

The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is one of the best GPS devices for hiking because of its highly accurate readings and its built-in topo maps. So the short answer is: it depends, but owning a handheld global positioning system doesn’t hurt.īattery Life: Up to 180 hours in GPS mode
BEST GPS TRACKER HIKING FREE
Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips. In this post, I’ll share my picks for the best hiking GPS devices and what to look for before you purchase one. It’s mind-blowing how far technology for outdoor gear has come.Īnd that’s why, if you’re a regular hiker (especially one who explores the backcountry), it’s a good idea to think about investing in a solid GPS device. Now, companies like Garmin have managed to condense all of that technological marvel into a compact handheld that can pinpoint your location anywhere in the world.

Inevitably, I’d go deep enough into the forest or high enough on a switchback that my Google Maps app would suddenly “lose connection” or my pre-downloaded maps wouldn’t load properly.Ĭue the anxiety and frustration as I spun around in circles, raising my phone high and praying to the cellphone tower gods that they would send me a signal as confirmation of their existence.Īs I started hiking more seriously and investing more in my hiking gear, my research into handheld GPS devices took me down a rabbit hole.įirst of all, the technology behind GPS is genuinely mind-blowing.ĭid you know that 33 satellites orbiting Earth are nearly single-handedly responsible for humans not needing to read maps anymore? The best handheld GPS devices for hiking and backpacking – whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out.įor the longest time, I tried to use Google Maps when hiking through more rugged terrain. Short on time? Our pick for the best handheld GPS device for hiking and backpacking is the Garmin GPSMAP 67i.
