When selecting a GPS for hiking, two key criteria come to mind. It’s likely that a hiker will want a unit that’s good for navigation and that will not encounter reception problems.
Reception is important
So for one thing, I’m limiting my recommendations to high-sensitivity receivers, such as those with the SiRFstar III or MediaTek chipsets. With these receivers, you can stick them in your pocket, or a mesh pocket on a day pack, and you are still likely to have adequate reception. Some of this is dependent upon how the satellite constellation is positioned relative to your location on any given day, but overall, I think you’ll be happy with the performance of these units.
Navigation and maps
The other important thing is getting a receiver that is set up to navigate. Not all GPS receivers can accommodate topo maps. If you’re content with a receiver that won’t let you add detailed maps, check out the Garmin eTrex 10. Otherwise, stick with a mapping unit.
Be aware though — most units don’t include detailed maps. Fortunately, there are plenty of free (and legal) topo maps for Garmin units. One other note before we get into the recommendations — you may also find it helpful to check out my Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart.
Budget GPS for hiking
Our choice: Garmin eTrex Venture HC
- Sunlight-readable color screen
- Can accept detailed topo maps (sold separately)
- Comes with a USB cable for transferring waypoints, tracks and routes to and from your computer
- The retail price is $170, but I often see the Venture HC for sale anywhere from $115 to $130
Other budget units:
- The Garmin eTrex 10 is a new model that has a monochrome screen; you also lose the ability to load maps. The eTrex 10 is available for just over $110 at the time of this update.
- The Garmin eTrex 20 adds lots of features not found on the Venture HC. As of this posting the eTrex 20 can be found for about $180. If you can swing the price, this is the one to get.
Mid-range GPS for hiking
Our choice: Garmin Oregon 450
- Touchscreen
- Barometric altimeter and tri-axial electronic compass
- BirdsEye aerial imagery capability
- Garmin custom maps capability
- Advanced track navigation
- This unit has recently been on sale for as low as $250, but you may need to wait for Black Friday to see pricing that low again
Other mid-range units
- The Garmin Dakota 20 is a smaller version of the Oregon. Once its been on the market for awhile, it should start to show up at a discounted and very attractive price.
- The old standby used to be the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx. A solid performer, but lacking a tri-axial compass, aerial/custom imagery and advanced track navigation capabilities. I’ve recently seen it on sale for as low as $199.
- The Delorme PN-60 can accommodate aerial imagery and real USGS topos. It has a smaller screen than the Oregon (albeit more legible in most daylight conditions) and comes with powerful but complex software. Available for around $260 at the time of last update.
The top of the line GPS for hikers
There are several units to consider here; all have a barometric altimeter and tri-axial electronic compass.
- Garmin Montana series – I recently reviewed the Garmin Montana 600 and have been very impressed with it. Yes, it’s a bit on the big side, but that really didn’t both me much. And it’s the best dual-use unit Garmin has ever offered.
- Garmin GPSMAP 62s – Perfect for those who don’t want a touch screen unit. It brings all the latest features such as paperless geocaching, BirdsEye aerial imagery, custom maps and advanced track navigation. Step to the 62st for pre-loaded 1:100,000 scale topo maps of the entire US.
- The Garmin Oregon 550t, combines a high resolution, touch screen interface with pre-loaded topo maps of the entire U.S and a built-in 3.2 MP geotagging camera.
- The DeLorme PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator is a special case. This combo allows you to comunciate with the outside world, even where there is no cell signal. If you venture far off the beaten track, or go it alone, this one is hard to pass up.
Other high end units:
- Another option is to get a couple of Rino 650 units for you and your outdoor adventure partner. That way, you get most of the advantages of the 62s, plus you can see their position on your screen (and vice versa)!
Related posts
The new Oregon units are pretty sweet and as much as I like my 60Csx, I find that touch screen interface pretty handy. My main gripe against the 450t and the 550t is that preloaded 1:100k scale map. It doesn’t really give enough detail to someone looking to do extended backcountry travel.
