Tested: The Best Handheld GPS For The Outdoors (2024)

Placing a GPS on your wrist or into your automobile is ok in the event you’re strictly an city or suburban adventurer who plans on roughing it within the wilds of south Brooklyn or taking a survival trek alongside Mulholland, however they gained’t be almost as a lot assist in case your a hiker who wants true satellite tv for pc help as you head off the overwhelmed path and deep into forests, deserts, jungle, or the arctic wastes. For that, you want a very good handheld GPS, which is why we’ve discovered one of the best items in the marketplace to check out.

How We Examined

As you’ll see beneath, there aren’t plenty of significant choices in relation to handheld GPS items. This present day, most of us depend upon our smartphones for navigation. Nonetheless, in the event you’re venturing off the grid and don’t need to be tethered to your phone, a handheld is superior. We solely got here up with a handful of choices beneath, with virtually all of them coming from a single model: Garmin. Garmin owns this house, similar to it does with journey smartwatches. To make our shortlist for testing, we checked out measurement, weight, usability, waterproofing, and battery life. As soon as we bought to testing, we checked out how effectively these gadgets carried out within the wild. This implies, utilizing every unit virtually as one would when attempting to navigate their approach round. We checked out different options too, resembling any ancillary apps or features. All of our findings are detailed beneath.

What to Look For

Usability: This may come all the way down to a touchscreen show or a push-button toggle. Touchscreens are nice on our telephones on account of superior applied sciences that additionally drive up the costs. Nonetheless, extra rudimentary tech on handheld GPS gained’t be so scorching. To not point out how far more troublesome they’re to function with gloves on. That’s why many GPS items make the most of buttons, D-pads, and/or joysticks to function.

Maps: At their core, a GPS gadget can have a fairly useful navigation map. Nonetheless, the additional mapping options are what could make some choices higher than others. These embody topo maps, elevation particulars, factors of curiosity, and even off-road waypoints which sure fashions gained’t come geared up with.

Display Dimension: You don’t essentially want a big display screen in your GPS unit, since that might imply the unit itself might be not too compact. Then again, if it’s creeping on 2″ or much less in diagonal size. Search for a handheld that balances total measurement with its display screen measurement.

Sturdiness: Most of the following gadgets can have sturdiness scores a lot increased than that of your smartphone. Waterproof and drop-resistant, most handheld GPS items are designed for a rugged way of life.

Battery Life: One very last thing to think about is the lifetime of your battery. Some GPS are supposed to be backups on your telephone and run on AA batteries whereas others have a built-in pack that may be recharged.

Bushnell BackTrack Mini

Finest Finances GPS: With the power of the GPS in our smartphones at present, it could be troublesome to justify spending a couple of hundred {dollars} on a devoted gadget. Nonetheless, Bushnell’s Backtrack Mini is designed to be a backup possibility for in case your smartphone isn’t out there, whether or not it’s lifeless or out of service vary. Weighing simply 2oz, you gained’t even discover this GPS gadget in your particular person, and it gives you as much as 35 hours of battery life on a single cost. There gained’t be any fancy options, however the Backtrack Mini thrives on simplicity, with simply 4 buttons, a concise readout (albeit on a 2-inch display screen), and a fantastic compass that serves as a breadcrumb characteristic to trace the place you got here from. It’s IPX7-rated and tremendous compact, making it a sensible choice for backpackers as effectively. Though there aren’t any built-in maps, this unit will do the job simply advantageous and for a good worth.

The Good

Not solely is the Bushnell BackTrack Mini the most affordable possibility on this listing, nevertheless it’s additionally the one non-Garmin GPS handheld unit price your time. Extremely light-weight, the gadget is sort of unnoticeable in your pocket however there’s additionally a threaded mount for bikes, boats, and so forth. And regardless of the low weight, this factor feels fairly darn sturdy. I liked the display screen right here, which was extremely seen within the daylight for being only a easy LCD show. There are 3 brightness settings however I by no means wanted something increased than “low,” even whereas carrying sun shades. Nonetheless, I did expertise a substantial quantity of glare from the solar on the display screen cowl itself. Then again, I wasn’t bothered by the small display screen in any respect. It’s nonetheless bigger than some smartwatches.

