Outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking require you to have a guide that directs your way. This could be a small and compact handheld GPS. Whether you’re a hunter, a fisherman, or even an amateur explorer who wants to explore the trails and hike here and there, you need this handheld GPS as a guide. Luckily, there are many of them on the market today. Of course, the best company manufacturing such devices so far is Garmin. Today, we are here to review some of their products and give you a list of the best hunting handheld GPS.
Before we start, note that this isn’t a review of Garmin products but a review of the best handheld GPS for hunters. It happened that most of the products we found in this category were from Garmin. Thus, it took the lion’s share in our list. Let’s dive into the list and see which handheld GPS products you can use today.
Table of contents
- Garmin Montana 700i
- Garmin Overlander Multipurpose Navigator
- Garmin etrex Touch 35
- Garmin GPSMAP 78 Handheld GPS
- Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro
- Spot X Handheld Portable 2-Way GPS Messenger
- Garmin Oregon 700 Handheld GPS
- Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar GPS Watch
- Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
- Garmin InReach Mini
- Garmin GPSMAP 66i
- Garmin Rino 755t
- Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite
- How To Choose The Best Hunting Handheld GPS?
- What is the best handheld GPS device for hunters?
- What is the difference between handheld GPS hiking, hunting, and marine devices?
- Do I need WiFi or a cellular network for a handheld GPS device?
Garmin Montana 700i
13
Garmin Montana 700i is an ideal hunting handheld GPS unit to start with. It’s a gloves-friendly GPS unit with a high-quality touchscreen. Moreover, it offers one of the best connectivity and most accurate geolocating features as it supports all common satellite systems such as GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo.
Perhaps, the only thing that might hinder you from buying such a device is the price. Garmin Montana 700i is a pricey device. It’s one of the most expensive hunting handheld GPS devices, but it has many advanced features. The screen is five inches larger than most other Garmin devices. So, you can enjoy the quality of the screen as you like.
Pros
- High quality
- Supports all satellite systems
- Connects to WiFi
- Large display
Cons
- Very expensive
- Short battery life
Garmin Overlander Multipurpose Navigator
12
Garmin Overlander Multipurpose Navigator isn’t a budget-friendly handheld GPS. However, it’s a recommended hunting handheld GPS for those who don’t mind paying a lot for a professional handheld GPS hiking and hunting unit. It’s also a good option for vehicles. You can turn on the driving mode to let the GPS navigator guide you on your way. If you’re moving on your legs, turn on the explore mode instead.
The device accepts downloadable maps. It has an internal memory of 64 GB. Besides, you can connect the device with your smart device via WiFi. It will also give you a detailed weather forecast. If you want to text and send interactive SOS messages, you need to subscribe first.
Pros
- Two operation modes
- Weather forecast
- Interactive map
Cons
- Expensive
- SOS messages need a subscription
Garmin etrex Touch 35
11
Are you looking for a reliable and professional handheld GPS for hunters? Garmin etrex Touch 35 will make your life easier and satisfy all your needs. The GPS you can see below is one of the many etrex handheld GPS Garmin has manufactured recently. Those handheld GPS units are very modern and include many preloaded maps.
The device has a 4Gb memory, yet, it isn’t the best as you can download maps, and 4Gb isn’t usually enough. On the other side, most etrex handheld GPS hiking units have access to GPS and GLONASS satellites, and this one isn’t an exception. Equipped with a barometric altimeter and a 3-axis compass, you got the most accurate positioning and weather forecast ever.
Pros
- May preloaded maps
- Accurate positioning
- Weather forecast
Cons
- Not large memory
Garmin GPSMAP 78 Handheld GPS
10
Garmin GPSMAP 78 Handheld GPS is one of the easiest handheld GPS you can get for hunters and any outdoor activities. The GPS unit is versatile and easy to use, thanks to the buttons that make navigation easy. Moreover, the maps are easy to understand and easy to navigate through. You can also download more maps and gain access to additional features. Thus, you have an extra SD card to accommodate these maps.