I think using the Garmin software is a better idea because (1 a user can put only whatever the maps needed on the GPS; (2 route planning a lot easier on the computer than on the GPS itself and (3 it enables the user to print out a map with the waypoints accurately plotted. Granted, it’s not as convenient as just using the preloaded maps or slipping that little chip into its slot but I feel sometimes convenience is a little overrated.
what is the best map program for oregon 450. i want to geocache and hike trails. im lookng for the best detailed and accurate map thanks much
Get some of the free maps from http://gpsfiledepot.com
i went there and im kinda confused on how to get the maps into the gps. i did go with the oregon 450 over the 60csx, i thought both were very accurate but for me the oregon is much more user friendly, is there a limit to how big of a memory card you can use, what id like to do is have detailed topo maps for the whole united states plus city navigator to get me close to trails or what ever. im the type of person that might wake up on a sat morn and on a whim head out of state, who knows what direction lol and id like to have all i need in one spot insted of predeterminig when im goin and then checking to see if i have maps for that area, any tips or ideas would be much appreciated
also on the oregon 450 is there any way to change the color of the magenta active track line, its very hard to see in sunlight
On loading maps: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-load-maps-on-my-garmin-gps-unit/
This might help too:
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/05/loading-multiple-maps-to-garmin-devices.html
As far as maximum card size, see H4 here: http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/Hardware
Alas, I don’t believe there is any way to change the active route line color.
I am looking for a unit that will show me waterfalls to photograph!
Some units with maps loaded will allow you to do this. On my Garmin Oregon 400t, I can do Where To? > Geographic Points > Water Features and then enter FALL as a search term and have them show up. A better approach might be to get a database of coordinates for waterfalls and create a custom Points of Interest (POI) file to load to the unit.
Dear Rich,
Thank you for that informatve & quick reply. I am presently home nursing a broken wrist sustained from my last hiking adventure up a mountain to photograph a waterfall. Jerry Reinlieb
Wow that’s a load of Info!
I was planning to buy my first GPS watch mainly for trekking in jungles
Budget under $300
How intutive/important is the waypoint marker in real world use and how does it work?
Secondly, I believe the Garmin FR110 cannot mark waypoints but the 405 can. But it has the SirfStar IV chipset while the 405 has the older III version.
How quicker/more accurate is the IV over the III??
Thanks in Advance,
Rahul
The Forerunner series is for runners and other folks interested in fitness metrics. It is not a good navigation device. I would urge you to get a real handheld GPS designed for hiking and not a fitness model. Having said that, the Forerunner 305 has some rudimentary navigation features. The 405 has less and I think the 110 has none.
More info on waypoints here…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/02/handheld-gps-101-waypoints.html
I have yet to test a device with the SiRFstar IV chip.
Dear Rich thanks for the info!
That hurts! i wanted something that i could wear everyday as well.
Your 101 Handheld GPS series is simply awesome!!
Anyway, what’s your suggestion for the best handheld device under $200?
Considering Accuracy, Build quality, Waterproofness, Easy of use, Battery type/life (preferably primaries – AA/AAA) in that order.
Here in India, getting topographical maps is not easy!
Do suggest something that – can create/locate its own maps?
Thanks in advance,
Rahul
The Garmin 60CSx has been seen for that price recently.
I’m not sure what you mean by create / locate its own maps. There is a free one for central India at http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/maplist.php?cnt=102&rgn=&cat=4. You can make your own with a little patience and some computer skills.
Thanks a lot Rich!!
I’ll be walking about three months on both sides of the Pyrenees next year and want to carry a device of some kind that can be loaded with my own route marked Google Maps AND powered or recharged with the appropriate solar panel.
I need the device to work in US AND Europe for all features. The environment will be cold early on and quite hot towards the end. I would like to be able to keep a charge on the device while walking and believe I might be able to do this using a flexible solar panel hooked up to the device’s holster.
ANY and all suggestions with respect to devices, solar panels for recharging, where to find specs that address panel/device compatibility, battery suggestions and thoughts on whether I’d be better off with something other than a GPS (!) will be most welcome! Weight matters,too!
