Today, many hiking GPS offers are available. For beginners and experts alike, it is often difficult to choose and understand the differences between several handheld GPS units.
This buying guide will inform people interested in choosing and purchasing a handheld GPS for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, cycling or geocaching, off-road or marine activities (paddle boarding, surfing, sailing, kayaking, fishing).
The choice of your handheld hiking GPS will depend on your needs, and it is not always necessary to buy a high-end device!
On the other hand, if you are thinking of a more compact and muliti-purpose orientation tool, you could choose a hiking GPS watch. Buying guide here.
Check these hiking GPS reviews and you'll be fixed!
Table of Contents
- Comparison Table of the 5 Best Handheld GPS for Hiking 2021
- Reviews of the top 5 best hiking GPS in 2021
- Garmin eTrex 22x - Easy to Use and Durable
- Garmin eTrex 32x - Versatile and robust
- Garmin Oregon 700 - The Most Affordable in the Oregon Series
- Garmin GPSMAP 66sr - The Most Accurate GPS
- Garmin Montana 700i - The 5-inch Display GPS
- FAQ about Hiking GPS
- inReach Global Satellite Communication by Garmin
- Why use a handheld GPS for hiking?
- Handheld GPS for Hiking: How to make life simpler by making it safer
- What to consider before buying a handheld GPS for hiking?
- How do you use a GPS for hiking?
Comparison Table of the 5 Best Handheld GPS for Hiking 2021
Last update on 2021-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Reviews of the top 5 best hiking GPS in 2021
"Updated October 2021"
Garmin eTrex 22x - Easy to Use and Durable
Features:
- Autonomy: 25 Hrs
- Compass: NO
- Altimeter: NO
- Screen Size: 2.2 in
The Garmin Etrex 22x is a compact handheld GPS device, ready to be used in the most demanding environments and with maximum durability. Garmin has created this device for use in the mountains, cycling, hiking, bicycle touring and the outdoors in general.
The Garmin Etrex 22x at a glance
- Garmin - eTrex 22x - Hiking GPS with TopoActive mapping for US and Canada
- 2.2-inch sunlight readable color display
- Preloaded TopoActive maps to guide you on the roads during your bike rides or on the trails during your hikes
- Multi-GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) (GPS and GLONASS) for even greater accuracy in difficult environments
- An easy-to-use and durable GPS
The main advantage of the Garmin Etrex 22x is its durability and ease of use.
Virtually any user can learn to track routes and view maps with it easily (we don't need to download or install them), and it's also a very affordable device.
The Etrex 22x's screen is just the right size for easy viewing of trails, and its brightness is excellent for daytime use.
With 65,000 colors, readability is good for viewing all data during physical activity, and the 240 × 320px resolution is a good compromise between sharpness and battery life.
Pre-loaded maps for tracking routes
One of the highlights of the Garmin Etrex 22x GPS are the Topoactive maps, which include all the information for North America, (for other parts of the world, you may have to purchase the maps) and can be used for activities such as running, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, fishing and geocaching.
Overall, the Garmin Etrex 22x is a great companion for outdoor activities, and I like the high level of detail on the map: all sorts of roads, buildings and natural features appear, but also landmarks such as important places in urban areas.
PROS
CONS
Last update on 2021-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Garmin eTrex 32x - Versatile and robust
Features:
- Autonomy: 25 Hrs
- Compass: YES
- Altimeter: YES
- Screen Size: 2.2 in
If I had to define it in any way, I would say that it is the most versatile, complete, reliable and robust hiking GPS on the market for less than $300.
It's impossible to go wrong with this tool.
How do I know that? Because it's the updated and refined version of our beloved eTrex 30, which has given us so much joy since 2012 and continues to do so.
Indeed, the Garmin eTrex 32x is a Garmin hiking GPS with mapping capability, running on two AA batteries (25 hours autonomy) and without a touchscreen, which is great if we are going to run it with gloves on.
In addition, it has a barometric altimeter, a 3-axis compass and resists water to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes (IPX7).
It is easy to use and allows you to focus on navigation without too much confusion. It is robust (unlike a smartphone).
In fact, it runs on AA batteries that are easy to replace and use.
The screen is easily readable in sunlight.
The preloaded Garmin topographic maps have good trail coverage.
