Never get lost again. With a handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) device you will always know where you are. Modern GPS units have an accuracy of 10-20 ft and will show your position on a preloaded map and help you navigate along your route.
Unlike the SatNavs most of us have in our cars, handheld GPS isn’t designed to give you step-by-step instructions along roads, but they are invaluable for navigating outdoors while hiking and walking. Although you should always have a map and a compass when hiking as a backup, good battery life is important. Pack some spares too. Large screens are easier to read and it’s good to be able to store routes in your device. Some GPS will connect to your phone to add functionality. Here are the handheld GPS units we recommend.
Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
Tough GPS with reliable performance
This rugged handheld navigator comes preloaded with a worldwide base map to view on its 2.3-inch monochrome display. Waterproof to IPX7 standards, it has support for fast positioning and a reliable signal thanks to a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver. Powered by two AA batteries, it can store waypoints and elevation points to estimate time and distance.
Garmin GPSMAP 64sx Handheld GPS
Color display and built-in altimeter
Preloaded with Topo Active Maps, this handheld GPS has an altimeter and compass plus a 2.6-inch sunlight-readable color display. The high-sensitivity receiver has a quad-helix antenna and GNSS support. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and has a battery life of up to 16 hours in GPS mode.
Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro
Synch with five devices and store tracking data
Connect up to five devices at a time via Bluetooth with this standalone GPS that has a large backlit LCD screen. Storing up to 100 hours of tracking data, it’s rugged and splash-proof to IPX4 standards. The battery life is extra-long and it has a 10Hz reporting rate. It’s compatible with iPhone and iPad.
goTenna Mesh
Communicate GPS locations off-grid
These two off-grid SMS and GPS devices pair with Android and iOS phones so you can chat, send texts, and location information in areas without cell service or wi-fi. Your chats are end-to-end encrypted and you can send emergency broadcasts to all nearby users. The free app includes offline maps for any region in the world.
Bottom line
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A good handheld GPS unit is essential for all hikers and walkers. You can’t rely on your phone when you’re in the wilderness and these dedicated units are tougher and have a longer battery life. We recommend the Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator. It’s a classic GPS from the brand that dominates the whole sector and good value for money. It does everything you want a handheld GPS unit to do and won’t let you down or let you get lost on the trail.
For a failsafe way to communicate without any phone signal or wi-fi, the goTenna Mesh cleverly gives you your own network where you can share your GPS location and other information between the units. It adds another vital function to a GPS unit that a phone can’t match.
