Best Rugged Handheld GPS of 2025

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

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Rugged handheld GPS devices are designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions and provide accurate navigational assistance to hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. These devices come equipped with features such as long battery life, water resistance, and shockproof casing. Some models also offer additional features such as built-in cameras, compasses, and altimeters. With a rugged handheld GPS, users can confidently explore new trails and areas without fear of getting lost or running out of battery. These devices are an essential tool for anyone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garmin eTrex 22x GPS Navigator Cover #TOP 1
Garmin eTrex 22x GPS Navigator
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Cover #TOP 2
Garmin GPSMAP 67i
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Garmin GPSMAP 79sc Marine GPS Handheld Cover #TOP 3
Garmin GPSMAP 79sc Marine GPS Handheld
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Rugged Handheld GPS

#TOP 1

Garmin eTrex 22x GPS Navigator

010-02256-00
Black/Navy
One Size
Garmin eTrex 22x GPS Navigator Cover
Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator, Black/Navy

The Garmin eTrex 22x is a reliable handheld GPS navigator that comes preloaded with Topo Active maps for cycling and hiking. It features a 2.2" sunlight-readable color display, 8GB of internal memory, and support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems. Customers have praised its accuracy, ease of use, and portability, though some have noted that it lacks a true electronic compass and the current time cannot be displayed with seconds.

What We Like
Preloaded with Topo Active maps
2.2" sunlight-readable color display
GPS and GLONASS satellite systems
8GB of internal memory
Accurate, easy to use, and portable

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

Garmin GPSMAP 79sc Marine GPS Handheld

010-02635-02
Black
No Size
Garmin GPSMAP 79sc Marine GPS Handheld Cover
Garmin GPSMAP 79sc, Marine GPS Handheld Preloaded With BlueChart g3 Coastal Charts, Rugged Design and Floats in Water

The Garmin GPSMAP 79sc is a rugged, water-resistant handheld GPS with a high-resolution color display and scratch-resistant, fogproof glass. It features increased memory to save and track 10,000 waypoints, 250 routes, and 300 fit activities, and supports multiple satellite constellations for reliable tracking around the world. The device comes preloaded with BlueChart g3 coastal charts, has a built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, and a barometric altimeter that tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. The battery life is up to 20 hours in GPS mode.

What We Like
Water-resistant, rugged design
Increased memory for saving and tracking waypoints, routes, and activities
Supports multiple satellite constellations for reliable tracking around the world
Comes preloaded with BlueChart g3 coastal charts
Built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter

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 5

Garmin eTrex 32x: Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator

010-02257-00
Brown
Garmin eTrex 32x: Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator Cover
Garmin eTrex 32x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator

The Garmin eTrex 32x is a rugged handheld GPS navigator that is preloaded with Topo Active maps and supports GPS and GLONASS satellite systems. It features a 2.2” sunlight-readable color display, 8 GB of internal memory, a 3-axis compass, and barometric altimeter. With 2 AA batteries, it offers up to 25 hours of battery life in GPS mode. It is perfect for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

What We Like
Preloaded with Topo Active maps
2.2” sunlight-readable color display
Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems
8 GB of internal memory
3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
#TOP 6

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
#TOP 7

Garmin Rino 700 GPS Radio

010-01958-20
Black
2.2 inches
Garmin Rino 700 GPS Radio Cover
Garmin Rino 700, Rugged 2-Way Radio and Handheld GPS Navigator with GPS/GLONASS

The Garmin Rino 700 combines a rugged two-way radio with a handheld GPS navigator, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Its 5-watt GMRS radio allows you to communicate over distances of up to 20 miles, ensuring you stay in touch with your companions, whether by voice or text. The high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS reception improve tracking in challenging environments, so you can confidently explore without losing your way. Additionally, the position reporting feature lets you see the locations of fellow Rino users on the same channel, enhancing safety during group outings. With a worldwide base map, you'll have basic navigation support at your fingertips.

What We Like
Long-range communication
Enhanced satellite tracking
Location sharing capability
Worldwide navigation support

Garmin GPSMAP 79s Handheld GPS

010-02635-00
White
No Size
Garmin GPSMAP 79s Handheld GPS Cover
Garmin GPSMAP 79s, Marine GPS Handheld with Worldwide Basemap, Rugged Design and Floats in Water

The Garmin GPSMAP 79s is a handheld GPS that is rugged, water-resistant, and floats in water. With its high-resolution color display and scratch-resistant, fogproof glass, you can easily track 10,000 waypoints, 250 routes, and 300 fit activities. It supports multiple satellite constellations for reliable tracking around the world and includes a worldwide basemap. The built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass shows heading while standing still and the barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. The battery life can last up to 20 hours in GPS mode.

What We Like
Rugged, water-resistant, and floats in water
Supports multiple satellite constellations for reliable tracking around the world
Increased memory to save and track 10,000 waypoints, 250 routes, and 300 fit activities
#TOP 9

Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS Navigator

010-00970-00
Yellow and black
Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS Navigator Cover
Garmin 010-00970-00 eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator

The Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS Navigator is a rugged and waterproof device with a 2.2 inch monochrome display. It is preloaded with a worldwide basemap and supports paperless geocaching and Garmin spine mounting accessories. It is powered by two AA batteries for up to 20 hours of use and can track more satellites than other GPS devices. It is great for cyclists, walkers, hikers, and off-roaders, but the contrast on the display is weak and the light can come on with a simple flick of the button.

What We Like
Rugged and waterproof
Preloaded with worldwide basemap
Supports paperless geocaching
Tracks more satellites than other GPS devices
Powered by two AA batteries for up to 20 hours of use
#TOP 10

Garmin Rino 750 GPS/Radio

010-01958-05 + SSLensCloth
Garmin Rino 750 GPS/Radio Cover
Garmin Rino 750 Rugged Handheld GPS/GLONASS Navigator and 2-Way Radio with Signature Series Cloth

The Garmin Rino 750 is a versatile device that combines a rugged handheld GPS with a two-way radio. Its powerful 5 W GMRS radio allows you to communicate over distances of up to 20 miles, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS capabilities ensure reliable tracking, even in challenging environments. With the position reporting feature, you can share your location with other Rino users on the same channel, which is particularly useful in emergency situations. The bright, glove-friendly touchscreen is easy to read, ensuring you can access information quickly, no matter the weather.

What We Like
Extended communication range
Reliable satellite tracking
Emergency location sharing
Readable touchscreen in sunlight
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which handheld GPS is the most accurate?

The Garmin GPSMAP 66st is at the top of its class in terms of accuracy and reliability, earning it our top honors. It boasts a powerful quad-helix antenna and reliably connects to more satellite networks with greater accuracy than most other models.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Editor's Notes

During our rugged handheld gp research, we found 16 rugged handheld gp products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 39,386 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rugged handheld gps list. We found that most customers choose rugged handheld gps with an average price of $224.93.

The rugged handheld gps are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rugged handheld gps, including Garmin and more. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.