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Hunting GPS units – Buying guide, Reviews, and Comparison
If you want to find the best hunting gear, but you don’t have time to go through the buying tips and reviews prepared by our research team, this short paragraph should tell you everything you need to know about the best hunting GPS unit. After analyzing a lot of feedback coming from both amateur and professional hunters and target shooters, we have concluded that the Garmin Foretrex 401 is the best because of its slim, wrist-mounted design that makes it suitable for your active, outdoorsy lifestyle. Because it is a wrist-worn model, this device ensures you have your hands free to handle the challenges of the hunting trail. This high-sensitivity waterproof model also packs an electronic compass and barometric altimeter in just a single device that will surely be a favorite companion for skiers, hikers, hunters, campers and all who love the outdoors. If the Garmin Foretrex 401 is not available, you should consider the Garmin GPSMAP 64 as it is a reliable alternative both in terms of performance and quality.
7 Best Hunting GPS Units (Reviews) in 2021
1. Garmin 010-00777-00 Foretrex 401 GPS Watch
With the Garmin Foretrex 401 010-00777-00, you can stay on top of your location no matter where you go on an outdoor excursion, whether you’re bicycling, hiking, or hitting the slopes to dominate with a few runs.
This extra-useful variant provides tight wrist installation and allows you to view your exact location while keeping your hands on the handlebars of your bike or trekking poles. It is also water-resistant and shock-resistant. It displays your present location and leaves digital breadcrumbs to indicate your covered tracks, allowing you to return to your starting point more quickly after your journey is over.
Route analysis is made possible by using the breadcrumb feature. The LCD screen is in black and white and can be used for a maximum of 17 hours on just two triple-A batteries, which are available separately from the rest of the package. Using a barometric altimeter, which indicates your elevation above sea level and allows you to easily measure elevation gains along the journey, mountain climbing can become safer and more adventurous.
An integrated electronic compass provides even greater versatility by ensuring that you will not lose your bearings in any situation, even if you are standing still at the moment. Comparing and exchanging waypoints and routes with other device users is made feasible through data sharing across devices.
This model can store up to 500 waypoints and 20 routes in memory, as well as up to 10,000 points on ten stored tracks, ensuring that you have all of the information you need when you need it most.
Pros
One of the most appealing aspects of this model is the comfortable support that allows you to wear the GPS unit on your wrist while keeping both hands free while still being able to see your path on the GPS.
The option to leave digital breadcrumbs, which will allow you to retrace your steps with great simplicity, is another amazing feature.
If you spend the majority of your day outside, hunting or hiking, this model will come in useful because it operates on AAA batteries and can run constantly for 17 hours.
Besides the barometric altimeter, which is a great touch, the GPS will also be able to tell you the height of the terrain you are traversing, in addition to all of the other information displayed on the screen.
Cons
Some consumers have stated that they prefer to download the information to Google Maps for further study rather than using the program that was employed.
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The Garmin GPSMAP 64 010-01199-00 is a full-featured portable GPS device that also has a GLONASS receiver and wireless connectivity. It is designed for outdoor use. The 2.6-inch color screen is easy to read even in bright sunshine because to its high contrast ratio. The internal GPS and GLONASS receivers benefit from the high sensitivity provided by the quad helix antenna.
This device comes preloaded with 100K TOPO US maps and includes a one-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription to assist you in navigating anywhere in the world. If you enjoy mountain climbing, the onboard 3-axis compass with a barometric altimeter will be a welcome addition to your equipment.
While the altimeter tells you how far above sea level you have traveled, it also informs you of the subtle variations in air pressure that occur as you ascend. This information allows you to plan your hike appropriately and remain safe during your ascent.
A wireless connection is provided via Bluetooth technology or ANT+ technology for additional versatility with this item. It enables you to explore the area thanks to the built-in international basemap with shaded relief, which makes navigating through any terrain simple and straightforward.
Make use of the photo navigation tool to download tagged photographs from the Internet and navigate to them with ease using the photo navigation feature.
With the use of this device, you can locate your current location quickly and accurately, even amid dense cover or deep gorges. This unit assists you in locating your route during urgent situations and on a consistent basis.
