Discover extra of the good outside with the very best handheld GPS system of 2023. Discover out which GPS unit for climbing is finest to your subsequent journey!
For those who do any quantity of long-distance, multi-day or backcountry climbing you’ll need to spend money on the very best handheld GPS system to maintain you secure and knowledgeable on the path.
Though there are many decisions on the market, we’ve totally researched and sampled a wide range of handheld GPS units and narrowed your search right down to the highest 6 handheld GPS units.
We’re assured that after you learn this publish, you’ll discover the right one which meets your needs and desires.
Our Decide – Garmin 66i
Very rugged
Highly effective sign
Prime GPS firm out there
Different Nice Choices…
6 Finest Handheld GPS Units At A Look
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The Finest Handheld GPS – Our Professional Information
From high-tech units that may take footage and talk with dwelling to easy handhelds that maintain you on monitor, let’s check out the industry-leading handheld GPS that helps you do extra within the nice outside.
NOMADasaurus Decide: Garmin 66i
- Worth Vary: $550 – $650
- Display Measurement: 3 in
- Battery Life: 35 hrs
- Reminiscence: 16 GB
Sitting on the prime of the category is that this skilled life-saver. The hand held GPS system matches properly in your palm in a approach that allows you to entry all of the buttons one-handed.
An extremely quick wi-fi connectivity course of helps you get your message throughout when there aren’t many seconds to attend, and a preloaded textual content system hastens the method even additional.
The intense display screen is definitely readable, even in direct daylight, and an non-compulsory expedition mode helps stretch out the battery life for as much as every week of navigation.
You’ll be able to program messages or use your smartphone’s keyboard to reap the benefits of the satellite tv for pc messaging companies to share your waypoints and routes alongside a fast replace. A full on-screen keyboard with predictive textual content can also be obtainable.
One thing that basically units Garmin aside as among the finest handheld GPS choices is the two-way SOS communication. On the push of a button, you may have a dialog with emergency companies and get assist sorted out stat.
PROS
- A rugged outer shell can deal with peaks and valleys
- Highly effective sign will get up quick when there are not any seconds to waste, additionally helps monitor routes by means of slim passes and dense vegetation
- The very best general handheld GPS from the very best climbing GPS firm on the planet
CONS
- One of many latest GPS choices available on the market, however the display screen wants a facelift to look the half
- Most costly GPS on our checklist
Garmin GPSmap 64sx
- Worth Vary: $250 – $325
- Display Measurement: 2.6 in
- Battery Life: 16 hrs
- Reminiscence: 8 GB
The GPSmap sequence is Garmin’s most superior satellite tv for pc messaging system but, so it’s no shock to see its two benefactors on the prime of the leaderboards.
The Garmin GPSmap 64sx is a extra reasonably priced model of the 66i, packing in the identical hyperfast connectivity and worldwide protection right into a extra primary physique.
It doesn’t have among the identical bells and whistles as our editor’s alternative, however these GPS items are simply as able to getting you out of a pickle.
The barebones handheld GPS system doesn’t include a contact display screen, however for an additional hundred bucks, you may add on an 8-megapixel digital camera and eventually depart the telephone at dwelling.
A useful d-pad permits you to obtain messages and formulate rudimentary responses, however I wouldn’t suggest the hand-held GPS units for writing your subsequent opera.
The Garmin gpsmap system permits entry to a big selection of topographic maps, and a partnership with GLONASS satellite tv for pc methods gives among the most exact navigation out there. You’ll be able to preload your waypoints and navigate difficult terrain with confidence.
Briefly, this price range model of our editor’s alternative takes benefit of the identical birdseye satellite tv for pc imagery as our favourite mannequin to offer a hyperactive GPS unit, however no satellite tv for pc messaging or SOS communication.
PROS
- Heavy-duty antennae pump out nice GPS alerts by means of tough undergrowth
- Extensive-ranging mapping software program gives preloaded topo maps with no subscription required
- Communication with a number of satellite tv for pc methods invitations GPS alerts nearly anyplace
CONS
- Lack of many communication abilities discovered on a few of our different GPS units
- Heavier and bulkier than handheld units like iPhones
Garmin Oregon 700
- Worth Vary: $350 – $425
- Display Measurement: 3 in
- Battery Life: 16 hrs
- Reminiscence: 1.5 GB
Navigating the Oregon path would have been an entire lot simpler with this handheld GPS system. Garmin’s compact GPS items maintain issues easy whereas nonetheless storing a wealth of data to your subsequent journey to the backcountry.
