The 10 Best Clinometers

Any electronics professional should have the Steren 203-661 (appx. $82) in their tool bag, as it's an extremely helpful little device with both a clinometer and compass inside. There's no better way to quickly determine whether a satellite signal is likely to be blocked.

The Proster Professional (about $17) can tell you everything you need to know about that mountain you're getting ready to scale, as it also features a compass and sighting telescope. The fluorescent design enables much of it to glow in the dark, to boot.

If you don't want to clutter up your dashboard, but you don't want to end up in an overturned vehicle, either, slap the tiny Sun Company Lev-o-gage (around $14) on it. It adheres with tape, and the simple brass ball level will let you know when you're in danger of tipping over.

The VBestLife Car Indicator (about $29) has an internal LED to help you avoid embankments that are too steep at night. The body is made from ABS plastic, so it can handle just about any abuse you can throw at it — but let's not find out if it can survive a car flipping. OK?

The Stanz 2-in-1 (about $61) lets you brave just about any elements, so the summit of that snowy peak can finally be within your reach. Its aluminum housing will protect it in case it's accidentally dropped, and the liquid inside won't freeze in cold weather.

You can put your old-school math skills to good use with the AdirPro Abney (appx. $40), as it's a throwback handheld level. The bright orange color helps it to really stand out against whatever you're measuring, so finding the correct marking should only take a few seconds.

You can teach kids all about angles and slopes with this model from Didax Educational Resources (around $21). It works like a viewfinder, as you simply point it at what you want to measure, pull the trigger, and wait for the disc inside to provide you with results.

If you plan on going way off-road, you'll want to install the Smittybilt 791005 (about $26) on your dash before you leave, as it can help prevent rollovers in your rock crawler. The left gauge lets you know the side-to-side angle, while the right shows front-to-back.

Any intrepid explorer should consider the Advantage ADV8002 (about $16), as it can keep you on course without weighing you down in the process. It even comes with a detachable snap-lock lanyard to ensure that it's always close by without requiring you to hold it.

The Ueasy Professional (around $40) has a clear face and an azimuth disc, allowing you to quickly ascertain whatever information you need. At a mere 3 x 2 inches, you can slip it in your shirt pocket and not even realize it's there until you feel the urge to measure something.