Those that opt for high-end devices like the Montana are not typically carrying them in their hand or hiking with a pack, instead placing them on a handlebar mount for ATVing or snowmobiling. Smartphones have been eroding the handheld GPS market for years. And the reasons are fairly obvious: most hikers and backcountry explorers already have their phones along for capturing photos or referencing route information, and the simplicity of keeping everything on one device is a big plus.
In addition, prior concerns with durability have been partially addressed with burlier carrying cases and increased water and drop protection. In terms of mapping and accuracy, handheld devices have the upper hand with greater compatibility with a wider array of satellite systems smartphones use cell towers and GPS , which can be valuable in deep backcountry areas with challenging coverage. That said, most hikers, backpackers, and climbers will be happy with the performance of a smartphone, and there are a number of quality mapping apps available for free or a small charge.
The main hang-up with going the smartphone route, however, is battery life. As things currently stand, this is the main reason to opt for a handheld GPS over a smartphone. Like a standard GPS device, these watches allow you to find your location on preloaded maps, upload and follow. At best, you get most of the features of a handheld GPS device packed into a streamlined wrist watch.
But while the technology is impressive, we have a hard time recommending a GPS watch as a full-blown substitute for a GPS device. But for those who value the streamlined package and only use GPS occasionally, a high-end GPS watch other options include the Coros Vertix and Garmin Forerunner is certainly an intriguing option. Photo Credit. Switchback Travel. See the Garmin Oregon Best of the Rest 5. See the Garmin Montana i 7.
See the Garmin Foretrex 9. Buttons As with smartphones, touchscreens are becoming more prevalent in the handheld GPS market. A standard smartphone connects only to GPS and not other GNSS networks Mapping and Memory All handheld devices come with some form of basemap—essentially a blank screen that will include some major local features—while many include additional preloaded maps or the option to upload more later on.
Dimensions and Weight In most cases, dimensions and weight correspond with screen size. Powered by Drupal. Learn More About Outdoor Gear. We take a great deal of pride in researching, testing, and presenting the best gear on the market across a wide range of activities like hiking, camping, skiing Despite their diminutive size, GPS watches can really pack a punch. These modern timepieces put the power of a GPS device onto your wrist, allowing you to track your movements, follow a preloaded route, or even navigate complex terrain—hands-free For organizing a pick up, initiating a rescue, or just checking in, a satellite messenger has become our go-to means of staying Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down.
The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots Serious hikers have known the great benefits of trekking poles for decades. Aside from providing stability while hauling a heavy load or moving over technical terrain, trekking poles have distinct advantages even on easy trails. No piece of gear is more critical to summiting high peaks than footwear.
A great mountaineering boot fills countless roles: it must offer support while carrying heavy loads At the very top of their lineup is the Alpha SV "severe weather" , which is designed for use in the most serious of Another great feature is smart notifications. You can sync your smartphone to your GPS and receive text messages or social media updates on the unit.
High-end units like the GPSMAP 66st sport this high level of technicality, but it does take some time and know-how to set up. If you don't want to take your phone out of the backpack while staying connected, this may be an option for you.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves.
No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Photo: Jared Vilhauer. Share this article:. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Learn more. For the past 8 years, we've tested 25 of the top handheld GPS units side-by-side. Our review directly compares 7 of the best models available on the market today.
An expert team of analysts has navigated through whiteouts, desert washes, fog-covered forests, and high mountain passes from Alaska to the Four Corners. Our intensive field testing pushes the limits of these units and helps highlight strengths and weaknesses relative to the competition.
Our comprehensive review goes in-depth to cover the key features, capabilities, and limitations of each device. So next time you strike out on an adventure, you'll know you're on the right track with the best handheld GPS unit for your needs. Top 7 Product Ratings. Displaying 1 - 5 of 7. Garmin Oregon t. Garmin Montana Garmin eTrex 32x. Show full specification details Hide full specification details. Reception 8. Fantastic reception in thick coverage.
See all prices 2 found. Reception 6. Score Product Price Our Take Garmin eTrex Garmin eTrex Touch One of our testers was surprised how ubiquitous satellite reception is these days, even in Alaska.