Moving to the construction, this model from Garmin is very rugged and durable. It’s waterproof, so it’s a good option, actually one of the best handheld GPS for boats. In addition, you can connect this device to Garmin’s app and get an analysis of all the data you saved on the device.
Pros
- Value for money
- Floats on water
- Durable construction
- Ability to save data
Cons
- A bit bulky with a small screen
Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro
9
Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro is one of the best handheld GPS you can get; if your needs stop at determining locations and sharing them with your friends. The GPS will tell you where you’re right now. You can share this location with five other smart devices simultaneously. They will get live updates about your trip.
Moreover, the GPS unit records routes for sharing them later. However, you can’t get a pre-determined location and let the device guide you there. So, it’s just for tracking and keeping in contact with others. Best of all, this GPS unit for hunting is very small and compact. It also has a neck lanyard for easier carrying.
Pros
- Connects to five devices
- Very small and lightweight
- Has a special app
Cons
- No destination determining
Spot X Handheld Portable 2-Way GPS Messenger
8
Are you looking for a handheld GPS hiking device that you can use for many purposes? We offer you this Spot X Handheld Portable 2-Way GPS Messenger. This handheld device will only spot your location and allow you to send this location to your friends. You might wonder why you should use this GPS instead of your mobile. In fact, the geolocating feature of this device is far more accurate than the traditional GPS apps on your mobile.
However, you can still use your mobile along with the device. Just install the app and connect the GPS with your smartphone to access all your data via your mobile. You can also send SOS messages using this device. It’s a good affordable option without too many navigational features.
Pros
- Can pair it with your smartphone
- Can send SOS messages
- Cloud-based mapping
- Good price
Cons
- No advanced navigational features
Garmin Oregon 700 Handheld GPS
7
Garmin Oregon 700 Handheld GPS isn’t a cheap hunting handheld GPS for those looking for affordable options. Yet, it’s a modern-looking handheld GPS with good features that justify the price. It has a 3-inches crystal clear screen for a better view. It’s a touchscreen if you didn’t notice, that supports a dual-orientation feature.
Further, the GPS unit is a perfect place to store your data. You don’t need to pair it with other devices to store waypoints and activities. The device is smart enough to do so. Even more, you can create profiles and customize the widgets and everything on the GPS display to suit your own needs.
Pros
- Dual orientation touchscreen
- Clear display
- Customizable
Cons
- Not waterproof
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar GPS Watch
6
For a change, get a GPS watch instead of a hunting handheld GPS. Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar GPS Watch will meet your needs as it’s a smartwatch, a sports watch, and a GPS watch. This watch will cost you a lot, but you’ll get a lot as well. You can also get packages such as a watch and strap, a watch and a monitor, etc. Let’s talk about specs, this watch charges with solar energy to get long-lasting battery life.
Further, the watch has pre-loaded topo maps supported by most common satellite systems such as GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. You can also save your data and get an analysis of this data using this watch. The data here includes your activities data and saved waypoints and routes.
Pros
- Smartwatch and GPS
- Solar charging
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- Very expensive
Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
5
Believe it or not, you can get a perfect hunting handheld GPS from Garmin for under $200. This is Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator. This hunting handheld GPS is way cheaper than many GPS units from the same brand, yet, it offers nearly the same experience. The satellite receivers support both HotFix and GLONASS.
Furthermore, the GPS device is one of the lightest. It’s very compact, so hunters will love to take it wherever they go. As for the display, it’s a 2.2-inches screen. This is the basic screen size for most GPS devices. The batteries will power the device for around 25 hours. All of these features in this small cheap device. What else will you need?
Pros
- Cheap price
- Lightweight and compact
- Long battery life
Cons
- Can’t download more maps
Garmin InReach Mini
4
You’ll see two models of this option here on this list. Garmin InReach Mini is the first of them and the preferred one for many handheld GPS users. This is simply because of its size, as the GPS is very compact. You can even put it inside your pocket if you don’t have extra space in your bag.
