When trecking throughout the great outdoors, your phone is not always going to have the service or wifi to direct you. Serious adventurers who frequent rural wilderness should always have a portable GPS device they can rely on to keep them informed about their whereabouts. Today, there is an abundance of options out there to choose from. So how can you tell the best hiking GPS apart from the duds? If you are reading this review, you are off to a great start. Any of the three options below might just be the walking GPS you have been searching for.
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Overall Rating
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Garmin Foretrex 401 GPS | A Dependable Adventure Companion
10
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Garmin eTrex 10 Navigator | Suited For the International Traveler
Garmin Foretrex 401 GPS | A Dependable Adventure Companion
Best Choice
Garmin Foretrex 401 GPS
Garmin’s Foretrex 401 does more than just tell you where to go. In addition to keeping track of your routes, it also has a lot of extra nifty features that make it the best GPS for hiking. For starters, it can keep a record of your average speed. It can also inform you of your elevation so, you are aware of thinning air. Other capabilities that make this the best handheld GPS are its ability to inform its users of daylight times and convey information about hunting and fishing. Plus, it contains a barometric altimeter as well as a compass.
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If you’d like, you can purchase the additional heart rate package so that the unit can monitor your heart rate while you are walking. Having this option is helpful for people who hike for health purposes or need to keep an eye on it in order to stay safe. The unit’s screen size is large and simple so that it is easy to read. You also won’t have to worry about this unit dying. Its AAA battery life will last roughly seventeen hours while the unit is set to GPS mode, and it can last even longer in other modes. The chances of you hiking for more than 17 hours straight are slim, so this GPS device for hiking should meet all of your needs.
PROS:
Holds route data
Keeps track of elevation
Shares hunting and fishing information
Optional heart monitor package
The battery lasts up to 17 hours in GPS mode
CONS:
None
Customers’ Reviews from Amazon:
“I’m a military man, so I know a good GPS when I see one. I’ve been using this product for years, and I refuse to enter the wild without it, whether I’m hiking recreationally or on a job.”
“This is the best GPS for backpacking I have used yet. I go on hiking weekends and I’ve actually had its batteries last me 25 hours without changing them.”
“Being a small, young woman, I used to be really afraid of going into the woods alone. With this small GPS device though, I feel much safer.”
Garmin eTrex 10 Navigator | Suited For the International Traveler
Garmin’s eTrex 10 is one of the best GPS trackers for hiking thanks to its extensive pre-loaded base map. It is one of the best options for outdoorsy people who do a lot of international hiking. Since it comes with a map of the world in its storage, you don’t have to worry about downloading the correct maps before going anywhere. Additional features that make this GPS hike tracker top-notch are its 20-hour battery life and elevation recorder.
Plus, it is equipped with waterproofing to the IPX7 standard. If you accidentally get caught in the rain, you can use the unit to get out of the bad weather as opposed to trying to keep it hidden and protected. With this unit’s sensitive navigation features and extras, you will not have to worry about getting lost outside. Instead, you can enjoy your adventuring worry-free.
Product
Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
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PROS:
IPX7 waterproofing
Comes with pre-loaded world base map
The bright yellow color makes it easy to find
20-hour battery
CONS:
Directions might be difficult to understand for some
Exact accuracy is occasionally a few feet off
Customers’ Reviews from Amazon:
“My wife got this for me, and in my opinion, this is the best GPS tracker for hiking out there.”
“For me, the battery life is what I look for in a good GPS unit. I can use this on several hikes before worrying about it dying on me.”
“Being a boy scout, I often find myself in need of an electronic compass and GPS that isn’t attached to my phone. My dad bought this for me and I use it on all of my retreats!”
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Garmin’s Handheld GPSMAP 64st might be a good option for those who are willing to splurge in order to get the highest-quality unit possible. Not only does it come with a world base map, but it will also already have TOPO 100K loaded into it. These maps include regions like Puerto Rico and Hawaii to save you the struggle of having to download them ahead of time. The purchase of this unit also includes a year-long BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription for serious explorers. Plus, buyers have the option to bundle this purchase with a 32GB SD memory card.
Those who want to get outside while staying connected are in luck. You can set up this device to receive email and text notifications so you don’t miss out on important notifications. Plus, you can wirelessly share your routes with others. It is truly the total package.
