Best Hiking GPS Trackers For Adventurers In 2024
When you’re hiking, it’s easy to lose your way, especially if you’re not on a well-marked trail. A GPS device with a digital compass can help you keep track of where you are and avoid getting lost, especially when you combine it with a good map and basic navigation skills. But with so many options out there, finding the right GPS tracker for hiking can feel overwhelming.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through the key features to look for in a hiking GPS and share some helpful tips for your outdoor adventures. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of what to consider when choosing a GPS for your next hike. Let’s dive in and explore what makes these handheld units so valuable.
What Are GPS Trackers For Hiking?
GPS trackers for hiking are small devices that use satellite signals to keep track of where you are. These gadgets can do more than just pinpoint your location—they can help plan your route, mark important spots along the way, and even track your progress in real-time. Whether you’re exploring solo or with a group, a GPS tracker can be incredibly useful. They’re also popular for outdoor activities like camping and hunting.
When choosing a GPS tracker for hiking, there are a few things to keep in mind. Battery life is one of the big ones. If you’re just heading out for a quick hike that lasts a few hours, you probably don’t need to worry much about how long the battery lasts. But if you’re planning a multi-day backpacking trip, having a tracker with a long-lasting battery is crucial. Another thing to consider is how remote your hikes are. If you usually stick to well-marked trails in local parks, you might not need a tracker with an SOS feature. But if you’re often venturing into the backcountry, doing activities like skiing or rock climbing in isolated areas, having the ability to call for help could be a lifesaver.
That means there is a wide range of options, depending on what you need. Let’s look at some of the best GPS trackers for hiking, however, so you can an informed choice.
Top 10 GPS Trackers for Hiking
Garmin GPSMAP 78sc
 | Garmin GPSMAP 78sc
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Features:
- High-sensitivity receiver for improved tracking in challenging environments
- 3-axis electronic compass and barometric altimeter for accurate navigation
- Waterproof and floating design for use on land and water
- Built-in 8 megapixel camera and microSD card slot for storing photos and maps
- Worldwide shaded relief basemap and the ability to add additional maps
This is our favorite waterproof GPS model, with the added benefit of floating, so if you drop it in the water, it won’t be lost or damaged. Additional fun features include an electronic compass and barometric altimeter, wireless route sharing, and 2.6-inch color TFT display.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 3/25/2024 4.3 Stars | 544 Ratings |
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Stu Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - May 24, 2022 I haven't bought any maps to experience their full capabilities, but so far I’ve enjoyed the trip computer. |
Captain D Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date - May 16, 2022 From day 1, I had position drift issues with this unit. When I called Garmin, they told me this was normal since boats move. I told him I was sitting in my office, and it doesn't move. Since then, I cannot get any map detail if I zoom in below 8 nm. Garmin tech support is worthless. |
Garmin Rino 755t
 | Garmin Rino 755t
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- Dual-band (FRS/GMRS) radio with a range of up to 14 miles
- 5 W FRS/GMRS, 2 W GMRS, and 1 W FRS
- High-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receiver with preloaded TOPO maps
- 3-inch sunlight-readable color display with dual-orientation capability
- Wireless connectivity for sharing locations, waypoints, and tracks with other Rino users
- 8MP autofocus camera with flash and the ability to geotag your photos
- Barometric altimeter and 3-axis electronic compass for accurate navigation
One of the most reliable GPS models, the 5-watt FRS/GMRS 2-way radio is an additional nice touch, as is the 8-megapixel autofocus camera, electronic compass, accelerometer, and barometric altimeter.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 3/25/2024 5.0 Stars | 6 Ratings |
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irene Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - November 5, 2023 I bought yet another communication radio for my husband to hunt with because all the other members of his camp were switching to this one. This one is different, though. He loves it because he could transfer all his way points from his last Garmin radio to the touch screen. I love it because it allows everyone to see exactly where everyone is on the drives they take. That gives me some peace of mind, as it adds yet another layer of safety. |
