If you’ve spent a significant amount of time hunting, backpacking, or camping, you’ve probably had the unpleasant experience of getting lost in the woods. In most cases, people are able to quickly find the trail, either by retracing their steps or with the help of friends.
But in today’s digital age, there’s no reason to risk getting stranded. So we decided to find the best hunting GPS.
In order to find the best GPS for hunting, we considered a variety of factors. First and foremost, we looked for units that have good battery life. This is essential in a GPS tracker for hunting. After all, it doesn’t matter how good your GPS is if it runs out of juice.
We also looked for weatherproof units, since you never know what kind of weather conditions you’ll be dealing with. Topographic maps are also a plus, since they give you a better view of the world than plain 2D maps.
With that in mind, let’s get started!
Best Hunting GPS Available Online
1. Garmin Foretrex 401
Garmin Foretrex 401
Features
- Features high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix for improved performance and reception in heavy tree cover or deep canyons
- Keeps track of routes, tracks and waypoints, and heart rate with add on heart rate monitor (sold separate). Uses standard AAA batteries. 2 required.
- TracBack feature retraces user's path on the easy-to-read LCD display;Display resolution 100 x 64 pixels;Battery life Up to 17 hours in GPS mode;Track Log 10000. Display size : 1.42 x 0.91 inches
- Supports dual position readout so user can view current location in multiple formats. Audible tones. Hold the compass level when navigating to ensure maximum accuracy
- Features trip computer, sunrise/sunset times, hunting/fishing information, electronic compass and barometric altimeter
The Garmin Foretrex 401 is a convenient, wrist-mounted GPS unit.
Key Features
- 3-inch black and white display
- Simple compass and waypoint display
- Displays elevation
- Automatic route tracking
- Waterproof
- Uses 2 AAA batteries
- 17 hours of battery life
- Weighs 3 ounces
- Wrist strap
The Garmin Foretrex 401 is a little different than the other options on our list because it’s not a standard GPS unit. Instead, it’s more like a compass with written directions and simple, black and white images. If you’re looking for something with all the bells and whistles, this isn’t it.
That said, if you’re used to orienteering, the Foretrex 401 is a significant upgrade. Not only will it track your elevation, it will also keep track of your speed and how much distance you’ve traveled. It automatically keeps track of your route and has a 17-hour battery life. When you do need to change the 2 AAA batteries, it remembers your route, so you won’t need to worry about losing all your information if you’re on an extended trip.
This is an inexpensive unit, as cheap as you’ll find from Garmin.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
Cons
- No map display
This is a barebones GPS unit that will get you where you’re trying to go.
2. Garmin GPSMAP 64s
Garmin GPSMAP 64s
Features
- Sunlight Readable 2.6 inch color display; Expanded Internal Memory 4GB
- Display type is transflective, 65k color tft; Display resolution is 160 x 240 pixels
- DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM Use with 2 traditional AA batteries, or the optional rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be charged while inside the device.Weight 8.1 ounce (230 gram) with batteries: AA batteries required (best with Polaroid AA batteries)
- Receive Smart Notifications* and pair with optional ANT+ sensors, such as heart rate monitor, Tempe temperature sensor, speed/cadence, or use to control your VIRB action camera (64s/64st only)
- Wireless upload data to Garmin Connect and view on smartphone, plus share activities as they happen with Live Track (64s/64st only).Display size(inches):1.43 x 2.15
The Garmin GPSMAP 64s has 4 GB of internal storage for downloading additional maps.
Key Features
- 2.6-inch screen
- Topographic map
- Displays elevation
- Automatic route tracking
- Water resistant
- Uses 2 AA batteries or rechargeable battery pack
- 16 hours of battery life
- Weighs 1 pound
- Works with GPS and GLONASS systems
- 4 GB of internal storage
- Syncs with your PC
The Garmin GPSMAP 64s is designed to be affordable, functional, and reliable. It’s built like a brick, weighing in at 1 pound, and automatically tracks your route as you walk. If you pair it with your PC, location information will continually update, which can help your family find you if you actually do end up getting stranded.
