#10 Best Handheld GPS for Hiking 2023
The best handheld GPS for hiking will be a lifesaver when you're in the wilderness. So before you go hiking, read our recommendation below and find the best handheld for hiking.
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One of the best handheld GPS for hiking devices might be a lifeline when attempting to find your way through the wilderness. Knowing where and where you want to go is critical while out in the wilderness. The best handheld GPS for hiking device will inform you quickly, sparing you from humiliation and avoiding a minor navigational error from snowballing into potentially hazardous terrain.
The best handheld GPS for hiking has gone a long way from its early days. It is now available in various abilities, price points, and sizes, from essential devices for occasional usage to professional-grade mapping tools. So, without further ado, here’s a list of the best handheld GPS for hiking. Look for the best one!
Table of contents
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1.Garmin inReach Explorer+ Handheld GPS: Best Handheld GPS with Long Battery Life
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2.Garmin eTrex 30x Handheld GPS: Best Overall Handheld GPS
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3.Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Handheld GPS: Best Handheld GPS with Built-In Multiband Technology
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4.Garmin GPSMAP 64sx Handheld GPS: Best Handheld GPS with Multi-GNSS Compatibility
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5.Garmin Montana 700i Handheld GPS: Best Bright 5-Inch Touchscreen Handheld GPS
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6.Garmin eTrex 32x Rugged Handheld GPS: Best Handheld GPS with GLONASS Connection
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7.Garmin Oregon 700 Handheld GPS: Best Handheld GPS with Geocaching Live Support
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8.Magellan CX0310SGXNA eXplorist 310 Handheld GPS: Best Affordable Handheld GPS
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9.Garmin inReach Mini 2 Handheld GPS: Best Two-Way Satellite Messenger Handheld GPS
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10.Twonav Handheld Gps Cross One Size: Best Lightweight Handheld GPS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Do I need the best handheld GPS for hiking?
Because you’ll be exploring the outdoors, the best hiking handheld GPS is essential. When you’re in the bush, navigating is crucial. Without it, you might quickly disoriented and end up in a dangerous scenario. This handheld GPS will increase the safety of your hiking excursion.
What factors should I consider before purchasing the best handheld GPS for hiking?
- Ease of Use: Each handheld GPS device has a distinct user interface you must master as the device’s operator. We suggest you read the user manual and practice navigating with your device before traveling into the wilderness, regardless of the setup of your device.
- Battery Life: Look for a handheld GPS that has rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries could help you save weight and money over time. Many rechargeable battery variants are also compatible with AA batteries as a backup.
- Weight: Depending on where you want to travel with your GPS and how you want to get there, weight may be an essential factor.
- Mapping: Every handheld GPS has a basic map, effectively a blank screen with just the most notable local landmarks. Maps may be uploaded to most devices to improve the basic base-level map and provide a more comprehensive depiction of the terrain around you.
- Satellite Messaging: Satellite messaging devices can convey messages where cellular devices cannot get signals. Choose the best one with these features since they will be useful while you are outside.
What is the accuracy of a handheld GPS device?
Many contemporary portable GPS systems can determine your position with a few meters of inaccuracy if you have a clean connection. This degree of precision is ideal for emergencies, dependable waypoint setup, and geocaching.
How much should I spend on the best handheld GPS for hiking?
The best handheld GPS for hiking ranges from $200 to $700. This device’s price varies due to the features such as reception, material, features, and battery life. The expensive one has more features than the inexpensive one. However, if you look for a basic handheld GPS, just go to the inexpensive one. And if you are looking for a professional handheld GPS, go to the expensive one. All the choice is yours.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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Garmin
inReach Explorer+ 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 66sr Handheld GPS | #3 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
GPSMAP 64sx Handheld GPS | #4 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
Montana 700i Handheld GPS | #5 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
eTrex 32x Rugged Handheld GPS | #6 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Garmin
Oregon 700 Handheld GPS | #7 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Magellan
CX0310SGXNA eXplorist 310 Handheld GPS | #8 | Amazon Bhphotovideo.com eBay |
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Garmin
inReach Mini 2 Handheld GPS | #9 | Amazon Garmin.com eBay |
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Twonav
Handheld Gps Cross One Size | #10 | Amazon Tradeinn.com eBay |
10 List of Best Handheld GPS for Hiking
- Have a problem
with this product?#1Garmin inReach Explorer+ Handheld GPS
Best Handheld GPS with Long Battery Life
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin inReach Explorer+ Handheld GPS features a color display, on-screen navigation, and the extra precision of a barometric altimeter and 3-axis compass. To top it off, it has 24K maps of the United States and Canada, and the 100-hour battery life outperforms other competitors in the market. This GPS, like most recent handheld GPS devices, incorporates inReach technology.
