Even while most modern smartphones have GPS functionality, having a separate GPS device or communicator may be useful for hiking, geocaching, and other outdoor activities. While smartphone apps do their job effectively, specialized GPS watches and portable devices provide advantages that smartphones don’t, such as a direct connection to GPS satellites and reduced power consumption. We’ve taken into account a wide range of GPS watches, PLBs, satellite communicators, and applications to cater to the varying demands of hikers, backpackers, and trail runners in the wilderness.

Out Top Picks:

• Best Overall: Garmin 010-01735-10 inReach Explorer+
• Runner-up: Garmin eTrex 32x
• Top Choice: Garmin inReach Mini 2
• Best Feature: Garmin Montana 680
• Highly Rated: Garmin eTrex 20x

1. Garmin 010-01735-10 inReach Explorer+

If you have an inReach SE+ or inReach Explorer+, you can go off the grid without worrying about being completely cut off from civilization. These portable satellite communicators are made for the adventurer who wants to go farther and see more without worrying about what their loved ones are up to. Anyone who enjoys getting away from it all on land, sea, or air may benefit from inReach, as it includes essential communication, location sharing, navigation, and SOS features.

Feature

• The dimensions of the product are 1.5 by 2.7 by 6.5 inches.
• Weight of Item: 8 ounces
• ASIN B01MY03CZP
• One lithium polymer battery is necessary.

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2. Garmin eTrex 32x

Explore with confidence with the Terex 32x, a durable portable GPS device that comes with preloaded maps and a color display that is viewable in sunlight measuring 2.2 inches. It comes with Topo Active mapping, which has routable roads and trails that may be explored whether going on a hike or riding a bike. You may add even more maps by using the microSD card port in addition to the 8 GB of built-in memory. It is able to track in more tough conditions than GPS alone is capable of because to its compatibility for dual satellites (GPS and GLONASS), its 3-axis compass, and its barometric altimeter.

Feature

• The dimensions of the product are 4 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches.
• Weight of Item: 5 Ounces
• ASIN B07RR6GZWP
• One lithium polymer battery is necessary.

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3. Garmin inReach Mini 2

InReach® Mini 2 makes getting back to base easier than ever. This lightweight satellite communicator will provide you peace of mind on your travels. (Some governments ban or prohibit the use of satellite communication equipment). Keeping in contact with loved ones is simple no matter where you are in the world thanks to the SOS functionality and two-way conversation. Using your device’s built-in GPS and TracBack® routing, you can easily find your way back to where you started. You may let people back home know where you are by posting updates to your MapShareTM page or using precise coordinates in your correspondence with them. Even while at rest, the digital compass provides precise bearing data. Trip planning, topographical maps, waypoint and route creation, and more are all possible with the Garmin ExploreTM app on a compatible smartphone. In 10-minute tracking mode, the battery life may last for up to 14 days, so you can spend more time exploring.

Feature

• Product Measurements: 2.04 x 3.90 x 1.03 inches
• Object Weight: 3.5 oz
• ASIN B09PSSSFPF
• Required batteries are C batteries.

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4. Garmin Montana 680

The Montana 680 has a glove-friendly 4-inch color touchscreen that can be used in either landscape or portrait mode, and it comes with a year of Birdseye Satellite Imagery. The 8 megapixel digital camera takes stunning shots with stunning clarity and automatically geotags photos with locations so you can find your way back to the same area. Access to both the GPS and GLONASS satellite networks ensures more accurate location and quicker average fix times. Even while hiding in thick vegetation, your high-sensitivity GPS will keep you pinpointed. The app is loaded with 250,000 geocaches already found on Geocaching.com. Wirelessly exchange GPS coordinates, tracks, routes, and geocaches with other Garmin GPS users. The Montana 680 is resistant to drops, dirt, humidity, and water (it has an IPX7 water rating).

Feature

• Dimensions: 1.4 x 2.90 x 5.70 inches
• Weight of Item: 10.2 Ounces
• One lithium polymer battery is necessary.
• ASIN B014QN4ZP2

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5. Garmin eTrex 20x

Better screen quality and more internal memory make it possible to save more map types on the new eTrex 20x, our improved version of the best-selling eTrex 20. This durable GPS has a wide variety of mount options for use on ATVs, bicycles, boats, and vehicles, while yet maintaining the user-friendliness and low price for which eTrex is known. Both GPS and GLONASS satellites may be followed at once with the new eTrex 20x. It is compatible with GPX files, which allow you to download geocaches and information directly to your device.

