Whether you're a geocaching enthusiast, a hunter, or a wilderness explorer, one thing is true; you need to know where you are, and where you're going.
Back in the day, outdoorsmen had to rely on laminated maps and analog compasses that were easy to damage and difficult to navigate. Today, you have technology-based options that are rugged, lightweight, and highly accurate.
If you're new to the world of GPS, let us help you out by reviewing some of the top products available. We've weeded out the gimmicks and focused on the products that'll keep you safe.
We've even selected what we consider the best hiking GPS. Here's everything you need to know to select the best hiking GPS for your own personal needs.
Comparison Table
Product FAQ
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1. What Is a Hiking GPS?
A hiking GPS is a receiver that accesses the Global Positioning System (GPS), which is a navigation system, comprised of multiple satellites.
The GPS was developed by the Department of Defense and was initially designed for military use. In the 1980s, it was made accessible to civilians.
The hiking GPS triangulates multiple satellites to determine the user's position and displays the information. The best hiking GPS will display your location on a topographical map.
2. What Features Should I Look for in the Best Hiking GPS?
It's important that your hiking GPS provides the functionality you need to find your way out of the woods or through the wilderness effectively.
The best hiking GPS should have accurate maps of your region so you can see your location in relation to your environment including water, elevation changes, and weather conditions.
The best hiking GPS will also include a compass, a watch, and access to an SOS monitoring system.
How We Reviewed
Image via Flickr
We reviewed the products in this article by comparing their features, customer reviews, and prices. We analyzed their construction and took into account any additional features they may have.
All the products carry a one-year warranty so that did not affect our selection. Our choice for the best hiking GPS was determined by functionality, durability, and design.
What We Reviewed
11 Best Hiking GPS Solutions
Garmin GPSMAP 64st, TOPO U.S. 100K
- Sunlight Readable 2.6 inches color display. Display size : 1.43 x 2.15 inches and 2.6 inch diag (6.6 centimeter)....
- Expanded Internal Memory 8GB.Display resolution 160 x 240 pixels. Interface: high speed USB and NMEA 0183 compatible
- DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM Use with 2 traditional AA batteries (best with Polaroid AA batteries), or the optional rechargeable...
Features
The Garmin GPSMAP 64st TOPO U.S. 100K features a 2.6-inch color display that's easy to read in sunlight. The display resolution is 160 x 240 pixels. It has a battery life of 16 hours.
The unit has 8 GB of expanded internal memory and a high-speed USB interface.
The dual battery system allows the user to choose between using two AA batteries or an optional NiMH battery pack. The unit weighs 8.1 ounces with batteries.
The unit will interface with optional sensors such as heart rate, speed, and temperature monitors. Data can be uploaded to Garmin Connect and viewed on your smartphone.
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
Garmin eTrex10 GPS
- Rugged handheld navigator with preloaded worldwide basemap and 2.2 inch monochrome display
- WAAS enabled GPS receiver with HotFix and GLONASS support for fast positioning and a reliable signal
- Waterproof to IPX7 standards for protection against splashes, rain, etc.
Features
The Garmin eTrex 10 is a handheld navigation device that comes pre-loaded with a worldwide base map that can be viewed on the 2.2-inch monochrome display.
It is WAAS enabled, and it has HotFix and GLONASS support to ensure a reliable signal and quick, accurate positioning. The unit is waterproof to IPX7 standards, so the unit will not be damaged by rain, splashing water, or dew.
The unit is powered by two AA batteries that provide for up to 20 hours of use. It is easy to store waypoints along a route to estimate distance and time between the start and finish points.
The display is easy to read in direct sunlight or deep shade. The unit supports geocaching GPX files, so the geocache can be downloaded directly into it.
This product is the first consumer GPS that tracks both GPS and GLONASS satellites at the same time.
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS
- Features high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix for improved performance and reception in heavy tree cover or deep...
- Keeps track of routes, tracks and waypoints, and heart rate with add on heart rate monitor (sold separate). Uses...
- TracBack feature retraces user's path on the easy-to-read LCD display;Display resolution 100 x 64 pixels;Battery life Up...
