A handheld GPS navigator is an ideal gear for people like hikers, campers, hunters, and those who love spending time in woods and exploring nature. GPS navigator helps people find out the correct route to their camp, best hunting spot, recording a track, or finding the right geocache. Though the smartphone has a GPS system, it’s not wiser, relying on the smartphone in the woods.
Thanks to the GPS navigator, you can locate places underneath or above the water. Most of the GPS navigators are shock resistant, weatherproof, and can withstand harsh conditions that a smartphone can’t. Moreover, you can store spatial data on your GPS navigator while heading out to your hunting spot out in the woods.
However, it’s important to have the best hunting and hiking GPS while out in the woods. Therefore, our experts have made a list of 7 best GPS navigators so that you will be able to pick the best one for you. There is also a buyer’s guide included at the end of the review. Make sure you read the guide and make an intelligent decision.
In a hurry? Check the bestseller top hunting and hiking GPS from Amazon.
Top 7 Hunting & Hiking GPS of 2021 (Our Picks)
- Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS Navigator
- Garmin GPSMAP 64st High-Sensitivity GPS Navigator
- Garmin in Reach Explorer+ GPS Navigation
- Garmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS
- Garmin Montana 680t GPS Navigator
- Magellan eXplorist 310 Waterproof GPS
- Magellan eXplorist 350H Handheld GPS
My Top Pick of the Best Hunting & Hiking GPS of 2021
1.Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS Navigator
If you are looking for a cheap GPS Navigator, then consider buying the Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS Navigator. This is the upgraded model of the previous eTrex 20. The display of this GPS has a resolution of 240×320 pixels, and the internal memory is about 3.7 gigs of maps. The best part of this GPS is you can use a micro SD card to increase the memory. It comes with a built-in worldwide map and Garmin’s Base map. So you can easily have access to a certain amount of information. Moreover, you can add your own maps from services such as TOPO 24k, HuntView, City Navigator NT, BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, and more.
You can connect the Garmin eTrex 20x to both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems simultaneously. This GPS uses HotFix and WAAS technologies for fast and accurate location fixing, which is very convenient. You can add additional mounts with it and use the GPS with your ATV, boat, or other vehicles. This GPS also supports turn-by-turn road navigation. Garmin eTrex 20x supports GLONASS, so it will locate your position quickly and precisely. Moreover, this GPS maintains its location even in heavy cover and deep canyons, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting your route.
Specifications
- Screen: 240×320 pixel, 2.2-inch color display
- Satellite Navigation Systems: WAAS-enabled GPS and GLONASS
- Extra Navigation Tools: None
- Weatherproofing: IPX7 waterproof, rubber armor
- Battery Life: 25 hours
- Misc: Basecamp software, microSD slot
2. Garmin GPSMAP 64st High-Sensitivity GPS Navigator
This is a high sensitivity GPS receiver from Garmin. You can use this GPS anywhere in the world, from the urban jungle to the real jungle. It has quad helix antennas that can read the satellites anywhere. This GPS comes with pre-loaded 100k US TOPO maps. So if you are using this GPS in the USA, you will find it very handy. With this GPS, you get a free one-year subscription to BirdsEye Satellite Imagery. Therefore, you can easily download high-resolution satellite maps, which are very convenient.
Garmin GPSMAP 64st High-Sensitivity GPS Navigator comes with 250,000 geocaches preloaded onto the device. The basecamp software of this GPS lets you organize your maps, waypoints, and expected routes before visiting the wilderness. So you don’t have to worry about the maps anymore. The best part of this GPS is you can connect this GPS to your smartphone via the Garmin Connect Mobile app. So you can easily share the route with your hunting partner.
Specifications
- Screen: 160×240 pixel, 2.6-inch color display
- Satellite Navigation Systems: GPS and GLONASS
- Extra Navigation Tools: Compass, accelerometer, and barometric altimeter
- Weatherproofing: IPX7
- Battery Life: 16 hours
- Misc: Bluetooth, pairs with ANT+ sensors, connects to Garmin Connect app
3.Garmin in Reach Explorer+ GPS Navigation
If you are looking for the best GPS Navigator for the money, then the Garmin in Reach Explorer+ GPS Navigation will be the ideal choice for you. This GPS comes with many unique features that can save your life while out in the woods. The best part of this GPS is it has both GPS and satellite communication capabilities. So there is nothing to worry about when you are hunting on dangerous terrain far from easy transportation. With this GPS, you can text anyone, even in areas with no cellular coverage. Moreover, you can also share your current location with your family members.