I can’t say anything about solar chargers, though I know they are OK for phones, but the problem I have with my Etrex is that I can’t work out how to use the French maps and the Spanish maps on the same device. As soon as I install a Spanish map it elimintes the Spanish ones! Perhaps you need to have 2 GPSs?
what I meant to say was, as soon as I install the French maps it eliminates the Spanish ones…
With older units, you’ll need to send all the maps to the unit at once. In MapSource, select all the French maps you want, then use the drop down box to switch maps. Select the Spanish maps you want and then send them all to the device in one operation.
Thanks Rich. Sved me a lot of hair-tearing.
Sorry, but I don’t have any experience with solar chargers. To get Google Maps you would need a smartphone rather than a GPS, but battery life and cell reception will likely be problematic.
Hi all
I am looking at the Twonav Sportiva or adventura and the Garmin Oregon 450T for hiking on the east coast of Australia and NZ when I can get there. Any advice on the differences and limitations would be appreciated. The Sportiva and the 450T are about the same price and are probably the two that I would be choosing between. thanks
I haven’t had the opportunity to try the Twonav, so I can’t compare them. Is there an Oregon 450t with preloaded maps for Austrlia/NZ? If not, I’d go with the (non-t) 450.
What happened to the Garmin GPSMAP 60 and 62 models? They are not even discussed here. They are cheaper than the Oregon models and have (?) better reception. For those who do not value the touch screen for the extra $100 they command, aren’t they ‘top of the line’?
You’re absolutely right. When I finished my 62s testing, I updated the handheld buyers guide, and was supposed to update the other guides too. Looks like it slipped off the radar. I should be able to update them this week. Thanks for letting me know!
Done! Onto GPS for bikers!
Thanks for this superb resource.
Have you considered comparing the accuracy of the iPhone GPS (particularly the iPhone4) to a standard handheld device in wilderness applications, e.g. hiking where there is no cell phone reception. I understand most smartphones have a GPS chip which can still work in the wilderness?
I have been eyeing up the Dakota 20 for some time now for hiking purposes. But before I part with $250, I’m also considering upgrading my phone, and wondering whether an iPhone could hit 2 birds with one stone. The question is whether the iPhone and its Apps (many of which seem to add the same features as a good GPS unit) would be accurate enough for backcountry hiking.
Advice is highly appreciated! Or is there perhaps a device similar to the Magellan ToughCase for smartphones, that would upgrade them to give an acceptably accurate GPS, but at a lower price?
You’re welcome!
Since there’s no AT&T serrvice at my house, I’ve avoided the iPhone, though I have tested my Motorola Droid against a handheld, and its pretty close! From what I hear, the iPhone 4 is not as good though.
Regardless of brand, backcountry reception can be an issue, since phones rely on cell towers to assist GPS. Most phones are not as good at getting a lock where there is no cellular access, sometimes to the point of not being able to lock at all without cellular assitance. This article fills in some details…
http://androgeoid.com/2010/09/fixing-some-common-gps-issues-with-android-phones/
Ruggedization is another issue that needs to be addressed. Generally speaking, I would advise against planning to use a mobile phone solution in the backcountry, over a traditional GPS. I expect this to change in the next couple of years, and we should see some hybrid solutions hit the marketplace.
As you note, the ToughCase can resolve this issue, but it is a pricey solution. The Androgeoid blog referenced earlier has been posting recently about Bluetooth GPS solutions that offer another approach, though I’m not sure all apps recognize an external Bluetooth GPS, so beware of that. Hope this helps!
Have a garmin 62s and have downloaded the free Wisconsin Topo and Colorado Topo maps from the website you recommended in your review of the 62s. I download the WI topo to mapsource and also CO topo but when I upload both maps (one at a time) to my 62s, it seems to erase the previous map. IE. I upload a map from WI topo from Mapsource to my GPS and it shows in the maps. Then I upload a map from CO topo from Mapsource and it erases the WI map I had previously uploaded. Is there a way around this? I would like to have multiple maps on my GPS but cannot seem to do it this way. I know I can create a map that includes portions of WI and CO and upload it as one map but would like to upload additional maps in the future without loosing the existing maps in my GPS.
