Roundups

The Best GPS for Hiking (Alternative Devices)

Is there really a best GPS for hiking? I’ve been using handheld GPS units for many years now and would argue that it’s nigh on impossible to choose one device that can be classed as the best. In fact, we should think of a GPS purely as a backup device. With that though in mind I’m going to look at some of the GPS options I’ve used on my travels.

My Choices of Hiking GPS

etrex 10 – simple and never failed

InReach – awesome, but a little pricey

Take a look around the web and you’ll find countless articles asking about the best GPS for hiking, or hill walking, or some of their physical activity. As some of you know I’m not a massive fan of having GPS purely for the sake of having GPS. I talk about the reasons why in my hillwalking essentials guide. Rather than regurgitate my thoughts you can read that post. For the sake of brevity, I firmly believe GPS should be a backup for outdoor activities. Nothing beats the ability to be able to understand and use a map and compass.

Here’s example of what happens when the GPS fails. Last year I was on a big run, about 18 miles, over and around Wendover Hill. As I went through one of the hamlets on the hillside, I was stopped by a couple of hill walkers. One of stopped me and asked if I could pinpoint his location on the map was holding as his GPS batteries with flat and he was lost. Here ends this lesson.

Having a handheld GPS device as a backup is a great idea. The key is to ensure that the battery is always fully charged. Even on major expedition – and access to only solar charging equipment – this is pretty easy. Most GPS devices are still powered by disposable batteries which are available pretty much everywhere, even in those tiny little village shops in the middle of nowhere.

I don’t want to attempt to give you a low down on all possible GPS options out as there are simply too many options, most of which are identical in functionality. Today I’m going to try something a little different. A quick search on the internet will show you huge number of review posts detailing the specifics of a manufacturer’s GPS model. Rather than do that I’d like to show you my best GPS for hiking options without going too deep into the various models and specification.

Portable satnav devices, handheld GPS as it’s more commonly known, have been with us for many years. I remember years ago, back when I was serving in the army – the first GPS units were huge and heavy. Lugging one of those around what’s no fun partly because the Defence Evaluation and Research agency insisted on taking lightweight devices and encasing them in several kilos of metal. Apparently, the idea was to ruggedise them! I’m not convinced.

3 Best Satnav/ GPS units I’ve Used for Hiking 

Garmin etrex 10 

Garmin etrex 10 handheld gps
Garmin etrex 10 handheld GPS, my preferred backup navigation device.

As far as I’m concerned accuracy and simplicity are the most important aspects of a GPS. The ability to navigate is at the heart of every expedition. We really don’t need a device that shows you every possible trail or track on your route. Route selection should be done by the hiker, not buy the device. And routes should be chosen via a map study.

What Makes the etrex My Favourite? 

The device for fills 3 key requirements that I have for a GPS:

  • it’s highly accurate 
  • it’s simple to use 
  • it’s incredibly lightweight

Open etrex 10 GPS Quick Review 

The etrex 10 was released in 2011. The first unit was built with technology that gave users the ability to pinpoint their location don’t about 10 metres. In recent years the internals of the device had been upgraded and now allow navigation down to 1 metre. 

Display on the etrex 10 is simple, a monochrome LCD screen. Some basic information, such as spot heights, is available to navigators. What I really like about this device is that it removes all distracting information. This fact alone is a great way to emphasise map reading skills should be valued more than your ability to use a GPS.

Using the etrex 10 is incredibly easy. Waypoints can be added manually, which is tedious. The GPS comes with a data cable that allows you to connect to laptop and upload GPX files. GPX files or XML documents holding waypoint information. Many hiking and Hill walking routes around the UK comma and the world, have been mapped and turned into GPX files. A good source routes you can download can be found app xx. 

The etrex 10 GPS Physical Characteristics.

Weighing in at 140g, it’s incredibly light! The etrex 10 has a massive battery life of 25 hours and is powered by 2 AA batteries. You can also use rechargeable batteries in the GPS. The GPS unit connects to both the American and Russian satellite systems which means you can find your location faster and more accurately.

Acquisition time – the time it takes for your GPS to lock onto orbiting satellites – is around 3 to 5 seconds. The etrex 10 does a pretty good job of retaining previously used satellites in memory. That said, and from personal experience, I would always give the device about minute to acquire satellite lock.

Like I said, etrex 10 is a very basic device and that’s one of the most attractive points about it. The low-resolution monochrome screen reduces a drain on battery power and is easy to read. The device doesn’t accept SD cards and it doesn’t have a touch screen. 

The device can store up to 50 routes and 1000 waypoints. This can be downloaded when you return home. You need to connect your etrex 10 to a laptop via the USB cable in order to back up the data.

I’ve used this GPS device for a number of years now. In fact, I bought my current device second hand 4 years ago and it’s still going strong. Since 2015 I’ve used it in places such as North Pole, Greenland, Norway and many jaunts around the UK.

Garmin InReach

Garmin InReach Explorer+ - GPS, SMS/social media over satellite
Garmin InReach Explorer+ use the Iridium satellite network for SMS texts and social media posts.

The Garmin InReach is major step up from the basic handheld GPS device. As well as standard waypoints I’m reporting functions the InReach has limited satellite communication capabilities. Unlike a standard GPS which simply track your position on the planet the InReach has the ability to send text and social media messages. With this functionality comes an obvious subscription charge.

