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Total Hiker > Hiking Gear > GPS

Handheld GPS Devices For Hiking

GPS devices are built with the ability to communicate with satellites to give you your position to a remarkably high degree of accuracy.

Dedicated Hiking GPS units have a variety of benefits over using a smartphone on a hike. For instance, the GPS is built for the rough environment and won't break as easily if dropped on a rock or you slip over.

They also provide a longer battery life, while also giving the option to replace the depleted batteries en route.

What to expect from a Hiking GPS unit?

  • It is built with a solid housing that is strong and waterproof
  • It has long-life batteries and spares are available
  • It has an easy-to-read screen that is viewable in bright and low-light conditions
  • A graphic map and latitude/longitude data (some only display the numerical data)
  • A route can be planned by entering waypoints
  • It has the ability to connect to several satellites (up to 15 or more on some models)
  • It should be lightweight and easy to carry
  • It has the option to accept multiple maps

Latest Posts on GPS Hiking Devices

How To Choose A Gps Device For Hiking

Guide To Choosing A Gps Device For Hiking

Learn about key features, types, and factors to consider in your GPS devices for accurate navigation and hiking adventures >>

May 4, 2023

What Are The Best GPS Watches for Hiking

What is the Best GPS Watch for Hiking in 2023?

The choice of GPS watches has exploded in the last few years.

However this can be a bit baffling. So we have picked out our favorites >>

January 20, 2023

How Does GPS Work

How Does GPS Work? Our Guide to How This Magic Works

Providing its user with location, distance, tracking, and route creation, GPS can seem a little bit like magic!

But how does it actually work?

July 29, 2022

Smartphone vs Standalone GPS for Hiking

Smartphone vs Standalone GPS for Hiking – Which is Best?

Smartphones have replaced a wide variety of standalone gadgets. So do you still need a standalone GPS for hiking?

We look at the pros and cons here >>

July 25, 2022

Garmin GPSMAP 64s vs 64st vs 64sc

Garmin 64s vs 64st vs 64sc GPSMAP Review & Comparison

Garmin’s GPSMAP 64 GPS range are excellent for hikers, but with names like 64s, 64st, and 64sc it is hard to know the difference.

We explain here >>

July 11, 2021

Garmin 401 vs 601 vs 701

Garmin Foretrex 401 vs 601 vs 701 Comparison

The Foretrex 401 is a hiking stalwart.However, Garmin has introduced the 601 and 701.

But what are the main differences between them? Find out here >>

July 11, 2021

Garmin vs Magellan

Magellan vs Garmin – Battle of the GPS Titans

Garmin and Magellan are two of the first brands that come to mind whenever you think of GPS.

But how do their handheld devices for hiking compare?

July 11, 2021

Garmin Oregon vs Montana Ranges

Garmin Oregon vs Montana Comparison

Garmin’s range of handheld GPS can be a little baffling.

So we look at two of their most similar ranges, Oregon and Montana, and explain the differences.

July 11, 2021

How to Use a GPS for Hiking

How to Use a GPS for Hiking

The benefits of using a GPS are obvious, but you might be wondering how to use a GPS for hiking to get the most from your hike.

Find out here >>

June 3, 2020

Fitness Tracker vs ABC vs GPS watch

Fitness Tracker vs ABC vs a GPS watch for Hiking?

There are a host of features you can get in a GPS enabled watch.

But which do you need and which can you do without? We explain all here >>

May 27, 2020

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