Outdoor GPS Devices

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Going camping on a well-established trail is one thing. If you're looking for an adventure off the beaten path, it's a whole different ballgame. The Global Positioning System (GPS) was first introduced in 1978 and was primarily used for military operations at the time, but has since become widely adopted by the civilian world. When I was growing up, GPS devices were bulky and rather bulky for the civilian market, but today's devices are almost as lightweight as cell phones and have batteries that can last all day. Let's take a look at three of the best handheld GPS devices currently on the market to help you find your way home if you get lost.

It's a question everyone asks—why do I need a GPS unit when I have GPS on my phone? The first thing that comes to mind is that most of these GPS devices have much better battery life and, in some cases, even SOS or messaging capabilities in case you get lost or injured and need air travel from your remote location where there's no cell service. While the GPS on your phone or tablet might work just fine for an off-grid adventure, your battery life probably won't be as good, and when it comes down to it, modern smartphones are quite fragile compared to modern handheld GPS.

Secondly, your phone's GPS app requires a cell signal to work properly. Satellite-based systems like your handheld GPS will work anywhere as long as you have a clear view of the sky. That doesn't mean it won't work if you're in the shade of trees, but if you're in a cave, it's less so.

Ironically, the popularity of GPS apps on phones has reduced competition in the handheld GPS market. Companies like Magellan, once a major player in the GPS market, have shifted to other areas such as automotive and off-road GPS systems and no longer produce handheld GPS systems.

The global positioning system relies on a network of 31 satellites currently orbiting the planet to track your location in two or three dimensions, depending on the amount of satellites you are in contact with.

A GPS device must communicate with at least four satellites to determine your location by measuring the distance from your device to the satellite. The United States Space Force is currently responsible for operating the Global Positioning System.

Will my GPS device work without a cell phone or internet connection? The short answer is yes. You shouldn't need anything other than a GPS-equipped device. Having an internet or cell phone connection can allow you to download maps, waypoints, and other types of locations to your device, but in their basic configuration, most GPS devices should provide enough information to navigate your trip efficiently.

There are many features a GPS has that your phone doesn't. If you're planning any outdoor adventures and need navigational assistance, a handheld GPS is definitely worth it.

Which handheld GPS is easiest to use?

For simple navigation, the Garmin eTrex 10 is hard to beat. Press a few buttons and you're all set to go, and for the price, it's hard to beat.

The Garmin GPSMAP 66i GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator, replacing the GPSMAP 64sx and 64, is the latest iteration of Garmin's standalone GPS system. The GPSMAP 66i has the ability to send and receive messages even when out of range of a base station and also includes an SOS feature (both require a subscription). The internal lithium-ion battery has a stated average lifespan of 35 hours before recharging (200 hours in power-save mode), and the device itself includes 16GB of storage for maps and other data.

The 66i boasts one of the best screens on the market, with a 3” screen with a 240x400 resolution, making it easy to read outdoors in sunlight. The device comes with pre-loaded topographic maps and can download BirdsEye Satellite imagery. The 66i can also connect to WiFi networks within range and other devices, which can quickly become cluttered.

The GPSMAP 66i also lets you save up to 10,000 waypoints, set favorite and other locations, and even save up to 250 routes if you feel like you want to retrace your steps. The device is both water-resistant and has an IPX7 rating to keep out limited amounts of water and most dust and debris. At $599.99, the Garmin GPSMAP 66i is one of the more expensive models on the market.

Explore with peace of mind while carrying the Garmin® GPSMAP® 66i GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator. An interactive SOS feature always connects you to the GEOS 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center so you can dispatch help in an emergency. You can also send and receive text messages with inReach® technology and the 100% global Iridium® satellite network (satellite subscription required), so you can stay in touch with friends and family when you’re off the grid. Multi-Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) support and navigation sensors pinpoint your location, while preloaded topographic maps with BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads directly to the device (no annual subscription) detail your surroundings. Pair the 66i with a compatible smartphone to access Active Weather forecasts and Geocaching Live. You can also use the free Garmin Explore™ mobile app while you’re in the field to plan, review, and sync data, including waypoints, routes, activities, and collections. It also features a barometric altimeter and a 3-axis compass with tilt compensation. Easy-to-read 3" display with crystal-clear 240x400 resolution. 16GB of memory stores up to 10,000 waypoints, favorites and/or locations, and up to 250 routes. The track log can store up to 20,000 points, 250 recorded gpx tracks, and 300 recorded compliance activities. Water-resistant IPX7-rated construction withstands the elements so you can navigate with confidence in less-than-ideal conditions. Compatible with Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, ANT+®, Garmin Connect™, high-speed USB, and NMEA 0183. Powered by the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to 35 hours with 10 minutes of tracking or 200 hours with 30 minutes of tracking. Accepts microSD™ cards (sold separately). Garmin GPSMAP 66i handheld GPS and satellite communicator includes a USB cable, carabiner clip, and documentation. 6.4″H x 2.6″W x 1.4″D. Weight: 8.5 oz.