The basic topographic map on this GPS is fairly barebones, with no location markers or helpful tips. You can upgrade them for free from Garmin’s website, but be prepared to spend a couple hours getting used to the arcane software. That said, the 64s is reasonably priced, especially considering the features.
Pros
- Durable
- Good battery life
- Accurate and easy to lock on
- Lets your loved ones keep track of your location
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy
- Steep learning curve
This is an affordable GPS unit that keeps your family posted on your location.
3. Garmin eTrex 10
Garmin eTrex 10
$104.27 in stock
5 used from $99.99
Features
- Rugged handheld navigator with preloaded worldwide basemap and 2.2 inch monochrome display
- WAAS enabled GPS receiver with HotFix and GLONASS support for fast positioning and a reliable signal
- Waterproof to IPX7 standards for protection against splashes, rain, etc.
- Support for paperless geocaching and Garmin spine mounting accessories. Power with two AA batteries for up to 20 hours of use (best with Polaroid AA batteries)
- See high and low elevation points or store waypoints along a track (start, finish and high/low altitude) to estimate time and distance between points
The Garmin eTrex 10 is both very inexpensive and impressively reliable.
Key Features
- 2.2-inch screen
- Basic black and white map
- Displays elevation
- Automatic route tracking
- Waterproof
- Uses 2 AA batteries
- 20 hours of battery life
- Weighs 9.8 pound
- Works with GPS and GLONASS systems
The Garmin eTrex 10 is a basic, no-nonsense GPS with a simple black and white display. But don’t underestimate it just because it looks old school. This unit pings both GPS and GLONASS, getting you an accurate location as quickly as possible. It also gets 20 hours of operation out of a pair of AA batteries, which is impressive. And all of this comes at a price that’s less than you’d expect to pay for a unit this reliable.
Pros
- Accurate and easy to lock on
- Good battery life
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Small, non-topographic display
This is a barebones GPS that’s still as reliable as you’d expect from a Garmin.
4. Magellan eXplorist 310
Features
- The World Edition includes a detailed road network, water features, urban and rural land use, and a realistic shaded relief background
- Brilliant, Sunlight Readable Color 2.2" Screen
- Summit Series Topographic Maps
- Paperless Geocaching Download
- 18 Hours of Battery Life
The Magellan eXplorist 310 is a small, waterproof GPS with a long-lasting battery.
Key Features
- 2.2-inch screen
- Topographic map
- Displays elevation
- Active tracking mode available
- Waterproof
- Uses a custom rechargeable battery pack
- 18 hours of battery life
- Weighs 5.1 ounces
The Magellan eXplorist 310 is a very affordable GPS unit, and it’s the only one on our list that isn’t made by Garmin. The 2.2-inch screen is small, but it’s very bright, enough that you won’t have trouble reading it even in sunshine. It’s also waterproof enough to withstand 30 minutes of immersion, so you’ll have no trouble if you drop it in a creek.
This GPS offers active tracking. When active tracking is turned on, the unit will keep track of your movements. If you want to retrace your steps, this makes it very easy to follow your own path on the screen. It displays your current elevation and features a topographic map that can help you find points of reference in the real world.
The eXplorist 310 takes a custom rechargeable battery pack, which lasts for 18 hours of use. To get even more time out of your battery, you can put the eXplorist in sleep mode, which shuts off everything but the tracker itself. However, you’ll need to make use of this feature frequently on a long outing, since you don’t have the option of bringing extra batteries.
Pros
- Good battery life, with optional sleep mode
- Bright screen
- Accurate
- Affordable
Cons
- Small screen
- No replacement batteries
This is a serviceable GPS that’s very affordable.
