Updated on – Jan 12, 2021
GPS device is a blessing for a trekker or backpacker who is going to a distant place or totally new region. If you are confused to buy the best GPS as per your needs, then you can go through this article.
We have curated a list of 7 best GPS for hiking that would help you make an informed choice. Before that, have a look at our Top 3 picks –
Best GPS For Hiking
#1. Garmin eTrex 30x Handheld GPS Navigator
Super compact and lightweight design of this Garmin eTrex 30x makes it the perfect fit for traveling unknown places. The GPS is equipped with features like – barometric altimeter, and HotFix. The HotFix feature helps to predict satellite position and centre in on your location faster.
Now you can load more maps thanks to 3.7 GB of internal storage. Offline maps come handy if the cellular signal is not available in some terrains.
The altimeter allows to calculate height as well as you can also calculate the altimetric pressure.
You also get a 2.2 inches 65K resolution display that comes with sunlight readable technique ideal for trekkers and hikers.
Specifications –
- Weighs – 141 grams.
- Dimensions – 2.1×4.1×1.3 inches.
- Display size – 2.2 inches (sunlight readable)
Pros
- 3.7 GB of internal memory to download offline maps
- Equipped with a pre-installed base maps feature.
- Easy to pair with others devices like a heart rate monitor through a bluetooth connection.
Cons
- Expensive product.
- The display is too minuscule for comfort.
Why should you buy this product
Impressive internal storage and lightweight design along with features like compass and altimeter make it a feature-packed device.
- UPGRADED DISPLAY Features a 2.2” 65K color sunglight readable display offering increased resolution (240 x 320 pixels). Physical dimensions: 2.1" x 4.0" x 1.3" (5.4 x 10.3 x 3.3 cm)
- LOAD MORE MAPS Large 3.7 GB of internal memory and microSD card slot lets you load a variety of maps, including TOPO 24K, HuntView, BlueChart g2, City Navigator NT and BirdsEye Satellite Imagery (subscription required)
- PRELOADED BASEMAP Includes a worldwide basemap with shaded relief
- BUILT IN SENSORS eTrex 30x adds a built in 3 axis tilt compensated electronic compass and a barometric altimeter which tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude, and you even can use it to plot barometric pressure over time
- WIRELESS Wirelessly share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches with other compatible devices simply press “send” to transfer your information also wirelessly connects to compatible Garmin devices, including VIRB and accessory sensors
#2. Garmin eTrex 32x Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator
Garmin eTrex 32x is equipped with both, GPS and GLONASS which mark your position accurately and faster than the device that comes with GPS only. The 2.2 inches display with 240×320 resolution helps you to provide better readability in sunlight too.
You get Topo Active maps (preloaded) with routable roads/trails, ideal for cycling and hiking at new places. The rugged body is durable enough to protect the device in case of sudden drop from hands.
You also get 8 GB of internal memory and a micro SD card slot to download offline maps without worrying about memory shortage.
Garmin eTrex 32x runs on a 2 AA batteries that provide a battery life of 25 hours in GPS mode.
Specifications
- Weighs 141.7 grams.
- Dimensions 2.1×4.0x1.3 inches.
- Display screen size is 2.2 inches.
Pros
- Long battery life of 25 hours
- Sturdy and durable build
- Comes with 8 GB onboard memory and expandable Micro SD slot
- TopoActive mapspreinstalled
- Affordable GPS device
Cons
- The size is a tad too big to be easily portable.
- Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS
- 2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readability
- Preloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
- Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems allows for tracking in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- 8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a micro SD card slot
Why should you buy this product?
The GPS and GLONASS technology coupled with the sturdy build, make this one of the best products available in the market today.
#3. Garmin Oregon 750t
The Garmin Oregon 750t is well equipped to deal with Geocaching. Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt where one group hides Geocaches (treasure containers) and the other team has to find those geocaches using the GPS tracker. You can play it anywhere over the world.
You get a 3-inch sunlight readable touchscreen display which has good output. You also get dual orientation (landscape or portrait view) for better usage experience
You can also take images with its 8 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash. You can use the flash as a torch when required.
