Best GPS for Hiking and Outdoor Adventures: Our Top 9 Picks

The Garmin GPSMAP 66i is a feature-rich handheld GPS and satellite navigator built for even the gnarliest adventures. In fact, despite being jam-packed with features, its rugged durability might just be its best perk. Drop it, sit on it, send it tumbling downhill, or dip it in water and it will still work. It is, all told, pretty much the Chuck Norris of navigation devices… only smarter.

Thanks to the pre-loaded, top-end Garmin TOPO mapping software, it is possible to map out complex routes even when the Wi-Fi and mobile phone signals become a distant dream. You can also then easily follow your route on the large, 3-inch sunlight-readable color display.

It’s got a rechargeable lithium battery which provides 35 hours of battery life but, with some tweaking of the settings, you can squeeze up to 200 hours out of it. This makes it great for backpacking and a serious contender for the best GPS for thru-hiking.

The 66i also tracks GPS and Galileo satellites simultaneously, which speeds up connection to satellites and improves positioning accuracy.

Other impressive features include interactive SOS to the GEOS 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center, 2-way messaging, accurate weather forecasting, multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems support, and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth technology and ANT+ technology.

The Garmin Foretrex is an ultralight, hands-free unit constructed to military standards. While it’s one of the most affordable options on our list, it offers a lot of powerful features typically only found on far pricier units.

You’ll always know exactly where you’re roaming thanks to 3 satellite systems, a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis compass, and a barometric altimeter. You’ll even enjoy a 2-day runtime in navigation mode.

One of its outstanding features is the ability to wear the Garmin Foretrex as a watch thanks to the included wrist strap. It’s also the only unit on our list that features a night vision mode, which earns it a place amongst the best models out there for overnight trips in the backcountry.

Overall, the Garmin Foretrex offers a lot of value at a reasonable price. It’s a good compromise between affordability and the slightly more precise navigation of some of the pricier models on our list.

Garmin is known for having some of the most dependable products on the market and has always led the way in GPS solutions. If the Foretrex is the ideal low-cost solution, the inReach is the high-end, luxury alternative. This product has all the bells and whistles you could want and more.

First and foremost it has a clear 2.31″ screen, which displays the birdseye satellite imagery in detailed color maps. Although not wearable, this compact device is almost as powerful as most smartphones on the market today.

In addition to the standard electronic compass and barometric altimeter, it incorporates a barometer and accelerometer to track real-time speed and altitude information. It is capable of sending SOS signals with the touch of a button, and can even support two-way text messaging if you have the associated subscription.

Real-time location sharing with other users, water resistance, and the ability to incorporate NOAA weather maps and color satellite imagery make this device one of the most complex on the market. Despite this complexity, however, it’s wonderfully easy to use.

If you’re looking for an ultra-reliable unit with fantastic reception, consider the Garmin GPSMAP 64sx.

Thanks to its quad-helix antenna and multi-GNSS support, the 64sx is one of the most accurate devices out there, even more so than the winner of our review and its successor, the GPSMAP 66i.

On top of its superb reliability, this handheld GPS is insanely easy and intuitive to use. The large buttons make navigation a cinch, even with gloves on, and the menu is completely customizable. While not everyone will be fans of the buttons, this is one of the easiest units to use on our list, along with the Garmin InReach Mini.

There is, however, one small drawback. The Garmin GPSMAP 64sx has a limited battery life of just 16 hours, so you’ll want to pack extra batteries for longer trips.

If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use device, look no further than the eTrex 32x. The eTrex 32x is much more basic than the rest of the items on this list but still comes with preloaded TOPO maps, GLONASS support, and much more, all of which make it impressive for the price.

It features a 2.2″ touch screen which shows your maps and data in perfect color and with 25 hours of battery life, it’s good for a weekend adventure, or longer if you pack extra AA batteries.

A cheaper version of the eTrex 32x is available in the eTrex 22x, which was released at the same time as the 32x to replace the hugely popular eTrex 20. The 32x differs from the 22x and its predecessors by offering the ability to add custom maps, a barometric altimeter, compass, and ANT+ compatibility (which allows monitoring devices to trade data).

