The chart below shows all current Garmin backcountry and marine handhelds (in alphabetical order) that include a high-sensitivity chipset. I do not recommend any units without such chipsets for backcountry use. Links go to my review/resource pages for each model except where I’ve yet to post those; in that case the links go to the Garmin product page. Recently discontinued models are shown below in a separate chart, while features in the headers are explained below the charts. You might also find my handheld GPS buyers guide and specialty GPS buyers guides helpful.
| Model | Display type |
Display size | Rated battery life (hrs) | Weight with batt- eries | Pre-loaded detailed maps | Ability to add maps/ storage | Accepts custom maps | Elec- tronic compass | Paper- less geo- caching |
Turn by turn | Waypoints /Routes Trackpts. /Tracks | Miscell-aneous | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota 10 | Color, touch, hi-res |
1.43" x 2.15" | 20 | 5.25 oz | No | 850 MB | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | 1000/50 10K/200 |
Compare prices  |
|
| Dakota 20 | Color, touch, hi-res |
1.43" x 2.15" | 20 | 5.25 oz | No | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | Yes | Yes | 1000/50 10K/200 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| eTrex 10 | Mono- chrome |
1.4" x 1.7" | 25 | 5 oz | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | 1000/50 10K/100 |
Compare prices  |
|
| eTrex 20 | Color, hi-res |
1.4" x 1.7" | 25 | 5.25 oz | No | microSD | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | 2000/200 10K/200 |
Compare prices  |
|
| eTrex 30 | Color, hi-res |
1.4" x 1.7" | 25 | 5.25 oz | No | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | Yes | Yes | 2000/200 10K/200 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| eTrex H | Mono- chrome |
1.1" x 2.1" | 17 | 5.3 oz | No | No | No | No | No | No | 500/20 10K/10 |
Compare prices  |
|
| eTrex Legend H | Mono- chrome |
1.1" x 2.1" | 18 | 5.3 oz | No | 24 MB | No | No | No | No | 1000/20 10K/10 |
Compare prices  |
|
| eTrex Legend HCx | Color | 1.3" x 1.7" | 25 | 5.5 oz | No | microSD | No | No | No | Yes | 1000/50 10K/20 |
Compare prices  |
|
| eTrex Summit HC | Color | 1.3" x 1.7" | 14 | 5.5 oz | No | 24 MB | No | 2-axis | No | No | 500/50 10K/10 |
Compare prices  |
|
| eTrex Venture HC | Color | 1.3" x 1.7" | 14 | 5.5 oz | No | 24 MB | No | No | No | No | 500/50 10K/10 |
Compare prices  |
|
| eTrex Vista H | Mono- chrome |
1.1" x 2.1" | 18 | 5.3 oz | No | 24 MB | No | 2-axis | No | No | 1000/20 10K/10 |
Compare prices  |
|
| eTrex Vista HCx | Color | 1.3" x 1.7" | 25 | 5.5 oz | No | microSD | No | 2-axis | No | Yes | 1000/500 10K/20 |
Compare prices  |
|
| Model | Display type |
Display size | Rated battery life (hrs) | Weight with batt- eries | Pre-loaded detailed maps | Ability to add maps/ storage | Accepts custom maps | Elec- tronic compass | Paper- less geo- caching |
Turn by turn | Waypoints /Routes Trackpts. /Tracks | Miscell-aneous | Compare prices |
| Foretrex 301 | Mono- chrome |
1.4" x 0.9" | 18 | 3.1 oz | No | No | No | No | No | No | 500/20 10K/10 |
Compare prices  |
|
| Foretrex 401 | Mono- chrome |
1.4" x 0.9" | 17 | 3.1 oz | No | No | No | 2-axis | No | No | 500/20 10K/10 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| GPS 72H | Mono- chrome |
1.6" x 2.2" | 18 | 7.7 oz | No | No | No | No | No | No | 500/50 2K/10 |
Floats | Compare prices  |
| GPSMAP 62 | Color | 1.6" x 2.2" | 20 | 9.2 oz | No | 1.7 GB | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | 2000/200 10K/200 |
Compare prices  |
|
| GPSMAP 62s | Color | 1.6" x 2.2" | 20 | 9.2 oz | No | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | Yes | Yes | 2000/200 10K/200 |
Compare prices  |
|