The navigation functionality itself is actually simple however will likely be considerably enhanced with the smartphone app. This implies saving journeys and waypoints and accessing extra detailed maps; the one on the hand held GPS gadget is fairly fundamental. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless use the gadget by itself in the event you run out of telephone juice.

I really like how clear the button features are. Every button has its operate(s) written proper subsequent to it. Nonetheless, you’ll need to apply and get acquainted with each; they’re not fairly as clear because the Garmin eTrex beneath however the Bushness gadget advantages from not having as many features. I additionally love how if this goes to sleep, a fast press of a button will activate the final display screen you have been . You possibly can cycle by means of 5 screens that embody coordinates, a compass, a waypoint arrow with a distance studying, a present journey readout, and an data display screen with dawn/sundown, moonrise/moonset, elevation, and barometric strain. From that final display screen, you’ll be able to scroll all the way down to show looking and fishing data. If you happen to’re a hunter or fisherman –– particularly a newbie who doesn’t need to shell out for the costliest tech –– the “Finest Instances” and “Good Instances” info is extremely helpful.

The Not So Good

One factor I seen, nevertheless it isn’t too massive of a problem, is once I was carrying my polarized sun shades, the display screen blacked out when turned sideways. This shouldn’t be a lot of a problem, except you’ve bought this at an angle for some purpose. My greatest criticism, nevertheless, is the buttons themselves. These are extremely troublesome to push and difficult to press at an angle. In different phrases, you need to get them at a near-perfect perpendicular angle. This makes it robust contemplating that you simply generally inadvertently press the buttons on the other facet within the course of.

It’s additionally essential to notice that there’s no different approach to cost the gadget moreover plugging it right into a USB charger. This makes it troublesome for a several-day voyage except you may have a very good energy financial institution.

Verdict: Light-weight but nonetheless sturdy, the 2-ounce Bushnell BackTrack Mini is the one non-Garmin gadget on this listing for a purpose. It offers you the fundamentals you’ll want for wayfinding and is ideal for backpacking. The fishing and looking ideas are additionally essential for novices and even seasoned vets. We didn’t love the button configuration and the way troublesome they have been to press, however we liked how user-friendliness of this gadget and the way legible the display screen was.

Garmin ETrex SE

Finest Minimalist GPS: Garmin usually has the market cornered in relation to GPS items, so whichever mannequin you decide will get you again to base camp with out too many issues. The eTrex is actually not going to show many heads, however you gained’t discover something in the identical worth vary that has almost as many options or is as correct. It’s solely 5.5oz and but can take a drop from a number of ft with out cracking or breaking, a lesson the iPhone may stand to be taught. It has a full IPX7 waterproof score which permits it to work in an entire deluge making it the right reward on your stormchasing mates. It would run for as much as per week on two AA batteries (and as much as 3 months in Expedition Mode) giving it a protracted life that’s simply expanded. It now comes with Bluetooth connectivity, able to syncing as much as your smartphone apps for journey planning, climate studies, and even geocaching. Nonetheless, the two.2-inch display screen is usually a little sensitive; count on some gentle to reasonable swearing if attempting to function it with gloves.

The Good

Startup was instantaneous for the Garmin eTrex. I didn’t have to attend for satellite tv for pc maps to load or something. Whereas I liked the simplicity of the button layouts within the Bushnell above, the Garmin is even less complicated. There’s “Up,” “Down,” “OK,” and a again arrow. You maintain down “OK” to set a waypoint and maintain down the again arrow to open up a grid menu. This was extremely straightforward to get the grasp of.

