Our selection of the 5 best hiking GPS

We all have in mind a mountain outing that did not go as planned. You have lost your partner, you have lost your partner, or part of your group has vanished, and you are unable to contact them: the network is not good in the mountains. Worse, impossible to connect to your GPS without network coverage! That's why hiking GPS was created, to allow you to find your way in any circumstance, wherever you are. From now on, hiking trips will be real pleasure.

The shopping team 17:50 p.m., March 31, 2023

We all have in mind a mountain outing that did not go as planned. You have lost your way, you have lost your partner, or part of your group has vanished, and you can not contact them: the network is not good in the mountains. Worse, it is impossible to connect to your GPS without network coverage! That's why hiking GPS was created, to allow you to find your way in any circumstance, wherever you are. From now on, hiking trips will be real pleasure.

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The editorial staff of Europe 1 was not involved in the production of this article.

Hiking is a sports activity more and more practiced in France, and for good reason. Get out of the house, work out, see beautiful landscapes, go beyond your limits and enjoy a good time with your loved ones... What more could you ask for? Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, having a hiking GPS is always a good idea to prevent the slightest risk in the mountains. There are hiking GPS of all kinds, in all forms and for all uses. That's why we have selected for you 5 of the best hiking GPS currently available on the market so that you can find the one that best suits your needs. From its size and weight to its network coverage and its ability to locate you precisely, we give you tips so that these hiking GPS are your best allies along the route, from the depths of a valley to the highest peaks of the Alps or the Pyrenees – and even abroad!

Summary:

Garmin eTrex 32x hiking GPS, with preloaded TopoActive Europe mapping
The hiking GPS TwoNav Cross Plus, with 3.2 Inch screen
The BikePilot2 hiking GPS, with possible display of 45 European countries and electronic compass
The CICLO Navic 400 GPS and its 4-inch screen
The Suunto 5 Peak hiking GPS watch, with 100 hours of battery life

The best hiking GPS for walks in complete serenity

Garmin eTrex 32x hiking GPS, with preloaded TopoActive Europe mapping

To start here is the hiking GPS of the Garmin brand the eTrex 32x, usable throughout Europe. Indeed the topography of Europe is pre-downloaded into the device so that you can have access to it from its first use. Everything is indicated, from the altitude to the waterways, through the time between the various recorded stages and many other data to monitor and control your hike. It also includes an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter to orient you in all situations, even without a smartphone. The 2.2-inch screen is readable even in direct sunlight, and this hiking GPS works up to 25h in GPS mode. The two AA batteries that power it are easy to find commercially, for easy use and replacement. The hiking GPS relies on two GPS and GLONASS satellites to be able to find your way if one of the two satellites is no longer captured.

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The hiking GPS TwoNav Cross Plus, with 3.2 Inch screen

This hiking GPS has a slightly wider screen than its previous competitor, making it more easily readable by those who use it. This TwoNav Cross Plus hiking GPS includes a heart rate monitor, and can be both connected via Wifi and via Bluetooth to transfer data. It works by means of the new GNSS geolocation chip for even more network coverage: GPS, Galileo, Glonass and Beidou are at your service to prevent you from getting lost while hiking. There is an online route sharing mode, and several measurement modes to get the statistics of your walks. It fits in the pocket or hangs on a bike thanks to its QuickLock attachment system. Finally, it weighs only 172g, a very suitable weight even during long mountain outings.

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The BikePilot2 hiking GPS, with possible display of 45 European countries and electronic compass

This BikePilot2+ hiking GPS covers no less than 45 European countries, with its circuit function, electronic compass and geocaching. The 3.5-inch or 8.9 cm screen makes it very easy to view your route at any scale. In bike mode, you have the turn-by-turn navigation system, even offline. If the 45 European countries offered are not enough for you, you can add 32 additional countries for free via the display. As with previous hiking GPS there is no need for a smartphone to use it, it works well on its own. Some users regret the battery that can drain a little quickly, it is probably better for smaller walks. Although it is waterproof, remember to protect it to limit the risks.

The CICLO Navic 400 GPS and its 4-inch screen

An ever larger screen for even more ease of use, the Ciclo Navic 400 hiking GPS recalls by its design the phones of 10 years ago. Despite this appearance, it is state-of-the-art to guide you on foot or by bike on your hiking trails. It does not have voice output but allows you to measure your pace, and the key points are indicated on the screen: shops, restaurants, refuges. It is an entry-level device, designed for the discovery of small walks and not for long hikes over several days. It is very suitable for family outings on a day or two, and connects by both Bluetooth and GPS.

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The Suunto 5 Peak hiking GPS watch, with 100 hours of battery life

Finally, here is a modern and very space-saving hiking GPS: the Suunto 5 Peak connected watch, with 100 hours of autonomy. In addition to showing you your route thanks to the connection to your mobile via the Suunto app, it has everything of an excellent sports watch. Heart rate measurement, pedometer, date and time and even music, this hiking GPS watch performs all the functions of previous hiking GPS and more. It weighs only 39g, which is very convenient for those who do not want to clutter before a long walk. Its stainless steel design is strong and waterproof for use in all weather conditions. Be careful, however, not to expose it too long to rain to keep it in the best possible conditions. Finally, you can connect your favorite sports apps to it for personalized health monitoring.

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How to choose a good hiking GPS?

To choose the best GPS for walking, you have to take into account its size, weight, and ability to connect to different networks to be able to consult it at any time. Then, your GPS must adapt to your needs: do you walk, run, in the mountains or near the beach, with good network coverage or not, do you want to consult it at any time or simply if you are in doubt...? Several brands are famous for their GPS for walking, others for more diverse needs. So for the trail, the GPS connected watch is very practical, for cycling, it will rather be a GPS that can attach to your handlebars, and for walking, a case that can fit in the pocket or in the backpack without weighing it down. Choosing a good hiking GPS also means being aware of the budget you have. There are excellent entry-level GPS that perform their function perfectly without you needing to break the bank. In the absence of a tracking to the meter, these hiking GPS are more than enough on simple walks or of medium difficulty. Finally, where the compass and the IGN map allow you to orient yourself, the hiking GPS has the advantage of reassuring you and informing you at first glance.

How to use a hiking GPS?

To start using a hiking GPS you need to familiarize yourself with the device, first learning how to turn it off and on. Then you have to immerse yourself in the functions of the device, with its menus, its functionalities ... After setting the time and other small details of this type, it is time to plan your route. After giving its destination, simply follow the indications of the device. Take the time to understand the instructions given by the hiking GPS, and learn to read the map for hikes in peace.

See also: Our top 5 best binoculars for hiking

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