| GPSMAP 62st | Color | 1.6" x 2.2" | 20 | 9.2 oz | Yes | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | Yes | Yes | 2000/200 10K/200 |
Compare prices  |
|
| GPSMAP 78s | Color | 1.6" x 2.2" | 20 | 7.7 oz | No | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | Yes | Yes | 2000/200 10K/200 |
Floats | Compare prices  |
| Model | Display type |
Display size | Rated battery life (hrs) | Weight with batt- eries | Pre-loaded detailed maps | Ability to add maps/ storage | Accepts custom maps | Elec- tronic compass | Paper- less geo- caching |
Turn by turn | Waypoints /Routes Trackpts. /Tracks | Miscell-aneous | Compare prices |
| Montana 600 | Color, touch, hi-res |
2" x 3.5" | 16/22 | 10.2 oz/11.7 oz | No | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | Yes | Yes | 4000/200 10K/200 |
Wireless data, Screen rotates, nuvi mode |
Compare prices  |
| Montana 650 | Color, touch, hi-res |
2" x 3.5" | 16/22 | 10.2 oz/11.7 oz | No | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | Yes | Yes | 4000/200 10K/200 |
Wireless data, Screen rotates, nuvi mode, camera |
Compare prices  |
| Montana 650t | Color, touch, hi-res |
2" x 3.5" | 16/22 | 10.2 oz/11.7 oz | Yes | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | Yes | Yes | 4000/200 10K/200 |
Wireless data, Screen rotates, nuvi mode, camera |
Compare prices  |
| Oregon 450 | Color, touch, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 16 | 6.8 oz | No | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | Yes | Yes | 2000/200 10K/200 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| Oregon 450t | Color, touch, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 16 | 6.8 oz | Topo | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | Yes | Yes | 2000/200 10K/200 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| Oregon 550 | Color, touch, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 16 | 6.8 oz | No | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | Yes | Yes | 2000/200 10K/200 |
Camera, Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| Oregon 550t | Color, touch, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 16 | 6.8 oz | Topo | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | Yes | Yes | 2000/200 10K/200 |
Camera, Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| Model | Display type |
Display size | Rated battery life (hrs) | Weight with batt- eries | Pre-loaded detailed maps | Ability to add maps/ storage | Accepts custom maps | Elec- tronic compass | Paper- less geo- caching |
Turn by turn | Waypoints /Routes Trackpts. /Tracks | Miscell-aneous | Compare prices |
| Rino 520HCx | Color | 1.3" x 1.7" | 14 | 10.3 oz | No | microSD | No | No | No | Yes | 500/50 10K/20 |
Two-way radio | Compare prices  |
| Rino 530 HCx | Color | 1.3" x 1.7" | 14 | 10.3 oz | No | microSD | No | 2-axis | No | Yes | 500/50 10K/20 |
Two-way radio | Compare prices  |
| Rino 650 | Color, touch |
1.43" x 2.15" | 14 | 11.3 oz | No | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | ? | Yes | 2000/200 10K/200 |
Two-way radio | Compare prices  |
| Rino 655t | Color, touch |
1.43" x 2.15" | 14 | 11.3 oz | Yes | microSD | Yes | 3-axis | ? | Yes | 2000/200 10K/200 |
Two-way radio | Compare prices  |
| Model | Display type |
Display size | Rated battery life (hrs) | Weight with batt- eries | Pre-loaded detailed maps | Ability to add maps/ storage | Accepts custom maps | Elec- tronic compass | Paper- less geo- caching |
Turn by turn | Waypoints /Routes Trackpts. /Tracks | Miscell-aneous | Compare prices |
Discontinued models
| Model | Display type |
Display size | Rated battery life (hrs) | Weight with batt- eries | Pre-loaded detailed maps | Ability to add maps/ storage | Accepts custom maps | Elec- tronic compass | Paper- less geo- caching |
