The 10 Best Gps For Backpacking Of 2024, Researched By Us

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best Gps For Backpacking
Best Gps For Backpacking

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS

The Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS makes staying connected and on track more accessible than ever. A high-sensitivity GPS receiver and preloaded globe base map will keep you on track on outdoor expeditions. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS

Conquer the outdoors with the Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS. With its long battery life, built-in sensors and expandable memory, you'll have everything you need to explore the great outdoors. Read Review

3. Best Reliable: Garmin GPSMAP 66i

With the Garmin GPSMAP 66i, you can explore any terrain with confidence. It also offers advanced mapping capabilities that provide a clear view of your outdoor adventure. Read Review

4. Best Exactly: Garmin GPSMAP 64sx Handheld GPS

Navigate with confidence and ease with the Garmin GPSMAP 64sx Handheld GPS. This device can quickly and accurately locate your position by featuring a quad helix antenna and a high-sensitivity receiver. Read Review

5. Best Efficient: TomTom Go Comfort 6 Inch GPS Navigation

Get connected and stay informed with the TomTom GO Comfort 6 Inch GPS Navigation. Wi-Fi enabled and fast updates, you can access real-time traffic information and phone notifications so you can focus on the road. Read Review

Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for the best GPS for backpacking? Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, finding the right GPS is essential. A good GPS can guide you through unknown terrain, help you avoid getting lost and provide invaluable data about your routes. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for you.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of the best GPS for backpacking. These GPS systems offer advanced features, reliable accuracy, and rugged construction to help you through any adventure. You can take your backpacking trips to the next level with a quality GPS.

After 21 hours of research on customer feedback & product specifications, We've concluded that the best gps for backpacking is Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS. Because Its high-sensitivity GPS receiver, 2.2-inch monochrome display, and worldwide base map that come standard make it simpler than ever before to keep track of where you are and where you have been. If you desire extra features not included in this model, you might look into another one: Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS, which uses GPS and GLONASS satellite systems rather than just GPS; they can track in conditions that are more difficult to do by using GPS. It could better suit your needs.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS
Our Score:
9.9
Garmin

The Garmin eTrex GPS 10 is an excellent choice in handheld navigation for the frugal outdoor enthusiast. The high-sensitivity GPS receiver, 2.2-inch monochrome display, and worldwide base map that come standard make it simpler than ever before to keep track of where you are and where you have been. In the beginning, you may realize that navigating with its button is a little bit difficult to do. However, there is no need for you to be concerned about it because, after a few times using it, you will become accustomed to it.

Additionally, this GPS can keep its GPS location even when operating in dense cover or deep gorges. This product can track GPS and GLONASS satellites simultaneously. GLONASS satellites are more accurate than GPS, so when using GLONASS satellites, the amount of time it takes for the receiver to lock on to a position is (on average) approximately twenty percent faster than when using GPS.

TOP Choice #2 Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS
Our Score:
9.8
Garmin

The eTrex 22x handheld device already has road-routable TopoActive maps preloaded onto it. These maps include trails and streets to take your trip away from surrounding areas. In addition, You can also find thousands of points of interest, such as shops, restaurants, universities, parking lots, and lodgings. Because the receivers in this product employ GPS and GLONASS satellite systems rather than just GPS, they can track in conditions that are more difficult to do by using GPS. 

You may easily download various maps thanks to the microSD card port and the extended 8 GB of internal capacity on this device. Although the screen is a bit small, you can easy to read the accurate information thanks to the 2.2-inch sunlight-readable color display with 240 × 320 display pixels for increased readability. In addition, it is compatible with BirdsEye Satellite Imagery so that you can download and integrate satellite imagery into maps.

TOP Choice #3 Garmin GPSMAP 66i
Our Score:
9.6
Garmin

The GPSMAP 66i is a rugged device with a button-operated interface. It has a big color display that measures 3 inches and is readable even in direct sunlight. This product is compatible with the Garmin Explore website and app, which will assist you in managing waypoints, routes, activities, and collections, as well as using tracks and viewing trip data while you are out in the field.

The Garmin TOPO mapping preloaded on this device offers exact perspectives on geographical features such as topographic altitudes, terrain contours, summits, parks, coasts, rivers, lakes, and locations. In addition, this GPS allows you to track and navigate rugged terrain thanks to its support for many GNSS systems and navigation sensors like an altimeter, barometer, and compass. Although the battery may wear out after a long usage time, this product generally works effectively.

