Looking for a reliable GPS device for your next hiking adventure without breaking the bank? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be reviewing some of the best budget GPS devices on the market that are perfect for hikers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, these GPS devices offer all the features you need to navigate the great outdoors without emptying your wallet.
So grab your hiking boots, pack a lunch and let’s hit the trails!
What is a GPS and How Does it Help You While Hiking?
A GPS, or Global Positioning System, is like a personal tour guide for your hiking adventures. It’s a device that uses satellite technology to determine your exact location and guide you along your route. Think of it as a digital compass, but way cooler and more accurate.
GPS devices come in handy while hiking for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they help you navigate unfamiliar terrain and avoid getting lost. No more wandering aimlessly through the woods, trying to find your way back to the trailhead. With a GPS, you’ll always know exactly where you are and how to get to your next destination.
But that’s not all a GPS can do for you. Many GPS devices for hiking come with features such as topographic maps, elevation profiles, and waypoints, making it easy to plan and follow your route. They also have built-in compasses, barometric altimeters, and even weather forecasts to help you stay safe and prepared while on the trail.
So, whether you’re a thrill-seeking hiker looking for a new challenge or just someone who likes to take a leisurely stroll in the woods, a GPS device is a must-have companion for any hiking adventure. It’s like having your own personal sherpa, without the hefty price tag. So why not make your next hike a little bit easier, and a lot more fun, with a budget-friendly GPS device?
Which brings me to the most exciting section of the guide.
A Closer Look at 5 of the Most Popular Budget Hiking GPS Devices
Below, we’ll take a look at the 5 best devices (also among my favorites, honestly) in the marketplace at the moment and the things that make them special.
1. Garmin eTrex 10
The Garmin eTrex 10 is a budget-friendly GPS device that is perfect for the outdoorsy person on a budget. It may not have all the bells and whistles of more advanced models, but it gets the job done. Think of it as the “budget-friendly sedan” of GPS devices – it may not be a sports car, but it’ll get you where you need to go. The eTrex 10 offers basic GPS functionality, including the ability to track your location, mark waypoints, and navigate to a destination.
It also has a built-in electronic compass and barometric altimeter for added navigation capabilities. The device has a 2.2-inch monochrome display, which may not be as flashy as some of the newer color displays on the market, but it gets the job done and is easy to read in direct sunlight.
The eTrex 10 is built to withstand the elements, with a durable design that is waterproof to IPX7 standards, which means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage. It also has a long battery life, with the ability to run for up to 25 hours on 2 AA batteries. So if you’re looking for a GPS device that won’t break the bank, but will still get you where you need to go, the eTrex 10 is a great option.
2. Garmin eTrex 20x
The Garmin eTrex 20x is like upgrading from that budget-friendly sedan to a slightly nicer SUV. It’s got a larger display and more advanced features, making it a great option for those who want a little more out of their GPS device. Plus, with added features like a barometric altimeter and electronic compass, it provides more accurate navigation capabilities. The device has a 2.2-inch color display, which is much easier to read in direct sunlight compared to the monochrome display of the eTrex 10.
The eTrex 20x also comes preloaded with a worldwide base map, which provides basic map information for the entire world, as well as the ability to add additional maps, such as TOPO or BlueChart g2, for even more detailed information. It also has a built-in memory of 3.7 GB, which can be used to store additional maps or even personal data.
The eTrex 20x is also built to withstand the elements, with a durable design that is waterproof to IPX7 standards, which means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage. It also has a long battery life, with the ability to run for up to 25 hours on 2 AA batteries, so you can stay out in the wilderness for longer.
In conclusion of the first two budget GPS for hiking and outdoors, the eTrex 10 and eTrex 20x are both great options for budget-friendly GPS devices, each with its pros and cons. The eTrex 10 is a basic, reliable device that gets the job done, while the eTrex 20x offers more advanced features and a larger, color display. So whether you’re looking for a GPS device to take on a day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, either one of these devices will do the trick and won’t break the bank.
Related: How to Carry a GPS When Hiking
3. Garmin GPSMAP 64st
The Garmin GPSMAP 64st is a versatile GPS device with a high-sensitivity receiver and preloaded topographic maps. This device is like the “Swiss Army knife” of GPS devices, it’s packed with features that make it a great option for a wide range of outdoor activities. It has a 2.6-inch color display, which is easy to read in direct sunlight and a high-sensitivity receiver that can track your location even in deep canyons or heavy tree cover. It also has a built-in electronic compass and barometric altimeter for added navigation capabilities.
The GPSMAP 64st also has a built-in memory of 8 GB, which can be used to store additional maps or even personal data. It is also expandable with additional memory cards, so you can take more maps with you on your trip. It also has a built-in camera, which allows you to take geotagged photos, which can later be used to navigate back to that location.
The device is also built to withstand the elements, with a durable design that is waterproof to IPX7 standards, which means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage. It also has a long battery life, with the ability to run for up to 16 hours on 2 AA batteries.
4. Magellan eXplorist TRX7
The Magellan eXplorist TRX7 is a rugged GPS device designed for off-road use, with a 7-inch touchscreen display and preloaded off-road maps. This device is like the “Monster Truck” of GPS devices, it’s built tough and ready to take on the toughest off-road trails. The large touchscreen display makes it easy to navigate through menus and read maps, even in direct sunlight. It also has a built-in electronic compass and barometric altimeter for added navigation capabilities.