Turn by turn | Waypoints /Routes Trackpts. /Tracks | Miscell-aneous | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado 300 | Color, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 15 | 7.3 oz | No | SD | Yes | 2-axis | Yes | Yes | 1000/50 10K/20 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| Colorado 400c | Color, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 15 | 7.3 oz | Limited coastal | SD | Yes | 2-axis | Yes | Yes | 1000/50 10K/20 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| Colorado 400i | Color, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 15 | 7.3 oz | US Inland Lakes | SD | Yes | 2-axis | Yes | Yes | 1000/50 10K/20 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| Colorado 400t | Color, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 15 | 7.3 oz | Topo | SD | Yes | 2-axis | Yes | Yes | 1000/50 10K/20 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| GPSMAP 60Cx | Color | 1.5" x 2.2" | 18 | 7.5 oz | No | microSD | No | No | No | Yes | 1000/500 10K/20 |
Compare prices  |
|
| GPSMAP 60CSx | Color | 1.5" x 2.2" | 18 | 7.5 oz | No | microSD | No | 2-axis | No | Yes | 1000/500 10K/20 |
Compare prices  |
|
| GPSMAP 76Cx | Color | 1.6" x 2.2" | 18 | 7.7 oz | No | microSD | No | No | No | Yes | 1000/500 10K/20 |
Floats | Compare prices  |
| GPSMAP 76CSx | Color | 1.6" x 2.2" | 18 | 7.7 oz | No | microSD | No | 2-axis | No | Yes | 1000/500 10K/20 |
Floats | Compare prices  |
| Oregon 200 | Color, touch, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 16 | 6.8 oz | No | microSD | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | 1000/50 10K/200 |
Compare prices  |
|
| Oregon 300 | Color, touch, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 16 | 6.8 oz | No | microSD | Yes | 2-axis | Yes | Yes | 1000/50 10K/200 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| Oregon 400c | Color, touch, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 16 | 6.8 oz | Limited coastal | microSD | Yes | 2-axis | Yes | Yes | 1000/50 10K/200 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| Oregon 400i | Color, touch, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 16 | 6.8 oz | US Inland Lakes | microSD | Yes | 2-axis | Yes | Yes | 1000/50 10K/200 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| Oregon 400t | Color, touch, hi-res |
1.53" x 2.55" | 16 | 6.8 oz | Topo | microSD | Yes | 2-axis | Yes | Yes | 1000/50 10K/200 |
Wireless data | Compare prices  |
| Model | Display type |
Display size | Rated battery life (hrs) | Weight with batt- eries | Pre-loaded detailed maps | Ability to add maps/ storage | Accepts custom maps | Elec- tronic compass | Paper- less geo- caching |
Turn by turn | Waypoints /Routes Trackpts. /Tracks | Miscell-aneous | Compare prices |
Feature explanations
- Display type – Monochrome and high resolution (hi-res) units tend to be more difficult to read in daylight conditions. Even so, the newer hi-res units are suitable for handheld use, where you will intuitively tilt the screen for the best view. They can also be customized to enhance viewing in bright conditions. The only "hi-res" units I recommend for fixed mount, non-external power use (e.g., bike handlebars) are the Dakota series, which is a bit brighter but not quite as high resoluion as the others.
- Ability to add maps/storage – If a unit accepts maps, the storage medium or available internal memory is listed. Units with pre-loaded detailed maps also offer some internal storage, in addition to SD/microSD. Please note that there are lots of free maps available for these units. Also note that a micro-SD card is included with the purchase of the 60/76C(S)x series units, but not with any of the others.
- Accepts custom maps – These units can accept custom raster maps and Garmin BirdsEye imagery.
