Everyday hiking is interesting, but it requires proper planning. You have to be very keen on what you decide to carry along with you in the hiking backpack. Finding a way to your destination can be tiresome if you don’t have an excellent gadget. Of course we have some marked routes, but sometimes you can find yourselves in an unknown region.

For this reason, many experienced hikers prefer using the best GPS for hiking and hunting. Such devices become handy in making your hike much more relaxed since you will always be aware of your area as well as which impediments lie ahead. Owning the best model will allow you to plan routes, save waypoints, as well as share this data along with other participants. Continue reading our article for more information on how you can easily choose the best GPS for hunting and hiking.

Best GPS for Hiking and Hunting Reviews

A hiking GPS comes with several improvements related to a smartphone which is often done by some recreational hikers. A GPS has the ability to give continuous service along with a longer-life battery.

That’s why hiking GPS is utilized by many athletes as well as professional hikers over a smartphone. These devices come as useful in hiking, trekking, as well as mountaineering; but how do you know which product is best for you?

Here, we’ll lead you through our 8 perfect GPS for hiking and hunting reviews so you can pick the best one. For more of our 8 hiking GPS, you must have a look through the specifications below.

Oregon 600 3-Inch Handheld GPS

Garmin opens a different world of mapping as well as positioning, along with its Oregon handheld GPS. Oregon is universally accepted by the experts for its most useful navigational capacities.

Features and benefits

• Super bright touchscreen: Oregon is somewhat recognized for its outstanding as well as super-bright three-inch display. This touchscreen comes with multi-touch capacities that are understandable even in sunlight. It looks much more similar to a smartphone than a heavy GPS.
• GPS/GLONASS technology: This feature ensures the location accuracy where there is a need for antennas.
• Wireless connectivity: Oregon comprises a Bluetooth system so you will be able to transfer data from compatible devices. Also, it strengthens wireless service for downloading weather reports, maps, as well as geocache locations.
• Convenient: It also comes with the feature of a 3-axis compass, accelerometer, as well as barometric altimeter. This assists you to track directions and to prepare your elevation gain as well as loss throughout the journey.
• Extended battery runtime: Moreover, the dual battery system has the capacity to keep you updated for long.

Pros

• Bluetooth
• Easy-to-read
• High-sensitivity
• Wireless technology
• Dual battery system
• Sunlight-readable widescreen
• Touchscreen with multi-touch capability
• Dual-band satellite positioning technology

Cons

• Not properly water-resistant
• Doesn’t allow to plug a cable when belt clip is attached

Despite any weather condition, you have the ability to interact and operate along with an effective user interface. However, You are getting this advanced GPS at an inexpensive price.

 

GPSMAP 64s High-Sensitivity GPS

Garmin GPSMAP 64s is probably the rugged, full-featured, and most desired GPS unit in the GPS community. It comes as an all-rounder handheld GPS unit along with all the characteristics that a hiker asks for.

Features and benefits

• Wide color display: It comes with the feature of a 2.6″ color display screen that is brilliant in both low and high light conditions.
• Fluid zooming: Because of the high resolution and transflective display, you get fluid zooming in as well as out options. So you will easily be able to navigate the direction.
• Helix antenna: GPSMAP is provided with a helix antenna along with GPS as well as GLONASS technology. It improves the satellite lock speed as well as position accuracy. Moreover, it keeps updated all the information about your location.
• Wireless connection: The Bluetooth chipset enables you to connect along with other devices to transfer data. It also comes with the ability to support notifications like missed calls, text messages, as well as other alerts from your phone.
• 3-axis compass: Other features that we love most in this device include electronic 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, as well as other sensors.
• Heavy-duty battery: Moreover, the dual battery system has the capability of lasting for up to 16 hours of use. Thanks to a sturdy button design that enables you to use it when wearing gloves.

 

Pros

• Reliability
• Easy navigation
• Higher resolution
• Longer battery life
• Effective performance
• Wireless and Bluetooth system
• Extended sunlight-readable display
• Support notification from the smartphone

Cons

• A bit heavy and bulky

Overall, this is very excellent for reliability, productivity, and effectiveness. Garmin GPSMAP is available at a reasonable price.

eTrex 30x 010-01508-10 Handheld Navigator

Garmin eTrex is a different generation version of handheld GPS along with a comfortable display as well as a better resolution. This is excellent for mountaineering, hiking, as well as trekking.

