The three Greatest Handheld GPSs of 2024

Greatest General Handheld GPS

Garmin GPSMAP 67

SPECIFICATIONS

The Garmin GPSMAP 67 is on the high of its class when it comes to accuracy and reliability, incomes it our high honors. It boasts a robust quad-helix antenna and reliably connects to extra satellite tv for pc networks with higher accuracy than most different fashions. The lithium battery can be an enormous enchancment to this contemporary design, providing roughly 160+ hours in default mode and upwards of 800 hours within the battery-saving expedition mode. Even in less-than-ideal areas, similar to under dense forests and tree canopies or inside a decent slot canyon, the GPSMAP 67 can keep a satellite tv for pc connection as a result of its multi-band know-how. When within the vary of cell service, this unit can pair along with your smartphone to overlay real-time climate information in your maps. Its 16GB of inside reminiscence is greater than double what is obtainable by most different items and comes preloaded with topo maps for the US and Canada and subscription-free entry to Garmin’s Hen’s Eye Imagery (a program that provides extra detailed, high-resolution satellite tv for pc imagery).

All of those attributes will value you a superb chunk of change. But, the Garmin GPSMAP 67 is value each penny for individuals who plan on embarking on expeditionary journeys or want excessive accuracy for discipline analysis. As for informal recreation, this gadget is perhaps a bit of overkill. Further options, similar to wirelessly linking to your cellphone, require a cumbersome setup course of, and navigating the various options inside the principle menu positively requires some trial and error. Though it lacks a built-in touchscreen, our testers recognize the sizable buttons and intuitive structure. If a contact display is extra necessary to you for navigation and you do not thoughts a bit of further weight and house, try the Garmin Montana 700 for a extra trendy consumer interface. And if you’re simply after one thing fundamental with long-lasting battery life, the Garmin eTrex SE might be the right companion to make use of alongside your smartphone. The Garmin GPSMAP 67 is undoubtedly a robust and feature-rich GPS gadget with a protracted battery life, but it is also simple to make use of, even in essentially the most excessive chilly climate discipline circumstances.

Greatest Bang for Your Buck

Garmin eTrex 32x

In the event you’re available in the market for an easy GPS unit that sacrifices little on the subject of pure navigation efficiency, the Garmin eTrex 32x is a primary selection. It performs properly past its weight class when put next immediately with extra superior fashions. A wonderful worth that doesn’t skimp in reception and processing velocity, this gadget comes preloaded with Garmin’s TopoActive basemap (that gives a wide range of options together with city and wilderness trails, contour traces, factors of curiosity, and so on.) that provides enough information for individuals who do not wish to mess with the method of looking for and importing particular person maps. The software program might be loaded primarily based on the place you buy the gadget, so if you are going to buy your handheld in California, it is going to come preloaded with maps for North America (together with the US, Canada, Mexico, and so on. Its spectacular navigational accuracy is the results of linking a number of networks, together with GPS and GLONASS, to tug data from quite a few satellites with a purpose to establish your particular location, a monitoring function that’s then improved with the addition of a barometric altimeter and a 3-axis digital compass. But, these enhanced capabilities someway do not have an effect on the eTrex 32x’s dimension and weight. Simply as small and light-weight as different items within the eTrex line, this compact GPS can simply be stowed away in a pack or tossed right into a pocket for a day hike.

Whereas actually spectacular, the eTrex 32x does have some limitations. Regardless of its routable navigation potential, the pretty tiny display just isn’t affordable for navigating round a brand new metropolis by way of automotive and even each day driving. It’s also nonetheless very a lot a base-level GPS unit. Though it helps Garmin’s BirdsEye Satellite tv for pc Imagery, it would not supply the identical degree of connectivity supplied by extra superior fashions. As an illustration, the gadget is just related by way of ANT+ slightly than Bluetooth and Wifi, and it isn’t potential to hyperlink the gadget to any built-in apps similar to Garmin Join and Garmin Messenger. Likewise, many consumer teams which have grown accustomed to trendy interfaces will discover the joystick and T9-style keyboards cumbersome and even tedious to work with when in comparison with the normalized comfort of a touchscreen. Once more, for those who’re not fascinated about stepping again in time, try the Garmin Montana 700. Though it’s a lot bigger and heavier than the eTrex 32x, it presents the one trendy touchscreen we examined, together with a feature-rich design that is good for navigation. That being stated, as a plug-and-play possibility for easy navigation or a sturdy, compact, and succesful GPS for expeditions, the eTrex 32x presents a extra inexpensive possibility with superior options and capabilities.