- Electronic compass – These units also have a barometric altimeter. You can read more about electronic compasses here. A two-axis compass must be held level; a three-axis (AKA tri-axial) compass does not need to be held level, but is more of a pain to calibrate.
- Paperless geocaching – These units will dispaly the full geocache description, cache size, difficulty and terrain ratings, and recent logs.
- Turn by turn – These units can give turn-by-turn highway directions when the proper maps (usually City Navigator) are added, making them effective dual-use units.
- Waypoints/Routes and Trackpoints/Tracks – The numbers listed are the number of waypoints and routes that can be saved, followed by the tracklog capacity and number of tracks that can be saved.
- Miscellaneous – Wireless data refers to these unit’s ability to transfer data wirelessly with other compatible Garmin units. You can transfer waypoints, tracks, routes and geocache summaries (paperless caching details cannot be transferred).
I am looking for a recommendation. I currently have an Oregon 400t and am looking for a second unit to use while teaching a Geocaching class. Considering the Dakota 20 or the Nuvi 550 (because of its many features). Looks like the Nuvi is not so great on the geocaching side, lacking a compass. Have you tried the nuvi on a geocache?
You can check out my nuvi 500 review (same as the 550 except it has topo maps and drops the highway maps for Alaska)… http://gpstracklog.com/2008/09/garmin-nuvi-500-2.html
I’ve heard that it has improved somewhat, thanks to firmware updates. Still, I’d go with the Dakota 20 or Oregon 450.
Its a toss up between the 78s and the oregon 450, I have a gps map 76 cs
Imputting data can be a pain and with out a s/d card slot its memory is limited. Garmin has it on the discontinued list so the new maps wont work.
Does the oregon and ther 78s have a track back feature? Thanks
Yes, both have this feature.
Rich i need your advise my 76cs cant take garmins new maps, I still use it but I am on the fence about the new 78s 62s or the Oregon 450 When compared they are almost the same, except sink or float buttons on top or bottom, touch screen or not, which ever one i choose They need to do everything road, hike, rivers & lakes, motorcycle, seems they all of them do the things i need them to do i guess it comes down to ease of use. Any suggestions leaving for alaska in two weeks
Thanks
Jack B.
Jack, you read my mind. I’m going to email you a draft post I’ve been working on, covering this very topic; well, at least looking at the 450 vs 62s. A lot of folks are going to be trying to make this decision. As for the 62s vs 78s, I think it comes down to form factor, flotation and the 78s patch antenna, giving it better reception when held flat. Also, I’m not sure you can get the 62s before your trip. They aren’t shipping quite yet.
Is this article posted yet? Im trying to make the same decision as well…
No, but I’ll try to get it up this week. If you need it immediately, reply here and I’ll email the draft to you.
Would love to see the draft as im trying to make a decision for this weekend. Thanks Rich, you have a great site here.
I AM CONSIDERING PURCHASING A NEW GPS AND WOULD LIKE TO BUY ONE THAT DOES BOTH REGULAR GPS AND GEO CASHING. WE ARE JUST STARTING OUT AND WOULD TAKE ALL SUGGESTIONS WITH REFERENCE TO PRICING AND QUALITY..
Assuming you mean that you want one that works for road use too, the Oregon 450 plus City Navigator maps is my current dual use favorite. You might want to read this and then follow up with more questions…
http://gpstracklog.com/2009/04/dual-use-gps-for-road-and-trail.html
@Mike – Check your email.
i have gps 60csx.but i want measure more accurate distance.please suggest me which model is appropriate for me.
What do you mean, more accurate distance? Most handhelds aren’t going to get you better than 10-20′ accuracy, under ideal conditions. If you want better, you’re probably looking at spending thousands of dollars.
yes i am ready to spend thousands of dollor.please suggest me which handheld gps device is perfect for me.i am working on the map which has magnetic bearing and not has any lattitued or longitued.i have read only distanse and magnetic bearing.so i take distense of target from two referense points.first i measure distanses of target from two referenses on map help of scale.then i goes to field and mark both referenses and searching for target.scanner is not available here.i have garmin 60 csx.please suggest me any other easy method to find target and easy to carry handheld gps which is measurng accurate distense atleast 1 meter.