The software is stable and works perfectly. No need for improvements, the interface is easy to use.
Just for you to know, the joystick may require some skill, especially with gloves.
The device turns on easily when you touch the joystick.
On the other hand, the 8 GB internal memory is loaded with Garmin topo maps and does not leave much room for additional maps.
As a result, you'll need a micro SD card if you plan to load additional maps or large data. The USB connector and the mini-USB are included with the device.
PROS
CONS
Last update on 2021-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Garmin Oregon 700 - The Most Affordable in the Oregon Series
Features:
- Autonomy: 16 Hrs
- Compass: YES
- Altimeter: YES
- Screen Size: 3 in
Easy to use and packed with useful features, the Garmin Oregon 700 is the most affordable GPS in the Oregon series.
This series features dual orientation touchscreens (landscape and portrait view) that work like a smartphone, making them intuitive for casual users.
Simple functionality combines with dazzling features in a device that is ideal for a wide variety of adventures in reasonable weather conditions.
It is also ideal for those who wish to follow multiple activities, such as hiking, trekking, cycling and fishing.
General characteristics of the Garmin Oregon 700
- Garmin - Oregon 700 - Hiking GPS - 3'' color touch screen
- GPS and GLONASS satellite reception for more accurate tracking than GPS alone in steep areas
- 3-axis electronic compass with accelerometer and barometric altimeter
- 3'' touch screen with dual orientation (landscape or portrait mode)
General appearance
It's the cheapest option in the Oregon series, but it still offers plenty of options in a simple-to-use device.
A relatively large and bright screen is a big plus, but the 16 hours of battery life may seem short.
But because you can change the AA batteries wherever you are, it will never run out of power.
Compact and lightweight, it's also convenient to carry in a backpack or jacket pocket.
The Oregon 700 is a great choice for sunny weather, where the touch screen really shines.
In cold weather, however, it's a little less reliable, especially if you use alkaline batteries.
Takeaway
The Oregon 700 is probably a bit much for short geocaching trips or casual Sunday hikes.
In that case, a smartphone app will probably be more than sufficient.
But this is not unique to the Oregon 700. Any mountain and hiking GPS can be too expensive if you're not a hiker or don't like adventures.
As a GPS device and mountain guide, it is intuitive, reliable and fun to use.
However, it may not be the best choice for activities in icy climates and involving the constant wearing of gloves.
But if you want a high-end GPS unit that's powerful, easy to use and works reliably in climates that everyone will want to enjoy, this is a good buy for you.
PROS
CONS
Last update on 2021-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Garmin GPSMAP 66sr - The Most Accurate GPS
Features:
- Autonomy: 36 Hrs
- Compass: YES
- Altimeter: YES
- Screen Size: 3 in
Garmin's most accurate outdoor GPS: a GPS that features multiband technology and supports a multitude of GNSS for maximum accuracy in the most challenging environments such as heavy tree cover and canyons.
It is equipped with altimeter, barometer and compass sensors, as well as routable TopoActive maps for North America and Canada and BirdsEye satellite imagery.
A high-precision GPS for difficult conditions.
Description of the Garmin GPSMAP 66sr
- There's no need to squint with this large, anti-glare color display.
- Multi-band technology and multiple GNSS support allow you to navigate in difficult areas.
- Maps as beautiful and detailed as photos - without subscription.
- Clearly display peaks and valleys with TopoActive maps.
- Having Active Weather is like having your own weatherman for every trip (when paired with your smartphone).
- Discover new horizons with a battery life of up to 36 hours in GPS mode and 450 hours in Expedition mode.
- Integrated led light flashlight
PROS
CONS
Last update on 2021-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Garmin Montana 700i - The 5-inch Display GPS
Features:
- Autonomy: 18 Hrs
- Compass: YES
- Altimeter: YES
- Screen Size: 5 in
Garmin Montana 700i : Design
Screen
The Montana 700i's large 5-inch touchscreen display is literally the largest screen in the brand's portable hiking GPS units.
This screen is great because it can show you a ton of information about your surroundings, and it's relatively easy to see.
The downside is that the GPS is a bit bigger, and heavier than most other devices.
The touchscreen will display many maps, and is very responsive for scrolling.
