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GPS Watches for Hunting – Buying guide, Reviews and Comparison
If you are interested in getting the best GPS watch for hunting, but you are short on time, and you cannot do the necessary research, we are here to lend you a hand. After assessing the market and reading what owners had to say about some of the available products, we have concluded that the Garmin Foretrex 401 is the model you should take a good look at. This unit comes supplied with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that improves its reception. Moreover, this choice can keep track of your routes, waypoints as well as your heart rate. The easy-to-read display is another feature that recommends it, as it allows the buyer to have a good idea of his/her location at all times. The device runs on two AAA batteries and has a battery life of 17 hours when used in GPS mode. If this item is unavailable, check out the Garmin epix TOPO U.S.
3 Best GPS Watches for Hunting (Reviews) in 2021
When it comes to hunting, finding a suitable GPS watch for the job is not a simple chore, especially when you are trying to navigate through the various models that are currently on the market. In order to be of assistance to you, we have chosen to lend you a hand by compiling a list of items that have received positive feedback from users.
1. Garmin 010-00777-00 Foretrex 401 GPS Watch
In the market for a waterproof device that you can take hunting with you, the Garmin Foretrex 401 might be just what you’ve been looking for. This device is powered by two AAA batteries, which must be purchased separately, and it can be used for up to 17 hours before the batteries need to be replaced again.
While on your hunting expeditions, this unit can keep track of your waypoints and routes, ensuring that you do not become disoriented or lose your way. Furthermore, because it is compatible with a heart rate monitor, you may also use it while exercising to track your progress.
Because it includes what the seller refers to as a TracBack feature, this model can assist you in retracing your steps after an accident. The device’s largest advantage is its large display, which can be read in two different positions at the same time. As a result, no matter how you hold it, you will be able to view your location.
Additionally, this item includes a trip computer that displays information about sunrise and sunset times, an electronic compass, and a useful barometric altimeter as an added bonus. The display measures 1.42 x 0.91 inches in total and has a resolution of 100 x 64 pixels on a diagonal basis.
The high-sensitivity GPS receiver that is included with this model ensures that this GPS will have improved reception even in deep canyons and densely forested environments.
Pros
When the Foretrex 401 watch is shipped, buyers will also receive a USB cable, a wrist expansion strap, as well as a guide and a manual, which you should read before using the watch for the first time.
This device enables owners to create and store routes, as well as providing them with useful information about their vehicles. It actually includes a trip computer, information about sunrise and sunset, as well as information about hunting and fishing.
One can connect the watch to a computer and analyze his or her activity by connecting the watch to the computer with the USB cable.
Anywhere you end up during your hunting expedition, this GPS unit can assist you in retracing your steps so that you never have to worry about becoming disoriented or losing your way.
Cons
The most common complaint that customers have expressed regarding this piece of equipment is that the manuals provided by the seller are difficult to understand and adhere to.
Furthermore, it has been noted that the battery life of the watch is not very long. For this reason, you may want to bring a couple of extra batteries with you on your trip.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
2. Garmin epix Topo U.S. 100K
This contemporary-looking alternative includes a large high-resolution display measuring 1.4″ in diagonal size. To make matters worse, the device enables users to view it even while they are standing in direct sunshine. Buyers will be able to load a large number of maps onto it because of the 8GB internal capacity that it has.
In order to make the watch as visually appealing as possible, the maker designed it in such a way that it can be customized by switching between a range of watch faces, widgets, and applications.
This device is especially popular among owners because it allows them to stay connected at all times. The TOPO U.S is well-known for its ability to wirelessly transfer data to the Garmin Connect app as well as to LiveTrack. You can also use it to connect with your phone and receive texts, alerts, and emails directly to your watch, which is a nice feature.
The device’s practical display allows the user to swipe to get detailed maps on the fly, which is particularly convenient. There is also the option to use the built-in worldwide shaded relief basemaps. As a result, you will not run the risk of becoming disoriented or losing track of where you are at all times.
Because this watch has plenty of memory capacity, you may also download other maps that you can readily access, such as BirdsEye Satellite Imagery or BlueChart g2 maps, which are also available for purchase separately.
Pros
This model is equipped with auto-calibrating ABC sensors, which can provide you with important real-time information when needed.
According to the seller, this option has an EXO antenna with GPS/GLONASS reception that is made of stainless steel and includes GPS/GLONASS reception. Therefore, it has the potential to withstand the test of time.
Using the 8GB memory slot, the owner can store a large number of maps on the device. He or she will be less likely to become disoriented in this manner.
Because it has a 1.4-inch high-resolution color touchscreen, any maps that you choose to load onto it will be displayed in crystal clear detail.
