Best Waterproof Handheld GPS of 2026

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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A waterproof handheld GPS is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast who wants to explore the wilderness with confidence. These devices are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, making them ideal for camping, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. They come with a range of features, including satellite tracking, maps, and navigation tools, which allow users to stay on track and find their way back to safety. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a casual weekend warrior, a waterproof handheld GPS is an essential tool that can help you navigate the great outdoors with ease.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garmin eTrex® SE GPS Handheld Navigator Cover #TOP 1
Garmin eTrex® SE GPS Handheld Navigator
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Cover #TOP 2
Garmin inReach Mini 2
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Handheld GPS with inReach Cover #TOP 3
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Handheld GPS with inReach
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 5 Waterproof Handheld GPS

Garmin eTrex® SE GPS Handheld Navigator

010-02734-00
Black/Yellow
One Size
Garmin eTrex® SE GPS Handheld Navigator Cover
Garmin eTrex® SE GPS Handheld Navigator, Extra Battery Life, Wireless Connectivity, Multi-GNSS Support, Sunlight Readable Screen

This handheld GPS navigator by Garmin comes with a 2.2” high-resolution screen that is easy to read even in bright sunlight. It has long battery life of up to 168 hours in standard mode and up to 1,800 hours in expedition mode. The device supports multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS) to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone. You can pair it with the Garmin Explore app on your compatible smartphone for wireless software updates, trip planning, Active Weather, smart notifications and additional mapping. It also comes with a water-resistant design and digital compass.

What We Like
Long battery life
Easy to read screen
Supports multiple global navigation satellite systems
Water-resistant design
Digital compass for accurate heading
#TOP 2

Garmin inReach Mini 2

010-02602-00-AG2
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Cover
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator, Lightweight Compact Rugged Design, Portable GPS Handheld for Hiking, Two-Way Text Messaging Device Bundle with Accessories (Flame Red)

The Garmin Mini 2 is a compact and rugged satellite communicator by Garmin. It utilizes the Iridium satellite network, allowing two-way messaging globally. In emergencies, the Interactive SOS feature can trigger prompt support. The device's small size and durability make it perfect for outdoor adventures. With features like TracBack Routing, you can easily navigate back to your starting point. The bundle includes essential accessories for your convenience.

What We Like
Global Satellite Coverage
Interactive SOS Alerts
Compact and Rugged Design
#TOP 3

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Handheld GPS with inReach

010-02812-00-AG2-2
Black
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Handheld GPS with inReach Cover
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged Hiking GPS Handheld, Premium inReach Satellite Technology, 425 Hr of Battery Life, Two-Way Messaging, Interactive SOS, Mapping Bundle with Accessories

The Garmin GPSMAP 67i GPS is a rugged handheld device designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It supports multiple satellite systems like GPS and Galileo, helping you get accurate location data even in tough environments. The built-in sensors, including an altimeter and compass, offer important information about elevation and direction, making navigation easier. Its bright 3-inch screen shows detailed maps that you can download via Wi-Fi, helping you plan routes and explore with confidence. Plus, the device syncs with the Garmin Explore app on your phone, letting you manage waypoints and messages smoothly during your trips.

What We Like
Multi-band satellite support
Accurate elevation and direction sensors
Bright, sunlight-readable display
Wi-Fi map downloads
Smartphone app integration

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

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
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. What is the easiest GPS to use for hiking?

Overall the best basic and simple handheld GPS unit is the Garmin eTrek 32i. The best full featured GPS for Backpacking is the Garmin Montana 700i. The best combination of a PLB and Satellite Messenger hiking GPS unit is the Garmin InReach Mini.

Editor's Notes

During our waterproof handheld gp research, we found 16 waterproof handheld gp products and shortlisted 5 quality products. We collected and analyzed 57,488 customer reviews through our big data system to write the waterproof handheld gps list. We found that most customers choose waterproof handheld gps with an average price of $217.37.

The waterproof handheld gps are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of waterproof handheld gps, including Garmin and more. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.