Best Handheld GPS Reviews 2023 for Hunting, Hiking & Surveying

Searching for the best handheld GPS device to keep you on the correct way when climbing or wandering into the wild? Our aide will assist you with picking the right one for your requirements, and at the best cost.

The majority of us have become exceptionally used to relying upon GPS-prepared phones and vehicles to find ourselves in developed regions, yet when you’re out in the more extensive world things are unique. It’s far-fetched you’ll have the option to depend on cell inclusion to download maps, phones are seldom worked to focus on roughness. In remote places, a device that utilizations satellite positioning with worked in maps is the arrangement.

Our Top Picks

Regarding the matter of the term GPS, we will generally utilize it to mean every positioning satellite, yet actually it alludes to the American Global Positioning System. Both the EU and Russia have their own options Galileo and GLONASS individually. Devices with numerous systems can be a bit quicker or exact.

A feature called WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) can expand precision from around 10 meters to inside 3 more often than not in North America; In Europe a comparable framework exists called EGNOS. Area satellites, but precise, are not really for interchanges, The capacity to utilize satellite networks like Iridium is something else entirely (see our different manual for satellite phones).

What Are the Best Handheld GPS Devices?

These compact palm-sized GPS units can give inward feeling of harmony and effortless certainty on your next stumble into the wild or across the world. This is what to know:

Communication: Some of the best handheld GPS devices incorporate a CB, GMRS (two-way radio help), or worldwide inclusion that lets you text from anyplace. A SOS feature can be a strict lifeline as well, interfacing you with assistance any place you are. WiFi and Bluetooth can likewise prove to be useful to synchronize your different devices ready, giving you more control just as choices to browse on the going with application.

Display: A full-shading display is great to have, yet not really a deal breaker on the off chance that there isn’t one – straightforward high contrast illustrations can in any case take care of business for fundamental off-network route, and the unit will commonly cost way less as well. Try not to expect cell phone measured screens on these either, as they’re altogether more modest, for the most part under three inches. Assuming you’re heading off to some place with unreasonably brutal daylight, a screen that is intended to be meaningful in brilliant conditions is great

Strength: It’s great all the time to have a GPS unit that is waterproof and weatherproof, explicitly assuming you’re bringing this thing profound into the outside. A rating of IP65 or higher implies that it’s secured against water and residue. An elastic grasp around the edges offers assurance, but at the same time is substantially more agreeable and secure to clutch.

Charging: Since these are intended to wander a long way from a power source, the batteries are generally lithium particle or something almost identical that can be re-energized and last some time, up to and around 18 hours on ones with displays, with the choice for reinforcement AAs

Extras: Some of these have things like an inherent camera for retagging, expandable capacity, and maps with micros cards. There are unlimited extras, yet zeroing in just on what you’ll really utilize will assist with holding the expense down.

5 Best Handheld GPS of 2022 – Comparison Table

5 Best Handheld GPS Reviewed in Detail

TOP PICK

9.4/10 Our Score

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Specifications:

• Brand: Garmin
• Color: Brown
• Screen Size: 2.2 Inches

For those looking for a clear GPS that doesn’t forfeit much as far as unadulterated route execution, the Garmin eTrex 32x boxes well over its weight-class when contrasted straightforwardly and further developed units. A superb worth that doesn’t hold back as far as reception and handling speed, this device even comes preloaded with Garmin’s Topo Active basemap, which offers adequate information for the people who would rather not play with finding and transfer individual maps. The accessible exactness connecting the two GPS and GLONASS networks is just improved by the expansion of a barometric altimeter and a 3-hub advanced compass — two sensors frequently just saved for considerably more costly GPS units. However, this upgraded ability some way or another doesn’t influence its size and weight. Similarly as little and lightweight as different models in the eTrex line, this reduced GPS can without much of a stretch be buried in a pack or threw into a pocket for a day climb.

