Handheld GPS Devices for Walkers and Adventurers: Your Ultimate Guide
In the age of exploration, technology has become an indispensable ally. For walkers and adventurers, a handheld GPS device is a game-changer, transforming how we navigate the great outdoors. But with a myriad of options available, how do you choose the right one? This comprehensive guide will help you understand the essentials of handheld GPS devices, ensuring you embark on your next adventure fully equipped and confident.
What is a Handheld GPS Device?
A handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) device is a portable electronic tool that provides precise location data by connecting to a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. Unlike smartphone GPS apps that rely on cellular networks, handheld GPS devices offer superior accuracy and reliability, especially in remote or rugged terrains where cell signals are weak or non-existent.
Why Do You Need a Handheld GPS Device?
For walkers and adventurers, a handheld GPS device is more than just a navigation tool—it’s a lifeline. Here’s why:
Accurate Navigation: Handheld GPS devices offer unparalleled accuracy, allowing you to pinpoint your exact location, plan routes, and navigate trails with confidence.
Durability: Built to withstand harsh environments, these devices are rugged, waterproof, and designed to operate in extreme temperatures.
Long Battery Life: Unlike smartphones, handheld GPS devices have extended battery life, ensuring you stay connected even on multi-day adventures.
Advanced Features: Many handheld GPS devices come with features such as altimeters, barometers, and electronic compasses, enhancing your navigation experience.
Top Features to Look For
When selecting a handheld GPS device, consider the following features to meet your specific needs:
Mapping Capabilities: Look for devices that offer detailed topographic maps and allow for map updates. The ability to download additional maps can be a significant advantage.
Waypoint and Route Management: Ensure the device can store multiple waypoints and routes. This is crucial for planning and tracking your journey.
Connectivity: Some GPS devices offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to share your location with friends and family, or sync with other devices.
User Interface: A user-friendly interface is essential for quick and easy navigation. Touchscreens are convenient but consider devices with physical buttons for use in wet conditions or with gloves.
Size and Weight: Opt for a lightweight and compact device that won’t add unnecessary bulk to your gear.
Top Handheld GPS Devices for Walkers and Adventurers
Garmin GPSMAP 66i: Known for its robust design, this device offers topographic maps, a built-in compass, and satellite communication for emergency SOS.
Garmin eTrex 32x: A budget-friendly option with reliable performance, featuring preloaded maps, a barometric altimeter, and a 25-hour battery life.
Suunto Traverse: Ideal for hikers, this device boasts a sleek design, barometric pressure trend, and weather alerts.
Magellan eXplorist 310: Compact and affordable, it provides essential navigation features and an easy-to-read screen.
A Typical hand-held GPS Device
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Having a sturdy and waterproof case is an absolutely essential criteria to consider when choosing to buy a hand-held GPS device. A plastic case is fine, but check that it has a rubber gasket where the front and back casings meet. You’ll also find a rubber gasket to be useful when you’re operating the GPS device and it’s wet, it will give you a much better grip on the device and let you hold and operate it, pressing the buttons with just one hand. The durability of a hand-held case is where they will always score well overusing your cell phone with a GPS app.
Hand-held GPS Cases
Most hand-held GPS are powered by two AA batteries, which may or may not be rechargeable ones, so make sure the back casing is reasonably easy to remove in order to change the batteries whilst you’re out. I would avoid a hand-held GPS device that has a bespoke battery that has to be charged inside the unit, or worse from a USB port. After all, how are you going to do that in the middle of nowhere?
The front case will incorporate the screen which needs to be bright and a high-definition one so that it is clearly viewable even in strong sunlight. Obviously, a color screen should be preferred to a black and white one, but remember this will drain the batteries more quickly.
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We thought it is Best not to Get to Technical here!
The circuit Board
Without getting into too much technical detail there are a few things to think about regarding the circuit board in a handheld GPS device. The circuit board is the heart and brains of the unit. 24 satellites orbiting the earth twice a day at 11000 km an hour create the GPS data, which is accurate to at worst 15m. However, having a WAAS-enabled circuit board, that’s Wide Area Augmentation System a US-based satellite network; and EGNOS, the European system which is now operational – means your level of accuracy will increase tremendously to within 5m at worst. There will be some memory stored on the circuit board, but the latest models also allow you to add a memory card, such as an SD card, which is useful if you want to store lots of routes or will be away for some time.
Detail on hand-held GPS Maps
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Other handheld GPS Features
You’ll be able to decide between devices with full national mapping services pre-loaded and ones that have built-in databases of maps to access on the move. Fully topographic maps can be bought for some models, but these maps are still quite expensive and, if you’re good at interpreting the ordinary maps anyway – might not give an awful lot of detail. Personally, I wouldn’t buy a hand-held GPS unless it incorporated an electronic compass and barometric altimeter, which simply saves having to carry yet more gear around with me. I’d also want one that can navigate around a route/walk using waypoints and can record my journey with a track-log, giving me information such as journey distance and speed, etc.
GPS on a Smartphone
GPS Device or Smartphone with a GPS App?
Every time the GPS device will win for a serious walker or adventurer. First off regarding the case, quite simply you won’t be able to rely on a Smartphone to be waterproof or not crack the first time it is dropped! Another plus for hand-held GPS devices over Smartphones is the battery life. With a Smartphone, you won’t have the choice of buying one that you can easily insert new/charged batteries into and have to be able to recharge its bespoke battery, which means accessing a power outlet somewhere. If you’re out in the wilderness with a purposely made GPS device you can simply insert some new batteries that you’re carrying with you.
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Safety First – But Have Fun Walking With Your GPS Satellite Navigation
Safety First Using handheld GPS Device
OK, so you’ve got a sophisticated piece of equipment in your hand – but that’s no reason to leave common sense at home. If the straight line it gives you between two points is perilously close to a cliff edge or other potentially dangerous area, you just might want to think twice about how closely you’re going to follow its suggestion. You still have to interpret and understand what the device is telling you, so you could still get lost using a GPS. In which case you still need to make sure you take all the appropriate life-saving gear, that’s recommended by all of the experts. But, for all the need to be careful, most of all – have fun and enjoy yourself.
Conclusion
For walkers and adventurers, a handheld GPS device is an indispensable companion that enhances safety, ensures accurate navigation, and enriches the overall outdoor experience. By understanding the key features and selecting the right device, you can embark on your adventures with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, the right handheld GPS device is not just a tool—it’s your gateway to exploring the world with precision and ease.
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