If you are fond of making outdoor trips, especially into the wilderness, you must have a GPS device to track your route. The market today is filled with a good number of GPS systems meant for almost every outdoor activity. The best handheld GPS for hunting should be able to calculate and determine your location at all times.
Many hunters choose to have GPS units, for they prove quite beneficial when wandering through the woods. With a GPS device, one can move freely without restriction and still locate the route they followed when going back. By following the arrows on your GPS unit’s screen, you stand a better chance of going back to your starting point safely.
Garmin eTrex 20x, Handheld GPS Navigator
- Greater resolution with 240 x 320 display pixels
- Internal memory expanded to hold more maps
- High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver
- HotFix and GLONASS support
Do I Need A Gps For Hunting?
You do need a GPS for hunting because it is what makes all the difference when hunting. GPS units for hunting have a variety of features that are paramount for hunting. However, the main point of having a GPS for hunting is to enable you to find your way back so that you don’t end up getting lost in the woods. Instead of marking a tree that will allow you to find your trail back, a GPS unit will do that for you.
How Do We Test?
Your hunting success highly depends on the handheld GPS to find the right area to hunt. That is why reviewing handheld GPS is not an easy task. Why? Well, you have to go through all the possible options to review some top handheld GPS. Our expert review team has gone through all those possible options by spending weeks after weeks for you. By considering the ratings, user feedback from amazon, and top sellers, they have come with these 10 GPS. Accuracy, navigator, and battery backup were the key points. They’ve also considered the resistance against water and heat, receiver quality, and overall construction.
Best Handheld Gps For Hunting – 1 Min Quick Summary
Best for mapping – Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
Its preloaded world map will help you navigate better.
Best for memory – Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
The 32GB Memory Card helps you store more maps for hunting.
Editor’s pick – Garmin eTrex 20x, Handheld GPS Navigator
Its water resistance construction, HD display, and memory function make it a true all-rounder.
Best for the camera – Garmin Montana 680, Touchscreen Hiking Handheld
8 Megapixel Camera allows you to capture high-resolution images.
Best for night use – Garmin 010-01199-20 GPSMAP 64st Worldwide Handheld GPS
Its LED Lantern Flashlight enables you to use the GPS at night.
Great for sunlight – Magellan CX0310SGXNA eXplorist 310 Waterproof Hiking GPS
The sunlight-readable color screen enables daylight reading.
Best for tracking – Garmin eTrex 30x, Handheld GPS Navigator
Its 3-axis Compass allows you to track better.
Best for communication – Garmin Rino 755t, Rugged Handheld 2-Way Radio/GPS Navigator
The 2-way radios will help you communicate by using voice.
Best for battery backup – Garmin eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator
Its high-quality battery will deliver 25 hours backup.
Best for wet condition – Garmin Oregon 750T, Touchscreen Handheld GPS
You can use it in wet conditions for its water-resistance construction.
Table Of Content:
Comparison Chart:
Image | Product | Specifications | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best for mapping
|
Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best for memory
|
Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS (010-01508-00) |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Editor’s pick
|
Garmin eTrex 20x, Handheld GPS Navigator, Enhanced Memory and Resolution |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best for camera
|
Garmin Montana 680, Touchscreen Hiking Handheld |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best for night use
|
Garmin 010-01199-20 GPSMAP 64st Worldwide Handheld GPS |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Great for sunlight
|
Magellan CX0310SGXNA eXplorist 310 Waterproof Hiking GPS |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best for tracking
|
Garmin eTrex 30x, Handheld GPS Navigator with 3-axis Compass |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best for communication
|
Garmin Rino 755t, Rugged Handheld 2-Way Radio/GPS Navigator |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best for battery backup
|
Garmin eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best for wet condition
|
Garmin Oregon 750T, Touchscreen Handheld GPS |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
10 Best Handheld GPS For Hunting Reviews 2021
The critical point about a GPS device for hunting is to give you clear direction when hunting. Through technology, this device has been enhanced to make typographical mapping easy. With a GPS unit, you will always track your way back, and that is why we will review the five best handheld GPS for hunting to enable you to choose the suitable one. Acquiring a GPS unit that is reliable can be quite challenging; however, this article will help you in picking the best one of good quality and reliable.
1. Best for mapping- Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
Hunters will love the Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide GPS Navigator because of its rugged handheld navigator that comes with a worldwide base map that is already preloaded. This map takes note of all your routes and waypoints to get you back to your starting point. This map also displays data on your 2.2-inch monochrome display screen for a better view.