Specifications
- Weighs 209 grams.
- Dimensions 2.4×4.5×1.3 inches.
- Display screen size is 3 inches.
Pros
- The device supports the multi touch feature.
- Uses both GPS and GLONASS technology.
Con
- The device is hard to manoeuvre if you are wearing gloves or mittens on your hands
Why should you buy this product
If you need a good screen size, camera and torch features ideal for geocaching enthusiasts.
- Touchscreen - 3-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen display with Dual orientation (landscape or portrait view)
- ABC sensors - 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic Compass with accelerometer and Barometric altimeter sensors
- Ruggedized for the outdoors - ergonomic, rugged design that Stands strong against dust, dirt and humidity -and it is water-rated to Ipx7
- Capture the moment - 8 Megapixel Autofocus Camera with LED flash/Torch
- Connect iq - connect iq compatible to customize the Device with data fields, widgets, and apps; find what you like or build your own
#4. Garmin Montana 680t
Equipped with GPS and GLONASS. The battery can last up to 22 hours. The device is sensitive to touch that you can use more conveniently with gloves as opposed to other GPS devices.
Specifications –
- Weighs 289 grams.
- Dimensions 3×5.7×1.4 inches.
- Display screen size is 4 inches.
Pros-
- The dual orientation feature allows the user to use it both vertically and horizontally.
- The long battery life helps to provide long usage time after a single charge.
- The turn by turn navigation feature makes it easy for the user to follow directions on the GPS.
Cons-
- The device is not compact, and hence, not easily portable.
Why should you buy this product?
The technology, large screen display, the touch-sensitive feature, and the turn by turn navigation make sure to provide a good user experience.
- SEE YOUR SURROUNDINGS - Includes a 1-year Birdseye Satellite Imagery subscription1
- GPS AND GLONASS - With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, Hotfix satellite prediction and GLONASS support, Montana locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its location even in heavy cover and deep canyons
- TRACK MANAGER - Ability to organize and navigate through waypoints/routes/track logs (easily start/stop recording track logs)
- CAPTURE THE MOMENT - 8 megapixel digital camera for higher quality images and better resolution; geotagged with coordinates automatically, allowing you to
Best Handheld GPS
#5. Garmin GPSMAP 66st
The Garmin GPSMAP 66st has 16 GB worth of internal storage. The device has GPS and GLONASS, so it is able to lock into great reception even in places where the signal is not too good.The device has the Birdseye Satellite Imagery provides images of real life terrain. It is equipped with a locator beacon, in addition to the multiple navigation systems, to provide you with a complete and accurate location review.
Specifications –
- Weighs 230 grams.
- Dimensions 2.5×6.4×1.5 inches.
- Display screen size is 3 inches.
Pros-
- Birdseye Satellite Imagery is pre-installed without need of an annual subscription.
- The quad helix antenna provides for better and more accurate connectivity.
- Made of rugged material to make it damage proof.
- The display screen is readable even in sunlight.
- The device has an LED flashlight.
Cons-
- Bulky.
- Not easy to connect with other devices.
- Expensive.
Why should you use this product?
16 GB internal memory, with preloaded applications, and the quad helix antenna are the main flag points of this device.
- Premium GPS handheld with Birdseye Satellite Imagery subscription and TOPO maps
- Large, 3” sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing. Display size - 1.5 W x 2.5 H inch (3.8 x 6.3 cm); 3 inch diag (7.6 cm)
- Multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) support to track your travels in more challenging environments than GPS alone plus three-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- Access to Birdseye Satellite Imagery with direct-to-device downloads and no annual subscription and preloaded TOPO U.S. and Canada maps
- Expanded wireless connectivity supports Active Weather for up-to-date forecasts and animated weather radar and Geocaching Live for mobile syncing and updates
#6. Garmin Oregon 700
The Garmin Oregon 700 has both – GPS and GLONASS. The GPS has been built very similar to a smartphone to provide for ease of use. You also get a compass, and a barometric altimeter. All its features make it fit for geocaching as well. The power button acts as a menu button; you can swipe left or right to tune into the different applications installed in the GPS.
