Handheld GPS Receivers

Recent Handheld GPS Receiver Reviews

Garmin GPSMAP 66i

The 66i is garbage. Don’t buy it. You can’t download maps onto it. I spent two hours trying to do so and gave up. The 66i, once plugged in, powers down so that the computer doesn’t recognize that it’s connected. The computer just searches endlessly for the 66i. It’s a fatal flaw that doesn’t let you download maps onto the 66i. What good is the 66i if you can’t download a topo?? I suppose the SOS feature has marginal value. But at the price point? Forget it. See above. Don’t buy this… Full review

Garmin Foretrex 401

Precision, but not accuracy. The ForeTrex 401 is useless for elevation. The AUTO CALIBRATION uses GPS to calibrate the Elevation (Calibration by GPS is accurate to +/-400 feet; Calibration by barometric pressure is accurate to +/-50 feet). I did both ways and put the ForeTrex 401 on the desk stationary for two hours, the elevation changed 500 feet. Everyone has the same issue. Full review

Garmin GPSMAP 66i

Not for everyone, but uniquely wonderful for those who need it. The Garmin GPSMAP 66i introduced in June 2019 is the world’s first consumer handheld device that combines a full-featured GPS navigation tool and a satellite text message system in one half-pound, rugged, battery-efficient device. And it has a new feature, Expedition Mode, that greatly reduces power requirements. Its attributes are easy to describe to anyone familiar with past Garmin products: Take Garmin's best GPS receiver and combine… Full review

Garmin eTrex 30x

Not the biggest screen and most functionality, but sufficient for even the toughest backcountry use. I agree that it could use a strap and battery in the package. SD card is personal. I bought a 32MB and it works fine. I kind of agree with other review person, but I do my research and found a site to use free Open Source maps that can be converted to Garmin maps. I knew beforehand I wasn't going to buy those expensive Garmin maps, but for the general public this could be a real downer. Full review

Garmin eTrex 10

Supurb basic GPS I use for all my ultra running mountain events and mountain leadership, mainly to save tracks and also follow GPX routes I have designed on Strava and downloaded. Works as a USB stick in essence, so no need for Garmin software except to update firmware. You can use maps on it, but its a hack involving replacing the basemap, YouTube shows you how!! This is a basic GPS that you need to go and learn how to use. IF you do you get a cheap but effective receiver you can design routes… Full review

Garmin inReach Explorer+

Best option on the market for a cross between a locator beacon and a cell phone when cell coverage is not available. GPS features aren't great for typical Garmin products, but still serves its purpose. Overall it's a great product and I feel it will serve its purpose well for my upcoming solo backpacking trip in Alaska where cell coverage is non-existent. I don't really need the mapping ability, but it was a nice plus. The primary reason I bought it was for the SOS capability, secondary was to… Full review

Garmin eTrex 20

The Garmin eTrex 20 is a great handheld GPS unit. This is great for hiking, biking, or just having a spare lying around for when you need to get off grid. The Garmin eTrex 20 is a great handheld GPS unit. I use this unit every day for work as a forestry technician. This unit, in my experience, has usually 3-7 meters of accuracy in Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. It always seems to have reception, others I have had do not. This GPS gets dragged around in the forest with no mercy. It has a decent… Full review

Magellan eXplorist-710

Does the job and works under heavy bush canopy, though there is a steep learning curve to master this device. Consumes batteries ravenously. My first 12-channel high sensitivity GPS, so I was very impressed to see it work in dense bush. However in hindsight this is to be expected these days. I found the system very difficult to learn despite having worked in IT for 10 years.  After four years of hard use the cover over the rubber button has worn off rendering the GPS usable but no longer waterproof. Full review

Garmin inReach Explorer+

If you're looking to combine your messaging and GPS needs into one device, this is it. I've acquired this GPS for a solid price of $300 through incentives of my workplace, and its the best $300 I've spent on gear. This GPS has accompanied me on any challenging hike, backpacking trip, backcountry skiing, or any trip into the mountains.  Communication (Requires subscription) As shown in some pictures I've uploaded, this GPS doesn't anything special in terms of features. But what it does do it does… Full review