Features
The Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS has excellent reception in heavy tree cover and deep canyons due to its high sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix.
It will record routes and waypoints. It runs up to 17 hours on two AAA batteries. The unit has a TracBack feature that will retrace your path. The LCD display is easy to read with a display resolution of 100 x 64 pixels.
The unit supports dual position readout, so your current location can be viewed in multiple formats.
It includes an electronic compass, a barometric altimeter, a trip computer, sunrise and sunset times, and hunting and fishing information.
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
Garmin inReach Explorer+
- 100 percent global Iridium satellite coverage enables two way text messaging from anywhere (satellite subscription...
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
- Track and share your location with family and friends. Water rating : IPX7. Battery : Rechargeable internal lithium ion
Features
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ arrives pre-loaded with DeLorme TOPO maps, a barometric altimeter, and a built-in digital compass.
It features 100% global Iridium satellite coverage that will allow two-way text messaging from anywhere (with a satellite subscription).
The unit is capable of triggering an SOS to a 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center, so you know you'll be able to contact first responders in the event of an emergency.
The unit will pair with mobile devices via a free Earthmate app that allows you to access NOAA charts, maps, and aerial imagery. The unit runs on a rechargeable, internal, lithium-ion battery and has an IPX7 water rating.
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro (Black/silver)
- Connect up to 5 devices at a time via Bluetooth technology. Now also compatible with the iPhone 5, new iPad, iPad mini,...
- Large LCD screen with backlight for night operation
- Standalone GPS datalogger stores 100+ hours of tracking data
Features
The Bad Elf GPS Pro uses Bluetooth technology to share location information simultaneously with up to five iOS devices. It features a large LCD display that indicates a location, power level, connectivity, and trip data.
The unit will record up to 100 hours of trip data. The battery will provide up to 16 hours of Bluetooth connectivity and up to 35 hours of data logging. The enclosure is splash-proof and rugged enough for backcountry use.
Under normal operating conditions, you can expect a hot lock in 2 seconds, a warm lock in 15 seconds, and a cold lock in 33 seconds. Units and settings can be customized using the Bad Elf Utility App.
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
Garmin inReach Mini (Orange) Satellite Communicator Bundle with Hiking Backpack Tether
Features
The Garmin inReach Mini Hiking GPS is designed for hiking. It is small (4" x 2") and lightweight (3.5 ounces), and it will hang from an accessory loop or fit in an exterior backpack pocket for easy access.
It features emergency GEOS response to SOS signals. The unit allows family and friends to stay in touch globally with inReach technology and Iridium satellite network connectivity.
The unit is 100% waterproof. The unit comes with a Garmin Backpack GPS Tether that attaches the inReach's spine mount to the strap of your backpack, keeping it conveniently in reach.
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
Garmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS with 8MP Digital Camera
- 3-Inch sunlight-readable, touchscreen display with multi-touch capability
- Dual-band GPS/GLONASS satellite positioning
- Sensors (3-axis compass, accelerometer, barometric altimeter)
Features
The Garmin Oregon 650t Handheld GPS features highly sensitive GPS and GLONASS tracking and preloaded TOPO U.S. 110K maps. It includes a 3-axis compass, a barometric altimeter, and an accelerometer.
The touch screen can be used when you are wearing gloves, and it allows you to zoom in, pan out, and rotate maps. The screen has reflective display technology that makes the screen easy to see in bright sunlight as well as low light conditions.
The unit also has an 8MP auto-focus camera with automatic flash and digital zoom, so you won't have to carry an extra camera. Customizable buttons allow for waypoint marking and one-touch image capture. The unit will operate on 2 AA batteries or a NiMH battery pack.
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
Garmin etrex Touch 35
- Touchscreen - 2.6-inch color, capacitive touchscreen display
- Activity profiles - easy-to-use navigation for multiple activities, including climb, hike, hunt, bike, geocache, fish...
- Electronic compass - all models offer a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, which shows your heading even when...
Features
The Garmin Oregon 650t Handheld GPS features highly sensitive GPS and GLONASS tracking and preloaded TOPO U.S. 110K maps. It includes a 3-axis compass, a barometric altimeter, and an accelerometer.
