The main reason is the screen’s size and resolution. They are waterproof, more robust and durable, and can be used with rechargeable AA or AAA batteries (which allows you to bring an extra set with you).Īlso, the navigation is a lot easier in a handheld unit than in a GPS watch. The handheld GPS units have several advantages compared to smartphones. HANDHELD GPS UNITS VS SMARTPHONES & GPS WATCHES Some devices have integrated Family Radio Service (FRS) radios for up to 2 miles of range and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios with a range of up to 14 miles (in ideal conditions), plus they get the latest forecast from the NOAA 7-channel weather radio. Some models come with a built in camera to capture locations and memories. Your photos will also be “geo-tagged” so you can see where on the map you snapped the shot. Wirelessly share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches with other compatible GPS users without using cumbersome cords or cables. More memory lets receivers hold more data.ĭue to the nasty weather you can encounter while in the outdoors, the handheld GPS units should be waterproof, shockproof and robust.ĪDVANCED FEATURES TO CONSIDER WIRELESS SHARING This memory is used to store map data, waypoints, routes and, in some models, even audio, pictures and video. GPS units store data internally and/or on a microSD card. Some models come with a dual battery system, which gives you the option of using the rechargeable lithium-ion pack or traditional AA batteries. It’s a big plus if the device can take rechargeable AA or AAA batteries, because you can carry a spare set with you. A minimum of 15 hours of battery life is recommended. You don’t want to be out in the mountains and find out your GPS just died after a few hours of hiking. The obvious downside to a bigger screen is these models weigh more and are bulky. For touchscreen models, it is easier to use them with a large screen. Screen size is important for being able to clearly read the map. There are many compact models out there but if screen size is an issue for you, you might need to go for a larger one. The downside is they use more battery than buttoned models, can freeze up in cold conditions, and don’t work as well with thick gloves.īuttoned models last longer, work in all temperatures, can be used with thick gloves and are more reliable. The downside is they are slower to respond than touchscreen units and it takes longer to type in waypoints.Īs with any piece of gear you use for hiking, being lightweight is paramount. Touchscreens operate faster because you don’t need to scroll through options. HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST GPS FOR HIKING BUTTONS OR TOUCHSCREEN?
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