Which outdoor gps

GPS units work by using information relayed to satellites to determine location. By triangulating the position of a device against multiple satellites , you can figure out exactly where someone is positioned on the face of the Earth.

The GPS will transmit a signal to multiple satellites, and depending on the time needed to reach each satellite, they can determine how far away the individual is from each of them.

From there, the satellites will coordinate and determine where that person is on Earth. No, a handheld hiking GPS should never be seen as a replacement for a map and compass. Firstly, an electronic device can malfunction or run out of battery. In questionable situations, a compass and map will never lead you wrong. Garmin is known for having some of the most dependable products on the market and has always led the way with GPS solutions. This product has all the bells and whistles you could want and more.

Although not wearable, this compact device is almost as powerful as most smartphones on the market today. In addition to the standard electronic compass and barometric altimeter, it incorporates a barometer and accelerometer to track real-time speed and altitude information.

Real-time location sharing with other users, water-resistant, and with the ability to incorporate NOAA weather maps and color satellite imagery make this device one of the most complex on the market. This product can integrate with other technology you already have available, such as smartphones and watches, and can allow you to track heart rate, temperature, and more.

This device incorporates many of the traditional, standard features, while also including some more important additional features. Perhaps the best available benefit of this model is the dual battery system that incorporates options for both AA batteries and rechargeable NiMH battery packs.

Which is good, since the battery life of this unit will need the extra juice. This product offers options for Bluetooth and cellular compatibility for emergencies, just like the pricier inReach. You will have the option to use it strictly as a hiking GPS, or upgrade and utilize communication features to make sure you are safe and monitored during your journey.

The robust GPSMAP is also an excellent mid-range price, balancing the features of more expensive models with the cost of more basic products.

The Garmin Foretrex is a very dynamic but straightforward product. This wearable device has a simple 1. It incorporates the basics such as a barometric altimeter, electronic compass, in addition to mapping software showing you the way back home.

Bottom-Line: For the budget hiker, this is a fantastic device for hiking that will be durable and effective for your travels. Another Garmin product that impresses users, the eTrex takes a different approach than the others before it.

By minimizing its space and incorporating more powerful processors, it can offer a wider variety of displays and map features while simplifying the controls and reducing size. Despite the small size, this device has a clear 2.

This product boasts a large 8 GB memory for downloading and storing maps, trail marker information, and step tracing information.

Additionally, this device is preloaded with some of the more common topographical maps that people use for hiking and cycling, letting you hit the ground running when you open the box. More importantly, the AA batteries will last for up to 25 hours of continuous use, and are, obviously, replaceable, making it one of the best for long term voyages. The eTrex 20x is much more basic, but still carries many of the same options as the 32x version.

It features a 2. The Magellan eXplorist tries to match the quality and functionality of the previous two Garmin devices. This device attempts to maximize visual features to make the product more appealing and has succeeded in creating a user-friendly product. However, the detail and availability of base map options are limited in comparison, and it is simply not as solid of choice, even for the lower price point.

The Bushnell Onix is a competitive product to some of the higher-end Garmin products. Designed to be comparable to the Garmin GPSMAP, but at a lower price point, this product misses the mark according to most reviews and specifications. The best things it offers are the screen size and aesthetic appearance, but beyond that, it is found lacking. Though it purportedly provides many different solutions for maps and various functions, they are typically spotty and perform poorly in areas with poor connectivity.

Basically, exactly what you want from a GPS unit. IPX7 waterproofing means this GPS will work underwater for 30 mins at least , so it should cope just fine with unpredictable weather. Although the Garmin eTrex 30x design hasn't changed much for a while now the 30x is a slight upgrade on the original eTrex 30, with a higher-res screen and more memory , its appeal for hikers hasn't lessened, even in the face of slightly more flashy handheld GPS options.

Users also commented favourably on its fast-acting satellite latching, saying it rarely loses contact, and were impressed that it matched the functionality of some higher-end models with features like wireless sharing, tri-axial compass and Garmin Chirp technology.

The Suunto 9 Baro Titanium might look like a standard outdoors watch , and in many ways it is. Battery life even on the most demanding GPS setting is 25 hours, which can stretch to hours by tuning the responsiveness down a touch. In addition you get all the bells and whistles of a sports tracking watch, as well as barometric altitude, weather alerts, and a bevy of heart monitoring and training tools. All that in a package that weighs 76grams? Not bad at all.

Don't expect lots of bells and whistles for your money, but don't expect it to be cheap nonsense either: it's sturdy, water resistant IPX7 and gets an impressive 25 hours from a pair of AA batteries. The x mm screen is clear and the buttons are easy to use one-handed. However, you can't load additional mapping and it lacks an SD card slot for expanding the memory. Head to our Garmin eTrex 10 review to find out more. The eTrex range pops up a few times in our best hiking GPS guide, and with good reason.