Greatest for Messaging and Navigation

Garmin inReach Mini 2

SPECIFICATIONS

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is an ideal companion for individuals who wish to keep related whereas exploring the backcountry. Whether or not you want an up to date climate report, wish to present peace of thoughts to your family members, or must report an correct monitor to hint your route, this tiny unit weighs simply 3.5 ounces and measures solely 7.8 cubic inches, so it simply stows away inside your pocket or latches onto your backpack shoulder strap (because of a Garmin particular carabiner included along with your buy). No different possibility in our lineup boasts such a small dimension paired with an equally sturdy function set. For comparability, the top-performing Garmin GPSMAP 67 weighs greater than double the Mini 2 and is 2.5 inches longer, whereas the Garmin Montana 700 is a whopping 3.5 occasions heavier and yet one more full inch bigger in every path. The Mini 2 depends on sensible design decisions and highly effective Garmin Apps to ship enhanced capabilities — Messenger for texting and Probe for sturdy mapping instruments — whereas nonetheless residing as much as its diminutive title. The Mini 2’s battery life stands out as spectacular, with as much as 336 hours or 14 days of use when in default mode and as much as 720 hours when set to expedition mode (relying on its actual configuration). It’s also geared up with an SOS function that alerts Search and Rescue groups to your particular location (because of satellite tv for pc choices from each Galileo and QZSS) ought to you may have an emergency past mobile phone vary, and its digital GPS compass gives dependable navigation within the discipline, whereas the intuitive button design ensures the gadget continues to be usable whereas carrying gloves in chilly climate.

This gadget is ideal for individuals who need peace of thoughts within the backcountry with out the extra weight and bulk of a feature-rich GPS gadget. Nonetheless, there are some limitations and considerations for customers. Initially, the display is tiny, at simply over an inch in dimension, which may make it tough for some customers to view the data, notably when paired with its monochrome show. Bigger transflective shade screens like that on the GPSMAP 67 or the Montana 700 touchscreen are inarguably going to be simpler on the eyes. Additionally, an ongoing month-to-month subscription is required to benefit from textual content and notification providers by way of the Garmin Messenger app. These prices add up over time, which is a crucial consideration when assessing comparative pricing. There’s additionally fairly a studying curve when establishing this gadget to attach with exterior apps. But this smartphone App integration gives a demonstrably higher consumer interface than utilizing the gadget by itself, notably when typing and sending necessary textual content messages. So, the upfront trouble is value it to get your gadget dialed earlier than you embark in your subsequent journey. All that being stated, the Mini 2 is a wonderful selection for these looking for a pocketable backcountry communication instrument and navigation gadget. It may possibly present correct monitoring and navigation, the power to simply examine in with family members or hearth off an SOS sign, the choice to mark waypoints, and a lot extra. However, for individuals who carry a smartphone anyway and haven’t any downside dropping communication when outdoors of normal cell service areas, a easy handheld GPS just like the Garmin eTrex SE might be the right navigational companion. The SE can be fairly compact at simply 5.5 ounces and incorporates a battery that may last as long as 1800 hours in expedition mode, plus a bigger 2-inch+ show for simpler readability within the discipline. It additionally sells for a fraction of the price of each different product we examined – lower than half that of the Mini 2. When backcountry Messenger providers will not be a high precedence, the eTrex SE is a worthy possibility to think about. 

Examine Merchandise

Why Belief GearLab

For the previous 14 years, we have examined over 25 of the highest handheld GPS items side-by-side. To check these gadgets, we assembled an all-star crew of out of doors adventurers. Our lead testers embody Chris McNamara, the founding father of OutdoorGearLab, who at one level was calculated to have spent 3% of his life on El Capitan in Yosemite; Amber King, who can equally be discovered instructing science to her college students in Colorado or masking lengthy distances in her yard, by bike, raft, or on foot; Ethan Newman, a climbing and canyoneering information in Southwest Utah; and Aaron Rice, a ski patroller, avalanche teacher, and wilderness information in New Mexico. Final however not least is Trish Matheny, a present member of the Yosemite Search and Rescue Workforce who makes use of GPS gadgets each recreationally and professionally to speak with pals throughout prolonged backcountry targets or to find lacking individuals throughout the intricate wilderness that surrounds Yosemite Nationwide Park.

These lead testers — plus scores of pals and companions — took to testing these GPS items in real-world conditions. From mountaineering in Alaska to ski touring within the San Juan Mountains of Colorado and winding by way of the canyon nation of the Southwest, our testers used these GPS items in whiteouts, in slot canyons, and whereas quickly stranded by flash floods throughout surprising storms. They’ve channeled all they’ve realized by way of their mixed real-world adventures to now carry you insights to gauge one of the best gadget to fulfill your wants. Our rigorous evaluation mixed in depth hands-on time within the discipline with extra goal testing again residence, throughout which we evaluated all the things from the accuracy of reception to every gadget’s reminiscence functionality, dimension, and weight. We took time to compile analysis, intently examined function units and their ease of use, and famous when and the way some gadgets shone the place others failed. We utilized the experience of our science-minded, adventure-obsessed testing crew to supply essentially the most correct, goal critiques obtainable on the web.