Hope I am making sense. Your reviews and suggestions on how to use my GPS are great, really appreciate all the work you put into your reviews.
Glad to help. Garmin only allows one gmapsupp.img file on the device (though you can also have one on the micro-SD card), but they’ve also given us a nice workaround…
Send one of them to the 62s, then use a file explorer on your computer and go to Garmin\gmapsupp.img. Now rename it something like Garmin\WItopo.img. Rinse and repeat with any other maps you want to add.
Hi Rich,
We have a young man in the family who is really getting into hiking the last couple of years. He mainly does day hikes but is starting to do overnight stuff too. He recently had one occassion where he and his friends got lost. Luckily found someone who gave them a ride back to their car. What’s the best bang for the buck in GPS for someone who could be using it a long time going a lot of places in life?
Are you the Mary K Thompson I know in NC?! Regardless… How old is he? Is he fairly tech-savvy? On the low-end, I’d probably look at the Garmin eTrex Venture HC. If you could spend a bit more, I’d consider the Garmin Oregon 450.
Yep, that’s us. A 16 year old big time hiker wanna be. Will look at your suggestions. Thanks.
Cool! Check those out. I expect the Venture HC will be around $100 on Black Friday, and we may see the Oregon 450 for $250. There are some good free maps at http://gpsfiledepot.com. You should all be aware that there is a bit of a learning curve for handheld GPS. Once he gets it, he should check out this series…
http://gpstracklog.com/handheld-sport-gps/handheld-gps-101
Maybe we can all do a hike together sometime!
Rich, I currently have a garmin 60csx. I am thinking of buying a Delorme pn-60w / spot. I carry my gps in my chest pack while I am backpacking. In this position, the garmin antena is pointing straigt up. On ridge and scrambling routes…the track log is very acurate. My question is, will I get a similar accurate track log with the Delorme pn-60w in this position? I can not carry the delorme “FACE UP” while I am on the go. Is there any truth to the fact that the delorme antena has to be “face up” to be accurate? If so, this will be a deal breaker for me. I already own a SPOT II, so this combination (garmin / spot II) works fine. I just would like the capability of the free-form text message.
Thank You.
Rich
The DeLorme probably uses a patch antenna, and theoretically, this performs better horizontally. This comment might be helpful…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/10/delorme-pn-60w-with-spot-satellite-communicator-review.html/comment-page-1#comment-104815
You might ask there. Maybe Greg will answer.
In reality, I see little difference in effects from antenna orientation, but I don’t tend to carry units close to my body either (I’m more of a mtn. biker than hiker).
i just got a pn-60 and come to find out there is no way to delete the tracks, so eventually your screen ill be a big ball of green lines, even delorme admitted this in a form. iwent and got a 60csx and a oregon 450 and im goin to see which one i like/ and works the best and send the other back
I’d go with the Oregon 450 over the 60CSx…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/04/five-reasons-to-upgrade-your-garmin-handheld.html
I’m looking for a budget gps that you can tag locations so you can find them later. Does the garmen etrex hx have this feature? If not, does anyone have a suggestion for one that has this capability?
Thanks
Almost any handheld GPS will. I’d avoid the eTrex H if you want to save waypoints to a computer, due to the serial (non-USB) interface. The Venture HC is much better – USB, you can add free maps, color & better interface.
Current eTrex H deals:
http://bestgpsdeals.net/tag/garmin-etrex-h/
Current Venture HC deals:
http://bestgpsdeals.net/tag/garmin-etrex-venture-hc/
Need suggestions. We forage for mushrooms and would like to a GPS on which we could note, and save, our finds for future years, ie co-ordinates, the type of mushroom, and the date. Is there such an animal at a reasonable price? What would you recommend?
Just about any handheld GPS will allow you to do this. I would go with a newer one, with a high-sensitivity chipset, for better reception under canopy though. You can use the waypoint name to identify type, and there is usually a note field too. The Garmin eTrex Venture HC is a good low end model…
http://gpstracklog.com/2007/08/venture-hc-revi.html
magellan delorme garmin ???