It's easy to see in the sun, no matter how bright it is, and you can adjust the brightness to save battery life. You'll have no problem interacting with it in light rain.
inReach Satellite Messaging
Another great feature of the Montana 700i is the included inReach feature.
inReach is a two-way satellite messaging service with SOS capability.
With the push of a button, you can send search and rescue messages to anyone, anywhere in the world.
inReach operates on the Iridium network with 100% global coverage (needs subscription).
The QWERTY keyboard is great for typing long messages. The touch screen is nice to use because it is fast and responsive.
Weather reports & inReach subscription
The inReach will also allow you to pull weather reports via the Inreach subscription.
Keep in mind that the Montana 700i, like every device with inReach, needs a subscription plan to work.
You can turn the subscription plan on and off when you don't need it, but the satellite tracking feature will stop recording.
Montana 700i: MIL-STD 810 protection rating
The Montana 700i GPS complies with the MIL-STD 810 standard, which makes it resistant to extreme temperatures (-33 to +60°C), shocks, water and vibrations.
This protection rating is the rating system the U.S. military uses to test the durability and strength of electronic devices.
Having tried several older GPS devices, I can attest that the screens are often a weak point for manufacturers. But not with this model.
It is also IPX7 rated, so it will withstand to be dropped in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Light rain and accidental drops will not be a problem for this GPS.
Garmin Montana 700i: Topoactive Maps
The Montana 700i comes preloaded with Topoactive maps for U.S. and Canada.
These are topographic maps with relief shading, making it easier for you to see what the terrain you're on looks like.
You'll also have access to routable off-road paths and trails, based on OpenStreetMap open source data.
If you see a dirt road, or trail, on OpenStreetMap, then it will be included on the topoactive maps to view and navigate.
The topoactive maps receive regular updates, which you can install via the Garmin Express application. It's really nice to know that regular updates are issued.
Montana 700i : BirdsEye satellite imagery
Satellite imagery is a great planning tool for hiking, which will allow you to have a GPS track and topographic maps.
Many smartphone applications today offer users the possibility to access offline maps, some with satellite imagery. But Garmin has its own solution called BirdsEye Satellite Imagery that you can download via Basecamp. However, it requires an annual subscription to use.
This is a really useful feature for finding trails, and landmarks that are not on your topo maps.
Recent satellite images will easily show main trails, old roads and lakes, if you have downloaded them before you go.
BirdsEye can only be used via wifi, so you'll need to download the maps offline before leaving home.
Track management
Trail management is very similar to all other Garmin GPS units.
You can add new trails via Garmin Basecamp on your computer, or via the app. The GPS will need to be connected to your smartphone or PC to transfer your tracks.
However, you won't have any way to display all the tracks on the device's map at once. Instead, you'll have to browse the maps one by one, and activate the tracks. So if you want to see an entire network of trails, it will take some time.
Garmin Montana 700i : VERDICT
The Garmin Montana 700i GPS with inReach is a fantastic GPS for hiking.
Its large touchscreen will show you lots of details on the trail, and is easy to use.
The built-in inReach will allow you to call for help, if needed, from anywhere.
The GPS is quite heavy overall, but if you're looking for a solid unit for hikes and adventures, and you can afford it, the Garmin Montana 700i is just right.PROS
CONS
Last update on 2021-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
FAQ about Hiking GPS
What is the best hiking GPS unit to buy?
The essential criteria for selecting the best hiking GPS are:
- battery life
- quality of GPS signal reception
- compass
- altimeter
- memory
- robustness and water resistance
- screen size
Do I need a handheld GPS for hiking?
You would need a GPS for hiking if you want to:
- Visualize your position on the screen; a marker simulates our position and moves as we move. Several scales, several representations are possible. The background on which the mark moves is either a neutral background or a map.
- Record your route: a succession of points called waypoints are stored in the GPS.
- Follow a route: you try to superimpose the marker of your location with a route.
- Go to a place; the destination is a waypoint and the GPS shows you a course to follow.
- Follow a path on a map; you want to overlay your location with the path marker.
And don't forget some natural uses:
- when you get lost, to find your way in the fog.
- to explore, without precise preparation, looking for paths following the map background.
- to retrace your steps by following the same path in the opposite direction.
