#10 Best Handheld GPS for Geocaching 2023
To play a geocaching game, you'll need the best handheld GPS. So if you're planning to play this game, read our recommendation of the best handheld GPS for geocaching below.
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👀 Reader: | 42 views |
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Geocaching is a global, high-tech scavenger hunt game that uses GPS. It is an excellent activity for the whole family. If you are unfamiliar with geocaching, it is comparable to Pokemon Go but predates that activity. Another advantage of geocaching is that it provides you with something concrete to discover in the shape of hidden containers full of trinkets buried in nature locations all over the globe.
You’ll also need the best handheld GPS for geocaching to play this game. The best handheld GPS for geocaching devices will always be more precise. They also have longer battery life and do not rely on cellular data to work. So, without further ado, check out our selection of the best handheld GPS for geocaching below!
Table of contents
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1.Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS: Best Affordable Geocaching Handheld GPS
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2.Garmin eTrex 30x Handheld GPS: Best Compact Geocaching Handheld GPS
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3.Garmin GPSMAP 64st Handheld GPS: Best Durable Geocaching Handheld GPS
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4.Garmin eTrex 22x Handheld GPS: Best Excellent Reception Geocaching Handheld GPS
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5.Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Handheld GPS: Best Sharp Display Geocaching Handheld GPS
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6.Garmin Montana 680t Handheld GPS: Best Geocaching Handheld GPS with Dual Battery Arrangement
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7.Garmin Montana 700i Handheld GPS: Best Geocaching Handheld GPS with High-Resolution 5-Inch Display
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8.Garmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS: Best Ease to Use Geocaching Handheld GPS
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9.Garmin Montana 610 Camo: Best Interactive Geocaching Handheld GPS
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10.Garmin Oregon 750T Handheld GPS: Best Geocaching Handheld GPS with Pre-Installed Base Maps
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cant find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our Q&A community.
Do I need a handheld GPS for geocaching?
While some geocaching areas can be explored using a smartphone, the best tool for geocaching is a handheld GPS device. With a handheld GPS, you can enjoy geocaching experiences without cellular service and mark waypoints so you can return to particular spots again.
What factor should I consider before selecting the best handheld GPS for geocaching?
- Battery Life: It is critical to have good battery life. GPS devices with a slew of bells and whistles, backlights, and Bluetooth capabilities will not have the same battery life as older models. To get the most out of your device’s battery, keep the display locked when not in use and, if feasible, switch off the connection while not in use.
- Capacity: If you wish to install more topographic maps or anything else on your device, be sure it has enough storage.
- Durable and Waterproof: Geocaching can be challenging. Rocky terrain, streams, lakes, and inclement weather are some challenges you might experience during your search. A GPS device that is both waterproof and durable is highly recommended.
- Weight: A hefty pack can quickly take the fun out of geocaching, so make sure your GPS device is comfortable to carry for extended periods.
- Other Features: The best geocaching GPS devices often provide geocaching-specific functionality. This might involve keeping track of cache locations and field notes.
What is the accuracy of a handheld GPS for geocaching?
The best handheld GPS will provide you with a precise location. At best, you’ll achieve 10 to 15 feet of accuracy (3 to 5 meters). On the other hand, obstacles might result in an accuracy of 5 to 30 feet (6 to 10 meters) or worse.
What price should I spend for the best handheld GPS for geocaching?
