A handheld GPS device is the perfect solution for navigation and orienteering on your next adventure. Handheld GPS units are compact, portable devices that utilize global positioning satellites to pinpoint your exact location anywhere on earth. The best handheld GPS models boast key features like pre-loaded topographical maps, GLONASS and GPS capability for enhanced accuracy, rugged waterproof designs, long battery life, easy-to-read color screens, and navigation functions to set waypoints and routes. Whether you’re hiking deep trails, geocaching, or kayaking remote rivers, a reliable handheld GPS gives you peace of mind and confidence to traverse even the most remote terrain. Read on to learn how to choose the ideal handheld GPS based on connectivity, interface, durability and mapping capabilities to enhance your outdoor recreation. With the right navigation tool in hand, you can focus on the joys of nature without worrying about getting lost.
Our Top Picks For 2025
Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS Navigator
Rugged, lightweight GPS navigator from Garmin with 2.2″ monochrome display, HotFix satellite prediction, and geocaching support. Runs on 2 AA batteries for up to 25 hours.
The Garmin eTrex 10 is a rugged, reliable handheld GPS device designed for outdoor recreational use. Though lightweight and compact, it is waterproof and equipped to provide accurate positioning in challenging environments. Key features include:
- 2.2” monochrome display readable in sunlight or low light
- High-sensitivity receiver with HotFix and GLONASS for fast, accurate positioning
- Waterproof to IPX7 standards
- Support for paperless geocaching
- Runs up to 25 hours on just 2 AA batteries
With its easy-to-use interface, the eTrex 10 makes an excellent choice for the budget-conscious adventurer looking for a dependable way to navigate off the beaten path. Its versatility and durability allow it to stand up to backcountry abuse while still providing the core functionality expected from a Garmin GPS. So whether you’re hiking deep woods trails or kayaking remote coastlines, the eTrex 10 has you covered.
Garmin GPSMAP 64sx Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator
The Garmin GPSMAP 64sx is a durable, water-resistant handheld GPS device with a 2.6″ color display. It has preloaded TopoActive maps for routing roads and trails, multi-GNSS support for more accurate positioning, wireless connectivity, geocaching, and up to 16 hours of battery life.
The Garmin GPSMAP 64sx is a rugged and reliable handheld GPS navigator designed for outdoor recreational use. It has a sensitive receiver and quad helix antenna to quickly locate your position using multiple satellite systems. The 64sx model features innovative mapping and wireless capabilities for an enhanced navigation experience.
Key Features:
- Rugged, water-resistant design with 2.6” sunlight-readable color display
- Preloaded TopoActive maps with routable roads and trails
- High-sensitivity receiver with quad helix antenna and multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo)
- Built-in 3-axis electronic compass and barometric altimeter
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and ANT+ technology
- 16 hours of battery life in GPS mode
Benefits:
- Durable construction for outdoor use in harsh conditions
- Navigate roads, trails, cycle routes with preloaded topo maps
- Maintains location fix in challenging environments for accurate positioning
- Pairs wirelessly with smartphones and fitness sensors
- Long battery life supports extended trips without recharging
- Ideal for hiking, geocaching, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits
Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator
The Garmin eTrex 22x is a durable, easy-to-use handheld GPS device perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, geocaching, and more. It features a 2.2″ sunlight-readable display, preloaded TopoActive maps with routable roads and trails, and support for both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems for better tracking capability. With 8GB of internal memory and a microSD card slot, there’s ample room to download additional maps.
The Garmin eTrex 22x is a rugged and reliable handheld GPS navigator built for the outdoors. Key features and benefits include:
- Preloaded with routable TopoActive maps showing roads, trails, waterways, landmarks, and points of interest
- Dual GPS and GLONASS satellite connectivity lets you keep your fix in more challenging environments
- Water resistant and durable construction stands up to the elements
- Sunlight-readable 2.2” display with 240 x 320 pixels offers improved readability
- Internal memory stores downloadable maps and data
- MicroSD card slot allows you to boost storage as needed
- Rechargeable battery provides up to 25 hours of use
The eTrex 22x from Garmin is an affordable yet full-featured handheld GPS that’s perfect for hikers, geocachers, hunters, and other outdoor explorers who
Garmin eTrex SE Handheld GPS Navigator
The Garmin eTrex SE is an affordable, pocket-sized GPS navigator with long battery life, sunlight-readable display, and wireless connectivity for outdoor adventures.