Pros
This handheld GPS unit has a 2.6-inch screen with vibrant colors that will assist you in navigating your way about without a hitch in the dark.
One of the best features of this device is that it comes preloaded with 100,000 maps of the United States. Additionally, the maker includes a one-year membership to a satellite imagery service.
Your GPS will also provide you with additional information; for example, you will know how high above sea level you are and whether or not the air pressure is changing as you are traveling.
Because of the Bluetooth features of this item, you will be able to take advantage of wireless connectivity.
In addition, the photo navigation feature is a fantastic addition, since it allows you to download tagged photographs and use them as starting points for navigation.
Cons
The most common issue from users is that the battery life is very short; if you want it to survive longer, you will have to turn off some of the capabilities.
of the capabilities.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($174.99)
3. Garmin GPSMap Topo U.S. 100K with High-Sensitivity
Equipped with a 2.6-inch sunlight-readable color display, the Garmin GPSMAP 64st 010-01199-20 delivers excellent reception of satellite signals thanks to the high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receiver. The quad helix antenna makes it possible for the device to catch those signals to ensure remarkable reception.
The onboard 3-axis electronic compass with barometric altimeter enables you to pinpoint your exact bearings and avoid getting lost along the way. Preloaded with TOPO US 100K maps, this model ensures you always know where you are and if you are going the right way.
The included one-year subscription for BirdsEye Satellite Imagery ensures quick transfer of an unlimited amount of satellite images to the GPS device as well as seamless integration of those images into the preloaded maps whenever they are needed.
The map detail includes state, national and local parks and forests, which is very useful for hunters. It also comes with terrain contours as well as elevation information, rivers, trails, lakes and points of interest for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The built-in triple-axis electronic compass is tilt-compensated to enable problem-free tracking of your path even when you remain in a stationary position and without the device being held level. Track changes in pressure so you know your exact altitude thanks to the onboard barometric altimeter.
Pros
The GLONASS receiver extends the capacity of this GPS unit to show you your position and supply you with vital information on your surroundings.
You will gain access to the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery feature for one year, as a subscription is included with your purchase.
Information on national parks and forests is also available, which can be quite handy if you are using this particular model for hunting.
There is a barometric altimeter included in the design of the GPS unit, to tell you information on the altitude of your position.
The unique triple-axis compass will allow you to use the unit to the best of its abilities, even when it is not held level.
Cons
The instructions on how to use the unit could have been clearer, according to what some reviewers say about it.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($329.99)
4. Garmin eTrex 10 Outdoor Handheld GPS Unit
Looking for a portable GPS unit to take with you during hikes? Are you actively into geocaching? Get the Garmin eTrex 10 010-00970-00 and discover a great way to navigate anywhere, even in the urban jungle.
This GPS unit is easy to use as it lets you know about your current location while laying digital ‘breadcrumbs’ to show the path you have been through so far. Outfitted with a 2.2-inch 62K color screen, this device makes it easy to read displayed information even under direct sunlight.
Mounting onto a variety of items such as your backpack or daypack is facilitated by different attachment devices. Utilizing both GPS and GLONASS satellites, this model offers fast acquisition of satellite signals so you can get a fix on your exact location fast and easy.
This device does that at around 20 times faster rate compared to just standard GPS. Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) signals are also interpreted. This enables you to obtain information from land-based antennas even when the view of the sky is not optimal.
Get more position accuracy in general from the WAAS system. The HotFix satellite prediction is an added GPS technology that employs an algorithm that imitates the Earth’s movement around its axis, thereby enabling quick re-attainment of satellite connection even when the device is not utilized for a couple of days.
Pros
This unit will let you know your current position, and it will use digital breadcrumbs so that you can examine your route afterward, or follow it back if need be.
This one works with GLONASS too, which means that acquiring a signal is done fast and easy, regardless of your position.
The ease with which the unit operates is outstanding; it is said that it works 20 times faster than standard GPS units.
You can mount the unit on your backpack, due to the attachment devices available.