A slightly older model, the eTrex 32x is available as a standalone GPS or as part of a bundle with vouchers for additional maps, and whichever you pick, chances are you'll be able to find a decent deal.

The difference between it and the eTrex 30x are minor: the 32X has more memory although not much of it is available to you because of the very large pre-installed TopoActive map and the menus are a little different. For European customers that means preloaded maps of 46 countries based on the OpenStreetMap database, with thousands of points of interests covering everything from natural features to places to get a post-hike pint.

The Oregon is the successor to the much-loved but now discontinued Garmin Oregon T, which expert testers described as the most wide-ranging hiking GPS receiver on the market. The newer version retains the impressively durable, sunlight-readable touch screen and useful camera, has a redesigned antenna for better reception and has expanded wireless connectivity with support for Active Weather and Geocaching Live. There's also a year's free subscription to BirdsEye satellite imagery.

Unlike many handheld GPSs, here you have the option of running the Oregon on twin AAs, or using a rechargeable battery pack. Being able to swap the pack out for a pair of AAs is good for peace of mind on longer hikes, while those trying to cut down on disposable battery use will appreciate the option to recharge.

If you're looking for a great mid-range option, try the Garmin Montana Testers found this receiver to be nice and powerful, offering excellent accuracy and reception and a superbly user-friendly large screen with an easy-to-use interface.

The 8MP camera and 4GB of internal memory show just what a powerhouse it is, too. If you spend a lot of time off the grid, this is a great handheld GPS device that also lets you stay in touch using satellite messaging, sending notes to both telephone numbers and email addresses. Testers found that while it could take a few minutes to send and receive messages you need to wait for satellites to pass over the reception was incredibly reliable.

This one comes with an internal rechargeable battery, which could be a problem if you're going off-grid for long periods, but it does at least last a long time on one charge: up to hours on the default minute tracking mode, 30 days at the minute interval power save mode, and up to 30 days in standby mode. While the unit only comes pre-loaded with a base map, you get the full benefit of Garmin's own functionality, including free software Basecamp which lets you plan routes and load them onto the eTrex, and tons of free downloadable topo maps.

If you'd rather have a smartwatch than a standalone GPS unit, Garmin's military-spec GPS smartwatch is water-resistant and also built to US standards for thermal and shock resistance. It's not a dedicated hiking device but it does have a hiking profile alongside its presets for winter sports, swimming and cycling.

One of the big compromises with wearables is battery life, because of course there's not room for a big battery in there. The Garmin does a decent job with a rechargeable battery delivering up to 14 days as a watch and up to 16 hours in GPS mode. After you figure that out, you can start thinking about all the bells and whistles — i.

Most modern GPS units are incredibly accurate and can pinpoint the device's location to a resolution of meters. All the devices we tested use WAAS. Modern smartphones, in contrast, offer GPS accuracy of around 4. Tall buildings, canyons, and trees can interrupt satellite signals, slowing them down and reducing your device's accuracy.

Clouds and weather, however, shouldn't affect reception. To get the best signal with the satellites, it's best to carry your device outside your pack or in a light waterproof layer. We found that the highest performing — but unfortunately, also often the most expensive — models tend to achieve the best satellite reception. Electronic compasses — as opposed to a mechanical, differential compass — also improve accuracy when on the move and are included in expensive units like the Montana , but surprisingly in more affordable units like the eTrex 32x.

Even without these additions, however, all of the Garmin units we tested provided quality reception. GPS units usually come with a very rudimentary basic base map that distinguishes roads but not much else. As we mentioned above, you can buy a GPS unit preloaded with topo maps or buy them separately after the fact.

You can also download maps and satellite imagery for free and transfer them to your unit. The United States Geological Survey offers a wealth of free spatial data. Most states in the US also have a website that distributes spatial data. If you want the best maps, often for free, spend some time tinkering with this data.

If you want more convenient, straightforward map access, you can get them for around a hundred bucks from your GPS manufacturer. You can also buy satellite imagery. Often this is unnecessary because you can plan your routes in Google Earth and then send files to your mapping software and device. Satellite imagery is hard to see on most GPS units and is rarely necessary for the backcountry. Each GPS manufacture offers software designed to organize, analyze, and display the waypoints and tracks you collect with your GPS.

Garmin's Basecamp is our favorite. It's simple, intuitive, cross-platform, and provides everything a basic GPS user needs.

For example, you can easily see waypoints or tracks in Google Earth. It is also an essential feature on really basic models like the eTrex 10 , which due to its lack of mapping capability, would otherwise be rendered useless. Do you want a compact version like an eTrex 32x , or are you willing to haul extra weight — like the Montana — for perks like a larger screen?

