When you are going for hiking adventures, navigation is very important. Nature can be very alluring and fascinating such that it leads you to go off track or wander into an unknown path sometimes. This is where a handheld GPS device will come into play.
A handheld GPS device can help you return to the trail and not get lost. It will also come in handy to help you chart an efficient path and keep records. In this guide, we will therefore be covering some of the best handheld GPS devices that you can use for your hiking adventures.
Let’s get started.
List of 10 Best Handheld GPS for Hiking and Reviews
Having a handheld GPS device is one of the best investments that you can make as a hiking outdoor enthusiast.
It will come in handy to aid your safety and navigation. We will therefore be reviewing ten of the best handheld GPS devices for your hiking adventures.
So, let’s get right into it.
1. Garmin GPSMAP 66i
You can have short product description here. It can be added as and enable/disable toggle option from which user can have control on it.
This GPS device comes inbuilt with new and improved features and it comes with several abilities that a hiker needs. For hikers that love to dare places with no cellular connection, this device will be a great fit.
This device comes in a rugged fit with the additional features of satellite messaging and SOS via inReach. This Garmin 66i device also comes with the ability to send and receive messages, share a track, and access weather forecasts.
The hardware of this GPS device is also top-class and it comes with an external antenna, a high-resolution screen, and an impressive battery life. This device also features 16 GB of memory and Wi-Fi connectivity. It is also compatible with TopoActive mapping and Birdseye satellite imagery.
The 66i GPS unit is one of the most impressive handheld GPS devices that you can use for your hiking adventures. The important features of SOS and satellite messaging sets this device apart from its competitors.
Highlighted Features:
- Satellite messaging and SOS inReach.
- Rugged fit.
- Compatible with TopoActive Mapping and Birdseye Satellite Imagery.
- Impressive battery life and Wi-Fi connectivity.
2. Garmin GPSMAP 66sr
You can have short product description here. It can be added as and enable/disable toggle option from which user can have control on it.
This 66sr GPS device is similar to the 66i and it is a great GPS device for your hiking adventures even though the features might not be as efficient as the 66i. This GPS device has the same battery life and memory capacity as the 66sr.
This Garmin 66sr device comes with exceptional accuracy as it features a combination of five satellite systems. It is the first handheld GPS device that will incorporate such a number of satellite systems and it helps the device with better accuracy.
The device mapping features are boosted by the fusion of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and IRSS. It also comes with a multi-band technology that helps you track your route even when you are hiking in difficult environments like narrow canyons and dense forests.
The 66sr comes with Bluetooth connectivity that helps you share your tracks, geocaches, and routes with other devices. This means that if you are hiking with other companions, this device will be a great fit.
Highlighted Features:
- Combination of five satellite systems for great mapping abilities.
- Multi-band technology for tracking your route.
- Bluetooth connectivity to share your track with others.
- Helps you access your route even in difficult terrains.
3. Garmin eTrex 22x
You can have short product description here. It can be added as and enable/disable toggle option from which user can have control on it.
If price is an issue for you and you don’t want to shortchange quality, then the Garmin eTrex 22x device is one to go for. This device is simple and very easy to work with. It is a great option for hikers who want a functional GPS device.
This eTrex 22x features a tough construction that comes with water-resistant tendencies. This means that this device will stand the test of time and tough conditions. It also features an impressive battery life of 25 hours.
This device is also geocached friendly and it comes with a hunting and fishing calendar and different information about the sun and moon. It features about 2,000 waypoints and 200 routes helping you mark your track as you go about hiking.
In addition, the eTrex 22x GPS device supports GLONASS satellite systems and it comes preloaded with TopoActive maps. This helps the device with tracking abilities that GPS alone will not be able to carry out in difficult environments.
Highlighted Features:
- Tough construction and water-resistant.
- Geocached friendly.
- Supports GLONASS satellite systems.
- Comes preloaded with TopoActive maps.
4. Garmin eTrex 10
You can have short product description here. It can be added as and enable/disable toggle option from which user can have control on it.
This handheld GPS device is very affordable and it comes with some excellent geocaching abilities. It comes in with a vastly improved interface that you can access even while wearing gloves.
This rugged handheld navigating device comes preloaded with worldwide maps and a 2.2-inch monochrome display. This device comes with a WAAS-enabled receiver with HotFix and GLONASS support to deliver fast positioning and reliable signal.
The eTrex 10 device performs the basic duties of tracking and waypoints marking duties well. This means that you can see high and low elevation points and you can also store waypoints along a track to estimate the distance and time between different points.
It comes with AA batteries that guarantee up to 20 hours of use. This device also comes with an IPX7 rating. This means that they have standard waterproofing abilities for protection against splashes and rain.
Highlighted Features:
- Excellent geocaching abilities.
- Monochrome display.
- Vastly improved interface.
- Waterproofing abilities.
5. Garmin inReach Mini
You can have short product description here. It can be added as and enable/disable toggle option from which user can have control on it.
This inReach Mini device might not come as a primary GPS device but it is worth a look for weight-conscious hikers. The primary function of this device might be satellite messaging. It can however work with smartphones to offer navigation on preloaded maps.