Finally, an obvious and compulsory precaution; always carry a paper map and a compass, add an altimeter when in the mountains because electronic devices are not immune to breakdown or battery failure.
What is the most accurate handheld GPS?
To define which handheld GPS device is the most accurate, we must first understand how accuracy is achieved.
The accuracy of atomic clocks
Synchronization? Yes, because our position can be deduced from the travel time - between the transmitting satellite and the GPS receiver - of the signal.
The information from the two clocks must, therefore, be extremely precise and synchronized.
A shift of one microsecond results in a positioning error of some 300 meters!
Hence the use of atomic clocks. It is these clocks - plus some relativistic corrections - that make the precision of the GPS.
Since our handheld units are not equipped with such clocks, the timestamp is produced by the atomic clock embedded in a satellite.
GPS chips and devices
Some GPS chips can provide accuracy to the centimeter but, for the moment, they are still too expensive and energy-intensive to be available to the general public and therefore remain reserved for specific uses (driverless car, precision farming, military applications, etc.).
As for our GPS units and smartphones, they offer a precision that oscillates, for the best of them, between 5 and 10 meters, which is already quite interesting.
GPS, GLONASS and GALILEO constellations
You probably already know that besides GPS there are two others positioning constellations, the Russian GLONASS and the European GALILEO (there is also the Chinese BEIDOU but not operational yet).
The accuracy of positioning is 3 to 5 meters for GPS satellites, a little less good for the Glonass constellation and in the order of a meter for Galileo, thanks in particular to the atomic clock onboard each satellite, which is more recent and therefore more accurate.
The harmonious use of the two infrastructures (dual source) brings a real advantage in terms of accuracy and safety in the event of failure of one of the two systems.
So we can safely say that hiking GPS units combining GPS and Glonass systems are the most accurate when it comes to positioning. You can find such feature in almost all Garmin models.
THE FOUR CONSTELLATIONS of geopositioning satellites:
CONSTELLATIONS of geopositioning satellites | nationality | financing | altitude | number of operational satellites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GPS | USA | Military | 20,200 km | 31 |
Glonass | Russia | Military | 19,100 km | 24 |
Galileo | European Union | Civilian | 23,222 km | 21 (26 launched) full deployment in 2020 |
Beidou | China | Military | 21,528 km | 21 - full deployment in 2020 |
inReach Global Satellite Communication by Garmin
Even if it does not allow you to make calls, the Garmin inReach technology is still a tool that offers many possibilities that allow you to communicate wherever you are in the world.
To this end, it uses the Iridium satellite network, for which global coverage is known to be reliable. To access it and communicate with your inReach device, you must subscribe to an annual plan or opt for a flexible monthly schedule.
This gives you the ability to communicate by satellite to not only send and receive SMS, but also to exchange messages with all mobile numbers and email addresses. Connected to the GEOS worldwide search and rescue coordination center, this device allows you to send an interactive SOS message.
Being also a handheld GPS, the Garmin inReach SE+ and Explorer+ series are a valuable tool to avoid getting lost in your outdoor adventures.
Similarly, a connection with other inReach devices within range allows interaction with them. From the free Earthmate application installed on a compatible mobile device, you will access downloadable maps after pairing. There are many other options available to you.
The InReach Mini, on the other hand, provides global messaging and interactive SOS plus basic GPS and compass page navigation. It can pair with a smartphone, tablet or compatible Garmin outdoor device to access topographic maps, aerial imagery, U.S. NOAA charts and other advanced features.
Last update on 2021-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why use a handheld GPS for hiking?
A handheld hiking GPS can display your position on the screen, record your route, follow a trail, head to a specific location or follow a path on the map.
You can use before the hike to prepare the trail, during the trek to follow a path and after the hike to analyze the data.
A GPS is useful for hikers, hunters, fishermen, but also for geocache fans, mountain bikers or motorcyclists.
It replaces the paper map and the compass for navigation. A point on the screen shows your position on a map, and a line indicates the route you have just taken while an arrow points to your destination. It's as simple as that.
Besides the usual guidance on a map, the latest models offer a touch screen that is readable in full sun, a barometric altimeter (more accurate than GPS for altitude) and an electronic compass.
A handheld GPS is a classic solution for hiking because it offers robustness, low price, and autonomy.