5. Garmin eTrex 20x
Garmin eTrex 20x
$234.98 in stock
Features
- UPGRADED DISPLAY - Features a 2.2” 65K color sunglight readable display offering increased resolution (240 x 320 pixels)
- LOAD MORE MAPS - Large 3.7 GB of internal memory and microSD card slot lets you load a variety of maps, including TOPO 24K, HuntView, BlueChart g2, City Navigator NT and BirdsEye Satellite Imagery (subscription required)
- PRELOADED BASEMAP - Includes a worldwide basemap with shaded relief. Display size:1.4 x 1.7 inches
- KEEP YOUR FIX - With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, HotFix satellite prediction and GLONASS support, eTrex locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its location even in heavy cover and deep canyons
- Included Components: Documentation
The Garmin eTrex 20x is a small handheld GPS with big features.
Key Features
- 2.2-inch high resolution screen
- Topographic map
- Displays elevation
- Manual tracking with waypoints
- Water resistant
- Uses 2 AA batteries
- 20 hours of battery life
- Weighs 5 ounces
- 3.7 GB of internal memory
- Works with GPS and GLONASS systems
The Garmin 3Trex 20x is a small, handheld unit with a 2.2-inch screen. However, the screen has plenty of resolution, at 240 x 320 pixels, so you can see all the details in the topographic map. It displays your elevation and also tracks your location history as long as you manually set waypoints from time to time.
Power is supplied by 2 AA batteries, which last for up to 20 hours. The unit maintains tracking information when you change batteries, so you won’t lose your data just because you ran out of juice.
In addition to GPS, the eTrex can also lock on to Russian GLONASS satellites, which means you can lock on faster, and you’ll have a secondary option if you’re having trouble locking on to GPS. It’s reasonably priced and has 3.7 GB of internal memory for storing additional maps.
However, this unit isn’t as user-friendly as some of Garmin’s other offerings. Downloading, installing, and using extra maps is non-intuitive, and takes some time to learn.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Bright, high resolution screen
- Accurate
- Locks on quickly
- Affordable
Cons
- Small screen
- Steep learning curve
This is a good choice for people who are already experienced with handheld GPS units.
6. Garmin Oregon 650t
Garmin Oregon 650t
Features
- 3-Inch sunlight-readable, touchscreen display with multi-touch capability
- Dual-band GPS/GLONASS satellite positioning
- Sensors (3-axis compass, accelerometer, barometric altimeter)
- ANT or Bluetooth technology -wirelessly share routes, tracks, waypoints, geocaches, custom maps and photos between units Dual orientation - auto switching between landscape or portrait views
- Dual battery system -2 AA batteries or NiMH battery pack charged by the Oregon (battery pack included with 650/650t; optional with 600/600t) 8MP autofocus camera (650, 650t only) with LED flash/torch and digital zoom
The Garmin Oregon 650t has a barometric pressure sensor that can help predict weather changes and animal behavior.
Key Features
- 3-inch touchscreen display
- Detailed topographic map
- Displays elevation
- Manual tracking with waypoints
- Waterproof
- Uses 2 AA batteries with backup rechargeable battery pack
- 7 hours of battery life
- Weighs 7.4 ounces
- 4 GB of internal memory
- Works with GPS and GLONASS systems
- Tracks barometric pressure changes
- Built-in 8 megapixel camera
The Garmin Oregon 650t is a lot more than just a GPS. It also includes an 8 megapixel camera for taking pictures of your kill, and a barometric pressure sensor that can help you predict when the weather’s about to turn – and when your game is going to start moving.
The really beautiful thing about this unit is the incredible detail of the topographic display, which can be zoomed in to simulate a ground-level view. If you’re trying to get your bearings, this can be a life saver. Combine that with 4 GB of internal memory for storing additional maps, and you’ve got one heck of a unit.
Like the eTrex, the Oregon 650t can also lock on to GLONASS satellites, giving you a backup option if GPS is giving you trouble. The AA batteries only last for about 7 hours, but the internal backup battery pack allows you to swap in a new set without shutting off. This is an expensive GPS, but it has just about every feature you could ask for.
Pros
- Detailed topographic display
- Accurate
- Locks on quickly
- Barometric pressure sensor helps you predict animal behavior
- Built-in camera
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Expensive
This unit displays extremely detailed topographic data.
