The best GPS devices for trekking and hiking: guide to buying the best device for our needs
Il GPS for trekking and hiking has now become the most important device for all outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks to GPS, you can search for the best routes for walking or running outdoors. Or again, for extreme hikers, being able to always have a point of reference even in emergency situations, thanks to devices that will always offer you an experience in total safety. Furthermore, the addition of features such as barometer, compass and altimeterallows you to carry as few objects as possible, making the “journey” more comfortable and light.
With this guide we will try to help those who have not yet decided whether or not to buy a GPS device for trekking and hiking. We will see the different characteristics of the various devices, and the market price. Below you will find all the products chosen for you.
Which one to choose?
In this guide we will try to understand, always following our tastes and our needs, which GPS to buy, or at least which to dwell on. We have a wide selection of products for outdoor experiences. We have selected a few especially for you. Among all the devices taken into consideration, we have narrowed the field to these 5 that we are going to present to you. Among these, Garmin branded devices are especially popular (here for more information).
Garmin Montana 610 Portable GPS, 4 ″ Touch Screen | Best GPS for Trekking and Hiking
This portable GPS has a barometric altimeter and a three-axis compass. The GPS is really fast and is able to position the subject very precisely. The program has a Truck Manager which allows you to customize the user experience both in terms of easy operation and for the paths to be taken. Inside the GPS there is one base map but you can add more simply by inserting a micro SD. Display 4 inch, touch screen, color, dual orientation. Inside the GPS there is an integrated camera from 8 megapixel so you can take photos with geolocation and be able to remember any place.
Garmin ETREX 32x – 2.2 Portable Color Navigator | Best GPS for Trekking and Hiking
The GPS has a mini screen from 2.2 inch with lighting that can be easily seen even in very strong direct sunlight. The map installed inside is European but there are also 8 gigabytes of memory if you want to expand the maps via a card micro SD which is not included in the package. The GPS satellite receiver is Glonass. Inside there are also altimeter and three-axis compass. The system is compatible with many outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, mountaineering, cycling and many more.
TwoNav – GPS Trail 2 | Best GPS for Trekking and Hiking
The GPS has been designed down to the smallest detail for all lovers of trekking and hiking. Especially for those who prefer a small but extremely precise navigator. Indeed, the signal is both GPS and Glonass and Galileo. Localization therefore has three integrated positioning and will make everything really fast. Memory is of 16 gigabyte. The battery is long lasting, it has about 20 hours of autonomy. The screen is big enough, measure 3.7 in and it is very resistant even if it is not touchscreen: there are four buttons that can be used for various commands. Inside the package there is the connection for the bicycle, the USB cable, various types of software, space on the Cloud and six-month subscription to See Me.
Garmin eTrex 10 Portable Gps, B / W 2,2 Screen | Best GPS for Trekking and Hiking
The portable GPS has a very small size, with a monochrome screen and a 2.2 inch. Illumination is visible in any light condition. The device is very resistant and is also waterproof so it can also be used for fishing or hiking in the rain. The GPS receiver has a high sensitivity and this allows a very fast and precise positioning. The system is compatible with Garmin Connect.
Garmin inReach Montana 700i GPS Navigator with inReach Technology | Best GPS for Trekking and Hiking
GPS with further updates and upgrades compared to Montana 600, but obviously you belong to a higher price range. Among the various features we have; two-way messaging, sending GPS location to your page MapShare web-based to allow those returning home to follow your journey. Then the button was implemented lateral SOS to start a save with GEOS Emergency Response. This service is included in yours inReach monthly subscription.
Key features of the best GPS for trekking and hiking
After taking a look at the main GPS models, let’s see what are the features to consider when choosing a good device. In fact, the following are the main features and characteristics for a 100% useful GPS.
Weight and size
For those who practice trekking or excursions (both for beginners but above all for experts) during an excursion it is good not to have excess weights or objects. the best GPS you can buy are the very light ones and with really small dimensionsso as not to waste important space in a backpack and not to exceed the weight.
Battery
The battery component is very important in order not to be without GPS during your activity and therefore to avoid getting lost. The battery must be as long-lasting as possible, Currently GPS with a minimum duration have an autonomy of about 10 hours while those with greater autonomy almost 20 hours. It is also necessary to take into account the type of recharging of the device which can be both with rechargeable batteries and normal batteries, in addition to the mode that can be by simply replacing the batteries or using a charging cable.
Extra functionality
Check that they have extra features like:
- Barometer (it will allow to evaluate the meteorological conditions);
- Compass (to find the way back home if you get lost in an unknown place);
- Altimeter (to measure altitude).
These features are really important, and are almost always included in a hiking and trekking GPS.
The screen
Everyone likes to have a very large color screen and perhaps a touch screen, but it must be taken into account that these characteristics correspond to a Heavy GPS, large in size and more fragile than the others. It is therefore good to rely rather on a high resolution, on lighting that allows you to see the maps even in direct sunlight and buy a large screen only if you really need it or when, otherwise, it would not be possible to read well. the maps.
The maps
The maps component is another fundamental point of the GPS for trekking and hiking. The topographies are not supported by most GPS, Some simply have basic maps so it is good to check that there are and above all that there may be the possibility of adding them by inserting a micro SD card. This will correspond to a higher price but will make the More complete and functional GPS.
Connectivity
An extra addition, for hiking lovers who want to take lots of photos, could be the sistema wireless. This connects the GPS to a computer or smartphone from where you can quickly download your photos. The WiFi o il bluetooth it also allows connection with other devices to exchange maps or information.
Use of the best GPS for trekking and hiking
These products are based on a localization positioning system GPS, Glonass o WASS. These components allow us to have a greater accuracy of the position. The Glonass system is the one that has a greater number of satellites for which the location is very precise compared to the traditional GPS (such as that of cell phones, which are good for short distances and have a limited duration). The system of a GPS for trekking and hiking is designed so that the device always manages to reach at least 4 satellites to transmit the signal It will therefore be impossible to get lost or have a weak signal.
Evaluations
Before buying a GPS for trekking and hiking, you need to take your time to evaluate the features you want most. This way you can use your device 100%. Once you have made your purchase, before leaving I recommend that you check that the maps are up to date and that the GPS has a fully charged batteryAlso, I highly recommend, especially in long activities, to bring spare batteries with you,
And what do you think of these devices GPS for trekking and hiking? Let us know below in the comments and don’t forget to follow us on our Instagram page and stay connected on TechGameWorld.com.