JWJ MT Negative Review |
Google.com - Review Date - January 14, 2022 I was on day 11 of 14 of a hunting trip and the GPS stopped working with 56% battery remaining. I went through all of Garmin's online support recommendations and nothing worked. I contacted Garmin customer support who after a long conversation determined that because my machine was beyond one year old it was no longer under warranty and they could only offer me a 20% discount on a different machine. This GPS was essentially in new condition, and whatever is wrong is something with the electronics on the inside as the device will power on but does not go past the initiation screen. Device is not recognized in Basecamp. This is how Garmin loses customers for life do yourself a favor and just buy OnX. |
Garmin eTrex 30x
 | Garmin eTrex 30x
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Features:
- High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver with HotFix and GLONASS support for improved tracking
- 2.2-inch color display with a durable, sunlight-readable design
- Expandable memory with a microSD card slot for loading additional maps
- Wireless connectivity for sharing waypoints, tracks, and routes with other compatible devices
- Preloaded worldwide basemap with shaded relief and the ability to add additional maps, such as TOPO and BirdsEye satellite imagery
The increased internal memory is great for holding more maps, and the barometric altimeter is great for tracking your elevation gain and descent. The 2.2-inch display has great resolution, and the shaded relief is a nice touch on the base map screen. (The eTrex 20x is also a worthwhile option, but we’re just a little partial to the 30x.)
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 3/25/2024 4.3 Stars | 1,239 Ratings |
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Kaido Toom Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - June 9, 2019 This GPS has brought me back from the deepest New Zealand bush many times for now! The only downside is that if I want a full NZ country map, then I have to buy and pay for it another 250 NZD, but if I want to use free Topo 50 maps, then I can load into GPS only one map at a time! So basically, every time I go hunting to a different place, I have to delete the old map and load the new one in! There is something about the limited number of picture files this GPS can handle (like 100 files), but every map is like 60 picture files. But still, I am very happy with my purchase. |
Robert C. Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date - June 17, 2023 I bought this to find survey points. Not even close! I tried it on a lot where I knew where the corner pins were, and the closest it got me was 42 feet away. When I returned it, they charged me a $120 restocking fee! So don't order unless you know you will never return it. |
Garmin Oregon 600
 | Garmin Oregon 600
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Features:
- 3-inch sunlight-readable, dual-orientation color touchscreen display
- Wireless connectivity for sharing waypoints, tracks, and routes with other compatible devices
- Preloaded worldwide basemap and the ability to add additional maps, such as TOPO and BirdsEye satellite imagery
- Rugged, waterproof design for use in various outdoor conditions
- Built-in camera with geotagging capabilities
- Expandable memory with a microSD card slot for loading additional maps
- Customizable interface with the ability to add and arrange data fields, and a dual-battery system (3 AA batteries or an optional rechargeable battery pack)
This might be our favorite touchscreen display, and the dual battery system (either a NiMH battery back or 2 AA batteries will power it) is a nice touch, too.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 3/25/2024 3.9 Stars | 399 Ratings |
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MB Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - May 30, 2021 Our last Garmin unit quit working, and we were very happy to get this new one a full week before the delivery date given when we purchased it. It is up and running tonight and ready for the next few years' use! Thanks. |
Aaron L. Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date - November 12, 2020 Purchase GPS for an elk hunting trip. It worked for 1 day and then quit working. No screen. No nothing. I checked the batteries and they were full of charge. I got home from the trip and tried to return, but it was 2 days after the return date expired. Don't purchase from this seller. |
DeLorme inReach Explorer
 | DeLorme inReach Explorer
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Features:
- 2-way satellite communication for messaging, tracking, and SOS capabilities
- 100% global coverage through the Iridium satellite network
- Built-in GPS and navigation with preloaded DeLorme topographic maps
- Waterproof and impact-resistant design for use in various outdoor conditions
- Long battery life of up to 100 hours in tracking mode and up to 30 days in power-saving mode