7. Garmin Oregon 600
Garmin Oregon 600
$279.99 in stock
Features
- 3-Inch sunlight-readable, touchscreen display with multi-touch capability
- Dual-band GPS/GLONASS satellite positioning
- Sensors (3-axis compass, accelerometer, barometric altimeter)
- ANT or Bluetooth technology -wirelessly share routes, tracks, waypoints, geocaches, custom maps and photos between units Dual orientation - auto switching between landscape or portrait views
- Dual battery system -2 AA batteries or NiMH battery pack charged by the Oregon (battery pack included with 650/650t; optional with 600/600t)
The Garmin Oregon 600 gets 16 hours of battery life, with a rechargeable backup pack.
Key Features
- 3-inch touchscreen display
- Simple 2D map
- Displays elevation
- Manual tracking with waypoints
- Waterproof
- Uses 2 AA batteries with backup rechargeable battery pack
- 16 hours of battery life
- Weighs 7.4 ounces
- 1.5 GB of internal memory
- Works with GPS and GLONASS systems
The Garmin Oregon 600 is the base model of the 650t we just reviewed and shares many of the same features. These include the 3-inch touchscreen and the battery backup pack, as well as compatibility with GLONASS systems.
It doesn’t have the camera or the barometric pressure and does not come with topographic maps, although they can be downloaded from Garmin’s website. However, it also doesn’t chew through batteries, since it’s not powering as many systems. It’s still pricey, but not nearly as much as the 650t.
Pros
- Accurate
- Locks on quickly
- Good battery life
Cons
- Pricey
This hunting gps unit has a large touchscreen display.
8. Garmin Montana 680t
Garmin Montana 680t
$317.89 in stock
Features
- SEE YOUR SURROUNDINGS - Includes a 1-year Birdseye Satellite Imagery subscription1
- GPS AND GLONASS - With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, Hotfix satellite prediction and GLONASS support, Montana locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its location even in heavy cover and deep canyons
- TRACK MANAGER - Ability to organize and navigate through waypoints/routes/track logs (easily start/stop recording track logs)
- CAPTURE THE MOMENT - 8 megapixel digital camera for higher quality images and better resolution; geotagged with coordinates automatically, allowing you to
The Garmin Montana 680t has an extra large screen.
Key Features
- 4-inch touchscreen display
- Topographic map
- Displays elevation
- Automatic route tracking
- Waterproof
- Uses 3 AA batteries or rechargeable battery pack
- 16 hours of battery life
- Weighs 10.2 ounces
- Tracks barometric pressure
- Works with GPS and GLONASS systems
- Built-in 8 megapixel camera
- Syncs with your PC
The Garmin Montana 680t has a generous, 4-inch touchscreen display that gives you a highly detailed view of your topographic map. It has surprisingly good battery life considering the display size, nursing 3 AA batteries for up to 16 hours. You can also use the rechargeable battery pack that comes with the unit.
This GPS tracks your location and the barometric pressure and has a built-in 8 megapixel camera. When you pair it with your PC, it will automatically send real-time photos and location data to your home. In the event that you get into trouble, your loved ones will have easy access to your last known location.
The software has a steep learning curve, though, so be prepared to spend a couple of hours tinkering with it when your 680t arrives in the mail.
Pros
- Large screen
- Good battery life
- Accurate and easy to lock on
- Keeps your loved ones updated on your location
- Barometric pressure tracking lets you predict weather changes
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Pricey
This GPS syncs with your PC to keep your loved ones updated on your location.
9. Magellan eXplorist 350H
Magellan eXplorist 350H
Features
- GPS Designed for the Hunter
- Hunt specific waypoint icons
- Hunting Boundary information (GMU's/WMA's) for 40 States
- Topographic Map contour layer
- Boundary Alerts keep you in an authorized hunting zone
The Magellan eXplorist 350H is the most affordable option on our list
Key Features
- 3.5-inch screen
- Topographic map
- Displays elevation
- Waterproof
- Uses 2 AA batteries
- 18 hours of battery life
- Weighs 5.3 ounces
- Includes hunting boundary markers
- Tracks local sunrise and sunset times
The Magellan eXplorist 350H is a lightweight GPS unit that displays a topographic map on a 3 ½-inch screen. It features a waterproof design and gets good battery life, about 18 hours on a pair of AA batteries.
