Best Handheld GPS
The Quest

In your quest of finding the best handheld GPS, you need to consider your budget, your digital navigation preferences and other needs.

Hand held GPS devices make excellent companions for outdoorsy people. Activities like biking, hiking, boating, hunting and geocaching always demand navigation skills for safety purposes. Instead of packing gauges, compasses, paper maps, altimeters and other instruments, a handheld GPS rules out the necessity of these instruments.

However, not all hand held GPS systems can provide the kind of navigation guidance that you need. It all depends on their functionality, ease of use and overall on-trail and routing performance. It is a common misconception that the more expensive a GPS device gets, the more useful it becomes.

Garmin, Magellan and Lowrance are three of the most trusted brands of hand held GPS devices. However, before you decide which brand to take, you first need to know that there are two types of handheld GPS; the mapping and non-mapping device. So what is the difference between the two? Simple. While a mapping GPS will provide you with base maps and allow you to load additional maps into the unit, a non-mapping GPS won't.

Also, if you intend to use the device on locations where there are possibly heavy covers or canopies, consider units with an external amplified antenna to maintain a strong satellite signal and continuous transmission to the device. Looking for the best handheld GPS is not all about knowing about the brand. Instead, it would be wiser to know what the device can do and its ability to function under certain conditions.

To get the best handheld GPS that will complement your adventurous spirit, make sure that it is suited to your usual activities. Whether it is for geocaching or hiking and backpacking, make sure that it is rugged enough to withstand virtually all possible working conditions. As a rule of thumb, always make sure that the device is waterproof and shockproof.

Is color screen important to you? How much maps do you need to carry on your trip? Do you prefer touch screen to button functions? What about battery life? Consider answering these guide questions to make sure that your chosen handheld GPS device will give the level of service that you require.

For serious outdoor enthusiasts, here are some suggestions for top-rated handheld GPS. The Garmin Oregon 400t boasts a long list of features, which include 3.2 megapixel colored touch screen, 4x zoom geo-tagging camera, triple axis digital compass and more detailed topographic maps. Like other Garmin Oregon models, it is powered by two AA batteries and is waterproof by IPX-7 standards.

The Garmin Dakota 20 suits the mid-price range of handheld GPS, giving you a lightweight device with long battery life. It makes a dedicated geocaching companion, thanks to its ruggedness and waterproofing features. Its user-friendly touch screen and triaxial compass works great for bikers, hikers and geocachers.

Another top-rated choice is the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40, which features aereal photography, survey topographic maps and other rich map options. This rock solid handheld GPS maintains excellent screen visibility under a variety of lighting conditions.

The decision on which is the best handheld GPS is yours to make. No matter how elaborate or simple your chosen device may seem to be, make sure that it can be trusted to perform well.

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