What type of gps to buy

We used it for a wide range of trips, from alpine climbing in Alaska to trekking in the Patagonian backcountry. It's easy to share your tracks and location via text messaging and social media. In addition to downloadable maps, the ability to preload waypoints and routes is helpful for planning long trips over complex terrain. Still, it works well for simple navigation and tracking. But, if you're okay relying on a single device and willing to carry a backup power source, this is the way to go.

We recommend the more compact inReach Mini as a personal locator and messager if you also have another means of navigating. To test these devices, we put together an all-star crew of outdoor adventurers. These lead testers — plus scores of friends and partners — took to testing these GPS units in real-world situations.

From mountaineering in Alaska to ski touring in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado to winding through the canyon country of the Southwest, our testers used these GPS units in whiteouts, in slot canyons, and while temporarily stranded by flash floods to bring you insight into each device, pulled from real adventure epics.

Our rigorous assessment process combined time in the field with objective testing, where we evaluated everything from reception accuracy to memory capability to size and weight. We compiled research, closely examined features and ease of use, and noted when some devices shine and when others completely failed. We utilized the expertise of our science-minded, adventure-obsessed testing crew so that we can provide the most accurate, objective reviews available on the internet.

We tested these handheld GPS devices over the course of years — hiking, skiing, mountaineering, canyoneering, kayaking, mountain biking, mapping plant populations, and more. We have marked and navigated to waypoints, compared map drawing speed, and tested the compasses of each unit against a trusty old, magnetic standby. More than a dozen people — who range from GPS experts to complete novices — used these units to provide diverse feedback and bring you a review of some of the best handheld GPS units on the market.

We rated our selection of handheld GPS units on six scoring metrics: reception, ease of use, display quality, speed, weight and size, and versatility. It is important to note that these are some of the best and most popular options available on the market; while scores may vary, the numbers are based on how well each device compared to the competition. Some of these qualities are undeniably more important than others, namely reception and ease of use.

Without the accuracy of a satellite and the efficiency of a GPS, you might as well be using a map and compass. Often it's used to refer to devices in this case, handheld — that can track and store timing and positional data.

While this is a major misconception, they're often intended to be used in conjunction with a traditional map and compass. They are designed to be resistant to water, shock, and thermal stress, and any other harsh conditions you'd typically run into out in the wilderness.

High-performing devices come with extras like cameras and topo maps and better antennas, more memory, altimeters, or internal electronic compasses. More baseline models tend to be lighter and simpler and can often boast better battery life. Before buying your next GPS, consider if you need one, what you intend to use it for, and how much you're willing to spend. It is important to consider your specific needs before purchasing, as these units often carry a hefty price tag.

The price of a handheld GPS tends to be tied directly to its performance, features, and amount of memory storage. The Garmin GPSMAP 66st has every feature you may ever need — with more memory than you possibly could ever need — but it's near the top of the price spectrum. Alternatively, our most price-point model, the Garmin eTrex 10 , carries only the bare essentials for tracking.

Alternatively, most people these days have smartphones with GPS capabilities and inexpensive apps that offer topo maps and tracking functions. Although this combination isn't as accurate as a real deal GPS unit, they are good enough for many folks.

So, who needs a handheld GPS? Those who love to hike off the main trail, serial bushwhackers, backcountry skiers, and climbers who frequently descend on unfamiliar and poorly marked trails. Adventurers of this breed will benefit the most from a GPS, which can pinpoint their exact location and allow them to re-orient themselves on a map and find the way home.

A GPS is also helpful in bad weather conditions heavy rain, snow, or fog , hiking on a dark cloudy, or moonless night, or when traveling over snow-covered terrain when the ordinary trail is buried, and the tracks of those who came before you may be unreliable they might be just as lost as you — believe us, we've been there.