Feature

• Dimensions: 2.1 by 4 by 1.3 inches
• Weight of Item: 5 Ounces
• ASIN B00XQE6ZFG
• Two AA batteries are required.

• Things to consider

  Getting into the wilderness and being there requires a variety of preparations and supplies. Day hikers and trail runners have a distinct set of requirements than those embarking on a multi-month thru-hike or engaging in backcountry skiing or climbing.

  A smartphone with GPS applications is enough for day trips or even weekend excursions, but its primary function is to connect to the cellular network and its secondary function is to get GPS data from satellites. That’s why they can’t last as long without a charge as a specialized GPS device, some of which may last for a week or more depending on the settings. As of the year 2022, Garmin is the market leader when it comes to portable GPS devices for the wilderness. More options exist for consumers looking for products like GPS watches and PLBs (personal locator beacons).

  The ability to connect to multiple satellite networks, the ability to save waypoints and geocache locations, ruggedness and water resistance/waterproofing, a screen, barometer, altimeter, compass, app integration, and, for some, SOS features and satellite messaging abilities are all important features to look for in a dedicated GPS and satellite messenger.

  Networks and sensors based on space: 

  A GPS receiver’s precision increases with the number of satellite networks it can access. Particularly in situations where reception is poor, such as canyons and dense forests. In order to receive signals more quickly and accurately, it is recommended to use a device that can connect to various satellite networks, such as GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. Look for models that use WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System), which can refine your GPS’s position to within 3 meters, 95% of the time.

  Points of interest and geocaching: 

  Waypoints are locations, such as stream crossings or turns, that may be pre-programmed into a GPS device or marked en route. They serve as a visual indicator of a cache’s location in the context of geocaching.

  GPS systems, in contrast to smartphones, are built to withstand the elements and can be submerged in water without any damage. They should be able to withstand being dropped and should be somewhat watertight. Many of them have an IPX7 rating, which means they can survive being submerged in water for half an hour.

  Screen: 

  Most GPS systems include a clear screen that may show a map of the area and/or allow the user to make notes, depending on the situation. Touchscreens are an optional luxury found on some but not all. Some, like the Garmin InReach Mini, have just a little screen but can sync with an app on your smart device to display enlarged map graphics and allow you to make notes.

  Not all GPS devices offer these features, although having them might be useful for navigation and checking the weather. The barometer can detect weather changes and serve as a storm early warning system. Both the altimeter and the compass are useful for navigation because of the information they provide about your position and distance.

  App-integration: 

  Some GPS systems connect to your smartphone through an app, allowing you to more easily take notes and save waypoints. Excellent for identifying landmarks along the way. Additionally useful for imagining your current location.

  Security alarms and satellite phone calls: 

  Personal locator beacons (PLBs) and satellite communicators are two additional functions that certain GPS devices provide. Using satellite communication systems like Iridium or Global Star, users may place emergency calls from almost anywhere on Earth. Even if they are in an area where cell service is unavailable, they may still send and receive short text messages. Additional fees are typical for such services. Newer models of the iPhone have access to equivalent features as well.

  Importing/exporting: 

  You may generate routes and transfer them to your GPS device using software or an app on your smart smartphone. You may also create routes with apps like Gaia GPS and OnX, and then send them to your phone or GPS device. When you get back to civilization, your GPS gadget will allow you to export your path and any waypoints you made along the way.

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  FAQs

  Q. Should you bring a GPS with you on a hike?

  Is a GPS Unit Necessary? Yes, in a nutshell. Navigation is crucial while venturing into the wilderness. It’s easy to get lost and end yourself in a hazardous place if you don’t have it.

  Q. Just how precise is a trekking GPS?

  Garmin handhelds have a 95% accuracy rate for GPS position within 3 meters (10 ft). This implies that your portable device may save your location to within three meters of where you really are at any one moment.

  Q. Can I trust my GPS in the mountains?

  In the highlands, faulty data from GPS and nav systems may take cars the wrong way on one-way roads or to dead ends in the middle of nowhere. You may get free park road maps at any of the visitor centers.

  Q. What makes a GPS so useful on a hike?

  Hikers may get to their destination and return with the aid of a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. In hilly areas, many hikers still rely on compasses, topographic maps, and altimeters, although a GPS receiver offers everything needed.