The most recent Oregon fashions embrace animated climate radar so long as you’ve a cellphone sign, permitting this handheld GPS unit to recommend the very best occasions to take a dangerous summit.
Preloaded maps and Garmin’s patented world positioning system will mild your path, and an non-compulsory 8 MB digital camera additional improves this handheld’s capabilities.
We love how easy these transportable GPS capabilities are whereas nonetheless offering fashionable companies and a user-friendly map display screen. The complete GPS system can clip onto your climbing backpack or slip in your pocket and makes use of its upgraded antenna to seize maintain of satellite tv for pc alerts quick.
PROS
- Sufficient inner reminiscence to stow hundreds of topo maps
- Cycle between GPS and GLONASS sensors to plot your course
- The digital camera makes for simple geocaching placement or simply snapping photographs of the path
CONS
- Shorter battery life than different equally priced handheld GPS units
- Missing many bodily buttons, the touchscreen gps receiver struggles in moist circumstances
Garmin Etrex 10
- Worth Vary: $140 – $175
- Display Measurement: 2.2 in
- Battery Life: 25 hrs
- Reminiscence: ** 8 MB **
The Garmin Etrex 10 is the very best price range handheld GPS system within the enterprise. Because of its value level of a number of hundred {dollars} lower than the opposite GPS trackers on our checklist, the Garmin etrex 10 needs to be part of each single outside expedition.
The minute climbing GPS will get essentially the most out of two AA batteries due to Inreach’s tremendous quick satellite tv for pc acquisition. The Garmin etrex 10 guarantees 25 hours of battery life, which is greater than sufficient time to plot a course for a protracted weekend within the woods.
Whereas that is primarily a backup emergency button, the Garmin etrex 10 nonetheless gives an digital compass and waypoint navigation for geocaching.
Past a number of primary options and nifty methods, you received’t discover a lot else than GPS mode on this climbing GPS system. What it does do, it does at an extremely excessive stage to greater than justify the reasonably priced price ticket.
PROS
- All the pieces it’s good to discover whereas nonetheless saving a number of {dollars}
- Has entry to the identical extra maps, GPS community and smartphone GPS apps as all the opposite Garmin units
- First rate sufficient to make use of as a geocaching system
CONS
- Doesn’t present the identical perks as most different Garmin fashions
- Whereas the battery life remains to be respectable, utilizing AA batteries this present day feels a bit crude
Garmin Montana 700
- Worth Vary: $650 – $750
- Display Measurement: 5 in
- Battery Life: 18 hrs
- Reminiscence: 16 GB
This is likely one of the beefier choices within the handheld GPS market. The Garmin Montana rocks a display screen measurement that has double the diagonal measurement of most GPS units to assist get essentially the most out of cell alerts and GPS satellites.
That makes it handheld GPS for anybody who’s doing a good quantity of treasure looking or simply needs a bit greater than a digital compass to prepared the ground.
You received’t discover another GPS fashions this straightforward to learn, and an intuitive contact display screen works very well with the prolonged display screen. It makes maps simpler to navigate, and Garmin Montana additionally comes with loads of purposes constructed for communication, together with Garmin inreach satellite tv for pc messaging.
The Inreach companies additionally assist you navigate nation roads and dust tracks, so it’s good for climbing, motorcycling, and mountain biking alike. Whereas all this info does demand a bit of additional weight, this is likely one of the finest climbing GPS choices for offroading on two wheels in addition to two toes.
PROS
- Giant display screen and GPS app communication make this one of the vital feature-friendly handheld GPS units
- The very best handheld GPS units for consumer expertise
- A chargeable lithium-ion battery helps you take advantage of out of the massive show
CONS
- A much bigger display screen makes for a heavier weight than most GPS items
- Extremely nicely fitted to navigating the backroads, a bit a lot for strolling solely
Garmin Inreach Explorer +
- Worth Vary: $400 – $500
- Display Measurement: 2 in
- Battery Life: 100 hrs
- Reminiscence: 12 GB
We’ll spherical out our checklist with among the best handheld GPS items that additionally permits satellite tv for pc telephone communication.
Because of hours and hours of battery life and entry to the Garmin Inreach explorer community, you may maintain this handheld GPS on all weekend and have the arrogance to make a name in a rush.
It’s not the one GPS on our checklist that may present two-way communication with emergency companies, however it’s develop into the identify most synonymous with the system. It’s the following smartest thing to a sat telephone, as a fast message to your mates, household, and the forest service will all be one click on away.
