Although you can simply buy an inexpensive compass from almost any outdoor section of a big box store, you asked about quality compasses. My recommendations (after about 40 years of getting lost while hiking, ski touring, mountaineering, and running around various parts of the world with a compass while playing Army):
1. Brunton 15TDCL (Silva Ranger): For many decades, the Silva "Ranger" was the gold standard in modern orienteering compasses; used by outdoorsmen the world over.
Due to a bunch of compass company buyouts some years ago, there are actually TWO Silva companies in existence today. One is Silva USA, which today makes a decent but arguably lesser quality Ranger in comparison to the original version made in Sweden. There have been some complaints that the current US version possesses frankly lesser precision and durability than the legend of old. Not to worry....Silva of Sweden is now owned by Brunton.
The Brunton 15TDCL is the original Ranger, which is still sold everywhere but in the USA as the Silva Ranger.
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Brunton-F-15TDCL-15TDCL-Compass/dp/B000093ILE"]Amazon.com: Brunton 15TDCL Compass: Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514AemgL9BL.@@AMEPARAM@@514AemgL9BL[/ame] -
$33 on Amazon BEST VALUE for COST and PERFORMANCE
Liquid filled, clear plastic base plate marked with scale and orientation marks (functions as integral protractor for plotting directly on map), and adjustable declination screw (so you don't have to add or subtract declination angles). Folds flat for storage in pocket, includes built in sighting mirror for ease of reading, signalling, or just admiring your mug. Also a built in magnifying lens. Easily the best civilian design going. Classic design utilized by hikers, mountaineers, orienteering competitors, forest service personnel, and lots of military.
If all you can find is a Silva USA Ranger (or a comparable clone version from Suunto)...you will still have a good compass.
2. Cammenga Tritium Military Lensatic Compass -
$80 - $90 new from most Army/Navy or military gear vendors. A little higher directly from Cammenga, but you are assured of a new compass with fresh Tritium. Tritium (also used in firearm night sights) has a radioactive half life of about 10 years, meaning that new Tritium compass marker ampules will glow half as brightly after about 10-12 years. That's still plenty to see by, just not as bright as when first purchased. You'd probably consider replacement of a Tritium compass after about 15-20 years.
http://www.cammenga.com/product_p/3h.htm
This is the actual military compass and vendor used by the entire US military. The advantages to this model are 1) all-metal case toughness and 2) the Tritium illuminated dial allows you to read and set the compass in the dark.
Numbered azimuths can also be changed in the dark by touch, using a click bezel ring. The face of the compass is self-illuminated...allowing you to read the compass even in a pitch black forest, back alley, or dark neighborhood...all without having to break out a flashlight or use batteries. That might be important in a SHTF situation where you are trying to move undetected. Which is exactly why the US military uses it...duh. The glowing compass face itself can be used as a visible signalling device when crossing danger areas or as a near recognition signal when folks are attempting to linkup in the dark.
Held in the hand with the luminous face towards whomever you are signalling:
Moved Left to Right (horizontally) = "Negative", "Not Safe", "Danger", "Wait"
Moved Up and Down (vertically) = "Affirmative, "Safe", "Clear", "Proceed"
Moved in a Circular Motion = "Assemble/Rally On Me", "Here I Am for Linkup"
When bad things happen in the world, realize that half of that badness will be occurring at night. It's a ***** when your planned day trip turns into a night time struggle to get back to camp after someone sprains an ankle. Have the right compass for moving in the dark.
If I were going to carry just one compass into the wilderness or a troubled landscape...and to cover contingencies in the night...it would be this one.
3. Damn near any wrist compass by Silva, Suunto, Brunton, or Cammenga. Incredibly useful for general navigation (i.e. "Am I still headed North-West?") by simply glancing down at your wrist. I've been wearing either a Silva or a Suunto M9 on my wrist for over 35 years (continuously). Changed out the bands once or twice. Bombproof. My Suunto still requires a small light to see it in the dark. It glows for a few minutes after exposure to direct light (small key fob LED flashlight, campfire, car headlight), but fades pretty quickly.
The Cammenga version can be had with self illuminating Tritium. What you'd want if you were escaping from Stalag 17.
http://www.rei.com/product/408083/suunto-m-9-wrist-compass -
$28
http://www.cammenga.com/product_p/j582t.htm -
$41
Hope this helps...