The Garmin eTrex SE handheld GPS navigator provides accurate positioning and navigation for outdoor activities like hiking, geocaching, and kayaking. Key features of this rugged, compact unit include:
- Extra long battery life up to 168 hours using just 2 AA batteries (not included)
- Sunlight-readable 2.2″ display that’s easy to see even in bright conditions
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth to pair with Garmin Explore app for wireless software updates, cloud storage, smart notifications and more
- Water-resistant design rated to IPX7 standards
- Multi-GNSS support accessing GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and other satellite systems for improved tracking capability
- Digital compass provides accurate heading information even when stationary
With its durable, lightweight build, long battery runtime, and wireless connectivity, the Garmin eTrex SE GPS handheld delivers reliable navigation and tracking to enhance your outdoor adventures.
Garmin GPSMAP 65s Handheld GPS Navigator
The Garmin GPSMAP 65s is a rugged, button-operated handheld GPS device with a 2.6″ color display. It features expanded global navigation satellite system support for accuracy in challenging environments and comes preloaded with detailed topographic maps.
The Garmin GPSMAP 65s Handheld GPS Navigator is an advanced yet easy-to-use handheld GPS designed for outdoor adventurers and professionals who need accurate positioning and mapping capabilities.
Key Features:
- Multi-GNSS Support The GPSMAP 65s supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and IRNSS satellite systems for improved positioning accuracy.
- Detailed Mapping Comes preloaded with detailed topographic maps, including contour lines, summits, parks, coastlines, rivers, lakes and points of interest.
- Rugged and Waterproof With its rugged, waterproof design, the GPSMAP 65s is built to withstand the elementsincluding dust, dirt, humidity and water immersion.
- Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth and ANT+ wireless connectivity allows you to pair the device with smartphones and accessories to share data on the go.
- With its combination of expanded GNSS support, preloaded maps, rugged construction and wireless capabilities, the Garmin GPSMAP 65s Handheld GPS Navigator is a versatile tool for backcountry travel, geocaching, search and rescue work or other professional applications.
Garmin eTrex 32x Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator
The Garmin eTrex 32x is a robust and reliable handheld GPS navigator, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s equipped with topographic maps, a brilliant color display, and advanced tracking systems.
The Garmin eTrex 32x is a rugged, full-featured handheld GPS unit that merges user-friendly functionality with an enhanced feature set. Designed for the most challenging terrains, this device offers you the confidence to explore without fear of losing your way.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Reliable Navigation: Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems allows for tracking in more challenging environments than GPS alone.
- Enhanced Readability: The 2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels ensures improved readability even in bright conditions.
- Preloaded TopoActive Maps: These maps feature routable roads and trails, making it ideal for cycling and hiking.
- Extended Battery Life: Up to 25 hours in GPS mode with 2 AA batteries.
- Built for the Outdoors: The eTrex 32x adds a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, offering you more data to navigate with precision.
- Generous Memory: 8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a microSD™ card slot for additional storage.
the Garmin eTrex 32x is more than just a GPS navigator. This rugged device is built to withstand the elements, making it a reliable partner for all your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or exploring off the beaten path, the eTrex 32x promises to make every journey a memorable one.
Garmin Montana 700 Rugged GPS Navigator
The Garmin Montana 700 is a durable, glove-friendly GPS handheld device with a 5″ color touchscreen. It features preloaded topographic maps, satellite imagery, sensors for navigation data, and wireless connectivity for location sharing and app access.
The Montana 700 from Garmin is built to withstand outdoor adventures. Its rugged design meets military standards for shock, vibration, water, and extreme temperatures. The high-resolution 5″ touchscreen is easy to use, even with gloves on.