The Wide Area Augmentation System allows the unit to receive information from land antennas so that you don’t lose your way when the sky is cloudy.
Cons
This product is dated, compared to other similar models on the market, so you cannot expect the same degree of versatility and usability.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($86.62)
5. Garmin eTrex 10 Outdoor Handheld GPS Unit
Perfect for hiking, fishing, and hunting, the Garmin eTrex 20x 010-01508-00 is a portable GPS unit that you can take anywhere, from the woods to the urban jungle. Easy to use, this navigation device shows the spot you are in at the current time and also lays digital breadcrumbs to show the path you have covered.
This enables you to get back to your point of origin easily. The sunlight-readable 2.2-inch screen shows information in easy-to-read style with large font. The GPS device attaches to a variety of items via different types of mounting options.
Because it utilizes both GPS and GLONASS satellites, this model boasts trouble-free signal acquisition to allow you to get your precise location at 20 times faster rate compared to devices that employ GPS only.
Able to read signals from Wide Area Augmentation Systems (WAAS), this unit can obtain information from terrestrial antennas even with non-optimal views of the sky. That feature also makes it possible for this model to achieve greater position accuracy in general.
In addition to that, this device also comes with revolutionary HotFix satellite prediction, which employs a unique algorithm for imitating the Earth’s movement on its axis. This allows the device to recover satellite connection swiftly even when it is not used for a couple of days.
Pros
The 2.2-inch unit has bright colors, and it can be read in the sun without a glitch; the large font used also comes in handy, regarding readability.
Signal acquisition is not a problem, as this works with both GPS and GLONASS satellites.
The Wide Area Augmentation System feature can be very helpful when the sky is covered by clouds; this system will take information from ground antennas to give you accurate information on your position.
The model works with HotFix satellite feature, to predict the Earth’s rotation on its axis when the unit is not in use.
The digital breadcrumb feature comes in handy when you want to follow the same route you took so that you can get back to your starting point.
Cons
Updating your position can be a bit slow, which can, in turn, be frustrating, for people who want to gain instant access to such information.
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Hitting the trails with the Garmin Oregon 450t becomes easy, because your GPS unit will keep you up to speed, and you’ll no longer have to worry about getting lost. For hunting, hiking, and other outdoor activities, this unit is an excellent choice. Plenty of features installed on this model will convince you that you’re getting what you pay for and even more.
When you make the inventory of things you need to take along with you, such as a hunting scope and proper clothing, don’t forget to pack your GPS unit, too. The 3-inch display is large enough to be easy to read. It is readable even in strong sunlight. Because it is touchscreen enabled, it is also easy to use.
The good news is that the unit comes with preloaded US topographic maps that will make your trip easier. You will be able to share routes with other members in your group, show them tracks and waypoints, and overall, communicate in a convenient manner.
Sensor sensitivity is paramount for a unit of this type, so it should come as no surprise that Garmin thought about equipping this model with a superior receiver. You will get superior reception and overall performance, due to the HotFix feature.
7. Garmin 010-01534-11 Montana 680t
This unit can be used for a variety of purposes other than hunting. A geocache model, it is also a fantastic model for the outdoors. One of the reasons that will cause someone to say this is the fact that this unit comes preloaded with 250k geocaches, which is a substantial amount of data. This product, which includes an annual membership to the Birdseye Satellite Imagery service, opens up possibilities that other units do not provide.
It has GPS and GLONASS support, and it is a fantastic item that will come in handy in a variety of different circumstances. Even if you have to navigate through dense forests or deep canyons, the GPS unit will still be able to pinpoint your location swiftly and with pinpoint accuracy. You’ll also appreciate the Track Manager function, which allows you to keep track of your routes, waypoints, and track logs all in one place.
As you can see, in order to get near to your target, you’ll need more than just hunting camo apparel. You will be able to navigate numerous hunting places in pursuit of elks with the assistance of this unit. It comes preloaded with 100,000 topographic maps of the United States, making it a tool you’ll never want to leave at home again.