Specifications –
- Weighs 209.8 grams.
- Dimensions 4.5×1.3×2.4 inches.
- Display size is 1.5 inches.
Pros –
- The device has been made akin to a smartphone, making it easy to use.
- Equipped with technology that allows for excellent reception.
- The TracBack feature helps you trace your way back to your starting point.
- The construction is sturdy and reliable, this helps to prevent breaking of the GPS due to falls.
Cons –
- The device can exhaust your battery quickly.
- Tough to use with gloves.
- May freeze in the cold.
Why should you buy this product?
The device has the best technology, allowing it to provide faster and more accurate results.
- Touchscreen - 3-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen display with Dual orientation (landscape or portrait view)
- Abc sensors - 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic Compass with accelerometer and Barometric altimeter sensors. Display size - 1.5 W x 2.5 H (3.8 x 6.3 cm). 3 inch diag (7.6 cm). Battery life - up to 16 hours
- Ruggedized for the outdoors - ergonomic, rugged design that Stands strong against dust, dirt and humidity -and it is water-rated to Ipx7
- Activity profiles - simplified multi activity menu interface - including climb, hike, hunt, bike, geocache, fish and more
- Connect IQ - connect IQ compatible to customize the Device with data fields, widgets, and apps; find what you like or build your own.Display resolution, WxH:240 x 400 pixels
#7. Garmin eTrex 20x
The device is inexpensive but it ensures that it provides you with all the basic features of a GPS and works fluently. The device has a compass which is not electronic, so you need to move to determine the direction. However, this was fairly accurate.
Specifications –
- Weighs 141.70 grams.
- Dimensions 2.1x4x1.3 inches.
- Display screen size 2.2 inches
Pros –
- The light weight allows for easy portability.
- The product is inexpensive.
- The product has a long battery life.
Cons-
- There is a lack of an electronic compass.
- The small screen can cause eye strain.
Why should you buy this product?
The product is inexpensive and lightweight and provides you with long battery life.
- UPGRADED DISPLAY - Features a 2.2” 65K color sunglight readable display offering increased resolution (240 x 320 pixels)
- LOAD MORE MAPS - Large 3.7 GB of internal memory and microSD card slot lets you load a variety of maps, including TOPO 24K, HuntView, BlueChart g2, City Navigator NT and BirdsEye Satellite Imagery (subscription required)
- PRELOADED BASEMAP - Includes a worldwide basemap with shaded relief. Display size:1.4 x 1.7 inches
- KEEP YOUR FIX - With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, HotFix satellite prediction and GLONASS support, eTrex locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its location even in heavy cover and deep canyons
- Included Components: Documentation
Things To Consider While Buying Best GPS For Hiking
Mention 4-5 points that one should consider while buying best GPS for hiking with 1- 2 line description
- Sturdy Construction – The GPS that is used for outdoor purposes must be capable of withstanding falls. The GPS must be tensile and made of reliable, long-lasting material to make it more durable for outdoor use.
- Battery Life – The GPS should have a longer battery life of roughly ten hours to provide for more time of continuous usage. There are no charging points outdoors, and the GPS must last long enough for your use.
- Weight – The weight of the GPS should be anywhere between 150-300 grams, as a lightweight GPS will be easily portable when using it outdoors.
- Technology – Some devices not only support GPS, but they also support a technology called GLONASS – the Global Navigation Satellite System. The latter may be able to zero in on your location faster than the GPS technology, and also detect your position on mountains better as well as faster.
- Features – The GPS should be equipped with features such as compass – to provide you with a basic direction sense, as well as an altimeter, to measure your altitude. They will be available even if you lose the GPS signal.
Final Thoughts
If you want a gps with long battery life, then go with Garmin Montana 680t that contains up to 22 hours battery life along with GPS and GLONASS technology to provide you with faster and more accurate results regarding your location.
If you need a GPS with additional features like a compass, a barometric altimeter, GPS, and GLONASS, then Garmin Oregon 700 is an ideal choice. You can also use it in sudden downpour as the device has IPX7 rating for water resistance.
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