A number of buttons and an enormous pink SOS work collectively to assist the hand-held GPS ship for assist, whereas Garmin’s immense satellite tv for pc system and broad space augmentation system can entry a great deal of waypoints and actually open up the outside.
All this freedom, simply usable with one hand, makes this among the best handheld GPS units for organizing meet-ups and ride-along within the backcountry.
PROS
- Top-of-the-line climbing GPS units for two-way messaging
- An digital compass and barometric altimeter spherical out a high quality characteristic checklist
- Packs in 30 days of battery life in energy save mode
CONS
- Many of the finest perks of this system are locked behind a subscription service
- The texting keyboard is troublesome to make use of for something greater than easy messages
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Selecting the Finest Handheld GPS
Getting misplaced within the woods is finest carried out with a little bit of backup. In case your paths routinely take you off the path and out of cell service, it’s excessive previous time to slide a world positioning system into your again pocket.
Handheld GPS units pack within the battery life and options to do every thing from getting you dwelling secure to serving to you uncover new corners of our huge yard. There may be one model that dominates the present market: Garmin.
Garmin has dominated the highest of the charts because of its partnership with a number of satellite tv for pc networks, together with the Iridium GPS and Glonass. Their unparalleled protection, plus their substantial characteristic set, make them an absolute no-brainer. At present, we’ll discover why.
As you might have seen from our checklist, GPS expertise has come a good distance lately. Each one in all these units has capabilities far past these of your smartphone, and a few take issues a step additional by including particular options that make them much more versatile.
Now that you simply’ve seen the {industry}’s finest, we’ll break down every characteristic that we used to guage our favourite handheld GPS.
These elements can have completely different ranges of significance relying on what precisely you need out of your handheld GPS, so learn alongside to search out out extra about what makes a GPS nice.
Display Measurement and Readability
There’s no level in carrying across the dang factor in case you can’t learn it! GPS’ ought to provide you with each bit of data it’s good to know at a fast look, so that you don’t should spend the whole hike looking at your palm.
The Garmin Montana 700 is the biggest display screen on our checklist. For those who’re purchasing for a handheld GPS for offroading in a motor vehicle or bicycle, we extremely suggest splurging for the additional view.
The distinction in a second isn’t a lot whereas strolling, however whereas zipping by means of the treeline and bombing hills, a second makes all of the distinction.
In addition to the Garmin Montana, each different GPS on our checklist will present a comparatively comparable worth on this class. Through-hikers or anybody who wants their GPS to take advantage of out of its battery life are higher off with a smaller display screen, as it is going to be lighter and extra environment friendly.
Garmin has additionally made a concentrated effort lately to offer anti-glare screens that also learn nicely when the solar is at its zenith.
The Garmin Etrex and Garmin Oregon sequence are lagging behind on this regard, however the different handhelds on our checklist are extremely readable irrespective of the daylight.
Reception and Pace
If it’s bought the Garmin identify entrance and middle, your GPS guarantees to be correct to inside 3 meters. Which means any one in all these handheld items gives greater than sufficient accuracy to trace down geocaches and trailheads.
To take issues a step additional, it is best to search for GPS items that hook up with a number of satellite tv for pc methods.
Any navigator in Garmin’s gpsmaps sequence has a connection to World Navigation Satellite tv for pc Techniques (GNSS), which suggests you’ll have entry to each satellite tv for pc firm presently within the sky. Search for the label “multi-GNSS assist” to substantiate your freedom to ram.
That is important for adventurers planning on heading below heavy cowl or into canyons the place some weaker alerts might not penetrate. Skyscrapers and timber can gradual issues down a notch, however the multi-GNSS capability may also present the quickest GPS connection.
Hopefully, you’ll by no means should take advantage of out of your handheld GPS, however when the time involves press the massive pink button, I need nothing lower than an ironclad assure that assist will likely be on the way in which, quick.
Dimensions and Weight
This class is closely associated to display screen measurement, and the identical guidelines apply. Anybody purchasing for a handheld GPS that works whereas on wheels ought to go for bigger dimensions at the price of a number of ounces.
For day journeys and geocachers, the scale and weight of your handheld GPS shouldn’t matter as a lot to you as ease-of-use options like waypoints and media storage.
Anybody planning on spending a number of weeks attending to know their GPS ought to maintain the scale and weight to a minimal.