Is a big GPS screen more important because you would like to be able to quickly see information at a glance while driving? Or are you willing to squint for a more portable unit? Since all of the units in this review are handheld, none are huge — but there is definitely a difference in screen size and display quality between them. The Montana , with a 5-inch diagonal screen, offers the largest screen and also the highest quality resolution. Its smartphone-like touchscreen makes navigation easy, particularly in a car.

So then, buttons or touchscreen? Touchscreens respond faster than button units, but they also consume more battery life, can freeze up in cold conditions, and don't work well with thick gloves. Most touchscreen GPS units we tested are also years behind most smartphones. Buttoned units work with thick gloves, their batteries last longer, and they are more reliable in extreme temperatures. But they're slower, and it takes longer to type in waypoints.

It comes down to preference. Do you prefer a unit that feels modern and operates quickly? Or do you value reliability above all else? GPS units work by communicating with satellites orbiting the earth designed to read and triangulate signals sent from the unit.

In the United States, the Department of Defense manages the GPS network, a series of 33 satellites that transmit both positional and timing data. When a GPS unit contacts at least four satellites, it can pinpoint your position with a decent degree of accuracy, although terrain and conditions can affect this.

The more satellites, the faster and more accurately you can identify your position. Satellites send signals to WAAS master stations on the ground.

This message is then relayed to compatible receivers like GPS units to provide a much more accurate location estimate. However, many of the other units we tested were able to achieve accuracy within 10 feet very quickly. We tested handheld GPS units.

These units are very capable, able to mark waypoints, track your route, make notes, geocache, pull up altitude profiles, and often much more. But they are also small enough to wear around your neck or stash in your backpack. But the more features you add to a portable GPS unit, the larger and heavier they become.

Handheld devices are popular for backcountry navigation, particularly because they are so portable. However, not all units are created equally regarding portability, so it is important to consider if you want to carry a GPS in your pocket or will most likely only take one of these devices when you are also carrying a backpack.

The Montana is by far the largest and heaviest unit in our review but still weighs only 14 ounces and is only slightly bulkier than a modern smartphone. The eTrex line falls at the other end of the spectrum — both the eTrex 10 and more capable eTrex 32x are small enough to fit into a pant's pocket. Just as a point of comparison, there are also a variety of GPS Watches that can log backcountry travel information.

These are popular among trail runners, mountain guides, hikers, and backpackers. They are a great alternative to handheld units if you're looking to go light but have a much shorter battery life, a significantly smaller display, and may not offer the same capabilities as the handheld units featured here. Most of the units featured in this review are surprisingly versatile; sporting functions well outside the realm of navigation, ranging from flashlight to calculator to texting.

We won't dive too deeply into each function of each model we tested but rather will discuss a few important ones. You don't need that many waypoints to get you through a trip, even a pretty long one. They're also very easy to save on a computer and then delete after you're back home. If, however, you plan on holding on to waypoints from multiple trips, conducting involved science surveys, or embarking on a mapping mission — you might want to aim high.

The eTrex Touch 35 offers the best capability in the smallest package. Geocaching is a relatively new outdoor activity, essentially using a GPS unit or GPS software for a scavenger hunt of sorts, looking for hidden treasures all over the world.

Most GPS units are set up for this somehow, and some of the ones we tested have preloaded geocaches so you can unpack and play. A huge draw for the geocaching crowd is that a modern GPS unit — with text display — allows them to go paperless. For easy entry to this worldwide phenomenon, the Garmin eTrex 10 , thanks to its accuracy balanced with affordability. The cut-off point between basic units and more sophisticated ones is usually an electronic compass.

This allows a unit to display your heading while held in place. In contrast, you have to be moving for a differential compass to work properly. For some, this is a great advantage — say during a whiteout next to a cliff edge. Many mountain guides prefer an electronic compass because it makes navigating faster and easier. Only the eTrex 10 doesn't offer an electronic compass.

Another feature that separates high-performing devices from base models is a barometric altimeter, which uses a small sensor to detect air pressure and calculate altitude instead of relying on positional data alone. Barometric altimeters also allow you to track weather patterns and trends, which can be really useful in the mountains when knowledge of a coming storm is crucial.

Only the baseline-level eTrex 10 doesn't come with a barometric altimeter. A camera, microphone, and voice recorder can be nice add-ons to fully document adventures or field data. You can use these media options to mark a waypoint instead of typing one.

We loved this option when looking back at our past adventures. Photos also help keep you on the trail when following a track. This is especially helpful for outdoor guides or scientific surveys. While many options boast a photo viewer, the Oregon t is the only GPS in our review to include a camera.

But extras like that also come at the price of the added size. Another great feature is smart notifications.