Tiny as it is, it has many of the features offered by larger handheld GPS for hunters. For example, it features location sharing, radio communication, and weather forecast. On the downside, you can’t view colored topo maps on the device itself as the screen isn’t designed for this feature. In brief, get this unit if your most important feature is compactness.
Pros
- Very compact and lightweight
- Two-way communication
- Waterproof
Cons
- Can’t view maps
Garmin GPSMAP 66i
3
As one of the top-rated and best hunting handheld GPS devices, Garmin GPSMAP 66i will never disappoint you. The GPS device is an ideal choice for different missions. Besides being a good companion for hunting, it’s also one of the best handheld GPS hiking devices. Its screen is very high-quality, very clear, and offers wonderful map views. In addition, the internal memory is 16GB, but you can still add an SD card for extra space.
Regarding the battery life, which is very important for hunters and all handheld GPS users, it’s one of the longest. It can reach 35 hours of continuous use. Besides, there is a texting feature, but it needs a subscription.
Pros
- Rechargeable battery
- External SD card slot
- User-friendly
- High-quality screen and features
Cons
- Very expensive
Garmin Rino 755t
2
Do you want to keep in touch with your peers while being able to spot your location and navigate to pre-determined points? Garmin Rino 755t is a high-quality option to go for. This handheld GPS for hunters has a two-way communication feature to communicate with others in the area. You can even send voice messages to a certain limit. No wonder, as the GPS looks like a radio similar to those used by the caps.
Even more, the device has a decent camera to take pictures and record the important moments during your trip. It’ll save the geolocation of each picture automatically. As for the navigational features, they can’t be beaten but in limited areas only. In other words, the device is pre-loaded with certain maps, and you can’t download more.
Pros
- Two-way communication
- Camera option
- Uses multiple satellite systems
Cons
- Can’t download more maps
Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite
1
Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite is, no doubt, the best handheld GPS for hunters you can get today. Having this GPS means you have a device loaded with all the topo maps you’ll need during the hunting trip. You also have an advanced feature that keeps you connected to all your peers. That’s the two-way radio communication feature.
This handheld GPS device allows you to send and receive text messages upon subscription. However, to write a message, it’s going to take you some time as there is no touch keypad. It’s just the old way of writing messages using buttons. Regardless, everything else is ideal – the compactness, the lightweight nature, and the downloadable maps.
Pros
- Downloadable maps
- Weather forecast
- Can connect to smartphones
- Two-way radio communication
Cons
- Texting is a bit difficult
How To Choose The Best Hunting Handheld GPS?
Understanding the pros and cons of hunting handheld GPS devices will allow you to choose the best option for your special needs easily. In this short list below, you’ll know how to choose the best handheld GPS for hunting and what to look for when buying a new GPS unit.
Construction
Any outdoor activity needs a durable handheld GPS to withstand this rigorous use. When you plan to go hunting, you need to get the most durable GPS. The options above from Garmin are all reliable in terms of durability and rigorousness. So, if you’re after quality, don’t hesitate to get Garmin’s products.
Features
Handheld GPS devices have many features. For example, you’ll find options with a two-way communication feature. Another feature is the ability to share your location with other devices. Also, some GPS units connect with WiFi networks. Each of these features isn’t essential, but you might need to have a comprehensive handheld GPS for hunting that holds all these features.
Battery life
In fact, this is one of the most important features you need to check, if not the most important one. Most handheld GPS units come with rechargeable batteries, but to what extent do these batteries last? This is what you have to check before buying. Needless to say, go for the longest battery life if possible.
What is the best handheld GPS device for hunters?
Hunting is similar to most outdoor activities; it needs a small handheld GPS device with accurate and precise geolocating. Garmin’s GPS devices are one of the best here.
What is the difference between handheld GPS hiking, hunting, and marine devices?
All of them are the same. Handheld GPS hiking, hunting, and marine devices for boating all have the same features, and you can even get one device for all purposes.
Do I need WiFi or a cellular network for a handheld GPS device?
Not necessarily. GPS devices use satellite networks to get locations and navigate to destinations.