You will love this GPS Navigator because it is not pricey, making it the best budget handheld GPS. It is an affordable GPS receiver that is WAAS enabled for fast positioning. Its GLONASS support ensures that you always have a reliable signal throughout your trip without fail.
What is even more thrilling is that it is a waterproof receiver that is IPX7 standards offering you protection against any form of water. Apart from that, you will be able to use this GPS receiver for 20 hours because it is powered with two Polaroid AA batteries to serve you continuously for hours.
Technical Details:
- Brand: Garmin
- Color: Yellow and black
- Batteries Included: No
- Screen: 2.2 Inches
- Display: LCD
- Item Dimensions: 1.3 x 4 x 2.1 inches
- Map Type: Australia
- Battery: 25 Hours
Garmin eTrex Features:
- This GPS navigator is loaded with a worldwide basemap that marks your routes for accessible location.
- It features a WAAS GPS receiver that ensures accurate positioning.
- Through its GLONASS support, this receiver enables you always to have a reliable signal.
- This is an excellent water-resistant navigator of IPX7 standards that ensures protection from water.
- With this navigator, you will be able to hunt for hours non-stop due to its powerful battery that doesn’t drain off power quickly.
2. Best for memory- Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
The Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS comes with a 32 GB memory card meant to store more maps for navigation purposes. This storage is enhanced with a 3.7 GB internal memory that allows you to download additional maps. What makes this handheld GPS stand out is its 240 x 320 great resolution that offers a better view display.
Take charge of your hunting adventure by having this WAAS-enabled GPS receiver. You will be able to hunt in the dark without challenges because it has a LED Lantern flashlight. Besides, it will not run out of power quickly due to its AA rechargeable batteries that retain power for a long time.
If you are focusing on having the best handheld GPS for the money, then this Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS should be your first pick. It is not only affordable but also durable having exceptional features. The fact that it is also waterproof makes it outstanding, for it can withstand all elements.
Technical Details:
- Brand: Garmin
- Batteries Included: No
- Screen: 2.2 Inches
- Display: TFT
- Item Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 3 inches
- Map: City Tour
- Vehicle: Motorcycle, Car
Garmin eTrex Features:
- The eTrex 20x comes with a 32GB memory card plus an additional 3.7 GB internal memory for adequate map storage.
- This handheld GPS features 240 x 320 outstanding resolution for better view display.
- With this eTrex 20x Handheld GPS, you can hunt in the dark due to the LED Lantern flashlight.
- It features reliable AA rechargeable batteries that can maintain power for many hours.
- This handheld eTrex features a waterproof GPS that offers protection from any form of water.
3. Editor’s pick- Garmin eTrex 20x, Handheld GPS Navigator
The eTrex 20x is an affordable handheld GPS that will give you value for your money. It comes with an enhanced internal memory of up to 3.7 GB that allows you to load additional maps. You will also find a microSD card slot that you can also store a variety of route maps.
The Garmin eTrex 20x is an exceptional receiver that allows you to navigate the trails quite easily. A preloaded basemap is also available for easy navigation. The fact that this eTrex maintains its GPS location makes it exceptional. This ensures that your location is always known and not guessed.
With this receiver, you will enjoy an upgraded resolution of a 2.2-inch color display for readable viewing. You will be able to locate your position precisely through the high-sensitive WAAS-GPS receiver. The GLONASS support and HotFix satellite prediction maintain your location no matter how deep you are in the woods.
Technical Details:
- Brand: Garmin
- Color: Black, Orange
- Batteries Included: No
- Screen: 2.2 Inches
- Display: 65K color TFT
- Dimensions: 2.1 x 4 x 1.3 inches
- Map: City Tour
- Battery: 25 Hours
- Vehicle Service: Car
- Storage: 3.7 GB
Garmin eTrex 20x Features:
- This navigator comes with a sensitive WAAS-GPS receiver that allows you to know your direction precisely.
- The eTrex receiver uses the GLONASS support to locate your position accurately.
- It comes with an internal memory of 3.7 GB to allow you to download a variety of maps.
- For better display readability, this navigator features a 2.2-inch color display upgraded for better viewing.
- This navigator comes with an already loaded basemap that enables easy navigation. The fact that this eTrex maintains its GPS location makes it exceptional.
4. Best for camera- Garmin Montana 680, Touchscreen Hiking Handheld
This is another best Garmin handheld GPS for hunting that comes with loaded 250,000 global geocaches. This means you cannot get lost because you have a lot of options to choose from. You can also explore your surroundings through the Birdseye satellite imagery feature.
The Garmin Montana is a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver with GLONASS support to enable you to locate your position accurately. This is also facilitated through its Hotfix satellite prediction that maintains your location no matter where you are. It also comes with a track manager that navigates and organizes all possible routes and waypoints.