A GPS map for hiking is entirely waterproof, sturdy, and works simply with AA batteries. It is an option that has proven itself for hiking, treasure hunting, or geocaching (I talk more about geocaching a few paragraphs below).
Here are pros and cons:
PROS:
- Reliability
- Robustness
- Autonomy
- Readability
- Ease of use
CONS:
- Need to buy or download maps
- Need to buy a memory card
- Works with batteries
Handheld GPS for Hiking: How to make life simpler by making it safer
A hiking GPS meets a simple need and does it well: the need to orient yourself correctly at all times and in all circumstances, during outdoor activities.
A true guardian angel
Have you ever been caught in the middle of your hike in a fog so thick that you couldn't see more than 5 meters in front of you? This is not an experience you would like to live through without a handheld hiking GPS.
You find yourself unable to orient yourself, and if weather gets bad, your exciting excursion will quickly turn into a nightmare.
Great for hiking, but not only!
Although often used in hiking, this type of positioning device can be used for many other activities. Are you a fan of strenuous mountain bike rides? Long horseback riding? Or maybe your gig is to hurtle down a mountain on skis?
All these activities can be made safer and easier to organize with a handheld GPS.
You can also use these devices for another lesser-known type of outdoor activity: geocaching.
Geocaching: A new kind of treasure hunt
Do you not know what geocaching is? It's simple: it's a community treasure hunt. An adventure for all ages to love.
Do you have children? You must have them try this! I do not know about you, but personally, this is the thing I would have loved doing when I was a kid.
Okay then, you're probably wondering what exactly it is, right?
So it's very simple: people hide small boxes containing a guest book where you leave a brief record of your passage. They then share on the Internet the geocache GPS track to the entire world.
You download the map, transfer it to your unit, and go for the adventure. Rather cool, right?
There are millions of geocaches scattered all around the globe. It is often an opportunity to discover new and exciting places you probably would never have found otherwise.
What to consider before buying a handheld GPS for hiking?
These devices often have so many features, and it can overwhelm and sometimes it gets confusing to know what to look for. That is why I have listed for you the features to check first so you can easily find the model that suits you best.
Battery Life
Having a tool with the latest technology is helpful. But do you think your handheld GPS will still be useful when the battery is dead?
So it is essential to buy a model with sufficient autonomy.
The models with the best battery life are around 25 hours. Needless to say that if it can hold 3 to 4 long days of hiking, you will have peace of mind.
The quality of reception of the GPS signal
During a hike, you're likely to find yourself in places where the reception of the GPS signal is not the best. Do you usually climb mountains? Cross large and dense forests? These places are usually not known for good reception satellite reception.
With poor signal, the accuracy of your position will be significantly reduced, and sometimes, may even become unusable.
Compass
Having a built-in compass in your hiking GPS is something I consider essential. It will allow your device to tell you which direction you are heading, even if you are not moving.
Without a compass, you cannot know which direction you are turning, if you are not walking or moving forward.
While this feature may seem basic, you won't find it in all models. Think to check for this detail, if you consider not being able to do without a compass.
Altimeter
The altimeter is also a function that will improve your location. It will provide more information about your trip, and allow you the calculation of height differences along your path.
If the altimeter has also a barometric function, it will turn your handheld GPS unit into a real weather station. It may well plot weather forecasts based on changes in air pressure. Rather nice if it can warn you of a storm, don’t you think?
Memory
A larger memory allows more storage of information and maps. An extension of memory with a micro-SD card is quite useful.
The internal memory may also be used for data storage only, so you will have to store your cards on a separate micro-SD card.
Robustness / Resistance to water
It is always best to have an extra-sturdy device. You'll have no nasty surprises in extreme weather condition.
Imagine yourself caught in a storm with your top-notch model? It takes on water, goes down, and here you are unable to orient yourself.
Of course, for more occasional use, this criterion may be of lesser importance.
The screen
Entry level hiking GPS devices have mostly monochrome screens.
Is it out of the question for you to use such a screen? No worries, there is something to satisfy everyone.
The latest models will offer a color touch screen of excellent quality. But for this, you will have to spend at least a hundred dollars more.
If it is an important selection criterion for you, check this point before buying.
How do you use a GPS for hiking?