Our Verdict:

There are still a few limits to this generally great handheld. Despite the fact that it has the capacity for routable route, the somewhat small screen isn’t sensible for finding your direction around another city by means of vehicle or even every day driving. It is additionally still a lot of a base-level GPS unit — despite the fact that it upholds Garmin’s BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, it doesn’t offer similar degree of network as further developed units. Likewise, many used to current UIs will find the joystick and T9-style consoles awkward or dreary contrasted with the standardized accommodation of a touchscreen. Yet, as either a fitting and-play choice for basic route or a strong, minimized, and fit GPS for undertakings, the eTrex 32x presents a reasonable choice with further developed capacities.

Pros

• Sensibly estimated
• Incorporates a barometric altimeter and electronic compass
• Minimized and lightweight

Cons

• Little screen
• Absence of network
• Monotonous UI

EDITORS CHOICE

9.4/10 Our Score

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Specifications:

• Brand: Plastic and Metal
• Color: Black/Orange
• Are Batteries Included: Yes

The Garmin GPSMAP 64sx held our best position for various years, yet we’ve supplanted it with the GPSMAP 66i for 2022. With the 66i, you get Garmin’s exceptional route devices in a rough plan, close by the additional advantage of satellite informing and SOS by means of in Reach (Garmin obtained the organization in 2016). For voyagers headed into regions without cell administration, the capacity to send and get messages, share a track, access climate gauges, and start salvages is a distinct advantage, and definitely worth the extra $250 (note: a membership plan is needed to utilize the informing and SOS features). To finish it off, the 66i’s equipment is top tier inside the GPSMAP setup, including a high-goal 3-inch screen, noteworthy battery life (200 hours in power save mode), 16 GB of memory, and Wi-Fi availability.

Our Verdict:

Like a large portion of Garmin’s GPSMAP contributions, the 66i features an outer radio wire, ABC sensors, and multi-GNSS support (GPS and Galileo), and is viable with both Proactive planning and Birdseye satellite symbolism. These navigational instruments will take care of business for most clients, yet remember that devices like the GPSMAP 66sr and 65s offer better exactness with extended satellite help. And keeping in mind that the 66i’s lithium-particle battery is durable and battery-powered, some may see the value in the basic comfort of AAs that you get with the 64x and 65 series. Minor problem to the side, the GPSMAP 66i is an amazing device, and its capacity to send and get messages through satellite is absolutely a sign of where the GPS market is going.

Pros

• A top notch GPS device with satellite informing/SOS

Cons

• Expensive and not quite as exact as numerous different choices here

EDITORS CHOICE

9.4/10 Our Score

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Specifications:

• Brand: SkyCaddie
• Color: Black
• Are Batteries Included: Yes

While it probably won’t appeal to Mark Twain, this could be a definitive gift for golf lovers – a variation of the handheld GPS with 35,000 courses mapped out inside (update through wi-fi). When taken to the course, it will progressively turn dependent on your angle of view, and as soon as possible track down the map and demonstrate your yardage. You can show your objective region – how far you think you’ll get – and it’ll re-course appropriately. You can likewise add the day’s pin position, assuming that you know it. The grasp causes it to feel similar to a ruggedized PDA (as does the screen and fairly excess 13 megapixel cameras). As you finish each opening, you can enter your score, adding whether you missed shots left or right, all of which build up useful details to assist with your game.

Our Verdict:

Regardless of whether this is a fundamental gadget most likely relies upon the quality of cell inclusion at your golf course, however the appeal is clear.

Pros

• +No requirement for view like laser locaters
• +Shot following to gauge your details

Cons

• – No SD card space dissimilar to eTrex 20x
• -Membership administration kicks in following a year

EDITORS CHOICE

9.4/10 Our Score

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Specifications:

• Brand: Garmin
• Are Batteries Included: No
• Screen Size: 2 Inches

While, stringently talking, this shouldn’t be remembered for a rundown of handheld gadgets, we contemplated that it goes very close to the hand and it’s positively a beneficial elective we were compelled by a sense of honor to put before you. The thick structure may be somewhat unsubtle for a cutting edge spy, yet the enormous buttons make activity simple even exposed and the gadget has a USB association for a natural association framework.