Through the Garmin Montana, you can take pictures with its 8-megapixel digital camera. It not only delivers crisp quality images but also improved resolution. You will love its readable touchscreen display that is quite easy to operate.
Technical Details:
- Brand: Garmin
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Screen: 4 Inches
- Display: 272 x 480 pixels
- Dimensions: 1.4 x 2.9 x 5.7 inches
- Map: City Tour
- Battery: 16 Hours
- Storage: 2 GB
Garmin Montana Features:
- This handheld GPS unit comes with 250,000 preloaded worldwide geocaches that allow you have various options to choose from.
- It is a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver with GLONASS support to locate your position precisely.
- It features an 8-megapixel digital camera that can deliver top-quality images.
- This receiver comes with a touchscreen display that is readable for better viewing.
- This Garmin Montana features a track manager that not only organizes but also navigates all routes.
5. Best for night use – Garmin 010-01199-20 GPSMAP 64st Worldwide Handheld GPS
GPSMAP 64st comes with a worldwide preloaded basemap of a 1-year subscription. Its 32GB memory card allows you to add more maps to ease your way in any given place. Additionally, the 64st is also compatible with Garmin Custom Maps, enabling you to change electronic and paper maps into easy-to-use downloadable maps easily.
What is more interesting about this GPSMAP 64st is the geocaches wireless connection compatible with other devices. This means you can share your routes, waypoints, and tracks with another Garmin GPS user. It features GLONASS receiver that also has a helix antenna that delivers excellent reception.
Garmin GPSMAP 64st color screen is 2.6” and highly sensitive. This handheld GPS has a Birdseye satellite imagery that enables accurate photo viewing. It comes with a 1-year subscription. This handheld GPS for hunting and fishing can be used in the dark because of its bright LED Lantern Flashlight. This provides the desired light, plus it also comes with rechargeable AA batteries that will allow you to keep on hunting for long hours.
Technical Details:
- Brand: Garmin
- Batteries: No
- Screen: 2.6 Inches
- Display: TFT
- Item Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 3 inches
- Map Type: Topographical, Satellite, Worldwide, North America
- Storage: 32 GB
Garmin 010 Features:
- This GPSMAP 64st features a worldwide preloaded basemap to give you a choice of a variety of maps to use.
- It comes with a 32GB memory card that allows you to add maps that help in easing navigation.
- This device features a compatible geocaches wireless connection to enable you to connect with other devices.
- The GPS and GLONASS receiver comes with a quad-helix antenna that gives you remarkable reception.
- You can navigate easily even in the dark because this handheld GPS features a LED Lantern Flashlight.
6. Great for sunlight – Magellan CX0310SGXNA eXplorist 310 Waterproof Hiking GPS
The Magellan waterproof GPS is another excellent GPS you can have for your hunting. It comes with a 2.2-inch LCD display that will provide a better reading. Also, the display is sunlight-readable with color that enhances the experience of using the GPS. You will get a Preloaded World Edition Map that will help you get better navigation.
The best hunting handheld GPS should have a durable construction. This one features Rugged IPX-7 waterproof construction. You can use it for wet or tough conditions. Also, the high-sensitivzty SiRFstarIII GPS delivers higher accuracy. Besides, you can use it simply for its simple main menu and vibrant graphics.
Its high-power battery will deliver 18 hours of battery life so that you can use it for a long time. With its power-saving design, you can enhance battery life as well. In the suspense mode, it will turn off everything except for the GPS. Its 500 megabytes of memory will help you store your hunting summary.
Technical Details:
- Brand: Magellan
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Screen: 2.2 Inches
- Display: LCD
- Dimensions: 5.6 x 5.8 x 2.4 inches
- Map Type: Street; Topographical
- Battery: 18 hours
- Storage: 2 GB
Magellan CX0310SGXNA Features:
- The 2.2-inch sunlight-readable color LCD display will help you get a clear view.
- You will have rugged IPX-7 waterproof construction that ensures durability.
- It offers easy usability for its simple main menu and vibrant graphics.
- You can use 18 hours of battery life for its battery and expand the life for suspend mode.
- It features 500 megabytes of memory that allows you to track your journey.
7. Best for tracking – Garmin eTrex 30x, Handheld GPS Navigator
The Garmin eTrex is a great example of the Best Handheld GPS For Hunting with its amazing features and functionality. It comes with a 2.2” 65K color display that offers easy visibility. Also, the screen is sunlight readable that ensures easy and comfortable reading even under daylight.