- Customizable message templates and the ability to send and receive messages with any cell phone number or email address
- Built-in compass, barometer, and accelerometer
- Online trip-planning and management tools
- Option to add weather forecast service
With 100 hours of battery life, the inReach Explorer is best for big adventures, and with the added features like satellite messaging and SOS tracking capabilities should you need SAR. Should you want to use it as a GPS tracker, you can, with reports anywhere from every 10 minutes to every 4 hours. While the screen is small (only 1.8 inches), it’s one of the best big adventure units you could ever consider.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 3/25/2024 4.2 Stars | 733 Ratings |
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Shon Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - July 14, 2023 It took a little work to get everything going, but it worked just as I needed it. My first use was on a bear hunt in Idaho with no cell service for miles, and it was surprisingly quick. |
Davis L. Battey Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date - January 21, 2021 The returned, reconditioned unit is still locked to the previous owner, and no replacement is available! To put it politely, I am irritated!!! |
Garmin GPSMAP 66St
 | Garmin GPSMAP 66St
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Features:
- 2.6-inch sunlight-readable, color display with dual-orientation capabilities
- Rugged, waterproof design for use in various outdoor conditions
- Expandable memory with a microSD card slot for loading additional maps
- Built-in barometric altimeter and 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass
- Customizable interface with the ability to add and arrange data fields
- Long battery life of up to 20 hours in GPS mode
One of the most rugged devices out there, the GPSMAP 66St is great even in bright sun (which can make many screens hard to read) and works well with Custom Maps, an app that allows you to turn paper maps into downloadable ones.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 3/25/2024 4.6 Stars | 1,125 Ratings |
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Read a detailed review on this GPS tracker for hiking on Trailspace.com
Mandingo Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - January 12, 2024 It works great for hiking, dirt biking, mountain biking, and motorcycle riding, and I use it for hunting as well. |
JW Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date - December 12, 2023 This is a 15-year old design that is less capable than the similar predecessor I had in 2010. It comes without a pouch; there is no place to tether it. In order to conserve battery life, the screen is always dark, and although it is supposed to be an entry-level, easy-to-use device, it is difficult to use. The AA battery concept is obsolete. It is not worth $180; it is worth $30. Remember to allocate a budget, for the price tags on batteries are indeed steep. I returned it. |
Garmin Foretrex 401
 | Garmin Foretrex 401
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Features:
- High-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix and GLONASS support for improved tracking
- Waterproof and rugged design for use in various outdoor conditions
- 2.6-inch monochrome display with a user-friendly interface
- Long battery life of up to 17 hours in GPS mode
- Built-in electronic compass and barometric altimeter for accurate navigation
- Built-in trip computer to track multiple data such as trip distance, time, and more
- Customizable data fields and alerts
- Ability to add additional maps with a microSD card (sold separately)
While admittedly not as feature-laden as some of the other Garmin devices on this list, the Foretrex 401 still offers plenty of bang—and at a lower price than most other comparable units, it’s probably the best budget GPS device.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 3/25/2024 4.6 Stars | 1,975 Ratings |
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Kevin Reed Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - November 22, 2023 I took it hunting in some thick woods, and it worked great to help me get back to my car. I definitely recommend it for hiking and hunting. It was easy to set up and use. It does take a while to get satellite readings, but not too bad. |
Cody & Jenn Barday Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date - October 16, 2020 After the first use on a hunting trip, the track was permanently stuck on screen. I reached out to Garmin support for help, and they recommended I delete previous tracks, even though the issue is obviously not a programming issue. It was a September hunt trip and did not reach temperatures below freezing. |
Garmin Montana 700
 | Garmin Montana 700
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Features
- 3-inch sunlight-readable, dual-orientation color touchscreen display