4 Garmin GPSMAP 64sx Handheld GPS
Our Score:
9.4
Garmin

With its quad helix antenna, high-sensitivity receiver, and multiple global navigation system support (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo), This GPS can locate your position quickly and precisely. It comes equipped with TopoActive maps that let you navigate routable streets and trails, allowing you to take the journey easily. Additionally, this product gives you the ability to share your waypoints, tracks, routes wirelessly, and geocaches with other devices that are compatible with it.

BirdsEye Satellite Imagery lets you load satellite photos and incorporate them with maps. You can download maps quickly thanks to the 8 GB of onboard memory. In addition, you will be able to wirelessly receive emails, texts, and notifications from the compatible device that you have associated with intelligent information. Therefore, you can stay connected without having to dig into your backpack for your smartphone. However, its instruction is a bit complicated, so you should watch the instructional video on Youtube to understand how to use this product.

With this TomTom GO GPS, you can utilize TomTom MyDrive to make travel plans ahead of time; it can even read out your text messages. Because it has Wi-Fi built right in, you won't have any trouble keeping your maps, POIs, and speed camera locations up to date or downloading the newest navigation features. In addition, this product observes your driving patterns and makes forecasts for the times you are most likely to travel to locations that you have saved in My Places. 

Because it keeps track of the time of day at which you make regular trips, the more you use it, the more accurate its forecasts will become. With the most up-to-date traffic information, you can prepare a commute plan immediately. From the main menu, you can quickly turn on or off the notifications. Sometimes, the GPS will lose its connection to the phone over Bluetooth; however, you do not need to be concerned about this because you only need to connect it again, and everything will function normally again.

6 Garmin Montana 700i GPS
Our Score:
9.2
Garmin

This product has a touchscreen display that is 5" in size and is 50% larger than the display on the previous model. Thus it is much easier to see. It can send a two-way message to the GEOS 24/7 monitoring center through an interactive SOS transmitted through the 100% global Iridium satellite network. You can easily have outdoor navigation capability thanks to compatibility with multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS).

Using this device, you can also send and receive text messages with loved ones, post to social media, and communicate with others who also have inReach devices. Additionally, the inReach weather forecast service will send specific updates directly to the Montana handheld or other devices that have been associated with it so that you will be aware of what to anticipate en approach. Additionally, its optional display of federal public land boundaries on topographical maps provides you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are traveling in the appropriate area. However, to download the maps, you will need to save quite large files (for example, 5 GB for each map), which could take quite some time if the Internet connection is not very fast.

7 Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS Navigation
Our Score:
9.0
Bushnell

You will be able to find your way back to your base camp or the trailhead with the assistance of the Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS. This product utilizes Global Positioning System technology to record your journey or waypoints so that you may go back to where you started. The Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS is durable thanks to its tough and waterproof design.

This GPS is an essential piece of gear for hitting the trail thanks to its display that is simple to read and its large buttons that can be operated while wearing gloves. It displays both your ascent and descent in height, in addition to the barometric pressure. It also tells you when the sun will rise and set for the day, and when the moon will rise and set. In addition, you can utilize the map that is displayed on the screen to view both your waypoints and where you have been using the breadcrumbs. Although the instructions are a bit complicated, you don't need to be concerned about it too much because you can watch the instructional video on Youtube to understand how to use it.

More To Consider

9 Garmin Montana 700 Rugged GPS
Our Score:
8.5
Wearable4U
10 Garmin 700i Rugged GPS Touchscreen
Our Score:
8.3
Wearable4U

Our Tips to decide which one among best gps for backpacking is the best

Researchers all know how difficult it is to make a decision when there are so many options. It's something that originally stood out, and you want to get the most bang for your buck, but our advice will help you make good decisions.

Before making a purchase, please read the following key factors to save oneself time and prevent trouble later.

Batteries

GPS devices are bound to use up a lot of battery life if they have a bigger screen and more features, since they have to work harder to get the same results. If you are a day hiker and plan to take your GPS on longer trips, check to see if you can use a removable battery. If you have a waterproof USB charger, you'll have an excellent backup if you need it. Most GPS devices nowadays are rechargeable via USB, so you shouldn't worry too much about how you'll charge them. You will need to use ‘’high power’ AA batteries if you use the regular AA batteries.