This GPS comes with an SOS alert system. So if you are in danger, you can trigger the SOS system. You can connect this GPS with GEOS and can communicate with your rescuers. You can connect the GPS with your smartphone via Bluetooth. There is an app available for a smartphone to use this GPS navigator. So you can easily download maps and use them. The only drawback of this GPS is; it lacks hunting-related features compared to other hunting GPS.
Specifications
- Screen: 200×265 pixel color screen
- Satellite Navigation Systems: GPS
- Extra Navigation Tools: Compass, accelerometer, and barometric altimeter
- Weatherproofing: IPX7
- Battery Life: 12 hours
- Misc: Iridium satellite communication, interactive SOS, connects with Earthmate app
4. Garmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS
This is a feature-rich hiking and hunting GPS from Garmin. This GPS comes with US topographical maps as well as a worldwide base map. So you can easily use the maps while out in the woods. There are four gigs of space and a micro SD slot available in this GPS, so you can add as many apps as you can. Garmin Oregon 650t is dustproof and waterproof so you can use it in any weather condition. It has excellent build quality so it can handle bumps and knocks. The best part of this GPS is, you can use the touch screen while wearing gloves.
The touchscreen of this GPS is bright and is usable in direct sunlight. This GPS uses both GPS and GLONASS systems to triangulate the location. It also has the most powerful processor, so you will get a 100% accurate results every time. The best part of this GPS is it comes with a camera and an LED flash for bright photos and for use as a flashlight. Moreover, you can mark your photo’s location and use it as a waypoint. The only drawback of this GPS is; you have to pay extra for additional maps unless you provide your own, and for turn-by-turn city navigation, you also have to pay more.
Specifications
- Screen: 3-inch touchscreen display
- Satellite Navigation Systems: GPS and GLONASS
- Extra Navigation Tools: Compass, accelerometer, and barometric altimeter
- Weatherproofing: IPX7
- Battery Life: 16 hours
- Misc: Camera, flashlight, microSD card slot, ANT and Bluetooth connectivity
5. Garmin Montana 680t GPS Navigator
The Garmin Montana 680t is a rugged, IPX7-rated-waterproof GPS receiver. This GPS has a cross design between a smartphone and the flip phones, which makes it very stylish. This GPS comes with a 4-inch touchscreen with a menu filled with features that are very user-friendly. With this GPS, you can easily find your location, search the easiest route, estimated time of arrival, and many more. It has navigation tools like WAAS-enabled GPS, GLONASS, and HotFix satellite prediction. The result of this GPS produce is very fast accurate. Other tools include a compass, accelerometer, and barometric altimeter.
In this GPS navigator, you can have 4,000 waypoints and 200 saved tracks. The best part of this GPS is; it comes with a lot of preloaded topographic maps and a BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription for full-color maps. It also has an 8-megapixel camera, and it logs the GPS coordinates of each photo, which is very convenient. This GPS receiver has a lot of storage space so you can store a lot of maps and photos. You can add city navigation to this GPS, but you have to pay extra money for that.
Specifications
- Screen: 4-inch color touchscreen display
- Satellite Navigation Systems: GPS and GLONASS
- Extra Navigation Tools: Compass and barometric altimeter
- Weatherproofing: IPX7
- Battery Life: 22 hours
- Misc: Camera, preloaded maps, connects to Garmin Connect app
6. Magellan eXplorist 310 Waterproof GPS
This is an excellent GPS from Magellan. This GPS navigator is like a torch for active hunters because of the excellent graphics and easy-to-use menus. This GPS navigator has a 2.2-inch display so you can easily use all the features of this GPS. Magellan eXplorist 310 GPS provides detailed road information, water-feature guidelines, and realistic look to the shaded-relief background. It has power-saving features; therefore, it delivers up to 18 hours of battery life, which is very rare for hunting GPS. Therefore, it is best to use fresh batteries at the start of your day.
This is a waterproof GPS, so you can use this GPS in the rainy season. With this GPS, you can download and view the 20 characteristics of each cache you need, which can come very handy. The sunlight-readable color screen ensures a clear view in any light condition. This GPS includes detailed road networks, water features, urban and rural land views, and many more. You can buy the world edition of this GPS navigator. The world edition comes with pre-loaded maps so you can use it anywhere in the world.