Features and benefits

• All-weather screen: Garmin eTrex comes with the feature of a 2.2″ sunlight-readable colored display along with enhanced resolution. Though the screen is smaller than the previous two, it will offer you superior readability.
• Large storage capacity: It comes with a large internal memory as well as a microSD card slot that enables you to load more maps as well as data.
• Wireless connection: You will be able to wirelessly connect to the compatible accessories because of the Bluetooth feature.
• Convenient: Besides, it can keep you dated through both GPS as well as GLONASS systems. The built-in sensors are the feature that can assist you to track changes in pressure, identifying the location, GPS receiver, and to have a signal in the heavy valley.
• Long battery runtime: The Garmin eTrex has the capability of running up to 25 hours along with a single charge. Moreover, you can use it for show sea level and it will predict the weather.

Pros

• Precise sensors
• Longer battery life
• Extended memory
• Wireless services
• High-resolution display
• Lightweight and compact design
• Additional side button

Cons

• The screen is a bit small to watch

You can easily fit this GPS into your pocket because of the compact, durable, as well as lightweight design.

inReach SE+ Handheld Satellite GPS

Garmin inReach comes with the feature of a satellite messenger-GPS hybrid that provides two-way messaging from everywhere in the world. The tracking as well as messaging company DeLorme highly praises this unique GPS.

Features and benefits

• Heavy-duty SOS function: This feature is dedicated to automatically sending a notification for a non-stop search. The feature that I prefer in this device can help to determine you through the monitoring center.
• Reliable: If you stay out of the grid, the handheld GPS cam sends your area through satellite messaging, transferring notes to both telephone numbers as well as email addresses. So, your friends along with family will have updates about your location.
• Highly versatile: The GPS comes with a built-in map; if the maps don’t perform for you, then you will simply be able to pair the GPS along with your mobile device. It enables you to download the map from the Earthmate app.
• Pre-load map: This GPS unit does have a preloaded base map. Moreover; it comes with a built-in compass, barometric altimeter, as well as accelerometer.

Pros

• Pre-loaded maps
• Reliable reception
• Small and lightweight
• Waypoints are accurate
• Globally Iridium satellite coverage
• Interactive SOS function
• Can be paired with a mobile device

Cons

• Price is a bit high

This handheld GPS provides a quick and reliable reception. Besides, it is available at a reasonable price.

Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS

Garmin Foretrex is somewhat different from the above GPS units. This item is simple, efficient, and comes with a reasonable price. Foretrex comes as a life-saver as well as highly used by the military as well as regular hikers.

Features and benefits

• Lightweight: It is lightweight enough that it won’t bother you even if you put it on for long. Another excellent thing about this GPS is that it has a wrist band.
• High-sensitivity GPS receiver: This feature is exciting as it makes sure the improved reception as well as performance. Foretrex has the ability to keep every single information about your routes, and tracks, including waypoints.
• Convenient: GPS unit can track your routes as you walk as well as you can track your steps through the “TracBack” feature. Moreover, it combines sunrise/sunset times, hunting information, electronic compass, and barometric altimeter, including a trip computer.
• Dual readout position: It maintains position so that you will be able to recognize your location in many formats.
• Wireless connectivity: It also comes with the quality of supporting Bluetooth as well as other wireless services.
• Extended battery runtime: It works on dual batteries that promise 17 hours of battery life because of the black and white screen.

Pros

• Wearable
• Waterproof
• Easy-to-read
• Lightweight
• Longer battery life
• High-sensitivity GPS receiver
• Keeps every single information
• Dual-position readout

Cons

• Limited storage for keeping the tracks

Overall, the sleek design, simple, speedy, as well as smart features are deserving twice its price.

eTrex 20 GPS handheld

This rugged handheld GPS navigator will provide you all the basic characteristics that you look for in a GPS device. Garmin eTrex 20 is provided along with a preloaded comprehensive relief base map.

