Did You Know
Due to rough weather conditions and poor satellite signal reception, most hiking GPS devices don't work indoors or in thick forests.
A hiking GPS also known as a 'Walking' or a 'Handheld' GPS helps users know their exact position in an unknown location. An extremely popular gadget, it is usually preferred by those who indulge in adventurous recreational activities. A hiking GPS uses the satellite based Global Positioning System, managed by the US Department of Defense to identify its location. The system is dependent on satellites that broadcast signals from the outer space to the earth.
At present, even smartphones come with an internal GPS or its operating system offers some excellent navigational apps, but operating these phones in rough terrain is extremely risky. They can easily get damaged, shut down due to water exposure and even run out of battery. However the present generation GPS devices are 100% waterproof, rugged, and have batteries that can run for almost 14 to 18 hours on a single charge.
Hiking is great fun, but getting lost in unfamiliar destinations can be annoying and quite dangerous. In such instances a hiking GPS can prove extremely helpful not only for hikers or outdoor sports enthusiasts, but also to forest officers, wildlife photographers, and law-enforcement agencies.
Best Hiking GPS Devices
Garmin GPSMAP® 62
- Display Resolution: 160x240 pixels
- Battery Life: 20 Hours
- Built-in Memory: 1.7 GB
- Camera: No
- Electronic Compass: No
- Paperless Geocaching: Yes
- Price: $300
The Garmin GPSMAP® 62 comes with a built-in worldwide basemap with shaded relief, which makes navigation a piece of cake. With its high-sensitive WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix® satellite prediction, the device can determine the user's exact position even in the most remotest location. With an internal memory of 1.7 GB, the device can add infinite maps, it also supports BirdsEye Satellite Imagery that helps download satellite images, and integrates them with the maps. Through Garmin Connect, users can get a detailed analysis of their activities, and also explore different routes shared by millions of other Garmin users.
Garmin Oregon® 600
- Display Resolution: 240x400 pixels
- Battery Life: 16 Hours
- Built-in Memory: 1.5 GB
- Camera: No
- Electronic Compass: Yes (tilt-compensated 3-axis)
- Paperless Geocaching: Yes
- Price: $400
Another brilliant Garmin product, the Oregon® 600 possesses the most brilliant sunlight, readable touchscreen, that is impact resistance and glove-operated. Its built-in 3-axis electronic compass with accelerometer tilt compensation provides the exact direction to the user, even when he/she is standing still, or not holding it level. The WAAS and GLONASS enabled GPS receiver and HotFix® satellite prediction, helps to predict the exact location even in heavy forest covers and deep valleys. The wireless sharing feature makes the sharing of waypoints, routes, geocaches, large size photos, Garmin Adventures, and Custom Maps to other compatible Garmin handheld devices an easy task.
DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w
- Display Resolution: 220x176 pixels
- Battery Life: 14 Hours
- Built-in Memory: 3.5 GB
- Camera: No
- Electronic Compass: Yes (tilt-compensated 3-axis)
- Paperless Geocaching: Yes
- Price: $350
The DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w comes with a magnificent 65k color screen that makes reading an easy task in poor light conditions. The sensitive barometric altimeter helps in determining the precise elevation, and 3.5 GB of internal memory is extremely helpful in the storage of various maps. Its WAAS enabled GPS receiver ensures that the user knows his/her exact location. The PN-60w is also capable of an exclusive 2-way satellite text messaging when there's no cell phone coverage. The device contains TOPO North America GPS maps and PC software, the latter being an extremely useful full-featured travel planning, routing and GPS resource.
Magellan eXplorist 510
- Display Resolution: 240x400 pixels
- Battery Life: 15 Hours
- Built-in Memory: 2 GB
- Camera: Yes
- Electronic Compass: No
- Paperless Geocaching: Yes
- Price: $280
One of the best touchscreen GPS devices, the eXplorist 510 only carries two hardware buttons that can be programmed to the most used functions. With its rugged and waterproof exterior, the device's software is capable enough to present detailed maps and accurate navigation. It also contains a 3.2 megapixel camera, microphone, and a speaker to help record images and notes. The already installed World Edition Map presents 2D or 3D viewing angles, and also contains the navigational details of every country. The pre-loaded World Edition Map contains a complete road network of United States, Canada, Western Europe and Australia and major roads throughout the world. The device also contains Magellan's OneTouch that makes operating the various functions of the device an easy task.
Garmin eTrex® 20
- Display Resolution: 176x220 pixels
- Battery Life: 25 Hours
- Built-in Memory: 1.7 GB
- Camera: No
- Electronic Compass: No
- Paperless Geocaching: Yes
- Price: $199
One of the most popular devices from the Garmin e-Trex series, the e-Trex 20 features a 2.2 inch, 65k color and sunlight-readable display. The device is strong and durable and is resistant to dust, dirt, humidity and water. It comes with a series of compatible mounts, and can be easily used in ATVs, bicycles, boats and cars. The device also supports BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, that allows the user to download satellite images, and integrate them with your maps. Its WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix® satellite prediction helps to track the user even in the most remotest locations.
Garmin Dakota® 20
- Display Resolution: 160x240 pixels
- Battery Life: 20 Hours
- Built-in Memory: 850 MB
- Camera: No
- Electronic Compass: Yes (tilt-compensated 3-axis)
- Paperless Geocaching: Yes
- Price: $280
The Dakota 20 ensures features an easy to operate sunlight readable, touchscreen display, and is resistant to bumps, dust and water. Its built-in 3-axis electronic compass shows the exact location of the user even when standing still, or not holding the device level. Like all Garmin products, the Dakota 20 also contains a WAAS-enabled receiver with HotFix® satellite prediction to track down the user's exact location at all times. The device comes with a worldwide basemap for easy navigation, and users can share data with other compatible Garmin devices. With the help of Garmin Connect, users can keep a tab on their activities and also share their experiences on social platforms.
In addition to the huge range of GPS models, there are a number of accessories like a battery charger, carrying case, portable friction mount and a USB cable that are available for users. Other than determining the exact locations, a hiking GPS can be used for special activities like geocaching which involves the hunt for treasures hidden outdoors in containers called geocaches. A hiking GPS is an extremely helpful product for people who are frequent travelers and often indulge in hiking trips in unknown territories.