All of the Garmin units we tested have very strong and consistent reception. Depending on how and when you plan on using your GPS, a simple user interface like the eTrex 32x may actually be preferable to a touchscreen unit like the Oregon t right. No GPS unit can substitute for basic orienteering skills, situational awareness, and common sense. They simply tell you where you are and where you've gone. In the unlikely event that you need to call for help, a Personal Locator Beacon is what you want.
For navigating rough canyon country, a GPS might afford better tracking capability than a smartphone GPS that could easily lose service, if it even has it in the first place. A lot of our current testing took place in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.
Here we see lots of steep, remote terrain that could obstruct satellite signals. We also got ourselves into all sorts of weather conditions. Can a GPS replace a map and compass? We strongly recommend carrying a map and compass when in unfamiliar terrain.
Maps don't run out of batteries or break if accidentally dropped off a cliff. They serve as a fail-safe backup to any electronic device. The Gaia base map is more compelling than that of the Oregon You can get better base maps for the GPS, though.
Even with the life proof case, we'd rather drop the GPS unit. It can also hold a charge for 16 hours at a time and get new AAs in the field. What about the GPS on my smartphone? The reception of your smartphone simply may not prove reliable in the backcountry.
Smartphones rely on the combination of a cheap GPS device and triangulation between cell towers and even WiFi to dial in your location. Yet, many of the best hikes are in the mountains, deserts, or pristine backcountry areas where there is no reliable cell support, and so your smartphone's GPS sensors might not cut the mustard. Make sure you can make it back to that perfect alpine lake the next time. The ability to accurately mark waypoints is a huge plus for GPS units when your adventures take you beyond cell-service.
Don't worry if you aren't interested in uploading maps to your new GPS; many of Garmin's units come preloaded with adequate basemaps for your region, and more advanced units like the Montana even include overlays to enhance navigation. Out hunting springtime snow? For rugged missions like ski touring and mountaineering, a durable, highly water-resistant portable GPS may be preferable to a smartphone. You're unlikely to be able to download a new map here. Back To Forbes. Wheels Accessories.
Rik Paul. Updated: Feb 28, Forbes Wheels independently tests and reviews cars and automotive accessories. We may earn an affiliate commission from links on our site. The analysis and opinions are our own. Read More. Read Less. Any of these five tested models provide Best Overall. Garmin DriveSmart 55 And Traffic. Why We Picked It. Its 5. Best Value.
Garmin Drive Very good visual and audible navigation at a lower price. Like the DriveSmart 55, it also gives you several handy navigational extras, like driver alerts, TripAdvisor ratings, FourSquare data, US National Park info, and a guide to historic sites.
Garmin DriveSmart 65 with Amazon Alexa. With the large 6. The larger screen takes up more room on your windshield or dashtop. Best for Navigating Overseas. TomTom Go Supreme 6. Most others charge extra for maps outside North America.
Has Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi updating, a slick powered magnetic mount and a multi-touch display. Has real-time traffic info via the TomTom smartphone app. It has a lower-resolution display and a more basic voice control system than the Garmin DriveSmart It lacks many of the handy nav extras of the Garmin models.
Garmin DriveSmart 55 with Garmin Traffic, 5. Garmin DriveSmart 65 with Traffic is a road trip-ready 6. Garmin Traffic comes ready to use right out of the box without use of a smartphone. Driver alerts for things such as school zones and speed changes help encourage safer driving. And built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows for easy updates without a computer. With our premium navigator, Garmin DriveSmart 65 with Amazon Alexa, you can enjoy the ultimate voice-controlled, hands-free experience.
Ask Alexa to play music or check the news, weather or your shopping list, and ask Garmin voice control for directions, POIs along the route and more while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. While listening to music, the album artwork appears on the crisp 6.
It also features easy-to-use Garmin Traffic with included cable and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for easy updates. Use Garmin voice assist to easily find and navigate where you want to go. The crisp 7 display and map updates of North America1 show you the way, providing alerts for speed changes and potential hazards ahead. Make the most of road trips with Tripadvisor traveler ratings, a directory of U.
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