This unit keeps track of boundaries for legal hunting areas and tracks sunset and sunrise times in your location. As a result, you’ll never end up hunting out of bounds, or after the official sunset time. Unfortunately, the eXplorist has a major drawback: it doesn’t get very good reception, so you won’t be able to use it under any kind of dense cover. That said, if you’re hunting out in the open, it’s a solid, affordable choice.
Pros
- Keeps you within legal hunting times and boundaries
- Good battery life
- Easy to use
- Very affordable
Cons
- Spotty reception
This GPS was made specifically for hunters who want to stay legal.
10. Garmin GPSMAP 66st
Garmin GPSMAP 66st
Features
- Premium GPS handheld with Birdseye Satellite Imagery subscription and TOPO maps
- Large, 3” sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing. Display size - 1.5 W x 2.5 H inch (3.8 x 6.3 cm); 3 inch diag (7.6 cm)
- Multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) support to track your travels in more challenging environments than GPS alone plus three-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- Access to Birdseye Satellite Imagery with direct-to-device downloads and no annual subscription and preloaded TOPO U.S. and Canada maps
- Expanded wireless connectivity supports Active Weather for up-to-date forecasts and animated weather radar and Geocaching Live for mobile syncing and updates
The Garmin GPSMAP 66st is very accurate and locks on quickly.
Key Features
- 3-inch screen
- Topographic map
- Automatic route tracking
- Displays elevation
- Water resistant
- Uses 2 AA batteries or rechargeable battery pack
- 3-16 hours of battery life
- Weighs 8 ounces
- Works with GPS and GLONASS systems
- Up to date weather information
- Birdseye satellite mode for real-world imagery
The Garmin GPSMAP 66st has a 3-inch screen with a bright, glare-free display that works well even in the harshest sunlight. It works with both American GPS and Russian GLONASS satellites, which gives you multiple ways of pinpointing your location.
This unit includes an up to date weather forecast, as well as access to Garmin’s Birdseye satellite photos as an alternative to the basic topographic display. Be careful about leaving the weather and tracking on at all times, though. They’ll reduce your battery life from a respectable 16 hours to a paltry 3 hours.
Pros
- Bright, glare-free display
- Includes weather forecasting
- Accurate and easy to lock on
Cons
- Short battery life
- Pricey
This is a high tech GPS with lots of extra features.
11. Garmin eTrex 30x
Garmin eTrex 30x
$409.85 in stock
2 used from $329.90
Features
- UPGRADED DISPLAY Features a 2.2” 65K color sunglight readable display offering increased resolution (240 x 320 pixels). Physical dimensions: 2.1" x 4.0" x 1.3" (5.4 x 10.3 x 3.3 cm)
- LOAD MORE MAPS Large 3.7 GB of internal memory and microSD card slot lets you load a variety of maps, including TOPO 24K, HuntView, BlueChart g2, City Navigator NT and BirdsEye Satellite Imagery (subscription required)
- PRELOADED BASEMAP Includes a worldwide basemap with shaded relief
- BUILT IN SENSORS eTrex 30x adds a built in 3 axis tilt compensated electronic compass and a barometric altimeter which tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude, and you even can use it to plot barometric pressure over time
- WIRELESS Wirelessly share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches with other compatible devices simply press “send” to transfer your information also wirelessly connects to compatible Garmin devices, including VIRB and accessory sensors
The Garmin eTrex 30x works with GPS and GLONASS satellite systems to lock on quickly and accurately.
Key Features
- 2.2-inch screen
- Topographic map
- Automatic route tracking
- Displays elevation
- Water resistant
- Uses 2 AA batteries
- 17 hours of battery life
- Weighs 8 ounces
- Works with GPS and GLONASS systems
- 3.7 GB of internal storage
- Includes BaseCamp trip planning software
The Garmin eTrex 30x is a tracking unit that locks on to both GPS and GLONASS systems. It features a 2.2-inch screen which, while small, is bright enough to be clearly visible under most lighting conditions. The 2 AA batteries provide up to 17 hours of battery life.