Specifications
- Screen: 2.2-inch color transflective screen
- Satellite Navigation Systems: GPS and GLONASS
- Weatherproofing: IPX-7
- Battery Life: 18 hours
- Misc: Preloaded maps
7. Magellan eXplorist 350H Handheld GPS
If you are planning to buy a powerful and rugged GPS navigator, then consider buying the Magellan eXplorist 350H Handheld GPS. This GPS is specially made for hunters, and it comes with an open one-year subscription to Digital Globe satellite imagery. This GPS receiver has a user-friendly interface and is prepared with high–sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS. This GPS provides the result with 3-5-meter accuracy. It also has 30 hunt specific waypoints, preloaded GMU’s & WMU’s, which makes it an excellent hunting gear.
This GPS has a detailed base map with outline elevations so you can easily navigate the backcountry. It includes a detailed pre-loaded base map, complete road network, city centers, land use, water bodies, trails, and contour elevation overlays to help identify terrain features for easier navigation. This GPS runs with 2 double AA batteries, and it provides 18+ hours of battery life. The best part of this GPS is; it has a pre-loaded hunting calendar, which is very convenient. The only drawback of this GPS is; you can’t expand the memory of this GPS.
Specifications
- Screen: 2.4-inch screen
- Satellite Navigation Systems: GPS
- Weatherproofing: IPX-7
- Battery Life: 18 hours
- Misc: Preloaded maps
How to Choose the Best Hunting and Hiking GPS
When you are trying to decide which GPS is the perfect one for you, you may find yourself in a maze of screen size, batteries, storage capacity, performance, etc. So if you are not sure about what feature you should consider before buying a GPS navigator, then read this part of the article carefully. We have discussed all the important features that you have to consider before buying the best GPS.
Satellite System
Generally, two types of satellite systems are used in GPS navigator: GPS and GLONASS. GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and GLONASS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System. GPS is a military network and developed by the United States. But it has been declassified; therefore, civilians can use it as well. GLONASS, on the other hand, is developed by The Russian Federation, and it is also declassified for general use. You will find some GPS navigators that use one of these satellite systems where some GPS navigators use both satellite systems. However, operating two satellite systems make the battery drain quickly. Having two satellite systems increases both the accuracy and speed of the location fixing. So choose a GPS navigator that suits your needs.
Battery Life
Battery life is important for GPS navigator as constantly looking for locations and listening to four or more satellites drains the battery quickly. You will find GPS navigators with battery life ranging from 12 hours to 18 hours, which is not sufficient. Few GPS has a battery management system that increases battery life. Moreover, GPS uses different types of batteries, like AA and AAA. So you can easily change the batteries. Make sure you choose the GPS that suits your needs. If you are planning for single-day hunts, then you don’t need to pay any real consideration to battery life.
Sensors
If you want to get the best result and 100% accuracy from your GPS, then you have to buy a GPS receiver with excellent sensors. Generally, a GPS receiver calculates your elevation by calculating satellite angles. Once you move, it will know which direction you are going. But this type of GPS doesn’t provide accurate results all the time. Therefore, if you want the best accuracy, then buy a hunting GPS with built-in atmospheric sensors. A physical compass is much more accurate than a digital compass. So try to buy a GPS that has important sensors for more accurate results.
Weatherproofing
Some GPS is waterproof, where some are weatherproof. You can use waterproof GPS in the rainy season. But this type of GPS may not be resistant to dust, bumps, and vulnerable to rough uses. Weatherproof GPS is resistant to dust, bumps so you can use this type of GPS in any weather condition. Moreover, rugged GPS provides more protection against falls.
Screen Size
A big screen means a better view. GPS means you are navigating a lot of maps. So if your GPS has a big screen, then you will get a better idea of the surrounding area. GPS calculates your location, elevation, and heading and provide information on the display. But there are problems with large screens. A big screen means the GPS is large in size, and it will decrees portability. Moreover, a large screen drains the battery quickly. So you have to make a balance between screen size and other features.
Antenna Quality
The antenna receives radio transmissions from the positioning satellites. So you should buy a GPS that has a high-quality antenna. Different GPS models have large and multiple antennas. These types of GPS will have improved signal reception and provide results more accurately and quickly.
Using GPS to find your way to a hunting stand
Final Thoughts
The GPS we have reviewed here have their good points when used for hunting, hiking, or other outdoor activity. You can pick any of these GPS and enjoy your adventure. Make sure you follow our buyer’s guide so that you end up buying the best hunting & hiking GPS.
Reference
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/518046
Last update on 2023-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