Our testers evaluated all the things from battery life to the navigation options and accuracy, to general portability and flexibility with a purpose to decide one of the best software for every handheld gadget.

Select Your Subsequent Handheld GPS Machine

Exercise

So, who wants a handheld GPS? Those that like to hike off the principle path, serial bushwhackers, backcountry skiers, and climbers who incessantly descend on unfamiliar and poorly marked trails. Adventurers of this breed will profit essentially the most from a GPS, which may pinpoint their actual location and permit them to re-orient themselves on a map and discover the way in which residence. A GPS can be useful in dangerous climate circumstances (heavy rain, snow, or fog) or when climbing on a darkish, cloudy, or moonless night time. It is also good when touring over snow-covered terrain when the bizarre path is buried, and the tracks of those that got here earlier than chances are you’ll be unreliable (they is perhaps simply as misplaced as you — consider us, we have been there). Moreover, for those who’re contemplating a handheld gadget with a contemporary contact display that’s higher suited to negotiating backcountry two tracks in an ATV or an prolonged boating tour off the coast, the general portability is not as a lot a consideration because the battery life when positioned in expedition mode or the standard of the preloaded and downloaded maps. Whether or not pursuing excessive mountain or ocean sports activities, navigating your favourite two monitor, or monitoring your subsequent elk hunt, you’ll want to take into account your particular wants primarily based in your chosen exercise, in order to match the know-how of your GPS gadget along with your preferences.

GPS Machine vs. Smartphone

What in regards to the GPS on my smartphone? The reception of your smartphone could not show as dependable whereas navigating deep within the backcountry. Smartphones depend on the mix of an affordable GPS gadget and triangulation between cell towers (and even WiFi) to dial in your location. But, most of the greatest hikes are within the mountains, deserts, or pristine backcountry areas with no dependable cell assist, so your smartphone’s GPS sensors won’t reduce the mustard.

Nonetheless, in conditions the place they do work, smartphone apps like Gaia, Avenza, or Topo Maps are nice and might shortly establish your location on established trails earlier than resuming map navigation. Smartphone GPS works greatest in a area the place a cell sign is obtainable, however it could change into unreliable once you enter the backcountry. Do not forget to obtain maps earlier than leaving cell or WiFi alerts behind. A touchscreen mannequin with computerized routing — just like the Garmin Montana 700 — is a superb possibility that may double as a driving GPS and for off-road journey.

In distinction to smartphones, handheld GPS items are burlier, with a lot better GPS satellite tv for pc reception, extra highly effective navigation options, and provide higher battery life in chilly climates. A couple of questions will assist slender your seek for the right handheld. After you work that out, you can begin fascinated by all of the bells and whistles — i.e., options.

Apple has additionally included an SOS function with all fashions iPhone 14 or later that permits you to press an SOS button that connects you with emergency providers by way of satellite tv for pc. This function can be utilized with or with out mobile or wifi protection, nonetheless, it capabilities greatest beneath open skies slightly than densely treed forests and canyon bottoms. This SOS function mixed with a battery brick and a subscription to an app similar to Gaia, CalTopo, and so on. will probably make handheld GPS gadgets out of date.

Evaluation and Take a look at Outcomes

We examined these handheld GPS gadgets through the years — climbing, climbing, snowboarding, mountaineering, canyoneering, kayaking, mountain biking, mapping plant populations, and extra. We’ve got marked and navigated to waypoints, in contrast map drawing velocity, and examined the compasses of every unit towards a trusty previous, magnetic standby. We logged lots of of miles on foot in California, Wyoming, Colorado, Washington, Utah, New Mexico, and Alaska. Greater than a dozen folks — who vary from GPS specialists to finish novices — used these items to supply numerous suggestions and produce you a overview of among the greatest handheld GPS items in the marketplace.

We rated our collection of handheld GPS items on 5 scoring metrics: battery life, navigation efficiency, ease of use, portability, and flexibility. You will need to notice that these are among the greatest and hottest choices obtainable in the marketplace; whereas scores could differ, the numbers are primarily based on how properly every gadget in contrast to the competitors. A few of these qualities are undeniably extra necessary than others, specifically battery life, navigation efficiency, and ease of use. With out the accuracy of a satellite tv for pc and the effectivity of a GPS, you may as properly be utilizing a map and compass.

We break down the general rating into 5 key metrics:

• Battery Life (25% of general rating weighting)

• Navigation Efficiency (25% weighting)

• Ease of Use (25% weighting)

• Portability (15% weighting)

• Versatility (10% weighting)

What is the Greatest Worth?