Battery Life
The primary cause to go for fewer dimensions and lighter weight is battery life. That is one specific system the place battery life needs to be of utmost significance. The longer you’re out within the woods, the extra vital your GPS can develop into.
Day three right into a 6-day mission is a horrible time to your battery to crap out on you, so splurging for extra battery is totally value it in case you’ve bought some critical plans forward.
The excellent news is, each single one of many GPS items on our checklist will get you thru a day within the woods, and most of our fashions have varied modes that may present lots of of hours of mapping.
For those who store from our checklist, your GPS will both use AA batteries or rechargeable battery packs. We choose lithium, as you may get a greater concept of how a lot battery is left within the system and simply cost it within the automobile alongside the way in which to the trailhead.
A conveyable photo voltaic panel can also be greater than able to bringing life again to your unit, whereas in case you neglect to pack spare AAs, you might be shit out of luck.
Battery life can also be reminder that irrespective of how nice expertise turns into, nothing can beat old style compass and map. For those who’re going anyplace the place GPS may very well be a lifesaver, convey alongside these two instruments, simply in case.
Particular Options
Any one of many GPS items on our checklist will present correct location companies and provide you with a map in your hand. That’s adequate for lots of adventures, and if it’s adequate for you, it can save you a number of hundred bucks when you’re at it with the Garmin Etrex line.
For those who’re searching for a bit extra out of your GPS, right here’s a bit about every particular characteristic you’ll discover in among the higher-end Garmin fashions.
Waypoints
Waypoints are positions that you would be able to retailer in your GPS earlier than you permit the home that will help you navigate, rather a lot like checkpoints.
Even among the most audacious expeditions received’t hit the five hundred waypoint restrict of our smallest system, the Garmin inreach+, however in case you’re somebody who needs to carry on to years of waypoints or has an excessive use case, splurge for as much as 10000 reminiscence factors on our editor’s alternative mannequin.
Barometric Altimeter
That is a necessary characteristic for anybody who needs their GPS to assist them summit. An altimeter will maintain monitor of your distance above sea stage whereas a barometer tracks strain within the air.
Collectively, a barometric altimeter may give a good estimation of fine occasions to summit and assist predict climate patterns.
Fortunately, each GPS on our checklist consists of at the very least a primary barometric altimeter system.
Compass
Whereas no piece of expertise ought to ever substitute a compass that may run with out batteries in your equipment, each GPS in our information may also assist you at all times level north.
Media Storage
The GPS on our checklist shops anyplace from 60 Millibytes to 16 Gigabytes. More room in your GPS means extra maps and likewise permits room for extra particulars.
Extra storage opens up area for improved waypoints and even satellite tv for pc photos of the terrain forward.
Satellite tv for pc Messaging
Whereas moving into the backcountry is all about getting away from all of it, it’s at all times a good suggestion to pack one thing that may name for assist exterior of cell service.
Anybody purchasing for a GPS that’s taking them by means of multi-day adventures ought to spring for a handheld system that may talk, even crudely, on a satellite tv for pc sign.
Hopefully, you’ll by no means usSatellitete messaging for something greater than checking in with the household each few days, but when the time ever comes whenever you do neeSatellitete messaging, having a communicator is priceless.
We’d by no means dream of spending a number of days within the woods with out this important lifeline in my pocket.
Geocaching
Each handheld GPS on our checklist is prepared for a geocaching journey. Even essentially the most reasonably priced Garmin etrex 10 permits you to add places of stash spots within the woods and parks close to you and makes for an awesome entry-level GPS for exploring an entire world of hidden treasure.
Handheld Vs. Cell App
Whereas there are a number of GPS apps which are beginning to bridge the hole between handhelds, you continue to shouldn’t think about your telephone as a worthwhile substitute in case you plan on heading distant from the closest cell tower.
Cell apps can use GPS satellites solely, whereas many of the handheld GPS on our checklist reap the benefits of a wider array of satellite tv for pc methods.
Many informal hikes might get by simply nice with no need Iridium’s assist, however the further protection is the best benefit handhelds can nonetheless maintain onto.
Conclusion
There comes a time in each explorer’s journey when a smartphone simply received’t lower it. These handheld GPS items are hooked as much as the strongest satellite tv for pc methods obtainable and are available chock stuffed with options that may take full benefit of their assist.
None does it higher than our editor’s alternative Garmin Gpsmap 66i, which comes with each particular characteristic within the e book with intuitive buttons and huge display screen measurement to assist clear up the densest woods.
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