Still, in situations where they do work, smartphone apps like Gaia, Avenza, or Topo Maps are great and can quickly identify your location on established trails before resuming map navigation. Smartphone GPS works best if you are in a region where cell signal is available, but it may become unreliable when you get into the backcountry. Just don't forget to download maps before leaving cell or WiFi signals behind.

A touchscreen model with automatic routing — like the Garmin Montana — is a great option that can double as both a driving GPS and for off-road travel.

In contrast to smartphones, handheld GPS units are burlier, with much better GPS satellite reception, more powerful navigation features, and supply better battery life in cold climates. A few questions will help narrow your search for the perfect handheld.

After you figure that out, you can start thinking about all the bells and whistles — i. Most modern GPS units are incredibly accurate and can pinpoint the device's location to a resolution of meters. All the devices we tested use WAAS.

Modern smartphones, in contrast, offer GPS accuracy of around 4. Tall buildings, canyons, and trees can interrupt satellite signals, slowing them down and reducing your device's accuracy. Clouds and weather, however, shouldn't affect reception. To get the best signal with the satellites, it's best to carry your device outside your pack or in a light waterproof layer. We found that the highest performing — but unfortunately, also often the most expensive — models tend to achieve the best satellite reception.

Electronic compasses — as opposed to a mechanical, differential compass — also improve accuracy when on the move and are included in expensive units like the Montana , but surprisingly in more affordable units like the eTrex 32x. Even without these additions, however, all of the Garmin units we tested provided quality reception. GPS units usually come with a very rudimentary basic base map that distinguishes roads but not much else.

As we mentioned above, you can buy a GPS unit preloaded with topo maps or buy them separately after the fact. You can also download maps and satellite imagery for free and transfer them to your unit. The United States Geological Survey offers a wealth of free spatial data. Most states in the US also have a website that distributes spatial data. If you want the best maps, often for free, spend some time tinkering with this data.

If you want more convenient, straightforward map access, you can get them for around a hundred bucks from your GPS manufacturer. You can also buy satellite imagery. Often this is unnecessary because you can plan your routes in Google Earth and then send files to your mapping software and device.

Satellite imagery is hard to see on most GPS units and is rarely necessary for the backcountry. Each GPS manufacture offers software designed to organize, analyze, and display the waypoints and tracks you collect with your GPS. Garmin's Basecamp is our favorite.

Learner, P1 and P2 drivers can use a "GPS enabled device" but the legislation doesn't specify if smartphones are an accepted device. Drivers can use voice commands to make or answer a call and use the audio functions e. Learner, P1 and P2 licence holders are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving, which includes GPS functions read more.

Drivers can use voice commands to make or answer calls too but you can't touch the phone while driving.

Learner and P plate licence holders are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving, which includes GPS functions read more - fully licensed , L and P. Fully licensed, and P2 drivers over 25, can use the smartphone as a drivers aid. Drivers can legally use the phone to make or answer calls too but you can't touch the smartphone while operating your vehicle.

All Learner and P1 drivers, and P2 licence holders under 25, are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving, which includes GPS functions read more. Fully licensed and P2 drivers can use the smartphone as a drivers aid. Learner and P1 drivers are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving, which includes GPS functions read more - fully licensed , P2 , L1 and P1.

All drivers, including learner, P1 and P2 licence holders, can use the smartphone as a drivers aid. The smartphone must be securely mounted in a bracket without obstructing your field of view. Drivers can legally use the phone to make or answer calls too and you can touch the phone to answer or hang up.

All other physical interaction is illegal but you can control the phone using voice commands read more. Note, this segment was last updated on Laws may have changed in your state or territory since publication. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are driving apps that essentially mirror your smartphone to a compatible display unit in your car.

Why We Picked It. Its 5. Best Value. Garmin Drive Very good visual and audible navigation at a lower price. Like the DriveSmart 55, it also gives you several handy navigational extras, like driver alerts, TripAdvisor ratings, FourSquare data, US National Park info, and a guide to historic sites. Garmin DriveSmart 65 with Amazon Alexa. With the large 6. The larger screen takes up more room on your windshield or dashtop. Best for Navigating Overseas. TomTom Go Supreme 6.

