For a true compacts, I've used the 8x25 Nikon Travelite's for quite some time. For what they are and the price range they are in... they are super. Super light, very clear and crisp, easy to use. I have a nicer set of full size, but I rarely grab them due to size/weight.

If you are stepping up to a mid-size (like 32's) I would consider the Sightron SII Blue Sky 8x32. Check Optics planet, they usually have good pricing.