• Manufacturer model #: 010-02088-01.
• Interactive SOS connects you to the GEOS 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
• Send and receive text messages with inReach satellite technology
• Multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems support and navigation sensors
• Pre-loaded with topographic maps with BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads directly to the device
• Pair with your compatible smartphone for Active Weather forecasts and Geocaching Live
• Plan, review, and sync data in the field with the Garmin Explore mobile app
• Barometric altimeter
• Tilt-compensated, 3-axis compass
• Easy-to-read 3″ display with 240×400 resolution
• Stores up to 10,000 waypoints, favourites and locations and up to 250 routes
• Track log stores up to 20,000 points, 250 recorded gpx tracks and 300 recorded compliance events
• Water resistant IPX7 rated construction
• Compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+, Garmin Connect, high-speed USB and NMEA 0183
• Included rechargeable battery powers GPS for up to 200 hours at 30 minutes of tracking
• Includes USB cable, carabiner clip and documentation.
• Pros / Very Feature Rich, Great Battery Life and Messaging Capabilities
• Cons / Not the most accurate device on the market for its price
• A final word / For the adventurous adventurer who needs or wants the long list of features the Garmin GPSMAP 66i offers

Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS Unit: If you're in the market for a handheld GPS device that doesn't break the bank, let me introduce you to a great buy. Now, unless you're truly familiar with all the features of higher-priced GPS units, they'll be largely useless. My final entry on this list is a device I think is a bit more affordable for most people's wallets and usage patterns. The eTrex 10 is a small, handheld, no-frills GPS device with a fantastic 20-hour battery life and allows for instant battery swaps with two AA batteries.

The entire device weighs only 5 ounces, even with batteries installed, yet it still has a 4-level Gray LCD, comes preloaded with a WW basemap, and features geocaching, a growingly popular sport and likely the reason many people first purchase a handheld GPS device. The eTrex handheld GPS device is just $99.99.

• The base model Garmin® eTrex® 10 Handheld GPS Unit is perfect for hiking, exploring, hunting and more! Four-level gray LCD. Preloaded WW basemap, advanced geocaching features. Dimensions: 3.9″ x 2.1″ x 1.3″.
• Four-level gray LCD
• Pre-installed WW basemap
• Advanced geocaching features
• The reliable, state-of-the-art eTrex is now more compact and user-friendly than ever. The frame is downsized, streamlined, and lighter (only 5 oz. with batteries!), but it's packed with even more features to make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable. The 2.2" LCD displays comprehensive WW basemap information, and each is equipped with high-sensitivity GPS for on-the-spot location acquisition. You'll also get an incredible 20 hours of battery life from just two AA batteries, and a full-speed USB interface is standard.
• Pros / Affordable, replaceable batteries
• Cons / No messaging or SOS features, no onboard memory for maps or color display
• Final Word: / It's great for your first device in the GPS world and will serve you well as a backup device or for everyday geocaching

Garmin Montana 700i GPS Handheld Touchscreen Navigator/Satellite Communication DeviceThe Garmin Montana 700i combines the durability of the rest of your hardware with the functionality and ease of use of your smartphone. The Montana 700i's biggest standout feature is its large 5-inch touchscreen. The 700i gets its "I" designation from its inReach Technology, which allows the unit to operate even when out of cell phone coverage.

Another neat feature of the Montana 700i is its integrated camera. Most people will be happy using their phone or carrying a DSLR camera, but I think this is a feature that's been integrated neatly into the device, especially with its large screen. The 700i's battery life is standard, with a 18-hour battery life, especially if you consider the "exploration mode," which provides 330 hours of battery life.

Garmin labels the Montana 700i's design as "military-grade construction," and online reviews suggest it meets that recommendation. The Garmin Montana also includes two-way messaging and SOS capabilities, like the GPSMAP 66i above. If you're considering a Montana 700i, you'll be setting yourself back a pretty penny at $699.99.

• 5″ diagonal two-way transflective display
• 480 x 800 pixel resolution
• inReach® technology (satellite subscription required)
• GPS and GALILEO satellite support
• Pre-loaded topographic maps for the USA and Canada
• Pre-installed City Navigator street mapping
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• Lithium-ion battery life of over 18 hours in GPS mode
• Pros / Large Color Touchscreen and Extremely Durable
• Cons / Larger and heavier than other models and not very useful with gloves in cold weather
• Final Word: / Great for easy navigation and long off-grid adventures

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