With a device in this price range, you lose a lot of features as compared to top-end models, such as SOS and two-way messaging, and the smaller screen may prove a sticking point if your eyesight isn’t the best.

We’d recommend the 32x to anyone who wants more features and functionality than rudimentary models like the old eTrex 10 or the eTrex 22x without the added expense of higher-end models like the Garmin Montana.

If you are happy to do without custom maps and a compass, then we recommend you save yourself some cash and opt for the eTrex 22x.

If you’re looking for a device that looks and feels like a smartphone, try the Garmin Oregon 700.

The Oregon 700 is, simply put, a more compact and cheaper version of the Montana 700i. Like the Montana, the Oregon 700 has a touchscreen display that can be used in landscape or portrait mode. Both offer accurate location data courtesy of GLONASS and GPS tracking and have 3-axis compasses and barometric sensors.

The main differences are that the Oregon has a smaller, less detailed screen (3”) and, with an active satellite subscription, allows two-way messaging and lets you send an interactive SOS to the GEOS 24/7 monitoring center if sh*t hits the fan.

That said, if you pair your Garmin Oregon with a smartphone, you’ll receive smart notifications like calls, texts, emails, and weather forecasts as long as you’re within signal range.

Despite having a bucket-load of fancy features, the Oregon 700 is easy to use. Reception is smooth and fast, and you can store over 10,000 waypoints. It also lets you create and track multiple profiles for all your favorite outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and fishing.

All told, the Garmin Oregon makes a fine choice for both casual adventurers and seasoned hikers. For a reasonable price, you get a smartphone-like unit with self-orientation. Only the Garmin GPSMAP 66i offers similar value.

Small and compact, the Garmin inReach Mini is a lightweight GPS device designed to help you both navigate safely and maintain off-the-grid contact.

Despite its small size (about the palm of your hand), this little handheld unit packs some powerful features. With the help of the iridium satellite network, you’ll get 100% pole-to-pole coverage with no gaps.

In practical terms, that means if you ever hike out of cell phone coverage you’ll still be able to send messages, contact emergency services, and get active weather forecasts. Another neat feature is the ability to track and share your journey online, so your family and friends can stay up to date on where you’re roaming.

The Mini also has an impressive 90-hour battery life at 10-minute tracking and a 24-day battery life at 30-minute tracking. That’s the highest on our list, so it’s a solid choice for longer trips and thru-hikes.

The downsides? Well, the small, black-and-white interface and button controls mean the Mini isn’t ideal for navigation, so is best paired with a cell phone. While this is perfectly okay, many buyers may object to the necessity of carrying a second device and, potentially, a charger to keep that device’s limited battery life topped up too.

The Garmin Montana is a beefy handheld GPS device about the size of a thick smartphone. Thanks to its XL size, this GPS features an unparalleled 5-inch diagonal touch screen with impressive resolution.

Despite this large, seemingly fragile screen, the Garmin Montana is insanely tough. It boasts a rugged, military-grade construction and its IPX7 rating means that it’s fully waterproof to boot.

Thanks to one of the most powerful antennas of any device we reviewed, the Montana is one of the most reliable units out there. You’ll also find many TopoActive maps preloaded into the device and a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter sensor for accurate navigation.

All this power comes at a cost, however. The Garmin Montana is the heaviest and bulkiest GPS device on our list, so it’s not the best choice for minimalist, weight-conscious hikers or backpackers. But if you don’t mind carrying the extra ounces, few other handheld GPS devices offer such exceptional satellite reception, fast processing, and precise sensors.

Looking for an affordable device that still gets the job done? If so, the Magellan eXplorist is well worth considering.

The eXplorist 110 is an entry-level unit designed with just the essentials in mind. If you only hit the trail occasionally, this could be the right choice for you.

The Magellan is a small unit that’s intuitive and easy to use. Its small size makes it easy to fit into your pocket or throw in your bag.

Despite its affordable price, the 110 offers several handy features, including the ability to mark waypoints, a sunlight-readable screen, and a detailed road network with maps for over 200 countries.

Overall, a great entry-level option for occasional hikers.