Our Verdict:

It is provided with Applied Ballistics Elite programming, so ought to demonstrate ideal for trackers, and you can share your area by means of Garmin Connect Mobile in cell regions

Pros

• +Worked to MIL-STD-810G military norm
• +Without hands utilize conceivable more often than not
• +As long as seven days in low battery mode, and an entire month in observe just activity

Cons

• -Mono screen
• -Less discrete than a savvy and telephone

EDITORS CHOICE

9.4/10 Our Score

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Specifications:

• Brand: Garmin
• Screen Size: 1.5 Inches
• Color: As shown

The Garmin Oregon 700 ($400) could be viewed as a pared-down form of the Garmin Montana 700i. On account of a huge 3-inch shading touchscreen, the Oregon 700 offers an instinctive UI suggestive of a cell phone.

Contrasted with the Montana 700i, this model is more modest and more minimal, which could be a fortunate or unfortunate thing relying upon your requirements. For hiking or different types of for the time being boondocks travel, we like the more modest size since it’s lighter and occupies less room yet at the same time offers huge loads of elements and simple to-utilize appeal.

However the Oregon 700’s 16-hour battery life is on the more limited side, it compensates for this with amazing stockpiling abilities that can hold up to 10,000 waypoints. Like the greater part of Garmin’s handheld GPs gadgets, the Oregon 700 can get to both the GPS and GLONASS satellite organizations through an underlying radio wire.

In the availability class, the Oregon 700 can be associated with your cell phone through Bluetooth to show dynamic climate designs on its own screen. Fast to react to all touchscreen orders, clients can anticipate little disappointment from the Oregon 700 when involving it in the field.

Due to its huge touchscreen and absence of actual buttons, this gadget is best utilized in warm and dry environments where the client will not be utilizing gloves. However the entire gadget is water-appraised to IPX7, the screen turns out to be practically pointless when wet.

Our Verdict:

Generally, the Oregon 700 is a top notch gadget that consolidates innovative extravagance with a conservative size, a decent worth, and heaps of commonsense highlights. Contrasted with the Montana 700i, the Oregon 700 is more modest and lighter, which probably appeals to those attempting to keep a lightweight pack.

The Oregon 700 is additionally less expensive at $400. For $50 more, this model is additionally accessible with an inherent camera. By and large, we prescribe this gadget to any individual who needs a cutting edge handheld GPS for use in environments that doesn’t need the client to wear gloves.

• Battery life: 16 hours
• Weight: 7.4 ounces with batteries
• Memory: 3.4 GB and viable with microSD

Pros

• Lightweight
• Huge cell phone like touchscreen
• Simple to-learn interface
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi network
• Highlight rich
• Can hold up to 10,000 waypoints
• Seldom slacks

Cons

• Screen is inoperable while wearing gloves
• More costly than comparative choices

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Handheld GPS Device

However handheld GPS gadgets have been accessible for quite some time, ongoing advancements have endlessly worked on the abilities of the choices accessible available in 2021.

While a portion of the gadgets on this rundown center rigorously around giving quality GPS mapping and position following, different choices likewise offer a not insignificant rundown of extra highlights, for example, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi availability, touchscreen shows, satellite informing, crisis highlights, altimeters, compasses, and then some.

With such countless accessible elements and loads of great choices, it tends to be hard to explore the market and sort out which handheld GPS best suits your necessities. Keep in mind, the ideal gadget is the one that will add the most advantage to your life and your navigational interests.

Before you buy, think about your necessities. It might even be useful to make a rundown of elements that are non-debatable for you. Deciding your spending plan before you start shopping may likewise help, as gadgets available change ridiculously in cost from $100 to more than $700.

We suggest each gadget on this rundown. Through cautious examination and item testing, we have aggregated a rundown of very much made, excellent handheld GPS gadgets. Our aide for how to pick intends to clarify different elements and phrasing you’re certain to experience as you search for a handheld GPS.