Along with that, you will get 3.7 GB of internal memory to load lots of maps. It also offers a microSD card slot so that you can expand the memory. With the worldwide base map, you will have a complete idea about the location for a better hunting experience. To make your navigation easier, it offers 3 axis tilt electronic compass.
You can even share your tracking, routes, or waypoints with others wireless with the GPS. Moreover, its WAAS-enabled GPS receiver will deliver precise location navigation. It even offers free trip-planning software so that you can plan your next hunting easily.
Technical Details:
- Brand: Garmin
- Batteries Included: No
- Screen: 2.2 Inches
- Display: 65K color TFT
- Dimensions: 2.1 x 4 x 1.3 inches
- Connectivity: ANT+
- Map Type: City Tour
- Battery: 25 Hours
- Vehicle Service Type: Car
- Storage: 3.7 GB
Garmin eTrex 30x Features:
- You will have easy reading for its 2.2” sunlight-readable 65K color display.
- The 3.7 GB of internal memory allows you to install different maps for easy navigation.
- Its 3 axis tilt electronic compass and WAAS-enabled GPS receiver help you get accurate navigation.
- You can share your trip tracking, waypoints, or routes with others wirelessly.
- It enables you to create different hunting plans for its free trip-planning software.
8. Best for communication – Garmin Rino 755t, Rugged Handheld 2-Way Radio/GPS Navigator
The Rino 775t model is another example of the best Garmin handheld GPS for hunting. It offers a 5 w gmrs two-way radio that will help communicate with others by voice. You will get up to 20 miles range to communicate with your partner. Its high-sensitivity GPS will help you precisely navigate your location.
You will have GLONASS satellite reception along with the GPS. As a consequence, it helps you get better tracking in more challenging environments. You can even get the locations of others with its position reporting. It will make the hunting more enjoyable and when going with a team.
With its 3” Sunlight-readable screen, you can get a clear reading. Since easy to use handheld GPS offers a dual-orientation view, it helps you use the GPS at any angle. The dual battery will deliver a long-lasting service up to 14 hours between. Its 100K maps along with an 8-megapixel camera will add more convenience when using the GPS. You can even use its LED flash/torch to use it at night.
Technical Details:
- Brand: Garmin
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Screen: 3 Inches
- Display: 3.0″ transflective, 65K color TFT
- Dimensions: 2.6 x 1.6 x 7.9 inches
- Map Type: Topographical
- Battery: 14 Hours
- Storage: 4.5 GB
- Scanner: 240 x 400 pixels
Garmin Rino 755t Features:
- Its 5 w gmrs two-way radio will help you communicate with your teammates up to 20 miles.
- You will have a Position reporting Feature that will help you know the location of your teammates.
- The high-sensitivity GPS comes with GLONASS satellite reception to ensure proper tracking in tough weather.
- Its 3” Sunlight-readable touchscreen helps you get an easy reading every time.
- You can enjoy up to 14 hours of service time with its dual battery system.
9. Best for battery backup – Garmin eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator
If you want to hunt in the forest with full confidence, you should consider picking the Garmin 22x model. It comes with an advanced, comfortable, and ergonomic design that helps you have a better grip. Its 2.2” sunlight-readable color display will help you get better visibility.
Also, you will get 240 x 320 display resolution to get a better reading experience. With the preloaded Topo Active maps, you can enjoy a better road trail every time. It will help you get a better hunting experience for sure.
The GPS comes with GLONASS satellite systems. Consequently, you can get a better tracking system even in tough weather. Its 8 GB of internal memory will let you download any map you want. You can even expand the memory with its micro SD card slot. With its high-quality battery, it allows you to get up to 25 hours of service time.
Technical Details:
- Brand: Garmin
- Color: Black/Navy
- Batteries Included: No
- Screen: 2.2 Inches
- Display: Color TFT
- Item Dimensions: 4 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches
- Map Type: Topographical
- Battery: 25 Hours
- Storage: 8 GB
Garmin eTrex 22x Features:
- You will have a 2.2” sunlight-readable color display that ensures better readability.
- It offers Preloaded Topo Active maps that will deliver a better navigation system for your hunting.
- The Support along with GLONASS satellite systems provides better tracking in challenging weather.
- Its 8 GB of internal memory will let you download your desired map for tracking.
- You will have a durable 2 AA battery that can serve you up to 25 hours in GPS mode.
10. Best for wet condition – Garmin Oregon 750T, Touchscreen Handheld GPS
Up next is the 750T model from the reputable brand Garmin. It offers a 3-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen display. You can get better reading and navigation with this screen. Also, since it is Dual orientated, using the GPS at any angle is possible.