Cons
Some customers have complained that the device’s battery life falls short of expectations in certain situations. However, only a small number of people expressed concern about this issue.
One customer complained that the product is not as efficient as he would have liked it to be because of the numerous software bugs that it contains. Another customer agreed. And to make matters worse, this watch does not perform well when both maps and apps are being used simultaneously.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($469.99)
3. Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire GPS Multisport Watch
Another alternative that might capture your attention is the Garmin Fenix 2 GPS. This type is great for hunting, as well as for fitness training. What makes it worth your while is the fact that it can display real-time performance details such as the distance that you have walked, the pace, the speed, your heart rate or the calories that you have burned.
If you elect to combine it with the HRM-Run monitor2 also sold by Fenix, this choice can provide you with even more input on your running.
To make this pick as versatile as possible, the seller has also fitted it with a swim and a ski mode that can cater to your demands when practicing either of these sports. As a benefit, the device lets the user to keep connected with his/her loved ones, as one can utilize it to connect to personal social media accounts.
If you pair it with your own phone, you will also receive several notifications that can keep you connected to the civilized world while you are out hunting. On top of that, the watch comes packed with high-sensitivity GPS tracking features such as a worldwide basemap, a 3-axis compass, and a TracBack software.
Pros
This device has a really appealing appearance that has a huge display. Also, this device may supply customers with plenty of real-time performance statistics that can assist them obtain a better grasp of their work.
As the seller points out, this watch offers several GPS tracking functions, including a worldwide basemap, a TracBack program that helps you not get lost and a 3-axis compass that can make traveling in an unknown place easier.
The decision can be employed when practicing numerous sports, like fitness, swimming or skiing. Therefore, you no longer have to invest in additional pieces of gear.
Previous users were glad to remark that the model has a long battery life and a solid build that protects it from getting broken easily.
Cons
One owner was quick to comment that the display of the watch is not particularly simple to see and that the red lighting is hard to see because of the screen.
Some users stated that the watch that they received broke quite soon. However, altogether, this item has garnered favorable reviews.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($159.99)
Buying guide
Finding the best hunting GPS watch is not a process that comes without certain difficulties. To assist you in your search, we have composed a list of aspects that are considered a must in an item of this type. So, read ahead and shop accordingly!
GPS accuracy
As reviews of GPS hunting watches put it, the accuracy of the GPS sensor that a device comes fitted with is crucial. This is the case because the watch that you intend to buy should help you find your way easily whenever you are exploring unknown areas during your hunting trips.
What is more, the sensor should also work when you travel to places that are covered in thick forests. In other words, no special circumstances should interfere with the reliability of your hunting GPS equipment.
A good way to assess this aspect is by going online and reading what the experts had to say about the technology used in constructing specific models. Besides, you might also want to take a good look at what previous owners had to say about the data that the model that you like can deliver.
Water resistance
Just like in the case of investing in a high-quality hunting range finder, you should always check to see whether or not the model that you have found for sale is water-resistant or not. From this point of view, you should only settle for devices that can resist coming into contact with water.
As you know, hunting is an activity that implies spending long periods of time outside, no matter the weather. Hence, it is best that you come prepared to deal with adverse meteorological conditions. Also, you shouldn’t risk not being able to use your GPS because of the rainfall.
However, this does not mean that you should only purchase a device that was designed to be immersed in water. Instead, get a watch that is sweat, water, and dirt-resistant, as this should suffice.
Extra features
Similarly to when getting a hunting flashlight, the option that you intend to spend your money on should be intuitive and easy to use. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a watch that comes fitted with a good resolution screen and a long battery life so that you don’t end up in unknown territory without an idea of how to get back.
As a plus, it is worth saying that a quality device of this kind should have specific features for hunting. For instance, some models come with built-in compasses, storm warning alarms, and pre-downloaded maps.
Even more so, there are choices that can also be used to connect to one’s social media accounts. This way, one can ask for help in case he/she gets lost. Moreover, some units can also be connected to one’s phone, so that one has direct access to his/her notifications, calendar, and texts.
Price-wise, if you are on a strict budget, it is advisable that you set up a price range and that you stick to it. Consequently, you won’t feel tempted to check out products that are out of your reach.
If you are a fan of hunting trips, but you find it challenging to select quality pieces of equipment, this buying guide on how to get a monocular for hunting can be of help. Also, this article on how to purchase a trail camera might also be of help.
In case you’re also interested in other hunting equipment, you can check our articles on how to pick hunting boots, a pair of hunting pants for cold weather to keep you warm, or a sturdy and comfortable hunting backpack to carry essential supplies.