Pros (reasons to buy)
100-hour battery life
It has 24K maps of the United States and Canada
Features inReach technology
It comes with a color display and on-screen navigationCons (reasons to avoid)
A little heavyWhat other experts liked
When cell coverage is unavailable, the Garmin inReach Explorer+ is one of the best devices for almost full communications.What other experts didn't like
For those worried about weight, the weight of this GPS is heavier than other comparable messengers on the market. - Have a problem
with this product?#2Garmin eTrex 30x Handheld GPS
Best Overall Handheld GPS
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin eTrex 30x Handheld GPS is compact and lightweight, weighing little under 150g with batteries. Moreover, this hiking handheld GPS includes an IPX7 waterproof certification and a side button or joystick control combination, which means it can be used in all weather conditions. Like other higher-end models, this GPS features wireless sharing, a tri-axial compass, and Garmin Chirp technology.
Pros (reasons to buy)
IPX7 waterproof rating
Compact and lightweight
Features Garmin Chirp technologyCons (reasons to avoid)
There is no rechargeable optionWhat other experts liked
Garmin eTrex 30x is an updated version of Garmin's popular eTrex 30, with a higher screen resolution and a bigger memory bank.What other experts didn't like
When you zoom or change the map, it takes a bit longer. - Have a problem
with this product?#3Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Handheld GPS
Best Handheld GPS with Built-In Multiband Technology
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin GPSMAP 66sr has a 3-inch color display that displays imagery in sharp, vivid detail. Notably, the display has been intended to be readable even in bright sunlight. This GPS has built-in multiband technology, allowing you to follow your journey in difficult conditions such as small gorges and deep woods. Additionally, this GPS uses five satellite systems. The simultaneous use of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and IRSS significantly increases the device’s mapping capabilities.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Features 3-inch color display
It has built-in multiband technology
It uses five satellite systems
Bluetooth connectivityCons (reasons to avoid)
ExpensiveWhat other experts liked
The features of the Garmin GPSMAP 66sr make it excellent for a variety of outdoor activities.What other experts didn't like
The only significant drawbacks to this device are that it is fairly pricey and bulky. - Have a problem
with this product?#4Garmin GPSMAP 64sx Handheld GPS
Best Handheld GPS with Multi-GNSS Compatibility
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin GPSMAP 64sx is a tough and dependable choice for anything from outdoor hiking and cycling to geocaching. This hiking handheld GPS is feature-rich, with a clear and easy-to-read 2.6-inch screen and wide, well-marked buttons that are comfortable to use even with gloves on. Also, this GPS has a barometric altimeter and a 3-axis compass. The GPSMAP 64sx includes an external antenna and multi-GNSS compatibility for a solid fix and precise tracking.