Features and benefits

• Sizeable display: the GPS comes with the feature of a 2.2″ sunlight clear display that is bright and simple to read.
• Extra storage space: The navigator comes with an extended internal memory so that you can have the option to store different maps as well as data.
• GPS receiver: The eTrex 20x is also equipped with a WASS enabled GPS receiver that makes finding your location very quick and accurate.
• BaseCamp software: This technology is incredible in allowing you to make your maps and plan the routes.
• Highly compatible: GPS is compatible with different kinds of vehicles. Its user-friendly interface along with a button enables you to work even wearing thick gloves.
• Lightweight: The device comes as so lightweight, compact, as well as durable that it can fit into your pocket comfortably.
• Long battery runtime: The battery has the ability to last up to 25 hours so that you will be able to enjoy your beautiful journey

Pros

• Robust design
• High sensitivity
• Simple yet reliable
• Great battery life
• Sunlight-readable display
• Preloaded worldwide BaseMap

Cons

• No compass, barometer, altimeter

Buy this device because it will offer you constant performance, no matter what kind of desperate situation you are in. Moreover, it is available at a very inexpensive price if compared to others.

eTrex 30 GPS

Garmin still dominates our list and here is another GPS from the same brand. Garmin eTrex 30 is a reliable handheld GPS at a reasonable price. The enhanced ergonomics, excellent interface, as well as expanded mapping capabilities make it excellent to others.

Features and benefits

• Sizeable display: This rugged navigator incorporates a pre-loaded BaseMap that you will be able to watch in a 2.2″ color display.
• High-sensitivity: With the high sensitivity GPS receiver as well as HotFix satellite prediction, which means that it has the ability to locate you quickly.
• Highly versatile: Similar to other eTrex series, it has also the ability to track both GPS as well as GLONASS satellites instantaneously.
• 3-axis compass: The built-in 3 axis compass displays your heading; the barometric altimeter recognizes your depth.
• Convenient: You will have the option to share waypoints, routes, and geocaches along with other devices through the wireless. The device is compatible along with topographic as well as other mobile devices.
• Waterproof: This capability gives you consistent service along with a durable AA battery. It is available at an affordable price.

Pros

• Wireless capability
• Great valued GPS
• Longer battery life
• Precise side button
• Rugged handheld design
• Small so easy to handle
• Global pre-loaded map

Cons

• The screen is comparatively small

All these features make eTrex 30 GPS best for hiking and hunting as well as user-friendly without compromising along with toughness.

Garmin GPSMAP 64 Worldwide Handheld GPS

Lets’ wind up our reviews with Garmin GPSMAP 64 GPS which can restore your memories of utilizing the old mobile phone. This rugged, as well as full-featured GPS, is another universal handheld in our list.

Features and benefits

• High-sensitivity: It comes with the features of a high-sensitive GPS as well as GLONASS technology to offer you the correct information about your location. This button interface navigator comes as waterproof, reliable, and durable.
• Universal handheld map: The GPS device comes with a built-in universal handheld map. You will be able to precisely watch all the information through a 2.6″ sunlight-readable display.
• All-weather  display: The screen of this device is visible in both low as well as high light.The screen maintains BirdsEye satellite imagery when required.
• LED flashlight: Such a mechanism is useful in leading you through both day and night.
• Extra storage capacity: With the extensive internal memory, you will have the option to store the maps and data.
• Rechargeable battery: It has a rechargeable 4 AA battery that ensures a longer battery life. An additional carrying bag is incorporated along with the device.

Pros

• Accuracy
• Waterproof
• Rugged design
• LED flashlight
• Superior reception
• High-sensitivity
• Pre-loaded worldwide map
• Colored widescreen
• Easy-to-navigate button interface

Cons

• The overall device is a bit bulky

This GPS for hunting and hiking is the best and available at an affordable price.

Buying Guide

Picking the best GPS for hunting and hiking shouldn’t be all that challenging, as long as you know what you’re after as well as keep a few things in mind. This is a device that needs to be useful and reliable since you rely on it to display you the way. Ease of use, long battery life, quick positioning, as well as compatibility along with various maps are just a few things the best hiking GPS needs to have. Have a look.