Other features, such as the 8-megapixel camera installed on your GPS, will persuade you that you have chosen the right item for your situation. You will be able to take photographs of the lovely locations that you will be visiting while on your trip.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($399.99)
Buying guide
Not all GPS units are created equal. While car and RV GPS units can guide you to your destination during road trips, hunting GPS devices should be able to help you get through the deep woods, fantastic canyons and dense forests with ease. The burning question, in this case, is, what’s the best GPS for hunting?
The best hunting GPS for the money offers critical information for the outdoor activity
No, you do not require a high-tech GPS unit that can direct you to a nearby café but is useless for guaranteeing that you can get out of the woods after a long day of hunting, camping, hiking, or other outdoor activities. Being stranded in the middle of nowhere in the forest, surrounded by the animals you had wanted to shoot, is the last thing you need.
At the very least, your hunting GPS unit should be equipped with the primary capability of identifying your location and guiding you back to your starting place. As the most significant function of a hunting GPS, it serves as the foundation for its digital breadcrumb feature, which is described further below.
Knowing where you are right now is one thing; being secure in your ability to retrace your steps is another entirely. To put it another way, you must be able to navigate from point A to point B while still being able to find your bearings when returning to point A, which is, of course, considerably closer to your house than point B.
Lots of GPS gadgets now include an inbuilt electronic compass, which means that folks who are unsure of where the North Star is will not be forced to spend hours traveling around in circles and becoming more and more pathetically lost by the minute.
Examine versions that also provide information on the speed at which you are traveling as well as the direction in which you are traveling. Because, let’s face it, not everyone has the climbing agility of a mountain goat, barometric altimeters are quite handy when pursuing elk in the Rocky Mountains.
You’ll need to know how high you are above sea level, as well as the barometric pressure as you climb higher in elevation. This will allow for easy monitoring of changing weather conditions, allowing you to determine whether to go farther up if the weather is excellent or whether to retrace your steps if rain is approaching soon. The most important thing to remember in this situation is safety.
The best handheld GPS for hunting is equipped with the applications specific to hunting
Hunting requires a particular level of functionality in a GPS device. A limited few offer communication with other hunters via a two-way radio feature so that you can contact fellow hunters in the trail with you through that.
Riding on two-way satellite communication systems, some handheld GPS devices enable reception-free communication in remote areas. This is particularly useful for long excursions into backcountry locations, and there’s a need for just such an emergency device.
Mapping capabilities support paperless navigation by uploading maps. Anglers and hunters may not find a lot of use for sunrise and sunset information except to be aware that the prey is most active at dusk and dawn, but knowing the best fishing and hunting times can offer tremendous advantages at some point.
You can log mobility information including time, speed, distance and more with an onboard trip computer. Some models come preloaded with plenty of geocache options. Geocaching provides many opportunities for making the most out of your handheld navigation system.
The GPS device is used to find the treasure you are trying to locate. The coordinates of the cache are obtained from the Internet. With a GPS device, this modern-day treasure hunt becomes less tedious.
Some models come with a weather radio band, a photo viewer or perhaps a camera, track and waypoint managers in addition to the ability to mark waypoints.
A quality GPS for hunting and fishing offers convenience and ease of use
A GPS device with buttons makes it possible to use it even while wearing gloves. Buttoned models have a longer battery life as well as the ability to withstand the punishment of being exposed to adverse weather conditions. The reliability of these units is higher than that of touchscreen units. However, because entering in waypoints takes longer than it should, speed may be reduced.
Touchscreens, on the other hand, provide significantly faster operation when compared to traditional displays. However, because of the higher power consumption compared to normal screens, the battery life is also lower as a result.
A voice recorder, a microphone, and a camera are all useful add-ons for documenting your journey. Using these extra capabilities, you may share your route details with friends while also reliving your trip through films and photographs taken along the way.
Premium-quality GPS devices for hunting also include wireless sharing capabilities via Bluetooth technology, which allows you to send track and waypoint files to another device that is on the same path as you. This is important if you want to assist another group that is on the same route as you.
Smart alerts enable you to receive media updates and text messages directly on your device, for example, on your phone. even with your cell phone inside your backpack.