GPS stands for International Positioning System. Typically it is used to confer with gadgets — on this case, handheld — that may monitor and retailer timing and positional information. Although it could appear counterintuitive, they’re typically supposed for use with a standard map and compass. They’re designed to withstand water, shock, thermal stress, and every other harsh circumstances you’d usually run into out within the wilderness. Excessive-performing gadgets include extras like cameras, topo maps, higher antennas, extra reminiscence, altimeters, barometers, inside digital compasses, and most significantly an prolonged battery life. Baseline fashions are sometimes mild in weight, compact, and supply an ideal consumer interface that is simple to function. Earlier than shopping for your subsequent handheld GPS, take into account whether or not or not you really need one, what exercise you propose to make use of it for, and the way a lot you are prepared to spend. You will need to take into account your particular wants earlier than buying, as these items typically carry a hefty price ticket.

The worth of a handheld GPS tends to be tied on to its efficiency, options, and quantity of reminiscence storage. Choices just like the Garmin GPSMAP 67 and Montana 700 have nearly each function you could possibly probably want — with a considerable quantity of reminiscence and storage — nonetheless, each fashions are close to the highest of the value spectrum. Alternatively, essentially the most inexpensive and entry-level mannequin that we examined, the Garmin eTrex SE, gives a contemporary display and a stable consumer interface. Nonetheless, it lacks the power to obtain and retailer maps.

Battery Life

GPS gadgets usually boast a for much longer battery life than that of a smartphone. Whereas it’s potential to function most elementary backcountry with a web-based mapping app and the power to cost your smartphone by way of an exterior battery brick. Those that wish to take their missions one step additional, will recognize the prolonged battery life (along with the extra rugged and water-proof design) obtainable in these handheld items. For this metric we examined every unit towards their producer claims whereas noting the battery saving ideas and methods to get essentially the most out of your gadget.

Of the gadgets that cost by way of USB cable, these gadgets required anyplace from 2-3 hours to completely cost from a lifeless battery, whereas different gadgets, just like the eTrex sequence merely require that you simply place 2 AA batteries into the unit earlier than it is able to go. A lot of the gadgets that we examined fell according to the marketed producer’s claims on their battery life. Most producer’s promote each default GPS and expedition mode. Normal GPS mode doesn’t embody monitoring as that is the simplest technique to drain your battery within the discipline. We like to consider expedition mode as a beefier model of “low energy” mode in your sensible cellphone, which dims the display and limits function in order to higher protect battery life. Maybe essentially the most spectacular when it comes to general battery life is the eTrex SE that boasts 168 hours in fundamental GPS mode and as much as 1,800 hours in expedition mode. We should admit that these numbers might differ primarily based on the precise use and configuration of your gadget in addition to the batteries that you simply select to inventory it with.

Different gadgets that boast spectacular battery life are the GPSMAP 67 with 180 hours in GPS Mode and up 840 hours in expedition mode. When testing these producer claims, we have been capable of obtain about 7 days of battery life strictly in GPS mode with out monitoring and roughly 30 days of battery life when set to expedition mode. To be honest, these measurements have been taken at 9,000 toes on the cusp of fall, the GPSMAP 67 was uncovered to chilly nights (20F) at an elevation of about 8,500 toes in Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Nationwide Park.

The inReach Mini 2 was one other spectacular gadget with an prolonged battery life. Our testing staff achieved roughly 650 hours of battery use in open sky whereas sending messages and monitoring very minimally. The gadget did not work as properly in treed canopies because it was draining the battery whereas continuously looking for a satellite tv for pc sign. Whereas monitoring an ascent of the 13,726 foot Bear Creek Spire within the Excessive Sierras, our staff utilized about 19% of the battery life to report our progress automotive to automotive. Afterwards, we turned off the gadget and it held onto that remaining 81% for six weeks inside our tent cabin, uncovered to colder temperatures.

The entire gadgets that we examined counsel varied battery saving modes and options to protect the general lifetime of your unit’s battery. Of the following pointers and methods, setting the gadget to expedition mode is the simplest. It limits the variety of tracks recorded along with robotically eradicating entry to Bluetooth, and so on. The one gadget that doesn’t function expedition mode is the eTrex 32x. Essentially the most useful battery financial savings strategies that we discovered outdoors of expedition mode included, dimming the display, merely turning off except messaging, utilizing in open cover versus a densely treed forest or tight slot canyon, make the most of the lock button function, turning off Bluetooth or wi-fi connectivity manually, and limiting the variety of satellites that you’re accessing for a extra correct and exact location.

Navigation Efficiency

Most trendy GPS items are extremely correct and might pinpoint the gadget’s location to a decision inside 10 meters. In line with Garmin, items that use the Huge Space Augmentation System (WAAS) could be correct inside 3 meters or much less. All of the gadgets we examined use WAAS. To get much more accuracy, you should purchase a differential beacon receiver and antenna to make the most of a distance correcting Differential GPS (DGPS). For comparability, trendy smartphones supply GPS accuracy of round 4.9 meters, based on GPS.gov.