The price of the best handheld GPS for geocaching ranges from $100 to $700. The inexpensive GPS may not have features as the expensive one has. So the choice is yours, whether you look for handheld GPS for basic or professional geocaching. It will lead you to the appropriate choice.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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Garmin
eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS | #1 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
eTrex 30x Handheld GPS | #2 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
GPSMAP 64st Handheld GPS | #3 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
eTrex 22x Handheld GPS | #4 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
GPSMAP 66sr Handheld GPS | #5 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
Montana 680t Handheld GPS | #6 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
Montana 700i Handheld GPS | #7 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS | #8 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
Montana 610 Camo | #9 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
Oregon 750T Handheld GPS | #10 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
10 List of Best Handheld GPS for Geocaching
- Have a problem
with this product?#1Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS
Best Affordable Geocaching Handheld GPS
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:If you’re on a tight budget and looking for the best geocaching GPS at a reasonable price, the Garmin eTrex ten can be the ideal GPS device for geocaching for you. The satellite is precise, the equipment is simple to operate, and the device is long-lasting and waterproof. In addition, you can use this GPS to enter coordinates to assist you in locating the geocache. This Geocaching handheld GPS also has a battery life of up to 25 hours.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Affordable
Waterproof
Excellent battery lifeCons (reasons to avoid)
There is no SD card optionWhat other experts liked
It's a compact, well-designed device with a long battery life.What other experts didn't like
This device lacks mapping capabilities. - Have a problem
with this product?#2Garmin eTrex 30x Handheld GPS
Best Compact Geocaching Handheld GPS
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:If you’re on a tighter budget but still want a high-quality Garmin device, the Garmin eTrex 30x is a good choice. The 2.2-inch color display is sunlight-visible, and geocaches can be downloaded directly to the device, which is impressive. It’s cheap, compact, and performs exactly what it says on the package. Because of the wireless functionality, you can still communicate with other geocaches, making it an excellent model to accompany you on your adventures.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Affordable
Sunlight-visible
Compact
Features a wireless functionCons (reasons to avoid)
It lacks touchscreenWhat other experts liked
The eTrex 30x is glove-friendly, has an outstanding sunlight-readable display, and 25-hour battery life.What other experts didn't like
We were disappointed by the absence of a touchscreen. - Have a problem
with this product?#3Garmin GPSMAP 64st Handheld GPS
Best Durable Geocaching Handheld GPS
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin GPSMAP 64st is accurate, and it also features a nice 2.6-inch color screen that is visible in direct sunshine. In addition, the GPSMAP 64st also contains a year’s subscription to BirdsEye Satellite Imagery and TOPO 100k, which provides comprehensive coverage of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. The Geocaching handheld GPS also allows paperless geocaching and comes preloaded with 250,000 caches, clues, and descriptions.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Features 2.6-inch color screen
Durable
It allows a paperless geocachingCons (reasons to avoid)
HeavyWhat other experts liked
The built-in compass and barometric altimeter make this device very precise and let you navigate across terrains with ease.What other experts didn't like
Because the battery life of this device is just 16 hours, it cannot be used for an extended amount of time. - Have a problem
with this product?#4Garmin eTrex 22x Handheld GPS
Best Excellent Reception Geocaching Handheld GPS
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin eTrex 22x is ideal for users that value simplicity and price above advanced functionality. This GPS delivers good GPS reception owing to its inbuilt receiver, which can track its user with an accuracy rating of 7 feet for a base unit. The eTrex 22x also contains buttons and a single toggle for scrolling the screen. The eTrex 22x is a pocket-size cheap solution for consumers searching for a basic device that can record and track waypoints for geocaching or short navigational trips.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Affordable
Compact and lightweight
Features buttons and a single toggle
Excellent receptionCons (reasons to avoid)
There is no barometric altimeterWhat other experts liked
The Garmin eTrex 22x is a tough and cheap device that delivers backcountry navigation and topographic mapping.What other experts didn't like
It may take some time to update. - Have a problem
with this product?#5Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Handheld GPS
Best Sharp Display Geocaching Handheld GPS
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin GPSMAP 66sr has a 3-inch color display that displays images in sharp, colorful detail. Notably, the display has been engineered legible even in bright sunlight. In addition, a Bluetooth connection allows you to share your waypoints, routes and geocaches with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Plus, the standard heavy-duty casing and an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery are included with this GPS.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Features sharp 3-inch color display