Most others charge extra for maps outside North America. Has Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi updating, a slick powered magnetic mount and a multi-touch display.

Has real-time traffic info via the TomTom smartphone app. It has a lower-resolution display and a more basic voice control system than the Garmin DriveSmart It lacks many of the handy nav extras of the Garmin models. Best Value from TomTom. TomTom Via M. Its 5-inch touchscreen is easily readable. This basic model lacks many handy extras like traffic info, voice control, Bluetooth connectivity, and a multi-touch display.

No Wi-Fi updating,. Bestseller No. ZHNN Android 9. Pure Android Dasaita Android Android Double Din Car Stereo Many people do use a phone for navigation. If the battery loses its charge, you have to connect via power cord. And, usually, when you leave the car, a portable should be hidden or removed to deter thieves.

Most GPS navigators will home in on a destination, but not always via the most efficient route. Easy to Use Making navigation easier is the prime directive of these gadgets, so look at our ease-of-use scores in the Ratings for PNDs. The models that tested high for us make it especially easy to enter destinations even by speaking them and give the most helpful directions. Some interfaces are more intuitive than others, and low-scorers can be awkward, slow, or both.

Keeps Track of Traffic If you tend to stick to a routine on your commute or errands, you might get the most use out of a navigation system or app that offers real-time traffic info. Bear in mind that traffic reporting on portable GPS units or pre-infotainment-system built-ins is not perfect; it can be inaccurate or outdated. Phone apps that offer real-time traffic allow you to peek in on traffic cameras and allow for crowd sourced tips on tie-ups and detours. The Matter of Size If you have a hard time deciphering tiny maps, consider a built-in or infotainment system, which generally have larger screens.

These models will also take into account low-bridge clearance and parkway restrictions. These are some we like. Apple Maps Offers 3D views as well as the bird's-eye-view Flyover feature. You'll get real-time traffic monitoring and turn-by-turn spoken directions. It even gives public transportation guidance and help remembering where you parked. Ask Siri to take you there wherever that is , bookmark locations on Maps, and save them to the cloud. As of now, you can only get this app on iOS devices.

Google Maps This worldwide app offers constant updating of maps and features, which can be downloaded for a limited time for offline use. You can get real-time GPS navigation, traffic, and transit help.

Available on iOS and Android. Here Maps Drive, ride, or walk with worldwide map coverage, turn-by-turn voice guidance, speed limit info, and nearby POI. Offline maps and navigation ensures that you know your way via downloaded maps whether you have a data connection or not. You also get public transit directions for over cities around the world. There is even a biking option. Waze This community based traffic and navigation app allows you and other drivers in your area to share real-time traffic and road info.

Waze can also actively give a heads-up regarding accidents or any other hazards. All portable systems can be powered through a car's volt socket, and all have an internal rechargeable battery. We found that those units typically operate for 2 to 4 hours on a charge, although our testing has revealed significant variance among models.

Internal power also allows you to practice using the system and program driving destinations while you are away from the car, or to use the device as a hand-held tool when traveling, walking, or bicycling. An AC power adapter is sometimes included with the systems, allowing the device to be used and recharged indoors.

We've tested portable systems with screens ranging from 3. The smallest can be hard to see, and their small touch-screen buttons can make it tedious to enter an address. On the other hand, the largest units can be bulky to carry, and tend to obstruct more of your view when mounted to the windshield. A 4-inch screen measured diagonally is acceptable, but 4. Larger screens are increasingly available, and these big units can be especially useful for trucks or RVs where the windshield is far from the driver.

Units with traffic information can alert you to a problem or slowdown ahead in time to avoid it. The real-time data is available to subscribers through a cell-phone network, FM signal, or satellite radio service. The quality of information—like any traffic reporting—can vary or be less than current.