Tall buildings, canyons, and bushes can interrupt satellite tv for pc alerts, slowing them down and decreasing your gadget’s accuracy. Clouds and climate, nonetheless, should not have an effect on reception. To get one of the best sign with the satellites, carrying your gadget outdoors your pack or in a light-weight waterproof layer is greatest.

GPS items talk with satellites orbiting the Earth which are designed to learn and triangulate alerts despatched from the unit. The Division of Protection manages the GPS community in the US, a sequence of 33+ satellites that transmit each positional and timing information. When a GPS unit contacts at the least 4 satellites, it could pinpoint your place precisely, though terrain and circumstances can actually have an effect on this function. Among the items we examined can even interface with different nations’ satellites, together with the 26 satellites of the Russian GLONASS system or 26 extra from the European Union’s Galileo community. The extra satellites, the sooner and extra precisely you possibly can establish your place. All handhelds use the WAAS (Huge Space Augmentation System) to extend accuracy. Satellites ship alerts to WAAS grasp stations on the bottom. This message is relayed to suitable receivers (like GPS items) to supply a way more correct location estimate. GPS items that use GLONASS, GPS, Galileo, and WAAS will supply one of the best reception.

Our testers discovered that the best performing — however sadly, additionally typically the most costly — fashions have a tendency to realize one of the best satellite tv for pc reception. Models just like the GPSMAP 67 embody a quad-helix antennae, that are fairly delicate even beneath dense protection. The GPSMAP 67 was the quickest and most correct unit we examined, as that’s the solely unit that would entry all three satellite tv for pc networks and enhance its sign with WAAS. Though the Montana 700 was practically as speedy because the GPSMAP 67, even fundamental items just like the eTrex SE impressed us with how shortly they may lock onto a sign after powering on.

Digital compasses — versus a mechanical, differential compass — additionally enhance accuracy when on the transfer and are included in costly items just like the Montana 700, however surprisingly in additional inexpensive items just like the eTrex 32x and inReach Mini 2. Even with out these additions, nonetheless, all the Garmin items we examined offered high quality reception. The entire items that we examined (aside from the inReach Mini 2) carry receivers that settle for each GPS and GLONASS satellites, so even price-point fashions — just like the eTrex SE — supply practically top-notch reception and accuracy in nearly each state of affairs. The inReach Mini 2 makes use of the Galileo and QZSS satellite tv for pc techniques.

Ease of Use

When our testers thought-about general ease of use, we began with the consumer interface, whether or not or not the setup was intuitive, how shortly the gadgets might join and obtain maps from different sources, in addition to many many extra particulars. It is necessary to consider the place you’ll be going along with your gadget and what it will must do for you. The map obtainable to your gadget for monitoring your actions is critically necessary as is the show display that you’ll be viewing this data on. These maps will decide the standard of the navigation help you obtain in addition to make it simpler for emergency providers to achieve you within the occasion of any emergency encountered within the discipline.

Some GPS items include only a rudimentary base map that distinguishes major cities, roads, and landmarks throughout the regional space of buy (in our case, the U.S.) however not a lot else. Of all of the gadgets we examined, solely the comparatively cheap eTrex SE, which sells for half the price of the following lowest value product within the lineup, the eTrex 32x, falls into this class. Its entry degree design lacks the extra superior preloaded TopoActive maps you discover upgraded fashions such because the GPSMAP 67 or Montana 700, and would not even supply the choice to buy such maps by way of a subscription like Garmin Discover. This limitation might be a substantial deterrent to some buyers and a motive to think about spending a bit extra to get precisely what you want.

Many higher-priced fashions come out of the field with preloaded maps like Garmin TopoActive, and/or such maps could be simply bought and uploaded as soon as they’re in hand. It’s also potential with some gadgets to obtain maps and satellite tv for pc imagery on-line free of charge, downloading picks to your private laptop earlier than then transferring these maps on to your particular GPS gadget to be used. The Montana 700 and GPSMAP 67 fashions make this simple, and web sites just like the United States Geological Survey supply a wealth of free spatial information. Equally, most states within the US additionally should distribute spatial information for gratis. If you need one of the best maps, typically free of charge, we advocate you additional discover the vary of information and mapping choices obtainable on-line. If you need extra handy, easy map entry to avoid wasting on time, you may get them for round 100 bucks out of your GPS producer.