Battery Life and Type

This is one of the most essential things to take into account while picking your portable GPS. Unlike other devices we use every day, we won’t have the chance to charge the GPS device regularly. Running out of power when you’re in the middle of nowhere is a big difficulty.

Companies thought about this, so you will have various options to pick from when it comes to batteries. Some tracking devices employ disposable batteries (AA or AAA). This is very helpful because you will be able to take a spare pack with you and follow them on the go. However, this takes extra space in your pack as well as some hikers wish to withdraw that.

The alternative explanation is rechargeable batteries, which you will be able to charge at home or on the go. Some products provide you dual battery options as they have the ability to operate along with both rechargeable or disposable batteries. Not many hiking GPS devices have sealed batteries because it needs time for them to charge.

Moreover, you have to take either a solar charger or a portable charger along with you. Whichever battery kind you want, always take into consideration how long they will last. They should last at least all day long, so you don’t need to despair about power mid-hike. Seek battery information while picking the best handheld GPS and you can avoid trouble later on.

Weight And Dimensions

Handheld GPS devices are created to fit the palm of your hand, so they are extremely compact. While not multiple products in this class are large or heavy, some hikers are weight-conscious as well as want their GPS to be as light as possible.

If this is you, then you should understand that a smaller weight indicates that your unit will have a smaller screen as well as possibly be more challenging to work due to this. You will have to make a compromise to some area, and we think it’s most effective to find a balance between size as well as ease of use.

Display

In terms of screen size, a large display on your walking GPS can make it more comfortable for you to view more details on the map. However, a larger screen can utilize more battery power too, which means they do not come as very energy efficient. The best GPS devices have high-quality color screens that display all the details on your map.

On the contrary, some cheaper versions have monochromatic screens that are more battery-efficient but aren’t that easy to read. Besides, it’s a great plus if the device comes with a screen that can clearly be seen in sunlight, and also great backlight so you can read the information while hiking at night. Of course, devices along with larger as well as better screens will be more expensive too.

Receiver Type And Positioning Technology

GPS devices receive signals emitted by satellites encircling the Earth as well as use these signals to determine your location and add it on the map on your display. The most commonly adopted system is GPS revealed by the United States. In addition to this system, many devices we highlighted use the GLONASS system too, which is an option to GPS, developed by Russia.

Both of these are available comprehensively, as well as devices that employ both have access to signals from a more extensive number of satellites allowing them to be more authentic and find your location quicker, particularly if you are in deep or covered areas. Moreover, some devices are WAAS-enabled. This system was created as an assistant to the GPS, and it enables your device to calculate your location along with greater precision. While some people don’t want a device that operates with these extra systems, it can absolutely be useful in various scenarios.

Memory

As we discussed, your gadget requires you to have enough memory so you will be able to load all the maps you want. Every product has internal memory – some have less than 1GB, while others come with much more. It’s a great plus if your innovative outdoor GPS comes with expandable memory. This way you will be able to insert a MicroSD card inside and fill the device along with all the things you require before working on a hiking adventure.

Compatibility With Other Devices

Some of the products we discussed are simple to pair as well as use with other devices – different GPS units or your mobile phone for example. If it’s provided along with wireless technology as well as compatible with devices other hikers use, you will quickly and easily be able to share maps as well as useful information along with other members of your group.

Besides, if you connect it to your phone, you will get notifications on your GPS, for example, if someone transfers you a text message or if there’s upcoming bad weather. Eventually, all products are compatible along with your PC at home as well as use a USB connection to send data. As a gratuity, some companies hand out their functional software to start using as well as adjusting the device easier.

Final words

It may sound challenging to arrange your essential or find the one from the multiple options in the market. Even though a good number of GPS devices offer various features than our requirements, you should be careful when purchasing. Of course we have some tiny models that can boast sturdy features.

Well, you don’t have to experience hassles while purchasing the best GPS for hiking and hunting because everything is in our guide. I am sure you won’t miss a suitable option from the above provided wide list.