The neat thing about this unit is Garmin’s BaseCamp software, which lets you plan a trip in advance on your PC. Once you’ve figured out your route, download it to the eTrex 30X and you’re ready to go.
Pros
- Bright display
- Helps you plan your trip in advance
- Good battery life
- Affordable
Cons
- Small screen
This GPS is a great choice for planning your trip in advance.
12. Garmin Oregon 700
Garmin Oregon 700
$368.99 in stock
Features
- Touchscreen - 3-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen display with Dual orientation (landscape or portrait view)
- Abc sensors - 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic Compass with accelerometer and Barometric altimeter sensors. Display size - 1.5 W x 2.5 H (3.8 x 6.3 cm). 3 inch diag (7.6 cm). Battery life - up to 16 hours
- Ruggedized for the outdoors - ergonomic, rugged design that Stands strong against dust, dirt and humidity -and it is water-rated to Ipx7
- Activity profiles - simplified multi activity menu interface - including climb, hike, hunt, bike, geocache, fish and more
- Connect IQ - connect IQ compatible to customize the Device with data fields, widgets, and apps; find what you like or build your own.Display resolution, WxH:240 x 400 pixels
The Garmin Oregon 700 has a bright, glare-free display.
Key Features
- 3-inch touchscreen display
- Topographic map
- Automatic route tracking
- Displays elevation
- Waterproof
- Uses 2 AA batteries or rechargeable battery pack
- 12 hours of battery life
- Weighs 8 ounces
- Up to date weather information
The Garmin Oregon 700 features a bright, 3-inch display that’s easy to see even in direct sunlight. It includes a basic topographic map, as well as the current weather radar and forecast, so you won’t get caught out in the cold. This unit is very affordable, but the software sometimes hangs up when you’re switching from one mode to another. That said, it’s still a great deal.
Pros
- Rugged design
- Bright display
- Includes weather forecast
- Affordable
Cons
- Prone to freezing
This GPS unit gives you up to date weather radar and forecasting.
13. Garmin GPSMAP 64st
Garmin GPSMAP 64st
4 used from $296.00
Features
- Sunlight Readable 2.6 inches color display. Display size : 1.43 x 2.15 inches and 2.6 inch diag (6.6 centimeter). Battery life : 16 hours. Water rating IPX7.Control Method:Touch.Special Feature:bluetooth.
- Expanded Internal Memory 8GB.Display resolution 160 x 240 pixels. Interface: high speed USB and NMEA 0183 compatible
- DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM Use with 2 traditional AA batteries (best with Polaroid AA batteries), or the optional rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be charged while inside the device.Weight 8.1 ounce (230 grams) with batteries
- Receive Smart Notifications* and pair with optional ANT+ sensors, such as heart rate monitor, Tempe temperature sensor, speed/cadence, or use to control your VIRB action camera (64s/64st only)
- Wirelessly upload data to Garmin Connect and view on smartphone, plus share activities as they happen with Live Track (64s/64st only). 3 axis compass with barometric altimeter.Routes:200
The Garmin GPSMAP 64st is the premium version of their 64s.
Key Features
- 2.6-inch screen
- Topographic map
- Displays elevation
- Automatic route tracking
- Water resistant
- Uses 2 AA batteries or rechargeable battery pack
- 16 hours of battery life
- Weighs 1 pound
- Works with GPS and GLONASS systems
- 8 GB of internal storage
- Syncs with your PC
The Garmin GPSMAP 64st is virtually identical to the 64s we’ve already reviewed, so we’re not going to beat you over the head with all the features. However, it’s an upgraded version, which features a detailed topographic map with information on hunting boundaries, campsites, fishing locations, and other popular locations for outdoors enthusiasts.
Pros
- Durable
- Good battery life
- Accurate and easy to lock on
- Lets your loved ones keep track of your location
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy
- Steep learning curve
This GPS has a highly detailed topographic map, complete with campsites, fishing locations, and hunting boundaries.