With the 3-axis tilt-compensated Compass, you can get precise tracking every time. You will also have an accelerometer and Barometric sensors for better accuracy. Besides, it offers wireless connectivity to add more convenience to use. In addition, the durable water-resistance construction makes the GPS suitable for outdoor use.
The 8 Megapixel Autofocus Camera will capture the moment to make your hunting more enjoyable. You can even use the GPS at night with the LED flash/Torch. It will guide you at night to track better. With the online community, you can enjoy communicating with the other users to know their trip experience.
Technical Details:
- Brand: Garmin
- Color: One Color
- Batteries Included: Yes
- Screen: 1.5 Inches
- Display: 240 x 400 pixels
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 1.3 x 2.4 inches
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+
- Map Type: Topographical
- Battery: 16 Hours
- Storage: 1 GB
Garmin Oregon 750T Features:
- Its 3-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen offers better reading and control.
- The 3-axis tilt-compensated Compass delivers better accuracy to track the area.
- You will have durable, rugged, and water-resistance construction for outdoor use.
- The 8 Megapixel, high-quality Camera enables you to capture the moment and share it with the community.
- You will have a LED flash/Torch that allows you to use the GPS at night.
What To Consider Before Buying A Handheld GPS For Hunting
Handheld hunting GPS devices are essential if you plan to go hunting, fishing, or even hiking. Having such a device gives you peace of mind knowing that you cannot get lost, making you have a memorable experience. The best handheld GPS for hunting should have essential features that you should consider before making a purchase. This buying guide will enable you to understand what to look for in a handheld GPS for hunting.
Ease of use:
The functions of a handheld GPS should be diverse when it comes to usability. Ensure that you check well the ease of use of the GPS unit you want to buy. It should have important features that will enable you to use the device well. The model you choose should be precise and accurate in terms of usage. Go for a unit that is easy to use; so that you don’t take time to learn from scratch how to navigate and understand how your device works.
Durability:
The durability of a handheld GPS applies to the whole device in general. What is the use of having a fancy GPS unit if it does not serve you for a long time? It should not break easily; rather, it should be sturdy and long-lasting. You need to choose wisely and pick a GPS device that is made with top-quality material. The durability of a hunting handheld GPS is determined by its service life and strength and service life.
Battery life:
Battery life is of utmost significance for you want a device that its power will not die before you finish your trip. A good GPS model is one that supports prolonged battery life hence seeing you through your entire trip. Don’t go for a device that calls for regular charging now and then. You can opt to go with a GPS unit that features replaceable batteries.
Storage memory:
The best hunting GPS unit should have enough storage space that cannot easily run out. Choose one with adequate internal memory, plus it should also support an SD card for additional storage. Note that the more memory your GPS unit has, the more ability it will store your navigation data.
Screen display quality:
Another vital aspect to look into when choosing a handheld GPS is the display screen. It is via the screen that you will be able to view route and map information. Therefore, the screen should be of exceptional quality, allowing you to read clearly the displayed information. The screen quality should be top-notch and built to last.
Why Should You Buy A Handheld GPS For Hunting
Several advantages should make you buy a handheld GPS for hunting. Some of them include:
- With a GPS for hunting, you will be able to take note of your routes and trace your way back to your starting point without getting lost.
- A handheld GPS device enables you to maintain a signal no matter how thick the forest is. This assures you of your exact location throughout.
- Having a handheld GPS gadget enables you to locate and mark your hunting points throughout your hunting adventure. Through that, you can pinpoint the best areas to concentrate on while hunting.
- Through a handheld GPS, you can hunt in the dark easier. This is because it allows you to hunt both in the day and darkness.
- Even after the hunting season is over, you can still maintain and manage the saved in the GPS. This comes in handy when preparing for the next trip.
- A handheld GPS will be able to store all your navigation data for ease of reference. That is the importance of having a GPS device with adequate storage space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Garmin or TomTom better?
In some ways, Garmin is better than TomTom in some things and vice versa. Both of them have quality devices that offer almost similar services.
Is the Garmin eTrex 10 good for hunting?
The Garmin eTrex 10 is excellent for hunting and should be your number one choice if you want to have a great hunting experience.
Can GPS tracking be wrong?
GPS tracking can only be wrong if there is any interference instilled. Otherwise, it should be able to give accurate location reading at all times.
Does aluminum foil block GPS signal?
Yes, an aluminum foil can block GPS signal making its tracking disappear and also untraceable.
Will a magnet block a GPS signal?
Only a highly powerful magnet can block a GPS signal. However, ordinary magnets cannot cause any interference with a GPS signal.
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