How to Choose the Right Handheld GPS

What are Handheld GPS Locators?

A GPS (Global Positioning System) gives you essential information about where you are, where you have been and ultimately where you want to go. Handheld GPS devices work by gathering information from multiple satellites that are continuously orbiting the earth. With a connection to three satellites, GPS units can construct a 2D reading of your position, while a fourth satellite connection can produce a 3D reading. Some GPS handhelds also have emergency SOS alerts and live weather updates so you can stay prepared in the outdoors.

Things to Consider When Buying a Handheld GPS Device: 

We have a wide range of GPS locators catered to specific needs. Some key considerations are weight and size, battery life, water rating, memory capacity and accuracy. What you need will differ depending on the type and duration of your activity. 

1. Weight & Dimensions - If you are on a multi-day adventure or carrying a lot of gear you don't want something too heavy or bulky. 
2. Touch Screen v Buttons - Touch screen devices will have a shorter battery life but are usually faster to use. While buttons may be slower to use, they are more reliable in harsh conditions particularly when wearing gloves in winter. 
3. Display & Screen Size - A high-resolution and preferably colour screen is necessary if you want to use detailed topographical maps. The bigger the screen, the more detail you will see on a map, however, as the screen size increases so does the size and weight of a unit.
4. Battery Life - It's important to consider whether the battery life is compatible with your activity demands. Look for a device with a long battery life, ideally more than 20 hours to avoid your GPS suddenly dying halfway through a hike. Remember to bring backup batteries or a charging cord just in case.
5. Water Rating - If you are canyoning, kayaking or expecting bad weather consider the IPX waterproof rating of your new GPS.
6. Maps - Most GPS units come with basic maps and some come with detailed topographic maps. Topographic maps will provide more details on the terrain and altitude so you can better plan and track your outdoor adventure. 

Advance GPS Features:

• Paperless Geocaching

Spend more time in the field and less time fumbling with paper. A GPS compatible with Geocaching will display key information, including location, terrain, difficulty, hints and descriptions, which means no more manually entering coordinates and paper print outs. Simply upload the geocaching GPX file to your device and start hunting for caches

• Barometric Altimeter

An altimeter is a device that measures altitude also known as the distance above sea level. Most altimeters are barometric meaning they measure altitude by calculating the location's air pressure. It is important to be aware of the Altitude when climbing and trekking up mountains, particularly overseas, as while altitude increases the air pressure will decrease making it more difficult to breathe. This is because the density of air is lower or thinner at high altitudes. 

• Two-way Global Messaging

Some of the Garmin GPS handhelds allow two-way global massaging with inReach. Exchange text messages with loved ones, post to social media, or communicate inReach to inReach in the field. 

• Interactive SOS Alerts

In case of emergency, trigger an interactive SOS message to GEOS, the Garmin-powered International Emergency Response Coordination Centre (IERCC) with professional 24/7 global monitoring and response centre

Download Garmin GPS Comparison Sheet

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