I’m looking for a great, versatile all-around hiking/trekking/climbing GPS. You favorite(s) with a couple pros and cons?
I’d sure appreciate it and thank you for this valuable site!
Garmin GPSMAP 62s or Oregon 450. More info on why to go one way or the other here…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/garmin-gpsmap-62s-or-oregon-450.html
Or the DeLorme PN-60w + SPOT if you’ll be doing solo adventuring, or risky enough stuff that you need it.
You didn’t mention where you’ll be traveling, but if it’s outside the US, that’s another reason to go with a Garmin.
Rich-
I’ve been loaned an Oregon 300 to help get our local trail system on a website. My issue is battery life seems to only last like an hour! Granted it was 20 degrees and snowing out and I had the GPS strapped to my hipbelt on my pack to make sure it had good reception. I have an Etrex Vista that I would turn the compass off to help preserve battery life but I can’t find a way to turn the compass off on the Oregon 300. I could use my Etrex but find that I have to walk with it face up which isn’t exactly handy when you want to hike with poles.
Thanks in advanced for any help you can give me!!!
Shelley
What kind of batteries were you using? These newer units weren’t designed to use alkalines. Most people use rechargeable NiMH. I prefer Eneloops, which can be stored for long periods of time without losing their charge. There is a battery setting, so you could go in and change the type you are using and see if that helps.
It’s funny alkaline is a choice in battery settings on the 300. I was using either Duracell or Energizers-out of convenience. I have some Radio Shack rechargeables will try those to see if they make a difference. Thanks again for your help!
Do all GPS units work with geocaching? I just discovered geocaching and I just bought a bike. I’ll be combining the 2 plus occasionally boating. What would you suggest as a good unit for this type activity?
Generally yes. If you can swing it, I’d go for one with paperless caching capabilities though. What’s your budget?
I might could swing $300.
If you don’t mind not having an electronic compass, the Garmin GPSMAP 78 or 62 would be good choices. But it won’t point towards your destination while standing still; only when moving. But you don’t have to calibrate the compass every time you change batteries either. To spend less, you might want to look at the Garmin Dakota series.
I would recommend the Oregon 450, but glare could be an issue on the water. Check into some of the ones I mentioned and feel free to ask more questions.
I’m using latest Garmin XT on my WM smartphone(build-in gps) with 2008 us topo map. It can’t do turn-by-turn car navigation but that’s ok for me. I want know that does it can accept waypoints for trail navigation and/or preform trail navigation?
Besides, is there any WM/PPC software available that it can accept waypoints and perform trail navigation with custom build map?
i have no experience with XT, but I can tell you that there are lots of WinMo programs available for this. One option is OziExplorer CE.
I’m looking for a GPS unit that is waterproof, small enough to clip to a backpack or to my search dog (so I can monitor his activity during training), and can download to a computer. I tried the freedom GPS keychain device but it’s not waterproof enough and I can’t get the data from the unit via the USB (it’s for charging only) and my cell phone won’t connet via the Bluetooth so it’s useless to me.
Now I’m debating between the Garmin GTU 10 GPS Tracking Unit which requires an annual cell service fee or the Track Stick for $100 more but does not require a service fee. Anyone have any advice on this?
I haven’t been able to test the GTU-10 yet, but I am planning to. This may help…
http://gpsinformation.info/penrod/GTU/gtu.html
The Track Stick won’t let you do live monitoring.
Hi, love your site. Stumbled upon it while looking for a good replacement for my dying 8 year old e-trex. I am from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean and do a lot of sea kayaking. I was truly impressed by the Delorme PN60w/Spot Combo review, because I do a lot of solo sea kayaking /surfsking and nearly got pushed out into the Caribbean Sea this weekend
However, because of the need for a clear sky, water proofing and US Credit Card issues with the Spot Comm, I am looking at other options. I need a portable GPS that would withstand serious saltwater. I am inclined to the Garmin 78 or Forerunner. I prefer a push button rather than a touch screen. My experiences with touch screens are that they sometimes don’t respond to wet fingertips and I might put it in a dry bag for extra protection which could interfere with the ‘touch’ functions. I am torn between a Handheld and a Sport. I believe a handheld would have greater signal reception than a Sport. Am I right? Any advice at this point would be worthwhile. Hey, maybe you can expand your GPS reviews to include kayaking. No one else on the Net has.