Bluetooth connection
Waterproof
DurableCons (reasons to avoid)
ExpensiveWhat other experts liked
This GPS device is fantastic for what I need it for.What other experts didn't like
There are no voice alerts to ensure you're on the correct track. - Have a problem
with this product?#6Garmin Montana 680t Handheld GPS
Best Geocaching Handheld GPS with Dual Battery Arrangement
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:This Garmin Montana 680t comes with Topo maps and City Navigator data. That is, you can use it to get driving directions. In addition, this receiver supports WAAS as well as GLONASS GPS satellite reception. The dual battery arrangement is another appealing feature of this Geocaching handheld GPS. You can use the unit’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. If it runs out, you can keep geocaching by inserting extra AA batteries.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Features Topo maps and City Navigator data
Dual battery arrangement
It has an 8MP cameraCons (reasons to avoid)
ExpensiveWhat other experts liked
Because to its preloaded maps, built-in compass and altimeter, and integrated 8-megapixel digital camera, the Garmin Montana 680t stands out in its category.What other experts didn't like
The Garmin Montana 680t is on the pricey side. - Have a problem
with this product?#7Garmin Montana 700i Handheld GPS
Best Geocaching Handheld GPS with High-Resolution 5-Inch Display
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin Montana 700i is a sturdy and durable device with a large display and navigation functions. The high-resolution 5-inch display of the 700i seems like it belongs to a high-end smartphone. The 700i supports many global navigation satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. Moreover, this GPS has an accurate altimeter, a barometer for weather monitoring, and a three-axis electronic compass.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Durable
High-resolution 5-inch display
It has an accurate altimeter
It supports many global navigation satellite systemsCons (reasons to avoid)
Short battery lifeWhat other experts liked
The UI is, without a doubt, the most user-friendly of the inReach thus far. Another significant advantage is that the battery may be replaced.What other experts didn't like
My only criticism is that it only comes with a 'Quick Start Guide,' and the entire operator's handbook must be downloaded from the Garmin website. - Have a problem
with this product?#8Garmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS
Best Ease to Use Geocaching Handheld GPS
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin Oregon 650t boasts a 3-inch sunlight-readable display for those brighter days. While the touchscreen of this GPS is compatible with various gloves, it is simple to use in the cold without the risk of frostbite. You can effortlessly share your routes, tracks, waypoints, and geocaches with other devices. Additionally, the built-in 8MP digital camera allows you to take images on the road and share them with other explorers.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Easy to use
Sunlight-readable display
Features built-in 8MP digital cameraCons (reasons to avoid)
Small screenWhat other experts liked
The touch screen is excellent, and the operation is simple.What other experts didn't like
When Geocaching, the pointer may not always show the correct direction. - Have a problem
with this product?#9Garmin Montana 610 Camo
Best Interactive Geocaching Handheld GPS
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin Montana 610 Camo is a high-quality GPS device with many useful and entertaining features. For the time being, this GPS supports paperless geocaching GPX files. The Montana 610t Camo identifies your location fast and precisely. Because it has a high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receiver, a WAAS-enabled receiver, and HotFix satellite protection, making this a good choice for geocaches. Also, this device has a glove-friendly touchscreen.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Durable
Features a glove-friendly touchscreen
It supports paperless geocaching GPX filesCons (reasons to avoid)
ExpensiveWhat other experts liked
Very precise, simple to use, and reasonably priced.What other experts didn't like
When inside the case, the touchscreen is too sensitive. - Have a problem
with this product?#10Garmin Oregon 750T Handheld GPS
Best Geocaching Handheld GPS with Pre-Installed Base Maps
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:This Garmin Oregon 750T Handheld GPS comes with pre-installed base maps. This Geocaching handheld GPS also has a Live Geocaching system, which downloads geocache data straight from the internet for convenience. In addition, the 750t contains a 3-axis compass, the capability to operate GLONASS satellites, and the capacity to receive weather updates through the barometer and altimeter.
Pros (reasons to buy)
It comes with pre-installed base maps
Features Live Geocaching system
Easy to useCons (reasons to avoid)
Possible battery difficultiesWhat other experts liked
This touchscreen device offers a good blend between basic usefulness and high-end features.What other experts didn't like
This GPS is still quite challenging to use.
Conclusion: Best Handheld GPS for Geocaching
Geocaching is a wonderful activity because of its accessibility. Most people begin with a cell phone and a free geocaching.com account. However, suppose you decide this is a hobby you plan to continue for a long time. In that case, you should invest in a handheld GPS, particularly if you like hiking, camping, and hunting. And so, we hope our list above can help you to choose the best handheld GPS for geocaching.