- Preloaded worldwide basemap and the ability to add additional maps, such as TOPO and BirdsEye satellite imagery
- Rugged, waterproof design for use in various outdoor conditions
- Built-in camera with geotagging capabilities
- Expandable memory with a microSD card slot for loading additional maps
- Customizable interface with the ability to add and arrange data fields
- Dual battery system (2 AA batteries or an optional rechargeable battery pack)
One of our favorite backcountry GPS trackers, the Garmin Montana 700 may lack some of the extra features of the inReach Explorer, but in exchange, it offers waterproof protection.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 3/25/2024 4.5 Stars | 83 Ratings |
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Cynthia T. Sims Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - November 10, 2022 I upgraded from my Oregon 300, and I'm glad I made the change to the Montana 700. Fast and accurate with so many features, I'll be hard-pressed to learn them all. |
Griz Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date - October 10, 2021 Overthought technology, cumbersome, extremely poor graphics, outdated GPS technical design, and jerky transmission on screen. Confusing on getting it to do what you want to do may even cause conflict on your laptop when down loading maps. I had an IT person look at it and try to work down load information, and it took that person a ridiculous amount of time to down load information, even though the app was clumsy. That IT person said they took the simple out and paid Garmin engineers to put the difficult in. I personally would be so upset that I would send it sailing in the swamp. I would rather rely on my compass than try to spend the night in the woods to get the dang thing to load up information on a fuzzy screen that you can’t determine if the obstacle is a lake or mountain. At least with an old-fashioned compass, I could navigate around it rather than swim across it. I don’t have the time to type what I really think!! My advice If you get a phone app, you will be far happier, and you will be able to find your way back to civilization. |
Garmin GPSMAP 64St
 | Garmin GPSMAP 64St
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Features:
- 2.6-inch sunlight-readable, color display with dual-orientation capabilities
- Preloaded worldwide basemap and the ability to add additional maps, such as TOPO and BirdsEye satellite imagery
- Rugged, waterproof design for use in various outdoor conditions
- Expandable memory with a microSD card slot for loading additional maps
- Customizable interface with the ability to add and arrange data fields
- Long battery life of up to 16 hours in GPS mode
- Wireless connectivity for downloading software updates, geocaching GPX files, and connecting with other compatible devices
Perhaps the only drawback is the 16-hour battery life—and even that is plenty long enough for most one-day adventures. With dual battery systems (rechargeable NiMH battery packs or 2 AA batteries), 8 GB of expandable internal memory, and a beautiful 2.6-inch display, it just doesn’t get any better.
PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | SPECS | AMAZON RATING |
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| As of 3/25/2024 4.5 Stars | 1,219 Ratings |
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BC Positive Review |
Amazon.com- Review Date - February 26, 2021 I purchased my GPSMAP 64st for elk and mule deer hunting in Arizona. Being a "greenhorn" to this technology, I luckily purchased the right product the first time. It comes with an attachable clip for my backpack. The screen size is OK and is lit. I need to take extra AA batteries into the field with me because the cold weather and screen time do eat up batteries. One thing I didn't know is that I had to purchase separately a microSD memory card for Onx hunting maps ($119.00, depending on the card manufacturer), so be prepared to add that price to the purchase cost. The G&F Department requires all hunters to be aware of hunting units and private land boundaries. Additionally, you'll want to know the latest topography, road, etc. map features. In short, you'll need a memory card. |
GC Negative Review |
Amazon.com - Review Date - December 12, 2021 Garmin, best in the business, 3-2019 I spent $250 for this brand new 64ST unit without any reservations. Within a year and with very limited use, the data port stopped working. I received a 'new' refurbished replacement under the Garmin warranty. Now 12-21, still with very limited use of the replacement unit, the battery terminal breaks while simply removing or replacing a battery. I contacted Garmin support about it. I will have to spend another $120 to get a replacement, as it is out of warranty. Something I use very little breaks on both units?? WHY ME?? $250 plus accessories down the drain. FRUSTRATED!! BEWARE Just because it's a Garmin, it may not be so good. |
Garmin Montana 680t
 | Garmin Montana 680t
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