Navigation Tools
The best navigation tools, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on December 9, 2021. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
(2)
(4)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(12)
(5)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(5)
(7)
(27)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(3)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
Recent Navigation Tool Reviews
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 inReach Mini
I'd recommend this device for anyone going on an extended wilderness trip where they likely won't have cell service. I used it for a week in the Sierra Nevada mountains and it was very helpful as it allowed my group to stay in contact with our families on the outside to notify them of changes in our itinerary. Definitely a must-have from a safety perspective. Ease of use: I found the device easy to use. There are just enough features to be useful, but not too many to the point of being confusing. Full review
Suunto Core
14 years old and still going! Purchased this watch for a deployment to Afghanistan in 2007 and have been wearing it off and on ever since. This includes 14 years of rough military training. Customer Service from Suunto was great after I failed to seal the battery cover and caused water damage at year two or so. They replaced the computer for $80 then bezel and bands for free. Yes, it was the same watch based on distinctive marks in the casing. So hear I am, fourteen years later, just finding… Full review
Suunto Clipper
A handy compass, easy to read, can be clipped on to backpack shoulder straps, bike packs, whatever. I've had my Clipper since 2009. I bought it from Brunton, where my niece and sister-in-law worked assembling the classic Brunton Pocket Transit, which I used many years ago for surveying along with a plumb bob, surveyor's chain, and of course, topo maps. My niece was the production manager at Brunton, and when they downsized she was the only one assembling the Pocket Transit, in Riverton, Wyoming. Full review
Suunto M-3D Leader Compass
Very good well made compass. Hard to see in dim light. Nice choice for regular long distance navigation use. Unlike old model, new models lack outline box to center southern portion of needle over. I like the older model. Full review
Suunto Clipper
The Suunto IS available again. Good small compass. I put a small lanyard through the clip and put it in my pocket—not on a wrist. Excellent for general direction finding. I would have preferred the old "Comet" model, which was the same compass, but mounted on a small baseplate instead of a clip on. Takes a few moments for direction indicator to settle—not for racing. A great choice for backup of GPS, or ultralight backpackers. Unlike eBay knockoffs, markings are engraved (not just printed) onto… Full review
Garmin Fenix 5X
GPS being made small enough to fit on a wristwatch has made life more interesting. The Garmin fenix 5x has certainly been great for multi-activity tracking. I first bought the Garmin Fenix 2, then the 3, and now I possess the Garmin Fenix 5x. It's great for any and all activities. I got it used on ebay within my price range and it's everything I was looking for in a watch and more. Full review
Cammenga Tritium Lensatic Compass 3H
An accurate and tough compass that will give a lifetime of service. The Tritium won't, but this can be replaced by Cammenga every 13 years or so. I have used this compass for the past year but have tried out a phosphorescent version for some time. I use the 3H mainly for navigating at darker times as we move to lookout areas for early morning calling. I do take it out on hikes and walks to keep skills up and really like the lensatic compasses for navigation. When they are quality built they are… Full review