There are three screens to scroll by means of on the Monitoring view: the present map, a compass, and an data display screen that provides you knowledge out of your trek and present location. I’m speaking about elevation, journey odometer, present velocity, max velocity, and so forth. There’s additionally a running clock that tells you the way lengthy you’ve been stopped for. That is extremely useful when attempting to determine how lengthy it takes to get between places. Say you’re anticipating the sundown, you’ll be able to be sure to’re again the place it’s good to be by this time. It’s additionally tremendous straightforward to seek out your different menu, which provides you dawn/sundown occasions, climate (if linked to your telephone), a moonphase indicator, and even geocaching info. You possibly can transfer these grids round to prioritize your favorites up prime. I’m a giant geocaching fan, so I used to be in a position to get this data immediately with out scrolling in any respect. Fairly cool!

Whereas the eTrex runs on a pair of AA batteries, there’s additionally an possibility to make use of a USB-C charger in transit. Nonetheless, this doesn’t maintain a cost. Talking of the battery compartment, I used to be a giant fan of the way it locked into place. I didn’t want a screwdriver, but there was a deal with lock contraption that I’m unsure I’ve seen earlier than in an digital gadget. And as I discussed, the worth tag right here is fairly excellent, incomes the eTrex a couple of bonus factors.

The Not So Good

Just like the Bushnell, the display screen right here blacks out when carrying polarized lenses. Nonetheless, it’s extra annoying right here as a result of it’s an angular blockage relatively than a side-view blockage. Each time my unit wasn’t turned to face me completely, I couldn’t learn the display screen.

My different principal criticism is how exhausting it’s to press the buttons. I felt like I actually needed to push exhausting to activate each. This could possibly be a problem if, say, you’re injured or carrying gloves. Additionally, I discussed above how the gadget doesn’t maintain a cost through USB. This could possibly be a problem in the event you don’t have a transportable charger helpful, so preserve that in thoughts.

Verdict: A implausible minimalist GPS unit, the eTrex from Garmin has an easy menu design, straightforward interface navigation, and a brief setup time. Boasting each AA and USB-C energy, it’s additionally extremely sturdy but light-weight and provided at an reasonably priced worth. We didn’t love the buttons on the gadget, which aren’t tremendous glove-friendly, however you’ll be able to’t beat the performance for the worth. This additionally offers you one of the best battery life, despite the fact that it may’t retain a cost.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i

Finest General Handheld GPS: That is your one-and-done buy in the event you simply need an excellent gadget that isn’t slowed down with all of the cutesy nonsense. You will get GPS fashions that come with altimeters – although don’t count on them to be correct – or ones with a digital camera or a compass, however actually the GPSMAP 67i is ok all by itself. The 240 x 400-pixel decision makes good use of the 3-inch display screen. It hooks proper into the Garmin Join community so to get enter from others in the event you so need. And what’s extra, now you can obtain hi-res satellite tv for pc maps through WiFi for extra photorealistic path discovery. There’s additionally a slot for a micro-SD card for importing, say, your contacts. Simply to be clear, there’s a GPSMAP 67 and 67i. We went with the 67i, which prices $100 extra however comes included with Garmin’s inReach service, which is a 24/7 SOS hotline for probably the most dire conditions.

The Good

If you happen to’re on the lookout for the de facto king of the hand held GPS, look no additional than Garmin’s GPSMAP 67i. It has all the things you’ll want and extra below the hood, from super-detailed coloration maps to weekly climate studies to satellite tv for pc messaging. Visually, the topography pops and sizzles even while you’re viewing it by means of goggles or in direct sunlight. The evaluation of routes is particularly useful if you’re braving new territory. This factor is the closest factor you’ll get to a smartphone with no touchscreen or superfluous apps. You additionally get to faucet into Garmin’s Discover app, which solely enhances the expertise permitting you to seek for, save, and ship places simply. It’s mainly simply an additional device; you’ll be able to simply use this gadget as-is with none complement.

By way of structure, Garmin completely killed it when it comes to balancing the keypad with the display screen. I’d say the display screen takes up 2/3 of the entrance face, with sufficient room down beneath to actually element what every button does. The buttons are additionally extremely straightforward to push, in contrast to some others we examined right here. There are really so many app choices you’ll be able to add or delete from the menu. And in contrast to among the different items we examined, you don’t want your telephone to make use of this handheld to its full potential.