The touch screen can be used when you are wearing gloves, and it allows you to zoom in, pan out, and rotate maps. The screen has reflective display technology that makes the screen easy to see in bright sunlight as well as low light conditions.
The unit also has an 8MP auto-focus camera with automatic flash and digital zoom, so you won't have to carry an extra camera. Customizable buttons allow for waypoint marking and one-touch image capture. The unit will operate on 2 AA batteries or a NiMH battery pack.
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
Magellan eXplorist 310 Summit Series Topo Map Bundle
- The World Edition includes a detailed road network, water features, urban and rural land use, and a realistic shaded...
- Brilliant, Sunlight Readable Color 2.2" Screen
- Summit Series Topographic Maps
Features
The Magellan eXplorist 310 Series Topo Map Bundle includes detailed, high-resolution, topographic maps that cover 9 U.S. regions and include contour lines and digital terrain information.
The world edition features a detailed road map, urban and rural land use, water features, and a shaded relief background for realism. The screen measures 2.2 inches, and it is easily readable in bright sunlight.
The unit can download paperless geocaching points. Batteries last up to 18 hours.
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
Garmin 010-01772-00 Foretrex 601
- Wear OS by Google, GPS, 5 Bar WR, Mil-Standard 810 G Durability, 50M Water Resistant
- Digital compass, Altimeter, Barometer, Activity Tracker, Dual Layer LCD Structure, Original Watch Face, Casio Moment...
- Quartz Movement
Features
The Casio Men's "Pro Trek" Outdoor GPS Resin Sports Watch features Android Wear 2.0 software. The full-color map display can be downloaded for offline use.
You can write memos on the map and mark your current position. The unit is compatible with smartphones running at least Android version 4.3, and iPhone 5 and later running iOS 8.2 or above.
The quad sensors support activity tracking as well as barometer, altimeter, and compass settings. The unit is water-resistant to 165 feet.
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
Casio Men's "Pro Trek" Outdoor GPS Resin Sports Watch
- Wear OS by Google, GPS, 5 Bar WR, Mil-Standard 810 G Durability, 50M Water Resistant
- Digital compass, Altimeter, Barometer, Activity Tracker, Dual Layer LCD Structure, Original Watch Face, Casio Moment...
- Quartz Movement
Features
The Casio Men's "Pro Trek" Outdoor GPS Resin Sports Watch features Android Wear 2.0 software. The full-color map display can be downloaded for offline use.
You can write memos on the map and mark your current position. The unit is compatible with smartphones running at least Android version 4.3, and iPhone 5 and later running iOS 8.2 or above.
The quad sensors support activity tracking as well as barometer, altimeter, and compass settings. The unit is water-resistant to 165 feet.
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
Garmin 010-01772-00 Foretrex 601
- Durable, constructed to military standards (MIL STD 810G); night vision goggle compatible
- Works with GPS, GLONASS and galileo satellite systems to provide accurate positioning
- Know where you are with navigation sensors, including 3 axis Accelerometer, 3 axis compass and a Barometric altimeter;...
Features
FeaturesThe Garmin Foretrex 601 is a GPS navigator that is worn on the wrist and is built to military standards. The unit access GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems, allowing you to keep your bearings with accurate positioning.
The unit features a barometric altimeter, a 3-axis accelerometer, and a 3-axis compass. The exceptionally long battery life exceeds 48 hours in navigation mode and lasts up to a week in UltraTrac mode. Emails, texts, and alerts are received on your wrist for convenience.
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
The Verdict
Based on our research, we believe the best hiking GPS is the Garmin Foretrex 601. This wrist-worn navigator is built to military standard and accesses GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems to determine your location with the highest level of accuracy.
With a battery life up to a week, the Garmin Foretrex 601 will keep you on course and allow you to navigate the wilderness successfully. Don't hesitate to purchase the Garmin Foretrex 601 for geocaching, hunting, or exploring the wilderness.
You'll reach your goal, even if it's only finding your car at the mall, with ease and military accuracy. You can't go wrong with this GPS system.
Featured Image via Flickr
Last update on 2021-03-14 at 22:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