The eXplorist TRX7 also comes preloaded with a comprehensive set of off-road maps, including topographical, terrain, and trail maps. It also has a built-in memory of 16 GB, which can be used to store additional maps or even personal data. It also has a built-in camera, which allows you to take geotagged photos, which can later be used to navigate back to that location.
What’s more? Magellan eXplorist TRX7 is built to withstand the elements, with a durable design that is waterproof to IPX7 standards, which means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage.
5. DeLorme inReach Explorer+
The DeLorme inReach Explorer+ is a satellite-based GPS device with two-way messaging and tracking capabilities, making it a good option for remote adventures. This device is like the “Satellite Phone” of GPS devices, it allows you to stay in touch with civilization even when you’re out of cell phone range.
It has a built-in Iridium satellite communicator, which allows you to send and receive text messages, as well as trigger an SOS in case of an emergency. It also has a built-in GPS receiver, which allows you to track your location and navigate to a destination.
The inReach Explorer+ also has a built-in memory of 32 MB, which can be used to store personal data and waypoints. It also has a built-in camera, which allows you to take geotagged photos, which can later be used to navigate back to that location. Needless to say, the device is built to withstand the elements, with a durable design that is waterproof to IPX7 standards, which means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage. It also has a long battery life, with the ability to run for up to 100 hours in 10-minute tracking mode or up to 75 days in power-saving mode.
So, to conclude, the DeLorme inReach Explorer+ is a great option for those who are planning on going on a remote adventure and want to have a way to stay in touch with the outside world in case of an emergency.
How to Choose the Best Budget GPS for Hiking and Outdoors
When it comes to choosing a GPS device for hiking and outdoor activities, there are a few key factors to consider. That’s what we’ll be looking at in this section of the post to help ensure your pick will not only align with your needs and personal preferences but will also be worth the buck. Without further ado, let’s jump right in.
1. Durability
Durability is an important factor to consider when buying the best budget GPS for hiking and outdoor activities for several reasons:
- Protection from the Elements: When hiking and outdoor activities, you’ll likely be using your GPS device in a variety of weather conditions, from rain to dust and more. A durable device that is rugged and waterproof will ensure that it can withstand these conditions and protect it from damage.
- Longevity: A durable GPS device will have a longer lifespan, meaning you won’t have to replace it as often, saving you money in the long run.
- Reliability: You don’t want to be in a situation where your GPS device fails when you need it the most. A durable device will be more reliable, and you can rely on it to work when you need it.
- Confidence: When you have a durable device, you’ll have confidence in its ability to withstand the elements and keep working, which will allow you to focus on enjoying your outdoor adventure.
2. Navigation capabilities
Another factor to consider when picking the best budget GPS for hiking and outdoors is navigation capabilities. After all, navigation capability is like the “brain” of your GPS device. It’s what makes it useful for finding your way in the wilderness.
Here are a few things to consider when picking a device with the best navigation capability:
- High-sensitivity receiver: A high-sensitivity receiver is important because it allows the device to track your location even in challenging environments, such as deep canyons or heavy tree cover. It’s like having “Eagle Eyes” for your GPS device.
- Preloaded maps: Look for a device that comes preloaded with maps, such as topographical or trail maps, as this will give you the ability to navigate through the wilderness with ease. A device with preloaded maps is like having a “personal tour guide” for your adventure.
- Additional navigation features: Some GPS devices come with additional navigation features such as a built-in compass or barometric altimeter. These features can enhance your navigation capabilities, and make your outdoor experience more enjoyable. A device with additional navigation features is like having a “personal navigator” for your adventure.
3. Battery life
Battery life is an important factor to consider when buying the best budget GPS for hiking and outdoor activities for several reasons:
- Convenience: When you’re out in the wilderness, you don’t want to be tethered to an outlet or have to constantly change batteries. A device with a long battery life will allow you to stay out on the trails for longer without having to worry about running out of power.
- Reliability: A device with a long battery life will be more reliable, and you can rely on it to work when you need it, even if you’re away from a power source for an extended period.
- Safety: In case of emergency, you want your GPS device to be working, and if it runs out of power, it won’t be helpful in that situation, having a device with a long battery life will ensure that you’ll have enough power in case of emergency.
- Cost-effective: A device with a long battery life will save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to constantly replace batteries, which can be costly.
4. Memory and expandability
Trying to determine memory and expandability now that you’ve decided to buy the best budget GPS for hiking and outdoor activities? It’s important to consider how much storage space you’ll need to store additional maps, waypoints, and even personal data.
Here are a few things to consider when picking a device with the best memory and expandability:
- Built-in memory: Look for a device that comes with a built-in memory that can store additional maps, waypoints, and even personal data. A device with built-in memory is like having a “personal assistant” for your adventure.
- Expandability: Look for a device that allows you to add additional memory cards, this will give you the ability to store even more data. A device with expandability is like having a “personal assistant” with a “bigger briefcase” for your adventure.
- Compatibility: Make sure the device is compatible with the type of memory card you plan to use, some devices only accept specific types of memory cards. A device with compatibility is like having a “personal assistant” that speaks the same “language” as you.
5. Additional features
Some GPS devices come with additional features such as a built-in camera, electronic compass, or barometric altimeter. These additional features can enhance your navigation capabilities, and make your outdoor experience more enjoyable. A GPS device with additional features is like a “Swiss Army Knife” for your adventure.