I really like how the SOS button is roofed fully however not too troublesome to entry in the event you actually wanted it. Simply be sure to know find out how to open the tab previous to heading out. There’s additionally a cool characteristic that alerts you in case your exterior energy cuts out and offers you 30 seconds to reply/react earlier than turning itself off. Oh yeah, plus you will get between 7 and 35 days of energy, which is completely superior for overlanding and backpacking.

The Not So Good

I hate to be that man however the whole time I used the GPSMAP 67i, I couldn’t assist however marvel how a lot better it could possibly be if it had a touchscreen as an alternative. The map show simply appears to be like so good that it’s a disgrace we’re relegated to scrolling with a D-pad. Likewise, messaging is the equal of typing your e-mail and password together with your TV distant. If we mixed the user-friendliness of the eTrex and the GPSMAP 67i, we’d have the right unit. Weighing a smidge over 8oz, the phone-shaped unit feels much like the cell telephones circa 2000, with a beefy antenna stub and all.

When you can’t modify the brightness of the display screen, which might be good because you’ll be largely utilizing this outdoor anyway, you’ll be able to set it to nighttime mode, with a reverse show. You may as well modify textual content measurement. The GPSMAP isn’t not user-friendly nevertheless it does take a while to fiddle with –– like a brand new telephone maybe. Additionally, the “Give up” button is a bit deceptive. When exploring the menus for the primary few occasions, I used to be hesitant to press it as a result of I assumed it might take me again to the house display screen. “Again” would most likely be a extra apt description of what this button does.

Not like different screens, the one right here does blackout with polarized sun shades on, however solely when tilted to the left. If you happen to’re utilizing this together with your proper hand, it will virtually by no means be a problem. Admittedly, $600 is quite a bit to spend on a single gadget. Even our smartphones have trade-in choices. Nonetheless, in the event you’re critical about adventuring, making certain your final security needs to be priceless.

Verdict: With long-lasting energy for upwards of a complete week, the Garmin GPSMAP 67i is one of the best handheld unit in the marketplace. You get tons of options and apps. Plus, the maps are stunning and clear. The one difficulty right here is the scrolling since this isn’t a touchscreen, however after you utilize it a couple of occasions, you’ll get used to the gadget’s performance. We liked the structure of the display screen and buttons beneath. Plus, you get an SOS characteristic and the flexibility to make the most of Garmin’s inReach satellite tv for pc messaging, which is superior. Regardless of the $600 price ticket, this unit gained’t disappoint.

Garmin Montana 700

Finest with Touchscreen: We swear, we’re not Garmin fanboys, they only appear to know their enterprise higher than anybody else. Right here, we now have their Montana 700, which provides some smartphone comfort into the world of handheld GPS. It’s a preferred alternative for its touchscreen and 16GB of storage. Regardless of weighing almost a pound, this unit is sort of giant. You additionally get a 5-inch diagonal full-color WVGA display screen that may show in both panorama or portrait orientation. The others listed here are strictly vertical. Like different Garmins, this unit is waterproof at an IPX7 score and a MIL-spec 810 score towards thermal, shock, water, and vibrations. There’s additionally an inReach model of this for $100 extra, however we selected to check out the common 700 (not the 700i) for this information. Additionally, the Montana 750 offers you an 8-MP digital camera.

The Good

Whereas the GPSMAP 67i above is technically one of the best GPS handheld unit right here, the Montana 700 from Garmin may nonetheless be most well-liked by some folks for its touchscreen display. In case your funds is $600 and also you don’t want the inReach satellite tv for pc messaging, you’ll be able to pay the very same for the Montana 700. Other than having very comparable navigation capabilities and map performance, you additionally get the identical geocache app, weekly climate report, elevation and barometer readouts, compass, and extra. Just like the aforementioned, you can too seek for factors of curiosity and close by companies. Likewise, you get supplementary info with the Garmin Discover app, nevertheless it’s not mandatory for this unit because it’s extremely straightforward to make use of with the touchscreen performance.

