Suunto A-30 NH Metric Compass

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The Suunto A-30 NH Metric Compass is a reliable navigation tool for extreme conditions, offering traditional and modern features for serious hikers. Key features include a stable capsule, luminous markings, and a detachable lanyard.

Suunto says: 

Suunto A-30 is a reliable baseplate compass for navigating and surviving in extreme conditions. Depending on the variant, A-30 comes with Metric UTM scales and inch ruler or USGS UTM scales.

The Earth’s magnetic field does not flow evenly between the magnetic poles along the surface of the planet. To compensate for the natural tilt in the magnetic field, Suunto compasses use one of two balancing systems and you should choose the variant best serving your needs.

One is a two-zone system with needles balanced for either the northern or southern hemisphere. The second is a unique globally balanced system. A single needle is balanced to work anywhere in the world. This is achieved by a breakthrough construction allowing the needle and magnet to tilt independently.

Our Verdict

The Suunto A-30 NH Metric Compass is a reliable and robust navigation tool for extreme conditions. This baseplate compass offers traditional functionality and modern features, making it suitable for serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Key features include a stable liquid-filled capsule, luminous markings for low-light visibility, and a detachable snap-lock lanyard for easy map work. The compass’s accuracy of 2.5° and resolution of 2° provide precise bearings for navigation.

At just 29g, it’s impressively lightweight, yet its construction suggests durability. Its inclusion of metric scales (1:25,000 and 1:50,000) makes it particularly useful for European hikers.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Stable operation – The compass liquid used by Suunto is specially formulated to provide damping over a large temperature range while preventing the needle from sticking.
• Detachable snap-lock lanyard  – The lanyard with wristlock is easy to detach for working with the map.
• Made in Finland – All Suunto compasses are handcrafted at our factory with 100% renewable energy.

Specifications

• Weight: 29g
• Dimensions: 57 x 114 x 10 mm / 2.24 x 4.49 x 0.39 “
• What’s in the box? Suunto A-30 NH Metric Compass, lanyard, Quickrelease, Quick Guide
• Metric scales cm, 1:25 000 km, 1:50 000 km
• Declination correction: fixed scale
• Water resistance: insensitive to water pressure
• Luminous markings: bezel, orienting markings and direction of travel

Material & Construction

• Bezel material: Plastic
• Needle: high grade steel
• Liquid filled and jewel bearing: Yes
• Bearing lock with orienting indicator: Yes
• Compass accuracy: 2.5°
• Compass resolution: 2°