This device features a minimalist weight, impressive battery life, and affordable pricing to offer a GPS unit that is particularly loved by hikers all around. This device also allows for two-way text messaging communication.
The inReach Mini comes with a good tracking function. This means that you can save your position at regular intervals and plot them on the map. You can easily share this with family and friends in real-time.
Highlighted Features:
- Good battery life.
- Lightweight and affordable.
- Good tracking abilities.
- Two-way text messaging communication.
6. Garmin Oregon 700
You can have short product description here. It can be added as and enable/disable toggle option from which user can have control on it.
The Garmin Oregon 700 is one of those GPS devices that comes with a great user experience. It comes in a great size for its navigation duties. It comes with a large and bright screen for easy viewing yet it is lightweight enough to fit in any pocket or space.
This Oregon 700 device is relatively easy to use as it comes with accurate touchscreen functionality. It includes simple menu options and dedicated profiles for different outdoor activities.
It also features a user-friendly interface and it responds swiftly to all touchscreen commands. This means that you should not have any issues using this device for navigation. The interface can also be used with ease.
This GPS device features dual GPS and GLONASS satellite reception. It also comes with a redesigned antenna that helps to improve the reception and performance of the GPS device. This device combines technological luxury and compact size.
Highlighted Features:
- Large and bright screen for easy viewing.
- User-friendly interface for a swift response to commands.
- Redesigned antenna to improve reception and performance.
- Simple menu options and dedicated profiles.
7. Garmin Montana 700i
You can have short product description here. It can be added as and enable/disable toggle option from which user can have control on it.
This device is very popular amongst hunters and moto adventurers. The large touch screen, tough build with a raised bezel, and navigation capabilities are some of its defining features. This series recently had a major revamp by Garmin.
This device comes with a higher and large resolution display with increased durability and a bump-in internal memory. The Galileo satellite support comes in to improve the navigation accuracy of this device.
This device comes in to support multiple global navigation systems and it can easily interface with other devices using connectivity features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This device is also capable of messaging and SOS.
This device also comes in with an updated Gorilla Glass screen and a tank-like design to make for a very rugged fit. This means that this device can withstand any form of abuse. It also comes in handy when space is not a premium.
Highlighted Features:
- Large resolution display and increased durability.
- Connectivity features.
- Galileo satellite support.
- Multiple navigation systems.
8. Garmin inReach Explorer+
You can have short product description here. It can be added as and enable/disable toggle option from which user can have control on it.
If you don’t want premium gadgets but a device that supports you on a trip and helps to connect to family and friends, then you can trust the inReach Explorer+. With the features of this device, it still comes off as very affordable.
This inReach device comes with added features like messaging and SOS. It is a real GPS device that boasts of a colour display, on-screen navigation, the accuracy of a barometric altimeter, and a 3-axis compass.
This device comes preloaded with 24K maps of the U.S. and Canada with very efficient battery life. The device comes with a solid piece of technology that helps you navigate the terrain with ease.
Highlighted Features:
- Messaging and SOS features.
- Colour display and on-screen navigation.
- 3-axis compass.
- Preloaded with U.S and Canada maps.
9. Magellan Explorist 310
You can have short product description here. It can be added as and enable/disable toggle option from which user can have control on it.
This Magellan device is a solid-entry GPS that has proven that the best GPS devices are not only made by Garmin. This device comes with the basic features that GPS features usually have. It is a great option for its price.
This device can help you create and follow routes, follow waypoints, and help you show your trip progress with tracks. This device comes in geocache-ready as it comes with a decent map that includes roads and some geographic features.
This Magellan device also features IPX-7 waterproof rating and 2.2-inch screen colour. This means that this device will still stand strong with water splashes. The screen colour also aids the visibility of the screen.
This device reads well even with the use of indirect light. It also comes with 18 hours of battery life and power-saving features that help you go through the entire length of the day without taking a break to replace the batteries as you go about your hiking activities.
Highlighted Features:
- Geocache-ready with decent maps.
- IPX-7 waterproof rating.
- Impressive battery life.
- Power-saving features.
10. Garmin ForeTrex 601
You can have short product description here. It can be added as and enable/disable toggle option from which user can have control on it.
This device features a unique spin on the standard GPS device as it comes with a hands-free operation that makes it popular for outdoor activities like hiking. Its simple and durable build appeals to hikers all around.
With the support of the GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo systems, this device comes with fast acquisition and accurate reading. This device also comes in a very rugged fit as it comes with military-grade construction.
The battery life of the ForeTrex device is also impressive as it comes with 48 hours of battery use. The barometric altimeter and 3-axis compass help to ensure that the accuracy of this device is optimal.
This device also features smart notifications that help the device send and receive messages and notifications alerts. This device is also very easy to read even in direct sunlight. This means that you should not have issues with the visibility of the screen.
Highlighted Features:
- Simple and durable build.
- Impressive battery life.
- Smart notifications.
- Military-grade construction for a very rugged fit.
Conclusion
We have covered some of the best GPS devices that will aid your navigation as you go about your hiking adventures. Even if you love explorations in places beyond cellular reach, some of these devices will still come in handy.
So, take a look around and make your favourite pick.