The standard of satellite tv for pc imagery is essential for handheld GPS gadgets as clear and detailed photographs extra shortly present an correct location. The US Nationwide Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) shoots high-quality, free satellite tv for pc imagery (aerial images stitched collectively) for all the continental United States. It’s also possible to purchase satellite tv for pc imagery. Typically that is pointless as a result of you possibly can plan your routes in Google Earth after which ship information to your mapping software program and gadget. Satellite tv for pc imagery is tough to see on most GPS items and is never crucial for the backcountry. GPS items, just like the GPSMAP 67, include a free subscription to Garmin’s database of Birdseye satellite tv for pc imagery that may be downloaded on WiFi. The inReach mini 2 and the eTrex SE don’t have entry to this selection.

It’s also potential to entry maps by way of the Garmin Discover app subscription. This free software presents software program designed to arrange, analyze, and show the waypoints (a location that may be saved and accessed later for navigation and/or reference). The Garmin Discover app could be downloaded to your property laptop computer or smartphone earlier than syncing to your GPS gadget to make the most of the options at residence or within the discipline. It additionally information the tracks you gather along with your GPS. It is a easy and intuitive cross-platform that gives all the things a fundamental GPS consumer wants. For instance, you possibly can simply see waypoints or tracks in your smartphone or laptop display by way of Google Earth. We advocate viewing your proposed route in your laptop earlier than getting into the backcountry and making an attempt to entry the data for the primary time on the small display. On actually fundamental fashions just like the eTrex SE, a further app like Garmin Discover is important to be used because of the gadget’s lack of preloaded maps and add functionality, as with out it, the GPS unit would in any other case be rendered considerably ineffective. It has the power to trace the waypoints however on a really fundamental degree.

Every gadget that we examined has the power to trace waypoints with or with out the Garmin Discover app. You’ll be able to primarily mark a waypoint at your present location or mark a waypoint by getting into coordinates, after which the GPS gadget can be utilized to navigate towards that marked waypoint. Units just like the eTrex SE are non-mapping gadgets that can be utilized along with the Garmin Discover app, which may then group marked waypoints, geocaches, actions, and so on., into an information assortment that may be synced between the unit and the app for navigation within the discipline.

The “saved tracks” signify a group of tracks that join with a purpose to report your route, whereas the factors per monitor are indicative of the variety of location markers or factors per monitor that primarily create your monitor. As you possibly can see, gadgets just like the Montana 700 and GPSMAP 67 supply essentially the most tracks and factors per monitor, whereas gadgets just like the inReach Mini 2 supply the least.

One other necessary aspect to think about when buying your subsequent GPS gadget is the show display, which could be a key issue for ease of use and might run the gamut from micro-sized at lower than an inch squared (InReach Mini 2), to smartphone dimension at practically four-and-a-half inches by two-and-a-half (Montana 700). Are you after a compact model just like the 5.6 ounce eTrex 32x with a display that is lower than two inches squared, or are you prepared to haul further weight for perks just like the 14-ounce Montana 700 gives, with its bigger, easy-to-use, trendy touchscreen design? Is an enormous GPS display extra necessary since you want to shortly see data at a look whereas driving? Or are you prepared to squint for a extra moveable unit? Since all the items on this overview are handheld, none are enormous — however there’s a distinction in display dimension and show high quality amongst them.

For instance, the Montana 700, with a 5-inch diagonal display, presents the biggest display and the best high quality decision (480 x 800 pixels). Its smartphone-like touchscreen makes navigation simple, notably in a automobile. Touchscreens even have a sooner response time than button items. The GPSMAP 67 claims the following largest display dimension we noticed in our lineup at 3 inches diagonal, practically half the scale and greater than enough when it comes to decision (240 x 400 pixels) for a handheld unit. Nonetheless, it’s rather more cumbersome to function in hand because of the small button controls as an alternative of a touchscreen. This interface is a bit like stepping again in time, paying homage to the cell telephones within the early aughts, and it’s notably difficult for anybody who has grown accustomed to trendy touchscreen and zooming know-how. Of the smaller and extra fundamental choices that we examined, the eTrex 32x incorporates a shade display, though the monochrome show screens of the inReach Mini 2 and eTrex SE nearly really feel extra trendy and user-friendly.

The GPSMAP 67 has a 3.75 square-inch display — practically half the scale — however greater than enough when it comes to decision (240 x 400 pixels) for a handheld unit. Nonetheless, it’s managed by buttons as an alternative of a touchscreen, and this interface is a bit like stepping again in time, particularly for individuals who have grown accustomed to trendy touchscreen and zooming know-how. Of the smaller and extra fundamental choices that we examined, the eTrex 32x incorporates a shade display, though the monochrome show screens of the inReach Mini and eTrex SE nearly really feel extra trendy and user-friendly.