I don’t really deal with those. A good place to start would be http://trimble.com.
I notice the chart doesn’t include the Garmin GPS76 or GPSMAP76 – is this because they’re discontinued or because they don’t have the high sensitivity chip? Do any manufacturers publish sensitivity data?
I notice that my MAP76 seems to be more sensitive than the plain 76. Is it just my imagination? The plain 76 needs a relatively clear sky, while the MAP76 seems to tolerate considerable tree cover.
What about refresh speed after zoom in/out. The biggest beef I have with my MAP76 (other than not being color) is the very slow (to me) speed to show the full detail of the zoomed screen. Manufacturers also seem to be reluctant to provide this information.
I don’t have a review or page up for either model, which is why they aren’t on my chart. Neither has a high-sensitivity chipset, though the GPSMAP 76 probably has a better receiver than the GPS 76. Garmin product pages (the Specs tab) shows whether or not each unit has a high-sensitivity chipset. Refresh speeds have definitely improved on the newer units.
Hope this helps.
I want a GPS unit to do both duties, one for the road and other for hiking. I have looked at Organ 450 and Nuvi 500. Same price range but, Nuvi 500 has speaking ability while driving but reduces battery life to 8 hours for hiking. Of coarse it won’t be on continuously while driving or hiking yet recharging could be a problem while hiking.
Wow, I wonder if you really get 8 hours out of it. Have you read this?…
http://gpstracklog.com/2009/04/dual-use-gps-for-road-and-trail.html
Personally, I’d go with the Oregon or just buy a separate unit for the car.
I found that the Oregon 450 isn’t compatible with SD cards (2) Topo US 100k and City Navigator. Is this true or did I miss something?
Answered at http://gpstracklog.com/2009/04/dual-use-gps-for-road-and-trail.html/comment-page-1#comment-94764
I am looking for a GPS that we can use for marine navigation and hiking trails. I would like it to include an electronic compass and altimetre. Also the capacity to download maps from the free sites (can I get marine maps free through these sites?) What progam comes with these in order to download these maps/charts. Is it better to have an SD card or more internal memory. Would the Oregon 300 be a good option?
Thanks
Will you be navigating coastal waters? If so, the Garmin GPSMAP 78sc might be worth checking out. You can read my review of the landlubber’s 78s (not sc) at http://gpstracklog.com/2010/06/garmin-gpsmap-78s-review.html
I’m reluctant to recommend the first generation Colorado and Oregon models, due to visibility problems, especially in bright, on the water conditions. The Oregon 450 has an improved screen, and could be a good choice.
Unfortunately, most of the free maps are topo maps, not marine charts. Where do you boat? Inland, coastal, Caribbean? It might help to know that.
These newer units do allow you to use Garmin custom maps though, so free marine charts can be used, but they are limited to 100 tiles, which could quickly be an issue in a boat.
Some of the new units, like the 78 series, have a lot of internal memory, so you may not need an SD slot. Others are more limited.
Hope this helps. Feel free to follow up.
We kayak the north west coastal waters in Canada and Washington State but are not limited to that, and hike in Canada and the US. Thanks for your info and suggestions which I will follow up on. Does the software to download maps come with the GPS or is that an extra expense?
Okay, so the 78sc might be a good (but pricey) choice. You can use MapSource to load maps. It comes with Garmin map products that you can buy, but its also a platform to load free maps. Here’s one way to install it for free if you don’t have it (and AFAIK, its legal): http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-install-mapsource-if-it-didnt-come-with-your-gps/
Price is a factor, the 78 sc looks good but it is expensive. Do you have any suggestions for the $300 – 400 range, knowing I would have to compromise on some features. It would be used more for hiking than for anything else but I would like to be able to use it on the water where fog can be an issue.
