The editorial staff of 20 Minutes did not participate in the production of this article.
To locate in real time in the middle of nature, the hiking GPS allows you to plan a route and follow it.
If you get lost, it will be easier to geolocate you thanks to the positioning data provided, and which can be sent to a third party.
Small selection among the best GPS for hiking of the moment
Garmin - eTrex 32x: the GPS for hiking with a very good price / quality ratio
TwoNav GPS Trail 2: the GPS for modern hiking
Garmin - Montana 610: the multifunctional GPS for hiking
TwoNav Cross GPS: the lightweight and compact hiking GPS
Garmin Montana 680T: the top-of-the-range GPS for hiking
Garmin eTrex Touch 35: the GPS for basic hiking
Garmin Oregon 700: the GPS for hiking fun to use
Anima + from TwoNav: the GPS for all-purpose hiking
Garmin ETREX 10: the inexpensive GPS for hiking
Garmin - GPSMAP 64st: the GPS for atypical hiking
Garmin eTrex 32x: the GPS for hiking with a very good price / quality ratio
This hiking equipment is complete and robust.
It comes with a preloaded TopoActive map of Europe, ideal for guiding you on your trails and providing you with valuable information about your environment (rivers, international borders, natural sites, etc.).
This information is delivered via the small 2.2-inch anti-glare screen, which is easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
It uses GPS and GLONASS systems for better location in difficult areas.
Autonomy side, it is 25 hours with 2 AA batteries.
Most :
Localization possible even in difficult places
Interesting duration of autonomy
Practical TopoActive card
Optimal screen readability
The lessers :
Some time is needed to get started
Rather small screen size
Get the Garmin eTrex 32x model
TwoNav Trail 2: the GPS for modern hiking
In addition to a 3.7-inch Gorilla Glass screen that is robust in the event of shocks, the GPS Trail 2 signed TwoNav integrates three positioning networks (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS) for faster location.
And with its loudspeaker, you have very little chance of getting lost.
Regarding its autonomy, it is greater than 20 hours, this guarantees long days of hiking.
When in use, it will be very discreet thanks to its 220 g and its 80 x 131 x 20 mm.
Another advantage: its full connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).
Most :
Built-in speaker
Connectivity systems
Impact resistant screen
Quick localization
The lessers :
The associated Land software is considered not very user-friendly by consumers
Get the TwoNav Trail 2 model
Garmin Montana 610: the multifunctional GPS for hiking
Precise and efficient, this accessory offers you multiple functions such as a high sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receiver to guide you whenever you need it and wherever you are.
A track manager to check and save your paths, a three-axis compass to define your orientation or even a dual power supply for greater autonomy (22 hours with the AA batteries and 16 hours with the lithium-ion battery) are also included.
Another option: this GPS is available with more than 250,000 treasure hunts for guaranteed fun.
Finally, its 4-inch dual-orientation screen (portrait / landscape) gives you very good visibility, regardless of the light.
Most :
Big screen
Multifunction
Double charging system
250,000 treasure hunts
The lessers :
No topographic maps included
Get the Montana 610 model
TwoNav Cross: the light and compact GPS for hiking
With its dimensions of 110 x 63 x 21 mm and its weight of 172 g, this model can easily be stored in a pocket or attached to a support suitable for hiking thanks to its QuickLock attachment system.
On the functional side, it has full connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) as well as three positioning networks (GPS, Galileo and GLONASS) for faster and more precise signal reception.
Its 3.2-inch Optical Bonding screen is protected by Gorilla Glass providing good visibility, even in direct sunlight.
Most :
Compact
Different connectivity options
Pleasant to read display
Convenience of the QuickLock attachment system
Optimal signal reception
The lessers :
Management a little difficult at the start
Get the TwoNav Cross model
Garmin Montana 680T: the top-of-the-range GPS for hiking
Are you looking for a high-end device?
The Montana 680T model will suit you.
It has a 4-inch dual orientation screen (portrait / landscape) for readability in all circumstances and has an 8 megapixel camera.
It also includes Bluetooth connectivity, a track manager, universal navigation, a three-axis electronic compass indicating orientation as well as GPS and GLONASS satellites for more precise location.
Not to mention its pre-recorded content: a leisure map of Europe and 250,000 treasure hunts.
Its autonomy is 16 hours with the lithium-ion battery and 22 hours with the AA batteries.
Most :
Double loading system
Easy to read display
Camera included
Convenient features for the great outdoors and possible treasure hunts
Precise location
The lessers :
His price
A little bulky
Get the Montana 680T model
Garmin eTrex Touch 35: the GPS for basic hiking
This model offers interesting options in a very classic design.