14. Garmin inReach Explorer+
Garmin inReach Explorer+
3 used from $399.99
Features
- 100 percent global Iridium satellite coverage enables two way text messaging from anywhere (satellite subscription required)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
- Track and share your location with family and friends. Water rating : IPX7. Battery : Rechargeable internal lithium ion
- Pair with mobile devices using the free earthmate app for access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more
- In reach explorer+ device adds preloaded Delorme topo maps with onscreen GPS routing plus built in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ has an impressive 100 hours of battery life.
Key Features
- 2.3-inch screen
- Topographic map
- Displays elevation
- Automatic route tracking
- Waterproof
- Uses a rechargeable battery pack
- 100 hours of battery life
- Weighs 8 ounces
- Includes a weather radar display
- Updates your location with your PC
- Also functions as a satellite phone
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is a unique device that works as a GPS tracker and a satellite phone in one. Not only does it update your location to your PC once you’ve paired the devices, but it can also be used as an emergency SOS beacon to alert emergency services.
This unit has a built-in rechargeable battery pack that provides 100 hours of power on default settings, which is unheard of. That said, if you do somehow run out of juice, there’s no way to easily replace your battery.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Can be used as an emergency phone
- Functions as an emergency SOS beacon
- Helps your loved ones locate you in an emergency
Cons
- Battery not replaceable
- Poor reception
- Pricey
This GPS device also works as an emergency satellite phone.
15. Garmin Approach G6
Garmin Approach G6
Features
- Preloaded with over 25,000 worldwide courses - no subscriptions required.^Slim, rugged, waterproof design.^2.6" glove-friendly touchscreen display and adjustable backlight.
- Physical dimensions 2.1" x 3.7" x 0.8" (5.4 x 9.3 x 1.9 cm)
The Garmin Approach G6 includes 25,000 golf course maps.
Key Features
- 2.6-inch touchscreen display
- Topographic map
- Waterproof
- Uses a rechargeable battery pack
- 4 hours of battery life
- Weighs 12.8 ounces
- Preloaded with 25,000 golf courses
The Garmin Approach G6 isn’t strictly a hunting GPS. It’s actually designed as a golfing GPS and includes maps of 25,000 golf courses to help you shoot that coveted under-90 game. Or under-80, if you’re a better golfer than we are.
The bright display is visible under almost any conditions, and the design is rugged enough for deep woods use. However, it’s only really useful for day trips; the battery pack lasts about 4 hours, and can’t be replaced with standard AAs.
Pros
- Great for hunting and golfing
- Bright display
- Affordable
Cons
- Short battery life
This GPS is an ideal choice if you enjoy both hunting and golfing.
Bottom Line
You probably noticed that, with the exception of two of the units on our list, everything else is a Garmin hunting GPS. There’s a very simple reason for this: there aren’t many companies making GPS units. This was the case even before the smartphone revolution. Nowadays, if you’re looking for a brand with any credibility, you’re more or less limited to Magellan or Garmin. And Magellan mostly offers automotive units.
So, with few exceptions, if you’re looking for the best handheld GPS for hunting, you’re going to be looking at a Garmin.
So which one is the best for you?
It depends entirely on what you need, and how much you’re willing to pay. Do you need a detailed topographic map with all the bells and whistles? Or do you need a simpler, barebones design?
Regardless of what you decide, we hope our reviews helped you become a savvier, more educated customer.
The Review
Best Hunting GPS
Here's our review of the best hunting GPS to help you take your hunting up another notch!
Review Breakdown
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Magellan eXplorist 310
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Garmin eTrex 20x
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Garmin Oregon 650t
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Garmin Oregon 600
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Garmin Foretrex 401
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Garmin Montana 680t
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Garmin GPSMAP 64s
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Magellan eXplorist 350H
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Garmin GPSMAP 66st
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Garmin eTrex 30x
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Garmin Oregon 700
-
Garmin GPSMAP 64st
-
Garmin inReach Explorer+
-
Garmin Approach G6
-
Garmin eTrex 10
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