As a lot as we recognize the user-friendly nature of a touchscreen, it is necessary to notice the downsides: the function eats up battery life a lot sooner than options, can doubtlessly freeze in chilly climates, and is not essentially the most suitable with thick gloves. And, generally, touchscreen GPS items aren’t practically as superior of their design and performance as smartphones. For instance, the Montana 700’s battery can solely supply 18 hours of life in customary GPS mode, in contrast with the 180 hours you may take pleasure in with the GPSMAP 67 or as much as 336 you’d get with the InReach Mini 2 (relying on the configuration and use). In Expedition Mode, you possibly can anticipate to take pleasure in much more – button fashions will ship as much as double and even triple the variety of hours obtainable with the touchscreen Montana 700. Tremendous fundamental button gadgets just like the eTrex SE can ship as a lot as 1800 hours on a single cost when set to Expedition Mode. So, it actually comes down to private wants and preferences when weighing these trade-offs.

Portability

We examined handheld GPS items. These items are able to marking waypoints, monitoring your route, making notes, geocaching, pulling altitude profiles, and a lot extra. Some are even sufficiently small to put on round your neck, stash inside your pants pocket or on the highest of your backpack, and even clip to the shoulder or waist strap of your backpack. On the subject of off-the-grid navigation, handheld gadgets have gotten an increasing number of widespread amongst backcountry fans, notably as a result of they are so compact, light-weight, and moveable. It’s typically the case that essentially the most baseline gadgets supply the lightest design, nonetheless, the extra options that you simply add into a transportable GPS unit design, the bigger and heavier they change into. This can be a easy and goal testing metric, our staff merely weighed and measured every gadget, earlier than recording the measurements of every show display.

Not all items are created equal on the subject of general portability, so you will need to take into account whether or not you will carry your GPS in your pocket or plan to stash it in a backpack. The Montana 700 is by far the biggest and heaviest unit in our overview. The 700 weighs in at 14 ounces and measures 7 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches, about the identical size as our iPhone 15, simply double the width. Units just like the eTrex line fall on the different finish of the spectrum — each the eTrex SE and extra succesful eTrex 32x are sufficiently small to suit right into a pant’s pocket.

In the event you’re after the smallest and lightest GPS unit that we examined for this overview, try the inReach Mini 2. This small unit weighs solely 3.5 ounces, nonetheless, the tradeoff can be the smallest show display that measures roughly 1 x 1 inches. Whereas this gadget is ideal for these looking for to trace actions, examine in with family members out of service, or deploy the SOS operate in case of emergency, it’s restricted when in comparison with different feature-rich designs that we examined for this overview. As a consequence of its compact dimension and light-weight, our lead tester had no challenge tossing it into her operating pack when pursuing 50+ backcountry miles in a single day. Although each merchandise of diet, hydration, and emergency layering was thought-about in order to restrict weight, the Mini 2 required very minimal house contained in the small pack. Not solely did the SOS function and satellite tv for pc communication present peace of thoughts to our tester, but additionally peace of thoughts for individuals who have been her emergency contacts, ensuring that she accomplished the solo ultra-marathon by way of the Excessive Sierras.

Simply as a degree of comparability, there may be additionally a wide range of GPS Watches that may log backcountry journey data. These are widespread amongst path runners, mountain guides, hikers, and backpackers. They’re an ideal different to handheld items for those who’re trying to go mild however have a a lot shorter battery life and a considerably smaller show. They could not supply the identical capabilities as the hand held items featured right here.

Versatility

Most items we reviewed are astonishingly versatile; sporting capabilities properly outdoors navigation, starting from flashlight to calculator to texting. For this metric, we thought-about all the things from suitable apps, how properly they functioned out and in of service, one of the best software for the varied options, whether or not or not the gadget was waterproof, might be operated with gloves on throughout inclement climate, in addition to the storage obtainable inside every unit. A lot of the GPS items could be operated with gloves on throughout chilly climate pursuits similar to backcountry snowboarding, because of the push buttons and a considerably dated consumer interface much like an analog cellphone. The one exception right here is the Montana 700, which provides essentially the most trendy interface with touchscreen know-how. We can’t dive too deeply into each operate obtainable inside every gadget that we examined. Quite, we are going to focus on a couple of of crucial ones to assist information you.

Waypoints

You do not want that many waypoints to get you thru most backcountry journeys, even when it is a fairly prolonged journey. Even 500 waypoints is probably going greater than most individuals would want at any given time. These waypoints are additionally very simple to avoid wasting in your laptop after which delete when you’re again at residence. In the event you plan on compiling waypoints that have been documented throughout a number of journeys, conducting detailed science surveys, or embarking on a mapping mission, intention excessive. The waypoints obtainable on the items that we examined ranged anyplace from 1,000 to 10,000. The Montana 700 and GPSMAP 67 supply 10,000 waypoints every, whereas extra inexpensive items just like the eTrex SE provide only one,000. For a lot of of those items, you can too enhance your reminiscence with a microSD card. That being stated, the inReach Mini 2 and the eTrex SE will not be suitable with a microSD card, and the SE options very restricted inside reminiscence storage at a mere 28MB. The SE is greatest operated alongside apps just like the Garmin Discover app.