Key Features:
- Preloaded topographic maps of North America with terrain contours, landmarks, and public land boundaries
- Downloadable BirdsEye satellite imagery to see photo-realistic views on the screen
- ABC sensors provide elevation, weather, and compass data for navigation
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ANT+ wireless connections enable location sharing, satellite imagery downloads, and connectivity with Garmin’s outdoor apps
- IPX7 water rating and rugged, shock-resistant construction stands up to the elements
With its combination of robust design, navigation features, and wireless capabilities, the Garmin Montana 700 brings reliable GPS guidance to backcountry adventures on foot, bike, ATV, or kayak. It’s built to help you explore while keeping you on course.
Garmin GPSMAP 66s Handheld GPS Navigator
The Garmin GPSMAP 66s is a premium, rugged handheld GPS navigator with a 3” sunlight-readable color display. It features multi-GNSS support, built-in sensors, access to BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, and expanded wireless connectivity.
The Garmin GPSMAP 66s is an advanced handheld GPS designed for outdoor adventures like hiking, hunting, and geocaching. Key features and benefits include:
- Large 3” color display that is easy to read in sunlight
- Multi-GNSS support tracks your location more precisely than GPS alone
- Built-in 3-axis compass, barometer, and altimeter sensors
- Direct access to downloadable BirdsEye Satellite Imagery
- Wireless connectivity for weather updates, animated radar, and mobile syncing
- Military-standard construction for thermal, shock, and water resistance
- Up to 16 hours of battery life in GPS mode
With premium navigation features, sensor capabilities, and durability, the Garmin GPSMAP 66s provides reliable guidance on your outdoor excursions. Its expanded wireless functions and BirdsEye imagery also enhance situational awareness in the field.
Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator
The Garmin eTrex 22x is a durable, compact handheld GPS unit with a 2.2″ color display. It features preloaded topographic maps, support for GPS and GLONASS satellites, and 8GB of internal memory.
The Garmin eTrex 22x is a rugged and reliable handheld GPS navigator perfect for outdoor recreational use. Created by navigation specialists Garmin, this compact unit packs an array of useful features into a tough, waterproof body.
Key Features and Benefits:
- 2.2” sunlight-readable color display allows for excellent visibility even in bright sunlight
- Preloaded Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails optimized for cycling and hiking
- Support for both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems enables more precise tracking in challenging environments
- 8GB of internal memory provides ample room for additional map downloads
- Waterproof, rugged design built to withstand the elements
- Long 25-hour battery life on just 2 AA batteries
With its easy-to-use interface, durable construction, and handy outdoor activity profiles, the Garmin eTrex 22x is a versatile go-anywhere GPS that belongs in every outdoor adventurer’s backpack.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged GPS Handheld
The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is a robust handheld GPS device that offers exceptional satellite technology, two-way messaging, and interactive SOS capabilities. It is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who require reliable connectivity and navigation tools.
The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is a rugged GPS handheld device that stands out for its advanced features and durable design. It is equipped with inReach Satellite Technology that permits two-way messaging and location tracking via the global Iridium satellite network, making it a reliable choice for outdoor adventures. Users can trigger an Interactive SOS to Garmin Response, a 24/7 staffed emergency response coordination center, ensuring safety during unforeseen circumstances (active subscription required).
Key Features and Benefits:
- Large 3-inch sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing.
- Two-way messaging and location tracking via the 100% global Iridium satellite network.
- Ability to trigger an interactive SOS to Garmin Response, a 24/7 staffed emergency response coordination center.
- Comes preloaded with TopoActive mapping from Garmin and supports multi-band GNSS.
- When paired with a compatible smartphone, users can access active weather forecasts and Geocaching Live.
- Compatible with the Garmin Explore website or app for trip planning.
- Supports Wi-Fi technology for downloading a wide variety of premium mapping content directly to the device with an Outdoor Maps+ subscription.
- Internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 165 hours in 10-minute tracking mode and up to 425 hours in expedition mode with 30-minute tracking intervals.
the Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged GPS Handheld Device delivers a blend of performance, durability, and safety for outdoor explorers. Its inReach Satellite Technology coupled with a host of other features makes it a versatile tool that keeps you connected and secure during your adventures.
