best handheld gps for hiking

When selecting a handheld GPS for hiking, it’s crucial to consider your specific requirements. Determine your intended usage, whether it’s for occasional hikes or extended expeditions; Evaluate the features you need, such as navigation accuracy, topographic maps, and waypoint marking capabilities. By defining your needs, you can narrow down your choices and find the GPS that best suits your hiking style and preferences.

Determine Your Needs

Before embarking on your search for the best handheld GPS for hiking, it’s essential to take a step back and carefully consider your specific requirements. Ask yourself the following questions⁚

– What type of hiking do you do? Are you an occasional hiker who sticks to well-marked trails, or do you venture into remote and challenging terrain? The answer to this question will help you determine the level of accuracy, durability, and features you need in a GPS.

– What features are important to you? Do you need a GPS with preloaded topographic maps? Waypoint marking capabilities? A long battery life? Make a list of the features that are most important to you, and use it to narrow down your choices.

– How much are you willing to spend? Handheld GPS devices can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping, and be prepared to adjust it slightly based on the features and quality of the GPS you find.

Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, you can start researching specific models and comparing their features. By taking the time to determine your requirements upfront, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and choose the best handheld GPS for your hiking adventures.

Additional Tips⁚

– Read online reviews from other hikers to get their insights on different GPS devices.

– Visit a local outdoor store and talk to a salesperson about your needs. They can provide valuable advice and help you find the right GPS for you.

– Consider renting a GPS before you buy one. This is a great way to try out different models and see which one works best for you.

Set a Budget

Once you have a good understanding of your needs, it’s time to set a budget for your new handheld GPS. Handheld GPS devices can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, so it’s important to determine how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.

Here are a few things to consider when setting your budget⁚

– The features you need⁚ The more features you want in your GPS, the higher the price you’ll pay. Decide which features are most important to you and focus on finding a GPS that has those features within your budget.
– The brand⁚ Some brands of GPS devices are more expensive than others. Do some research to find out which brands are known for their quality and reliability. You may be willing to pay a little more for a GPS from a reputable brand.

– Your budget⁚ Ultimately, the amount you spend on a handheld GPS should fit within your overall budget. Don’t overspend on a GPS that you can’t afford. There are many great GPS devices available at a variety of price points.

Once you have set a budget, you can start shopping for a handheld GPS that meets your needs and fits within your budget.

Additional Tips⁚

– Consider buying a used GPS to save money. Used GPS devices can be found online and at garage sales.

– Look for sales and discounts on GPS devices. Many retailers offer sales on GPS devices throughout the year.

– Be prepared to negotiate with the salesperson when you’re buying a GPS. You may be able to get a better price if you’re willing to haggle.

Read Reviews

Before you buy a handheld GPS, it’s important to read reviews from other users. Reviews can give you valuable insights into the pros and cons of different GPS devices. You can find reviews online, in magazines, and in consumer reports.

Here are a few things to look for when reading reviews⁚

– The overall rating⁚ The overall rating of a GPS device can give you a good idea of how well it performs. However, it’s important to read the individual reviews to get a more detailed understanding of the device’s strengths and weaknesses.

– The specific features⁚ Pay attention to the reviews that mention the specific features that you’re interested in. This will help you determine if the GPS device has the features that you need.

– The pros and cons⁚ Most reviews will list the pros and cons of the GPS device. This can be helpful in making a decision about whether or not to buy the device.

– The user experience⁚ Reviews can also give you a good idea of the user experience. This includes things like how easy the GPS device is to use and how well it performs in different conditions.

Once you have read a few reviews, you should have a good understanding of the pros and cons of different GPS devices. This information can help you make an informed decision about which GPS device to buy.

Additional Tips⁚

– Read reviews from a variety of sources. This will help you get a more balanced view of the GPS device.

– Be skeptical of reviews that are overly positive or negative. These reviews may be biased.

– If you’re not sure about something, ask the reviewer for more information.

Consider the Brand

When choosing a handheld GPS for hiking, it’s important to consider the brand. Some brands are known for making high-quality GPS devices, while others are known for making budget-friendly devices.

Here are a few of the most popular GPS brands⁚

– Garmin⁚ Garmin is one of the leading brands of GPS devices. Garmin GPS devices are known for their accuracy, durability, and ease of use;
– Magellan⁚ Magellan is another popular brand of GPS devices. Magellan GPS devices are known for their affordability and their user-friendly features.
– Lowrance⁚ Lowrance is a brand that specializes in marine electronics. However, Lowrance also makes a line of handheld GPS devices that are designed for hiking and other outdoor activities.
– Bushnell⁚ Bushnell is a brand that is known for making high-quality optics. Bushnell also makes a line of handheld GPS devices that are designed for hunting and other outdoor activities.

When choosing a GPS brand, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. If you need a high-quality GPS device that will perform well in all conditions, then you may want to choose a brand like Garmin or Magellan. However, if you’re on a budget, then you may want to choose a brand like Lowrance or Bushnell.

Additional Tips⁚

– Read reviews of GPS devices from different brands. This will help you get a better understanding of the pros and cons of each brand.
– Talk to other hikers and ask them what brands of GPS devices they recommend.
– Visit a local outdoor store and compare GPS devices from different brands. This will help you get a feel for the different devices and decide which brand is right for you.