Geocaching

Geocaching is a comparatively new out of doors exercise, primarily utilizing a GPS unit or GPS software program for a scavenger hunt, searching for hidden treasures everywhere in the world. Most GPS items are arrange for this someway, and among the ones we examined have preloaded geocaches so you possibly can unpack and play. The entire items that we examined are setup for geocaching, aside from the inReach Mini 2. An enormous draw for the geocaching crowd is {that a} trendy GPS unit — with textual content show — permits them to go paperless. For these looking for an entry-level possibility that enables entry to this worldwide phenomenon, the Garmin eTrex SE is a stable consideration, because of its accuracy and battery life, that is obtainable for a extra inexpensive value.

Digital vs. Differential Compass

The cut-off level between fundamental items and people which are extra refined is often an digital compass. This enables a unit to show your heading whereas held in place. In distinction, you must be shifting for a differential compass to work correctly. For some, this can be a nice benefit — say, throughout a whiteout subsequent to a cliff edge. Many mountain guides desire an digital compass as a result of it makes navigating sooner and simpler. The entire handheld GPS gadgets that we examined for this overview provide an digital compass.

Barometric Altimeter

One other function that separates high-performing gadgets from base fashions is a barometric altimeter, which makes use of a small sensor to detect air stress and calculate altitude as an alternative of counting on positional information alone. Barometric altimeters additionally mean you can monitor climate patterns and traits, which could be helpful within the mountains when data of an incoming storm is essential. The entire GPS gadgets that we examined for this overview provide a barometric altimeter, aside from the inReach Mini 2.

Wi-fi Functionality and Sensible Notifications

Excessive-performing GPS gadgets are capable of share wirelessly — these gadgets come geared up with Wifi, Bluetooth, and ANT+ know-how. A suitable receiver can shortly ship monitor and waypoint information to a different gadget wire-free. One member of our testing staff famous that this function is very useful if in case you have one other group that’s about to embark on the identical route you simply accomplished. Previous to the second group’s departure, it’s potential to sync the gadgets and share your route in a matter of minutes. We extremely advocate investing in a tool with wi-fi functionality and sensible notification for these consumer teams desiring to share monitor data with others within the discipline.

One other nice function is sensible notifications. You’ll be able to sync your smartphone to your GPS and obtain textual content messages or social media updates on the unit. Excessive-end items just like the GPSMAP 67 sport this excessive degree of technicality, nevertheless it does take a while and know-how to arrange. This can be an possibility for those who do not wish to take your cellphone out of the backpack whereas staying related. Wifi, Bluetooth, and ANT+ have change into commonplace in a lot of the GPS gadgets which are obtainable at this time. ANT+ is a protocol that enables gadgets to wirelessly transmit information from one gadget to a different. This can be a good possibility for these looking for to switch information gained within the discipline to a different gadget that has a higher possibility for storage or for out of doors fans who search to switch health marks similar to weight scales, pedometers, coronary heart charge, and so on. Of the gadgets that we examined, every gadget has ANT+ compatibility aside from the eTrex SE that’s solely suitable with bluetooth. The Montana 700 and the GPSMAP 67 are the one items which are suitable with all three wi-fi choices. The inReach Mini 2 presents Bluetooth and ANT+, whereas the eTrex 32x is provided with ANT+.

The Garmin Discover app is a superb companion for a lot of the gadgets that we examined for this overview. All gadgets aside from the eTrex 32x could be utilized alongside the Garmin Discover app, which primarily presents an in depth topographic map in your smartphone that permits you to map, monitor, and share your information whereas off the grid. When you can obtain the app free of charge, some choices require a subscription. The Garmin Join app can be free to make use of and would not require a month-to-month subscription. Garmin Join is a fitness-focused app that enables customers to trace exercises, well being stats, and actions, sync information with different apps, and show information to encourage pals. The Montana 700 and GPSMAP 67 are suitable with the Garmin Join app.

Conclusion

GPS items could be a necessary backcountry instrument for these adventurers who prioritize off the grid navigation and communication, nonetheless, they’re fairly an funding. For many backcountry fans, a smartphone and a free mapping app can actually get the job achieved, particularly for these with newer sensible cellphone know-how that additionally provides the essential SOS function ought to one thing surprising happen throughout your journey. For individuals who are planning a multi-day journey within the backcountry (particularly novices) which are primarily guided by a paper map and compass, scouting a number of sophisticated routes off path, or conducting lengthy discipline surveys, a GPS unit could be extremely useful. If you’re going that deep in your explorations, you may as properly take into account investing within the general accuracy and battery life supplied by a devoted handheld GPS unit.