If every GPS brand uses its own interface, making it difficult to describe precisely the steps to follow to set up and prepare your device for your hike, the method remains the same for all.
To take full advantage of it, you need a background map to locate yourself and a track (or waypoints) to guide yourself.
Principles of GPS
The Global Positioning System is a network of 24 satellites (originally) owned by the US military.
With 12 satellites for the northern hemisphere and 12 for the southern hemisphere, it allows, thanks to a GPS receiver (a hiking GPS for example) to get its position on earth with an accuracy of about ten meters.
The receiver needs to pick up at least 4 satellites to determine its position.
Besides the satellite network, there are two terrestrial networks, WAAS in the United States and Canada, and EGNOS in Europe.
They allow you to refine the positioning accuracy to about 3 meters in covered areas (requires that your receiver system is WAAS/EGNOS compatible, and the option activated).
Today, with our increasing reliance on GPS, and to meet the competition, the USA are expanding their network (31 satellites to date) to improve the accuracy and reliability of the system.
Because the GPS satellite constellation is not unique, Russia has the GLONASS network and many GPS receivers are compatible with it.
By capturing two different constellations, GPS and GLONASS, these receivers allow a better reliability and accuracy, especially when they only capture few satellites (in the bottom of a valley, in a dense forest...).
In 2020, Europe will have its own network called Galileo. Comprising 30 satellites, it will offer an accuracy of a few meters and will be compatible with the EGNOS ground network.
Also know that China is deploying its own system.
Using a hiking GPS
You can either use a hiking GPS as a primary or backup orientation and navigation tool.
In this second case, it is mainly used to position oneself on a map, when lost for example.
Simply read the coordinates it shows and plot them on the map to get your immediate location.
You can also use it to quickly transmit your position to the emergency services in the event of a problem.
Of course, to take advantage of all the features, you must use it as a primary navigation tool.
Using a handheld GPS requires preparation before your hike if you want to take full advantage of its capabilities once in the field.
To do this, you will need:
- A digital map
- A track to follow and/or waypoints
Digital maps to use with GPS
There are two types of maps for GPS.
The raster map which is, to put it simply, a paper map that has been scanned.
It is often more economical, but less suitable. For example, the more you zoom in on the map, the blurrier it gets and the slower it loads on the screen.
Whereas the vector map is digitally redrawn, layer by layer where each element is independent.
This allows you to isolate elements by filtering them to make them more visible.
For example, to give more prominence to hiking trails to better distinguish them from the rest. It also offers the advantage of having no loss of quality at any zoom level.
Digital maps are produced either by the geographical institutes of the country concerned, such as the USGS for USA, IGN for France, or by paper map publishers, or by community projects, such as OpenStreetMap, which offer free global mapping.
For the first two cases, GPS manufacturers offer on their site the purchase of these digital maps to download.
You can also buy them in bookshops (you buy a memory card to insert in the unit or a code giving the right to download).
They are usually expensive, but they are the most complete.
For community projects, they are often country specific, so you have to do some research on the internet to find them.
There is only OpenStreetMap that covers all countries in the world. These maps are often free, but a little less complete.
With an increasing number of users, they are over time more and more detailed and often sufficient.
If TwoNav (mostly for Europe) proposes these maps to download on its site for a few dollars, making the installation easier, to install them on a Garmin model, you have to do it by yourself by downloading them from OpenStreetMap sites here.
GPS track and waypoints
One advantage of handheld GPS is the ability to display the track of the route you are following on a background map.
To do this, a file in GPX format (standard format for exchange between GPS units) has to be copied to the device containing the tracks and waypoints of the hike to be carried out.
GPS tracks can be retrieved from other hikers on sharing sites, such as Wikiloc which covers the world.
Their advantage is that they make it possible to find many traces easily, but on the other hand no verification of the traces is done.
If a person got lost, took a detour, it will be recorded in the GPX file.
It is important to study the track (see which path it follows) before you leave, to make sure that this is the path you intend to follow.
Some tourist offices, organizations, topo-guides also sometimes offer tracks to download.
The second option is to draw your track. With the software corresponding to your handheld GPS, Land for TwoNav, BaseCamp for Garmin, and the digital map installed, you just have to draw the route of your hike by following the hiking trail on the map.
It is also possible to add waypoints on important places, such as refuges, passes.