If you happen to’re into overlanding, the Montana 700 will likely be your go-to alternative on account of the truth that it’s designed to be mounted in a car, thus justifying the touchscreen functionality. Nonetheless, I used this on the path with ease, though you gained’t get a lot energy on an in a single day journey with no energy financial institution. I additionally liked how you would lock the orientation, similar to a smartphone, which got here in helpful when mountain climbing.

The show right here can be a bit higher than the GPSMAP above, albeit bigger to make up for it. The Montana 700 boasts 480 x 800 pixels of decision (the aforementioned is 240 x 400 pixels). Plus, the touchscreen offers you a complete lot extra freedom of use, and makes zooming in on maps a lot simpler as effectively.

The Not So Good

In comparison with the GPSMAP above, the Montana 700 can be far more clunky to carry in your hand. There’s no actual place the place you gained’t be hitting the display screen, like a smartphone maybe, however beefier. On this regard, the compact GPSMAP will get a win, particularly when you have small fingers. I saved unintentionally urgent issues on the Montana. The display screen is extremely delicate.

Whereas I’d relatively have a USB-C for charging, the micro-USB required to cost the Montana 700 isn’t horrible, and may be a extra accessible possibility for some folks. It’s simply turning into much less and fewer ubiquitous today. Additionally, this gadget is the heaviest on the listing, clocking in a contact over 14oz, so preserve that in thoughts. The battery life additionally isn’t nice in GPS mode. Nonetheless, you should purchase backup batteries for $100 every. You’re going to need to preserve this factor plugged in.

Verdict: With tons of freedom garnered from the touchscreen performance, the Garmin Montana 700 is the best touchscreen GPS handheld unit in the marketplace. Its characteristic set is extremely much like the similarly-priced GPSMAP 67i from Garmin however this has a wider show and is designed to be mounted onto a car. We didn’t love the battery life right here, and it’s the heaviest and bulkiest on this information, however you can too use it as a path GPS unit with ease.

Handheld GPS Items Comparability Chart

Handheld GPS vs. Smartphone GPS

Your telephone is an all-in-one unit that can provide you instructions, take footage, and – oh yeah! – make telephone calls. Nonetheless, smartphones aren’t going to be as durable and rugged as most handheld GPS gadgets. To not point out, these items are designed particularly that will help you navigate. Likewise, telephones usually simply use their cell service and fundamental GPS for navigation, whereas handhelds can get entry to a wider vary of satellite tv for pc programs.

Final however not least is battery energy. Handheld GPS items can usually run for days at a time while not having to be recharged, whereas smartphones will must be powered up all through the day, particularly if service is low and if GPS is in fixed use.

Honorable Mentions

Moreover Garmin, Magellan was the following massive title on this sector of the market, though these days, they’ve shifted in direction of dashboard items as an alternative. Nonetheless out there from Amazon, the Geocaching-focused eXplorist 310 boasts a 2.2-inch coloration show with higher legibility than even some choices by Garmin.

Garmin has a more moderen wrist-based mannequin, the Foretrex 801, which is handheld in spirit solely. We opted for the opposite Garmin fashions above due the similarity of this to, say, a smartwatch with GPS.

Not likely a handheld unit per se (mainly a dashboard unit) however the Hummingbird Helix 7 is price mentioning right here for the way effectively it serves as a fishing companion with a bunch of fishing-specific options.

We’re additionally followers of the Garmin inReach Explorer+ unit. Nonetheless, it’s actually only a less-sophisticated model of the GPSMAP 67i above — which additionally options the model’s inReach messaging tech however has heaps extra monitoring and site options, plus an extended battery life.

Examined: The Finest GPS Watches for Mountain climbing

If you happen to love getting misplaced within the woods, then take a look at our information to the best GPS watches for hiking.