The Oregon 450 is a great unit in your price range. It’s currently the top ranked unit on this site, and with good cause.
Mike,
My husband and I are new RVers and we are hiking now. Just got back from Shenandoah and planning to do many more National and State Parks. What would you recommend as a good, first model, not wanting to spend more than about $350? Again, I am reading the charts, but alot of it I don’t understand….so I thought I would ask! Sounds like one can download maps. Anything you have would be of value. Good overall hand held model
Expect a bit of a learning curve with any first handheld GPS, but I’d look at the Garmin Oregon 450. If you can wait till Black Friday, I’m betting we’ll see it at $250 again. Feel free to ask more questions. And when you get one, be sure to check out my Handheld GPS 101 series…
http://gpstracklog.com/handheld-sport-gps/handheld-gps-101
Rick,
Thanks, where do you see it on Black Friday? Any particular website or store you are referring to? I sure dan wait, as it is to be a Christmas present…and that model did sound great, so glad you confirmed it is good even as a first model. I will check out your handheld series site as well.
REI.com had it for $250 recently. Which makes me believe someone will have it for that price on BF. I’ll be tracking deals here and on http://bestgpsdeals.net
HELLO, I’m glad to have found you.
I need to buy a gift (an expensive one) for my son who will be travelling, flying, walking a lot in cities and some hiking. He will be mostly internationally in Tokyo, New Zealand and much in South America as well as US.
I was first attracted to this idea when I saw Mike Adams, the health ranger, checking the lattitude/longitude coordinates – [which I love - is there a name for that function?] with an etrex. –I just didn’t know there were SO many choices. The geo taggin on the camera sounds very nice. Can you give guidance? (no pun intended)
Mary
Hi Mary,
Those uses sound pretty diverse, but assuming it will be mostly used on foot, I’d suggest a Garmin Oregon — the 450 or 550. But keep in mind that the camera on the latter isn’t good enough to replace a stand alone camera. Garmins area good choice in general, because there are lots of international maps available, including many free ones. Feel free to follow up with more questions.
Hi We live in Australia and Looking at a suitable Garmin GPS, To use on holidays to China & Japan are the basic maps all I need to get around the city’s while (walking)or Bus’s, also need one to show us the way back to base. And when we return home, I will be Fishing in a lake using a boat from time to time so i could use the GPS there if suited so could you please recommend the one best suited. Regards Allan
I’d look at the Oregon 450. A handheld form factor with a compass screen would probably work out better for you than an auto unit. And it would definitely work better on the boat. One nice thing about Garmin — there are lots of international maps available, many of them free.
Thank you for the helpful chart to compare GPS features and prices. This is my first GPS and I plan to use it for hiking and geocaching. Please help me with my final decision between- Garmin Colorado 400T, eTrex Vista HCX or GPSMap 60CSx. I still not sure if I should splurge on the extra features the CO. 400T offers.
The Colorado 400t is nice in that it has paperless caching, but I would avoid it because the screen is so bad. But the other two don’t offer paperless caching. Can you swing $200-$220 for the Garmin Dakota 10 or 20?
Thanks for all your valuable info. I’m leaning toward the Oregon 450. But how does the touch screen work with kayaking, will being exposed to salt water have any effect on the screen or the touch feature. Because of the rugged use, even though we look after equipment, will the touch screen last as long as a GPS with buttons?
I’m not sure how well it will fare with salt water. I haven’t seen any issues arising from touch screen longevity though. I do wonder though, even with the improved visibility of the screen on the 450, how big of an issue glare and bright light will be. How do you feel about the 62/78 series Garmins?
I have ordered an Oregon 450, as it had a great Black Friday price – haven’t yet received it but while I am ordering it I would like to order the BlueChart Marine maps. I believe to work with these maps on a computer I need HomePort, is this correct?. If I mail order it is better to order both at once. Thanks
Landlubber here
but after a search on Garmin’s support page (http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/home/support/searchsupport), I believe you are correct>