I don’t know how much difference you’d see between a Forerunner and a handheld. I suspect it wouldn’t be much though.
Re: open sky for the DeLorme/SPOT – I don’t think cloud cover would matter.
Garmin handheld touchscreens are all resistive, rather than capacitive, so water may not matter that much.
Hmm, just wet down my Oregon 450 for a quick test, and I’d say it is slightly to somewhat less responsive when wet.
The 78s is a very nice unit BTW.
Hope this helps.
Wow. That was a speedy response! With respect to the SPOT Comm, wasn’t thinking about the cloud cover, rather mounting it within the kayak’s hull for protection, but I guess I could dry bag it and mount it on deck if it can withstand the tropical heat. May just contact SPOT and hear what is their take on it.
If you were going to choose for a similar scenario, would you choose Handheld or Sport? I’m partial to a Handheld even though the other guys use Sport models. Which do you think would be sturdier and more waterproof? Sorry to be such a bother.
I have a Garmin Forerunner-it’s great for seeing where I’ve been-downloaded into Topo or Google Earth. I’m not sure I’d want to navigate off the small screen.
I just recently have used a Garmin Oregon 300-it has a touch screen. Nice handheld but horrible in cold weather to get the screen to react to my fingertips. Plus enter waypoints by name I get a lot of typos with the touch screen where you wouldn’t with the older Etrex providing you pushed the toggle in the correct place.
Both the Forerunner and Oregon lock on well to satellites and both show me in the sameplace at the sametime!
Yeah, I’d ask SPOT. The kayak hull shouldn’t interfere with GPS reception, but I don’t know about SPOT transmissions. If it were me, I’d go for a handheld. No bother, BTW. We’re here to help.
Thanks Owen. Still digging for a GPS that would suit my needs and was looking at the Foretrex 401. As I live in Trinidad and Tobago and I am using it for sea kayaking, I wouldn’t need any maps. What do you think about this model?
If you don’t want maps, that would be fine. But there are some free maps for your area…
http://rwsmaps.griffel.se/
Thanks Mr. Owen. You are a real treasure house of GPS info. Still, I’ll be out on the sea mostly. I think I’ve made up my mind: the Foretrex 401. Thanks again for all your help.
Glad to help. If you get a chance, let us know how it goes.
An update – I got my Fortrex 401 back in May 2011, but didn’t get time to test it on the water until July. Still, I was wary about the ‘waterproofability’ of the small rubber tab used over the USB port access area and I put it in a small wallet-sized Kwiktek Dry Pak. The dry pak failed on more than one occassion and the Foretrex spent many hours submerged in sea water. It handled it beautifully. Other comments: the screen, though small, as expected, has large digital numbers for speed display which is great as I need to fasten it way past my feet on the surfski. It is a nifty little device and has dropped from my hand onto a tiled floor without any damage. I would recommend it to anyone not needing maps. It’s perfect for kayak racing and testing speed and then comparing results on Garmin Connect. Very good value for price.
AFAIK, the rubber plugs on all of Garmin’s outdoor units are just there to keep crud out of the connector. The entire USB port is physically isolated from the interior of the unit, and water can’t get inside even if the plug is open.
Boyd, That is nice to know, Thanks. But just wondering, wouldn’t the salt water seepage into the USB Port interfere with the electronics?
Dexter – that was my point… the entire USB assembly is completely isolated from the “electronics”. Salt water can’t get inside the GPS case, just into the hole where the plug goes.
Yes, I can imagine that salt could corrode the connections in there. Don’t know how much of an issue that really is though. You could always flush it out periodically with some fresh water if you’re concerned.
Boyd, Thanks for the update, when I meant intefere with the electronics, I meant the saltwater creating a circuit of sorts between the USB connections. I guess I was just paranoid. Will try iot without the dry pak. It will be so much mor convenient to attach to my surfski
As we say in Trinidad – Later (means Bye).