There are alternatives to the software of GPS manufacturers that are not always easy to use, with planning sites like Komoot or OutdoorActive.
AllTrails is also an interesting site for recorded trails.
These sites are easy to use and have many map backgrounds.
You can also draw your itinerary using GoogleEarth software, which has the particularity of using satellite images as a background map.
Record your journey
In addition to the guidance, a handheld GPS can record (in a GPX format file) the entire route taken.
This allows you to review your hike when you come back on a software like GoogleEarth, to save it for your next hike, to publish it on GPS track sharing sites.
GPS applications for smartphones
While GPS applications for smartphones are often more intuitive to use and above all more economical (no hiking GPS to buy), their use is more limited.
It is advisable to use them for short hikes (low battery life) or as a backup to the paper map as a secondary orientation tool.
For hiking in the mountains or abroad, it is imperative to choose an application that works in offline mode (i.e. without an internet connection), such as OsmAnd or ViewRanger.
For regular use, on hikes of several days, it is preferable to invest in a hiking GPS. It remains, to this day, more adapted, more reliable, more robust, more autonomous than a smartphone.
Once the map and the trails are installed in the GPS, all you have to do is activate tracking so that the device guides you through the trails, and depending on its options, it can also display a lot of information, such as the distance to the next pass, the ascents made and remaining, the walking time to reach the next hut.
But above all you will always know exactly where you are and the direction you need to follow to reach your destination.
If in good weather, on a marked trail, it may seem futile, on unmarked routes and/or in bad weather, the GPS is of great use.
No matter which handheld GPS unit or application you choose, it always takes time to learn how to use them. It is important to practice using it and to know your tool well before relying on it for routine use.
One last word, a hiking GPS has one major flaw, with its small screen, it does not allow you to have an overview of your route. That's why it's important to always keep a paper map with you.
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Great post, and great website. Thanks for the information!
You’re very welcome Floyd.
How times have changed. My hiking days are long gone. Nothing like GPS devices to help us then. I’m intrigued by the use of the Russian GLONASS system and how the device synchronizes it with GPS.
I know what you mean, my dad is still hiking and the least I managed him to take along is a cellphone.
It is a handy device when combined with proper software, it can really give some new options in new or old trails.
GLONASS is actually a not so bad option when combined with GPS when it comes position accuracy, plus it has a better accuracy at far North and far South latitudes.
Just getting into hiking, didn’t even know there were gps devices. I do like my stats so the pedometer and pressure readings sound amazing. I would go with a garmin as I have never been let down by my car satnav. The 102+ looks ideal
Yes Carl, stats are nice, make you improve yourself.
The 102+ is such a cute little device, the smallest you can find.
Now that I am retired, I have more time for the day trips I like to do by myself.
For those trips I’d be happy with the BackTrack D-Tour GPS.
However, I’m thinking of taking some 2- or 3-day trips that aren’t very challenging.
I’m going to hold off on my purchase until I decide where I am going and what the conditions are going to be. That way I can tailor the device to what I actually expect to need, depending on my comfort zone.
Even the most expensive device is cheap life insurance.
Thank you for your comment Richard.
I never would have thought I would ever need a hiking GPS until I got lost in the mountains for several hours because of heavy fog.
The Bushnell BackTrack D-Tour is an excellent device to have along on day hikes and even on multi-day.
I’ve heard really good things about all the Garmin devices so I’m sure the GPS is very reliable. The inReach is a great feature. Where I live many people have to rescued by the Navy while on hikes because they have gotten hurt. This feature could literally save your life.
You’re right Bryan, the inReach Explorer is surely a lifesaver feature in very remote areas of the planet.
Make sure that you try out a sample GPS before you purchase it. My own Garmin does not accept all of the new maps. Garmin does accept some Alaska maps and Magellan GPS does not.
Thanks for the great post, Lara.
Thanks Tim for your input.
Always make sure you have the latest version of Garmin Express to download maps.
As an alternative, you can always try to download OSM maps, they are pretty detailed.
I had a Garmin satnav a while ago and yes I would recommend Garmin. I didn’t realize that these devices had altimeters? That’s an interesting feature. But birthday is just around the corner, I must share this article with my wife!
Haha! Excellent way to guide your wife to buy the perfect birthday gift.