Handheld GPS Receivers

Recent Handheld GPS Receiver Reviews

Garmin Astro 900

Bought this two years ago and I was very impressed. However it just stopped working after only two years of seasonal use and I can’t get much satisfaction from any online Garmin help other than the option to buy a refurbished one in exchange for my current one. Worked well for two seasons, but when I started it up this year the screen went black and I have not been able to get any help from the Garmin online support other than the option to return the device and purchase another refurbished device… Full review

Garmin GPSMAP 66sr

Good in open landscape, very unreliable in dense forest. Stay away from it if you like hiking in the forest. I have been using this gps in forest in Norway. There its performance is doubtful to say the least. The gpsmap regularly gets confused and does not find in which direction you have to go for your trial. The arrow indicating the direction to go is often fluctuation 75-110 degrees. And so is the compass. If you are often in the forest, stay away from this gps. In two occasions I was completely… Full review

Garmin inReach Explorer+

Used to navigate on land in the High Arctic by gut and no safety net if there was trouble. Then I had kids... I rely heavily on this device for safety since I am camping often in very remote areas with small children. But I also use it for work travelling Nunavik (for after hours on call for medevacs), where I also need this to be dependable. I subscribe to the unlimited messaging, as well as to the insurance policy offered with it. It is our lifeline to home, and our guide when trekking on the… Full review

Garmin Astro 900

For training a hunting dog or just keeping track of a big dog who loves to run free, the Astro 900 coupled with the T-9 collar will allow you to find your best friend even when well out of sight. Without the collar the Astro 900 alone is the one GPS navigation system for just about anywhere you want to go outdoors.   Astro 900 handheld GPS with T-9 collar If you are hunting with a dog or just enjoying some off-leash recreation with your four-footed friend there is always the chance that even the… Full review

Garmin GPSMAP 66i

Poor syncing abilities with desktop and apps...and other issues. I am returning this product after playing with it for a few days, watching YouTube videos on how to operate it. I am glad I had not signed up for an inReach subscription yet. First, I am a forester and have been using a GPSmap60CSx for years, one of the best in terms of its signal and accuracy under forest canopy. I live in Canada and will be heading to the Yukon where cell service is non-existent when away from any roads. Having the… Full review

Garmin Alpha 100

When used with the TT15 or T5 dog tracking collars this is a great tool for those off-leash moments when hunting or just enjoying recreation with your dog. The Alpha 100 receiver can also function as a stand alone GPS with mapping. The Alpha 100 with the TT15 tracking collar allows you to track up to 20 dogs within a 9-mile range. It displays the track of each dog in a different color and lets you know when the dog has stopped and when the dog is barking. It has a training mode that can deliver… Full review

Garmin eTrex 10

Cheap, light, reliable. Had mine now for about 4 years and love it. I never walk about the Australian bush without my Silva compass but the little eTrex 10 is always in my daypack. The user manual is pretty average, but fortunately the device isn't really that hard to figure out, and of course if all else fails there is always youtube! For my use I simply name my base camp and then go wandering and if I need help getting back I simply ask the device where home is and voilà. It is a direct line… Full review

Garmin GPSMAP 66i

InReach Service is expensive and set up to scam you out of money by automatic renewal of monthly service with no way to opt out when selecting a monthly plan. Garmin will charge you the minute your month is up and you can call them the minute after but they will charge you for the full month that is starting, no refunds, partial credits, or even an apology. I have lots and lots of Garmin products and have been a repeat customer of theirs for as long as I can remember. I have never had a problem… Full review

Garmin GPSMAP 66i

I have never been more disappointed by a product. Every other Bluetooth device I own shows up on my phone and pairs in seconds. This device has never paired in less than a dozen tries. I have had to sit down multiple times with the Garmin "how to" video to pair it. I can't recommend this product at all.  Full review