relying on electronics. At 119 g, it fits in any pocket or survival kit without adding meaningful weight to your load, while retaining the mechanical durability that field use demands.

The capsule chamber is liquid-filled: this dampens needle oscillation and delivers a stable reading even when moving or when your hands are not perfectly steady. Compared to a dry compass, behaviour under stress is more predictable — exactly the condition where accuracy matters most. The dial is printed on phosphorescent card, allowing bearing readings in low-light conditions without a torch — a practical advantage at night when preserving dark-adapted vision is a priority.

A 1:25 000 map scale is engraved on the side of the body, letting you measure distances directly on the most widely used map format in hiking and military contexts. The compass carries both degree and mil graduations, the latter being essential for anyone working with military topographic maps or coordinating indirect fire. The aluminium alloy body offers greater resistance to mechanical impacts than ABS plastic, with the trade-off of minor deformation under a hard drop: an acceptable compromise for intensive use where durability matters more than shock absorption.

Key features

• Liquid-filled capsule: stable reading even in motion, without parasitic needle oscillation
• Phosphorescent dial for bearing readings at night without auxiliary lighting
• Map scale 1:25 000 engraved on the body for measuring distances directly on the map
• Dual graduation in degrees and mils, suitable for both military and civilian use
• Aluminium alloy body: 119 g with mechanical resistance superior to plastic