Gathering

The positional precision of handheld GPS gadgets has worked on consistently throughout the long term. Presently, excellent gadgets, for example, the ones on this rundown can pinpoint the client’s area inside an edge of 10 m or less. As indicated by Garmin, the maker of various gadgets on our rundown, units that are outfitted with the Wide Area Augmentation System can be exact to 3 m or less.

In scenes both metropolitan and lacking, enormous highlights, for example, gullies and high rises can intrude on your sign and reduction the exactness of your GPS gadget. Mists and turbulent climate watch out for not sway your sign. To keep a reasonable sign with satellites, it assists with conveying your gadget on the outside (not in a pocket) of your back or under a solitary layer of slim material.

Convenience

Each handheld GPS gadget has a remarkable UI you’ll need to learn as the gadget’s administrator. A few gadgets, similar to the Garmin eTrex 10, are worked utilizing few basic buttons, while others, similar to the Garmin Montana 700i, depend on an enormous shading touchscreen show.

Regardless of the setup of your gadget, we suggest investing some energy perusing the client manual and working on exploring with your gadget before you head out into the boondocks.

Huge touchscreens will generally offer a more limited expectation to absorb information on account of their enormous, splendid, and brilliant showcases. These sorts of gadgets rush to learn for individuals acquainted with cell phone use, yet they additionally accompany a few disadvantages.

Most quite, touchscreen handheld GPS gadgets are hard to utilize when the climate is cold or wet. While out hunting, fishing, or climbing, almost certainly, you’ll be wearing gloves. Basically, you can’t work a touchscreen with gloves, which delivers top of the line gadgets like the Garmin Montana 700i warm-climate explicit.

For a very simple to-utilize handheld GPS that uses buttons rather than a touchscreen, we suggest the straightforward and affordable Garmin eTrex 10.

To manage the issue of glare and radiant day lucidness, Garmin’s new models have been designed with against glare screens that make maps and information simple to interpret — even in direct sun.

Out of the crate, most GPS gadgets accompany an extremely oversimplified map that shows little insight regarding the territory. A few very good quality gadgets accompany various maps preloaded, each showing specific data and tourist spots like streets, trails, and lakes.

Numerous gadgets permit you to buy extra maps and transfer them to the gadget. A few sources, for example, the United States Geological Survey, offer free spatial information that can be added to your gadget.

Battery Life

Numerous handheld GPS gadgets actually depend on AA batteries, which are modest, speedy to supplant, and effectively open. Notwithstanding, assuming you’re taking off on a long campaign where admittance to a store is impossible, you’ll need to bring a possibly irritating quality of new batteries to keep your gadget working. While AA batteries stay a choice, a few makers are presently making gadgets with battery-powered battery packs as a viable other option.

Battery-powered batteries can decrease weight and set aside cash over the long run. Numerous open air experts and recreationists convey battery packs and sun powered chargers, which are minimal methods of re-energizing a handheld GPS in the field. Many models that have battery-powered batteries are additionally viable with AA batteries as reinforcement.

Contingent upon the length of the outings you’ll be taking with your gadget, focus on a handheld GPS that has a long battery life while in dynamic GPS-empowered modes. Commonly, one of the compromises of huge touchscreen gadgets is that they will generally have a more limited battery life than button-worked other options.

Mapping

Each handheld GPS accompanies a fundamental map, which is basically a clear screen that incorporates the most important neighborhood elements and that’s it. Numerous advanced Garmin items accompany a preloaded base map with form lines that pass on height, focal points, and significant path and streets.

On most gadgets, maps can be added to refine the default base-level map to make a more point by point format of the landscape around you. Keep in mind, extra maps take up memory, so be certain your gadget isn’t full to add more maps. Also check the amazing product review about The 9 best kayaks of 2022.

A few shortsighted gadgets like the Garmin eTrex 10 can’t acknowledge new maps. Others, similar to the Garmin Oregon and Montana models, can be entirely redone