Pros (reasons to buy)
It has a 2.6-inch clear screen
Features a barometric altimeter and a 3-axis compass
It comes with multi-GNSS compatibilityCons (reasons to avoid)
Bulky antennaWhat other experts liked
The GPSMAP 64sx contains all of the functionality of the previous model, plus a few more.What other experts didn't like
This GPS may be difficult to use for beginners. - Have a problem
with this product?#5Garmin Montana 700i Handheld GPS
Best Bright 5-Inch Touchscreen Handheld GPS
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin Montana 700i has a bright 5-inch touchscreen. The Montana 700i provides the same ease as a current smartphone, making it easy to scroll through functions and navigate through maps. The Montana’s Gorilla Glass screen is also simple to read in bright sunlight. This hiking handheld GPS has ABC sensors, multi-GNSS compatibility, a comprehensive collection of topographic maps, and inReach technology. In addition, this device’s battery life is 18 hours in GPS mode and 330 hours in expedition mode.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Bright 5-inch touchscreen
Features inReach technology
Readable Gorilla Glass screen
Multi-GNSS compatibilityCons (reasons to avoid)
HeavyWhat other experts liked
A powerful portable device with the size and style ideal for installation on an ATV or touring motorbike.What other experts didn't like
I found the touch screen to be sluggish and lagging. - Have a problem
with this product?#6Garmin eTrex 32x Rugged Handheld GPS
Best Handheld GPS with GLONASS Connection
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin eTrex 32x is a dependable GPS with a water-resistant exterior shell and a 2.2-inch color display. In addition to the current GPS satellite system, the eTrex 32x features a GLONASS connection, Russia’s equivalent of GPS. It enables this GPS to perform consistently in various locations worldwide. Additionally, the built-in barometric altimeter uses air pressure to calculate your altitude accurately. Wireless connection, a clock, an alarm, and an electronic compass are all included in this GPS.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Water-resistant exterior
It uses a GLONASS connection
Features built-in barometric altimeter
Clear displayCons (reasons to avoid)
It lacks connectivityWhat other experts liked
With an altimeter and electronic compass, this lightweight device is one of the most affordable alternatives on the market.What other experts didn't like
This GPS has an old interface. - Have a problem
with this product?#7Garmin Oregon 700 Handheld GPS
Best Handheld GPS with Geocaching Live Support
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin Oregon 700 features a touch screen that can be read in direct sunlight and a handy camera. This GPS has a redesigned antenna for improved reception and increased wireless connection with Active Weather and Geocaching Live support. Moreover, there is plenty of space for map tiles and satellite squares, which can be readily uploaded from your phone. With this hiking handheld GPS, you can power Oregon on two AA batteries or a rechargeable power pack.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Readable screen
Features Active Weather and Geocaching Live support
Durable case
AA batteries or a battery pack optionCons (reasons to avoid)
Not ideal for rain conditionWhat other experts liked
This is one of the most powerful and user-friendly GPS systems, making it excellent for most outdoor adventures.What other experts didn't like
The 700's battery life is on the short side at 16 hours, but the device has a rather big, bright display. - Have a problem
with this product?#8Magellan CX0310SGXNA eXplorist 310 Handheld GPS
Best Affordable Handheld GPS
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Magellan eXplorist 310 is an excellent entry-level GPS device. The eXplorist can generate and track routes, mark waypoints, and display your journey progress with tracks, much like a conventional GPS. The eXplorist is geocache-ready and has a great base map covering highways and other geographic features. This GPS is ideal for those seeking inexpensive GPS while providing good geocaching or route-finding on a local route.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Affordable
Features geocache-ready
It comes with a great base mapCons (reasons to avoid)
Old designWhat other experts liked
The Magellan eXplorist 310 is a competent entry-level handheld with paperless geocaching capabilities.What other experts didn't like
The screen is also small, and the performance is slower than that of most other models. - Have a problem
with this product?#9Garmin inReach Mini 2 Handheld GPS
Best Two-Way Satellite Messenger Handheld GPS
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Garmin inReach Mini is a portable GPS device that functions as a two-way satellite messenger. Nonetheless, in an impressively small form, the inReach Mini is more than capable of getting you where you’re going and keeping you in contact with the world while you’re out of cellular range. This hiking handheld GPS has basic navigational functions as well as an integrated GPS receiver. On the other hand, the inReach Mini tracking mode lets you regularly communicate your location to your preferred contacts.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Compact design
Features inReach technology
It has basic navigational functions
Features two-way satellite messengerCons (reasons to avoid)
All communication functions need a paid subscriptionWhat other experts liked
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is the ideal safety companion for all of my distant fly fishing and hiking excursions.What other experts didn't like
It currently does not support seamless messaging.
Conclusion: Best Handheld GPS for Hiking
When selecting the best hiking GPS device for you, consider the number of satellite systems it can access, battery life, and planned usage. The best handheld GPS for hiking has significant advantages, such as superior durability and much longer battery life. So it will come in handy while hiking. Also, we hope our recommendation can be useful for you in finding the best hiking handheld GPS.