Best Handheld GPS for Outdoor of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Handheld GPS devices are a must-have for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and hunting. These devices are designed to provide accurate location information, making it easy to navigate through unfamiliar terrain. They are also equipped with features such as maps, waypoints, and tracking, which can help users plan their routes and keep track of their progress. Handheld GPS devices are small, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts. With their rugged construction and long battery life, these devices are built to withstand the toughest conditions and provide reliable performance in the great outdoors.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Cover #TOP 1
Garmin GPSMAP 67i
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Cover #TOP 2
Garmin GPSMAP 67i
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Spot Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger Cover #TOP 3
Spot Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 4 Handheld GPS for Outdoor

Garmin GPSMAP 67i

GPSMAP 67i
Black
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Cover
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged Hiking GPS Premium Handheld inReach Satellite Technology, Two-Way Messaging, Interactive SOS, Mapping Bundle with Accessories

The Garmin Rugged Hiking GPS, also known as Garmin GPSMAP 67i, offers inReach Satellite Communication for two-way messaging, SOS alerts, and location sharing via global satellite network. It provides Multi-Band GNSS Support for precise navigation, altimeter, barometer, and compass sensors. Enjoy Satellite Imagery, Topo Maps, and seamless smartphone integration for trip planning. The bundle includes essential accessories for your outdoor adventures.

What We Like
Satellite Communication
Multi-Band GNSS Support
Satellite Imagery & Maps
#TOP 2

Garmin GPSMAP 67i

010-02812-00
Black/Flame Red
One Size
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Cover
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged GPS Handheld with inReach® Satellite Technology, Two-Way Messaging, Interactive SOS, Mapping

The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is a rugged GPS handheld device that offers a range of features to enhance your outdoor adventures. With its large 3-inch color display, you can easily view maps and navigate with ease. The device also includes two-way messaging and location tracking capabilities, allowing you to stay connected even in remote areas. In case of emergencies, you can trigger an interactive SOS to Garmin Response℠, a 24/7 staffed emergency response coordination center. The GPSMAP 67i also provides access to preloaded TopoActive mapping from Garmin, as well as satellite imagery, active weather forecasts, and Geocaching Live when paired with your compatible smartphone. With its long-lasting rechargeable battery, this handheld GPS device is ready for any expedition.

What We Like
Sunlight-readable display
Two-way messaging
Interactive SOS
#TOP 3

Spot Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger

SPOT X
9020-0235-01
Spot Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger Cover
Spot Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger | Handheld Portable GPS Messenger for Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Activities | Globalstar Satellite Network Coverage | Subscription Applicable

SPOT Gen 4 GPS Messenger is a handheld portable device designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a critical line of communication beyond cell towers, making it perfect for hiking, camping, and other adventurous activities. With the Tracking feature, you can transmit location updates while on the move or when you stop. This is particularly useful for letting your family know you're okay or in case of an emergency, you can simply push the SOS button to send your GPS coordinates to emergency responders. The device utilizes GPS and the Globalstar Satellite Network to determine your location and share it with others. The Spot Gen 4 GPS Messenger comes with a strap and carabiner for easy attachment, USB cable for charging, batteries, and a quick start guide. Subscription is required, and there are two service plans available. Purchase, activate, and explore the world with peace of mind with the SPOT Gen 4 GPS Messenger.

What We Like
Critical communication beyond cell towers
Transmit location updates while on the move
SOS button for emergency response
#TOP 4

Garmin Montana 700: Rugged GPS Handheld

010-02133-00
Black
One Size
Garmin Montana 700: Rugged GPS Handheld Cover
Garmin Montana 700, Rugged GPS Handheld, Routable Mapping for Roads and Trails, Glove-Friendly 5" Color Touchscreen

The Garmin Montana 700 is a rugged GPS handheld with a 5" glove-friendly touchscreen display, preloaded TopoActive maps, and multi-GNSS support. It is compatible with the Garmin Explore website and app, and features ANT+ technology, Wi-Fi connectivity, and BLUETOOTH wireless networking. It is rated to MIL-STD 810 for thermal, shock, water and vibration, and comes with a lithium-ion battery pack with 18 hours of battery life.

What We Like
Rugged construction is rated to MIL-STD 810
5” glove-friendly touchscreen display
Multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) support
ANT+ technology, Wi-Fi connectivity and BLUETOOTH wireless networking
Compatible with the Garmin Explore website and app
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are handheld GPS worth it?

Compared to a smartphone, a handheld GPS has major advantages, including superior durability and much longer battery life. Simply put, no other kind of device on the market can take the place of a good handheld GPS.

2. What is the easiest handheld GPS to use?

The Bottom Line If you're looking for a very reliable and easy-to-use GPS device, look no further than the Garmin DriveSmart 51 NA LMT-S. It's a very barebones device without the bells and whistles others might enjoy.

3. What handheld GPS does the military use?

The AN/PSN-13 Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR; colloquially, "dagger") is a handheld GPS receiver used by the United States Department of Defense and select foreign military services.

Editor's Notes

During our handheld gp for outdoor research, we found 16 handheld gp for outdoor products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 17,053 customer reviews through our big data system to write the handheld gps for outdoor list. We found that most customers choose handheld gps for outdoor with an average price of $223.45.

The handheld gps for outdoor are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of handheld gps for outdoor, including Garmin, SPOT X. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,885 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.