The Top 10 Sports and Handheld GPS
A wearable GPS is perfect for people who want to explore the world around them in a more interactive way. With a high-quality handheld GPS, you can get a multi-layered terrain overview, enter waypoints, plan a route and record data seamlessly.
A portable GPS device is a great choice for outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, because they have superior durability and longer battery life. Other devices on the market, such as phones, cannot replace a handheld GPS when it comes to performing specific tasks outdoors. However, we still recommend taking a map and compass with you as an analog backup in case the portable GPS device fails. ..
Check out the list of the best sports and portable GPS
Garmin GPS etrex10
The Garmin eTrex 10 GPS is a simple, waterproof GPS unit that features a battery back cover and D-ring to close it, as well as a thumb operated joystick for navigation. The unit is also IPX7 waterproof to a depth of one metro for 30 minutes.
The AAs claim 25 hours of operation, but in practice the screen stays off and the batteries run down quickly. The monochrome screen is difficult to read in most conditions.
Garmin GPSMAP 64sx
The Garmin GPSMAP 64s is a handheld GPS unit that has a 2.6" screen that makes it easy to navigate through the many features and your preloaded topographic maps and satellite photos. Positioning from GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellite navigation services ensures you know where you are and where you are going, even in challenging environments. ..
The device has a built-in 8GB internal memory or a microSD card for additional storage. With a BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription, you’ll have up-to-date aerial images to complement the maps. The unit is powered by two AA batteries (available separately). Measures 6.3 x 2.4 x 1.4″ and weighs 8.1 ounces.
Garmin Foretrex 601
Garmin Connect Mobile app and LiveTrack feature allow others to track your journey (within cellular coverage) when you use Garmin Connect Mobile app. The Garmin 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter help you know exactly where you are. The Garmin Connect Mobile app also has a “browse mode” which allows up to 1 week in UltraTrac mode and up to 1 month in clock mode.
The Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is a GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellite-based navigation device that can provide accurate positioning. It can also receive email, text and alert notifications on your device, and upload data to Garmin Connect. The VIRB Ultra 30 is tougher than it needs to be, with military-grade specifications for thermal, shock and water performance. ..
Garmin inReach Explorer+
The Explorer+ has an easily accessible SOS button on its side. This button is made out of a sturdy plastic and is nearly impossible to accidentally activate. The cover also makes it difficult for someone to steal the device if they find it while you’re not looking. To initiate a rescue, you must hold down the SOS key and wait for a countdown. The countdown will end with a pre-set message and your location being sent to the emergency response service. ..
After responding to a confirmation message, you can communicate with the emergency response service. Explorer+ sends an updated location to rescuers throughout the rescue; once a minute for the first ten minutes, then once every 10 minutes on the move or once every 30 minutes when stopped.
Garmin Montana 680t
The Garmin 680t is a new, packed portable GPS device that offers some great features for those who need them the most. It has a range of up to 10 miles and can be used for both day and overnight navigation. The battery life is also excellent, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge.
The 4” sunlight-readable TFT touchscreen was a staple of earlier units. The addition of the GLONASS bracket alongside the standard GPS receiver allows for faster and more accurate acquisition of your position. It can also be useful in areas with weak signal or when you are in a hilly area or under tree cover, making sure you have as accurate a correction as possible.
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
The ZOLEO device is a robust and durable walker that is built to last with MIL-STD 810G military specs for vibration. It is also IP68 certified to be dust and water resistant up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) for 30 min. More than enough for a long walk in the rain or a dip in a puddle.
ZOLEO is a smartwatch that has four LEDs to indicate which function is active. The upper left LED is blue and the lines up with an image of an envelope. This LED flashes when you receive a message. The top right LED is yellow and will flash once you have successfully sent a check-in message, hence the checkmark.
Garmin Oregon 700
The Oregon 700 is a smartphone-like device that is smaller in size than most smartphones. The device has rubberized handles molded into the side of the box, making it easy to carry. ..
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is a great little tablet that has an IPX7 rating, which means you can take it with you wherever you go. The 3″ color touchscreen is bright and easy to read, even in the brightest sunlight. While a screen resolution of 240 x 400 pixels doesn’t directly compare with the excellent screens of the latest smartphones, it is surprisingly vivid.
SkyGolf SkyCaddie SX500
The SX500 handheld GPS device is one of the most complete and rugged devices on the market, but with annual membership fees after the first year, it represents a significant investment. ..
The OnePlus One has a strong phone feel about it, especially compared to the thicker ringtone, with the push-button lock to zoom in. feature and inlaid camera everyone contributing to it. Its grip is aided by the textured edges and lock button ensures that you do not activate certain features when it is placed in your pocket.
Magellan eXplorist 310
The Magellan eXplorist 310 is a low cost, low performance GPS unit. It is difficult to operate and directional switching is erratic and inaccurate. The screen is also small and the performance slower than most other units we’ve tested.
The Magellan eXplorist 310 is the entry-level GPS model and the lowest-rated model we’ve tested. It has a small screen, while small, which can be read in sunlight more easily than a touchscreen of the same size. The Magellan eXplorist 310 is also heavier than a larger GPS, but it fits well in your pocket and takes up less space in your backpack.
Garmin eTrex 22x
If you can afford the 22x/32x and just want a long-term reliable GPS, it’s worth getting. This product will be supported longer and you will get a better screen which is good. If you want to save money and are fine with GPS becoming obsolete (i.e. not supported) faster, the 20/30 and 30x series with free maps are fine.
The eTrex 22x and 32x handheld devices come preloaded with routable TopoActive maps for outdoor activities that feature streets and trails so you can take the trip off the grid. Now you can get to know your surroundings – such as waterways, features as well as buildings, international borders and more.
Final note
- Sports and Handheld GPS: A Comprehensive Guide
- The Top 10 Sports and Handheld GPS Devices
- How to Choose the Right Sports and Handheld GPS Device for You
- The Best Sports and Handheld GPS Devices for Outdoor Activities