Weight

For any type of physical activity, a lighter unit is normally better, but lighter units usually have shorter battery life, smaller screens and lower physical protection. This is a situation in which personal preferences will come into play.

Durability

GPS devices created for outdoor use are typically robust. In addition to a rugged case or storage pouch, devices with an additional ruggedised case are available. If you are going to a place where extreme conditions are present, you might want to know if a mobile phone is also rated for these conditions.

Planning Routes

GPS devices are able to display a route created on the gadget or imported with GPX files. You can view a clear route line and be warned if you stray too far from it if this function is installed. 'Track back' is a function that can steer you back to your starting point if you get lost. Make sure you understand the terms used by different manufacturers when examining storage capacity.

Route Recording

The ability to record your journey enables you to revisit it and share it. It is excellent for settling disputes about how far you have travelled (and the vertical difference). If your device has GPX export, you may send this to others as a file, making following your route easier. Most GPS devices will record this data and export it as a FIT file, which includes both the route and other information. Devices that have sensors for heart rate may also record this data, and export it as a FIT file with both the route and additional information.

Screen

Make sure you're using the right maps for your location. The transflective screens are able to reflect sunlight and work in bright light. The backlight allows the screen to be read in dark conditions and makes it easier for you to see in sunlight. Although brighter screens can be more useful, they also have a shorter life span. You should also check the resolution of the screen. High resolutions show more details on the map.

FAQs

Will My GPS Tracker Still Work In Rural Areas?

If you live in an area where cell service is patchy, then you're likely to experience spotty GPS behaviour as a result. It doesn't mean the GPS isn't working; it just means that it is unable to send the location information to your phone because there aren't enough cellular towers around to do so.

Why Buy A Portable GPS Instead Of Using My Phone?

Many individuals use a phone for navigation. You can begin a journey anywhere with a portable GPS, a portable navigation device, or a dashtop GPS (same thing). A cellular signal is required to set up a trip and download map data on a smartphone; a portable GPS has maps built in. A 7.0-inch screen is typical on a portable GPS, bigger than most smartphones. Hands-free calling is available if you have an older automobile without Bluetooth. The microphone and speakers of a GPS device allow you to make phone calls without using a handsfree device.

How Do I Enter The Destination?

On the screen, a keypad pops up as you type the address. You typically enter the address using predictive typing, but you can also enter the address from start to finish if you have already visited the location. You can speak the address or choose from your favorite and recent destinations, in addition to choosing from gas stations, hotels and medical facilities. The map typically includes businesses, museums, hotels, gas stations and medical services as well as street addresses.

My Car GPS Tracker Says It’s Moving When It’s Not. Why Is This Happening?

GPS trackers can send signals off different surfaces in an urban environment, resulting in false alarms. Getting an alert in the middle of the night that your vehicle has moved out of the garage is not uncommon with GPS trackers, but it can be irritating and worrying. It’s difficult to determine if the alert is legitimate or not, as the car may have moved only a short distance, like down the street.

Can Real-time GPS Trackers Pinpoint Your Exact Location?

Your GPS tracker may be out of position due to interference from other electronic devices, including your cell phone. GPS trackers rely on satellite signals to triangulate their position. If the GPS tracker is interfered with, the accuracy may be thrown off.

Is A GPS Better Than Google Maps?

A GPS unit that is dedicated to only receiving GPS signal and powering cannot be compromised by other functions. This means it is less likely to slow down, stop, or use up battery life as fast as a smartphone running Google Maps or a similar software. GPS units, on the other hand, may have data services onboard that can deliver live traffic updates if connected to an active smartphone. This means your free GPS apps on your smartphone will be updated more frequently and will provide better suggestions than before.

Conclusion

Follow these guidelines to ensure that you purchase best gps for backpacking in 2024. Take into account what characteristics are most essential for your topmost issue right now, and then look into different products that meet those requirements. If you are unable to choose a product, please see Garmin Alpha 10 Handheld GPS for another option.

With this advice, you should be able to find a great new product with much less difficulty! Do you have any inquiries? Please notify us as soon as possible.


0 ratings

About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

Read Sara's full bio