In particular, we find preloaded Garmin TopoActive Europe maps, a 2.6-inch touch screen, a barometric altimeter, a three-axis electronic compass with tilt compensation as well as 250,000 preloaded titles for a successful treasure hunt.
Battery life is 16 hours.
Most :
Compact device
Preloaded TopoActive Europe maps
Treasure hunts included
The lessers :
Small screen size
Limited duration of autonomy
Get the eTrex Touch 35
Garmin Oregon 700: the GPS for hiking fun to use
This hiking equipment offers GPS and GLONASS satellite reception for more precise location, even in steep places.
To this option is added a barometric altimeter, a three-axis electronic compass, wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and ANT +) and a dynamic weather function.
It has a dual charging system (rechargeable lithium-ion battery and AA batteries).
Its 3-inch anti-glare touchscreen has dual orientation (portrait and landscape) and its battery life is 16 hours.
Most :
Wireless connectivity
Dual power system
Precision in localization
The lessers :
The touch screen cannot be used with gloves
Limited duration of autonomy
Get the Oregon 700 model
TwoNav Anima +: the GPS for all-purpose hiking
In addition to its classic design and its compactness allowing it to be easily slipped into a pocket, it incorporates an altimeter.
The latter provides information on positive and negative height differences.
It also includes an ANT + function to control its speed and pulses in real time as well as a 3-inch screen for optimal readability of its mapping.
Its autonomy is 12 hours.
Most :
Convenient Features
Compact device
The lessers :
Limited autonomy
Get the TwoNav Anima + model
Garmin ETREX 10: the inexpensive GPS for hiking
This model from Garmin embeds the main features to experience your hikes as it should be: planning a route, following an already recorded track or even storing important information such as your position, your path and its difficulties.
Equipped with a high sensitivity GPS receiver and a HotFix satellite prediction system, it is able to quickly calculate your position.
Despite its small size, its 2.2-inch monochrome anti-glare screen with world map background makes it easy to consult the information given.
Its autonomy is 25 hours (AA batteries).
Most :
Interesting features
Quick and precise position calculation
Duration of autonomy
The lessers :
Small, non-touch screen
Get the Garmin ETREX 10 model
Garmin GPSMAP 64st: the GPS for atypical hiking
This GPS is distinguished by its Quad Helix antenna allowing more precise and faster positioning.
In terms of its other characteristics, it integrates a barometric altimeter and a three-axis electronic compass, Bluetooth and ANT + connectivity, a dual power supply system (NIMH battery and AA batteries) and a topographic map of Europe.
It also supports treasure hunts with 250,000 preloaded geocaches.
It is equipped with a dual power supply system (NIMH battery and AA batteries) and its autonomy is 16 hours.
Most :
Dual feed
Quad Helix Antenna
Connectivity
Possible participation in treasure hunts
Original design
The lessers :
Notice difficult to understand
Limited duration of autonomy
Get the GPSMAP 64st model
What criteria should be taken into account when choosing a GPS for hiking?
First of all, it is necessary to analyze its dimensions and its weight: ideally, it is necessary to choose a light and compact model that can easily slip into a pocket.
For the screen, choose a model with a suitable size for better readability of your maps and data.
The duration of autonomy must also be taken into account: to avoid any unpleasant surprises, prefer a model equipped with a dual power supply (battery and batteries).
Another selection criterion to analyze: mapping.
If all the models include one or more cards, some allow you to import your own.
This option is very convenient depending on the areas you want to explore.
Also, don't forget to check the other features: barometric altimeter, camera, GLONASS and GPS satellites for better location ...
Also look for a rugged, waterproof hiking GPS so that it can withstand shocks and bad weather conditions.
Why use a GPS for hiking?
It is an essential accessory for a serene and safe outing.
A real landmark for hikers, it helps direct them to the right route and help them find their way back when they are lost.
If you are in the middle of nowhere, you will have no difficulty finding your way.
And if you've lost your way completely, your hiking GPS can help find you with geolocation.
For hikers, orientation is essential. Depending on your needs, choose the hiking GPS with the features you want for nature hikes with peace of mind.
Purchase guide
What are the best hiking shoes to choose?
Purchase guide
What is the best backpacking bag to choose?
Content offered by our expert tips, partners of 20 Minutes.
The editorial staff did not participate in its realization.
The prices mentioned in this article are indicative and are subject to change.
Purchase guide