What I like about the InReach 

  • all in one messaging and GPS functionality 
  • it’s incredibly rugged 
  • it had built in SOS functionality.

Garmin InReach Quick Review 

Originally named Delorme, a mapping company with over 40 years’ experience, the InReach brand was bought out by Garmin in 2015. The display on the InReach is a little more complex than that of the etrex 10 due to the many available features. Also, the has a basic display, colour display. In not so concerned about this latter points on the InReach as the battery life is impressive.

Like most other modern navigation devices, the InReach can be connected to a laptop in order to upload and download data files. The InReach will accept the standard .gpx file format. 

Unlike the etrex 10 the InReach can be connected to a smartphone via an app. Once connected you can plot out route waypoints on your smartphone. In addition, you can also send texts and social media messages via your phone and over the Iridium satellite network. This is a real saving grace as trying to use the InReach’s joystick to type out your messages is incredibly tedious.

The InReach comes in 2 models: The Explorer+ and the SE+. The explorer plus gives you the option of downloading full colour topographical maps. This can be useful if the GPS functionality fails as you can use the maps to track your roots via landmarks and reference points. 

There are a number of subscription options for the Iridium network and those are shown below. 

Image here 

Unlike the etrex 10, the InReach has a rechargeable internal battery.

Garmin InReach Physical Characteristics 

Garmin InReach weighs about 7.5 ounces, or 212 grams. It’s a little larger than the etrex – the dimensions are 6.5 inches by 2.7 inches by 1.5 inches. 

The battery life on the InReach is a massive 100 hours, and that’s when you have the tracking interval set every 10 minutes. From personal Experience I know that the device will charge from a solar panel – full charge take several hours. If you’re going to be using the InReach on a regular basis I recommend rigging your solar panels to charge up your power supply units while you’re on the move.

Garmin InReach pricing plan.
Gramin InReach pricing plans

The 2-way messaging feature on the InReach is one thing I really like. The ability to be able to send SMS format messages to friends and family is a great way of keeping in touch and letting people know yourself safe. See image above for subscription plan prices.

The display size on the device is 1.4 by one 1.9 inches. this is a huge step up from the dome devices which were considerably smaller and difficult to read. 

The InReach has a maximum 200 waypoint limit per route. 

The InReach can be connected to a laptop via a data cable to upload and download routes. In addition, Garmin have created an app that lets you control the InReach from your smartphone. You can also load this app onto devices such as an iPod touch or an iPad.

Smartwatches as GPS Devices for Hiking

I know the use of smart watches GPS devices a slightly contentious issue for some people. But when it comes to simplicity and portability, I find that nothing can beat a smart watch. In 2016 I took the Microsoft Band 2 to the North Pole and it performed way beyond my expectations. Sadly, my band 2 broke some time ago. Microsoft has discontinued devices I’m getting hold of a new one is hard.

Microsoft Band 2 sports watch with GPS
I loved my Microsoft Band 2 sports watch, but sadly the strap broke.

More recently – and only due to my Band 2 breaking – I’ve moved over to a Garmin Vivosmart HR+. As devices go it’s not true GPS as it needs to be coupled with an app in order to be able to track your location. That’s not a major issue for me as every journey I go on I take a smartphone with me. 

Why I Liked Using The Microsoft Band 2 as a GPS

  • Incredibly lightweight -you’ll never even know you’re wearing it until you need to use it 
  • Fairly long battery life – Band 2 worked for two days before requiring a charge 
  • Charging time is incredibly quick, even when using solar devices 

Microsoft Band 2 Quick Review 

Unlike the InReach, the Band 2 passively tracks your routes as it’s always on. As an added bonus for anyone who takes his fitness seriously the device will measure your heart rate constantly. 

The Microsoft Band 2 connected to your smartphone via the MS Health app (like the Band 2 watch, the app is now discontinued). The app was available for iPhone, Android and Windows devices. On a positive note, numerous other apps work with the Band and Band 2 – Strava being one of the better options.

When I went to the North Pole, I worked with Microsoft to develop bespoke application which tracked various health points as I skied. Some of the technology was later integrated into there are other health-related software created by Microsoft. 

If you intend to use this more as a sports device, you can set personalised goals as well as downloading preconfigured training plans. 

The display is incredibly simple and shows only key information. To view GPS tracking features, you will have to use a smartphone or similar device with an app installed.

Routes can be added, but only via an app. I never used this feature as my Band 2 for GPS tracking only.

Microsoft Band 2 Physical Characteristics

The Band 2 is incredibly light – a mere 60g, which makes it the lightest of all the GPS devices I’ve spoken about today. There are smaller devices out there, but I have a real love of the Band 2’s design.

Screen size is 12.8mm x 32mm (320 x 128 pixels) which may seem small for anyone used to using a regular GPS. But we are using the watch for GPS tracking only.

For me, the styling of the watch was important. I had used the Band 1 and, in all honesty, it was uncomfortable to wear. The version 2 was a stellar leap in comfort and functionality. It’s a real shame Microsoft didn’t continue building more of these watches.

Is There Really A Best GPS for Hiking?

No. If you search the web for the best GPS for hiking, you’re will end up going down a maze of rabbit holes. Pretty much every portable GPS device can be used by hikers. Our preferences are a different matter and a full colour GPS with mapping downloads might be one person’s choice, but not someone else’s.

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