

This is a great emergency or backup feature for those navigating difficult areas.Ĭreate a waypoint, track, or destination before leaving home and upload the information to your GPS to use its simple functionality to track your route as you navigate. The GPS will passively track your route as you walk and you can activate the “TracBack” feature to retrace your steps. Instead of the map features available on the other units we’ve reviewed, this unit operates on a simple waypoint and tracking navigation system. It operates on a conservative two AAA batteries which promise long battery life due to the black and white screen and simple operation. With a slight departure from the mapping GPS units we’ve been looking at, this GPS is simple, sleek, and efficient. Connectivity: Garmin Connect, USB, WiFi.In my opinion this is the best handheld GPS for hiking with a lithium-ion battery for awesome battery life to boot!. While it’s not as fancy as the high resolution, touch screen displays of some of the more expensive models, you’ll be hard pressed to find a user with something negative to say. Honestly, this would probably be my go-to choice for reliability, efficiency, and effectiveness.
GARMIN BACKTRACK BLUETOOTH
They’ve even kept the GPSMAP upgraded and it now features the industry standard 3-axis compass and wireless Bluetooth and ANT connectivity. While the 2.6” 160x240 pixel display won’t win awards for clarity or contrast, it’s extremely battery efficient. There are few better qualities in a hiking GPS than those!Ĭhoose from several different models with preloaded maps in either the US or Canada, there is also a MicroSD card slot to add as many maps as you want. This low-resolution screen, button interfaced GPS unit (GLONASS satellite capability) is waterproof, accurate, durable, and reliable. Possibly the most well-loved GPS unit in use among the hiking community, Garmin has been making the GPSMAP 64st handheld unit for longer than I can remember.
GARMIN BACKTRACK HOW TO
Let’s take a look at the top-rated handheld GPS, then we’ll talk about how to choose the best one for you in our guide. Garmin InReach Explorer+ Satellite Communicator.Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS.Quick Answer: The 7 Best Handheld GPS For Hiking

Best Hiking GPSįor more of my hiking & backpacking recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Hiking Compasses, GPS Hiking Watches, Hiking Backpacks. Whatever your needs, a GPS is an indispensable modern piece of navigation equipment for the hiker. Others use GPS units exclusively for navigation off trail or following a pre-charted route with great accuracy. While it’s still quite popular, Geocaching is another way to use a handheld GPS. The best handheld hiking GPS units have come a long way since then and become much more affordable. If you’re not familiar, Geocaching is a “sport” where participants hide and seek “treasure” stashes around the world using GPS. I bought my first GPS when Geocaching was a brand-new hobby. Some hikers use GPS units as supplements to map and compass. Many hikers refuse to enter the wilderness without a hiking GPS.
