GPS or the Global Positioning System is a satellite navigation system that operates by transferring high-frequency radio signals. These radio signals cover the time and positions of the satellite. Devices like a GPS receiver capture these signals and calculate the location of the user on Earth.
A fully functional GPS unit is a must-have for hikers since it can provide accurate information. Maps can be terribly outdated but with an electronic device, you’ll be provided new data in terms of routes and other stuff that you need to be well-versed of while trekking.
The best unit for hikers is one that’s functional yet effective. These days, majority of the units are small in size but there’s a sizable chunk of these devices in the market that it can be quite difficult deciding on one that will cater to you the most. Below are some tips that should assist you in choosing a proper model.
| Model | Battery (hours) | Weight (ounce) | Screen size (inch) | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Garmin Oregon 650t | 16 | 7.4 | 3.0 | Check here |
Garmin GPSMAP 64st | 16 | 9.3 | 2.6 | Check here |
Garmin Montana 650 | 16 | 10.2 | 4.0 | Check here |
Garmin Dakota 20 | 20 | 5.3 | 2.6 | Check here |
Garmin etrex Touch 35t | 16 | 5.6 | 2.6 | Check here |
Garmin Oregon 450t | 16 | 6.9 | 3.0 | Check here |
Magellan eXplorist 710 | 15 | 6.9 | 3.0 | Check here |
Magellan eXplorist 510 | 16 | 15.2 | 3.0 | Check here |
Garmin GPSMAP 62St | 20 | 9.3 | 2.6 | Check here |
Garmin etrex Touch 25 | 16 | 5.6 | 2.6 | Check here |
What is a Hiking GPS?
A GPS meant for hiking activities has the ability to reveal the user their existing whereabouts. Majority of this unit include a number of coordinate terminologies. It has various methods that you can use in order to know your location: the DMS (Degrees-Minutes-Seconds) Method, the DDM (Degree-Decimal-Minutes) Method and the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator).
The GPS is considered as one of the most resourceful innovation in electronics today. GPS units are particularly made for use with travel; vehicles, motorcycles, bikes, ships and boats are all equipped with this system. If you’re an avid backcountry hiker, this device is even more feasible to tote along as compared with old-school navigational tools like maps and compass.
Why Use a GPS for Hikes?
This device is like a modern-day map and compass all rolled into one. It has the ability to track how far you’ve hiked and know the distance that you have to cover. Also, you won’t have to hassle yourself looking for landmarks or path junctures since it is all contained in your nifty unit.
It will also save your life if you are fond of hiking out-of-the-way places and unfamiliar areas. Some areas have complex landmarks that are not easy to keep track of, and this navigating unit will help you immensely in bringing you or getting you out of your destination.
What is a Good GPS for Hiking?
Prior to buying one, you have to first check your necessities. If tracking your mileage and detecting way points is more your speed, then a simple unit will have to do. However, if you’re fond of getting your maps from your computer and uploading copies of it, then something a lot more complex will be a lot more practicable.
Here is a list of factors that you need to consider first before a purchase:
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Battery power
Do check the type of batteries a unit operates on and its lifespan. A backlit display on a unit means that it will make use of more batteries, especially if you are fond of nighttime hikes. Lithium batteries will also last longer as compared with the rechargeable ones, as well as keep well in colder climes.
There are also batteries which have sleep-mode functions which conserves battery lifespan and in turn, save you plenty from buying extra ones.
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Altimeter
A conventional GPS device can get the approximate elevation from where you stand, however it can be erroneous. Thus several available units have included a barometric altimeter. An altimeter can also provide users air pressure deviations, therefore alerting them of changes in the weather.
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Storage capacity
If you upload and acquire maps, chances are you need a unit with more storage. Majority of devices are designed with a MicroSD port so you can obtain your maps on your computer before expeditions.
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Antenna
There are three kinds of antenna designed for this particular device; the external, internal and the plug-in. The external can be tweaked to improve intelligibility but is more prone to damage while the internal kind has few chances of being broken. Whereas the plug-in is advantageous for drivers and boat users.
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SIRF Star III
If you want your antenna to function even more, you have to get a GPS that’s designed with this. It is a chip that can enhance the antenna’s performance.
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Maps
Maps are the most crucial feature of a GPS device. There are models out there with great map detail and a vast storage capacity for your maps and of course. Keep in mind that the more map features a model can contain, the bigger its price on the market. Check the map particulars that you always use and then pick a certain model with the needed details.
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Waterproof/Durability
A good number of these hiking GPS devices are hard-wearing. However, be certain that it can hold up to your trekking situations. To protect your unit even more, it is advisable that you get a rubber/waterproof shelter for it.
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Display
Units with color displays are usually recommended for hikers who rely on geographical maps whereas users who rely on way points can make do with designs featuring a simple, no-fuss display.
Another factor to consider is the resolution of the display. Those with superior resolution and bigger display layouts are steeper in price, but more ideal for those with problematic eyesight. In addition, units designed with backlit features will benefit hikers who trek at night.
Sunlight is also a main factor to consider since the too much light can reflect on the device and obscure the display. If you’re the type who does daylight hikes, there are GPS devices available in the market which can curb this annoyance.
So if you are on the hunt for your own GPS hiking unit, do not hurry up and get whatever’s on the display rack. Look up units like you would a car and do your research first. Keeping this in mind will not put your time and money to waste.
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