GPS buying guide from Ordnance Survey
If you’re considering buying a GPS device, you’ll be probably be comparing dozens of models with hundreds of features. Here’s our guide to finding the best GPS. We look at handheld and wearable GPS devices for walking, hiking, running, cycling and off-grid adventures.
A GPS device is a great piece of technology for any outdoor adventurer. While you can get GPS apps on a smartphone, the durability, long battery life and range of functions available on a dedicated GPS unit still make them appealing – as well as preserving phone batteries for emergencies. Before you consider which GPS device to get (as outlined below) read our guide to choosing a GPS device.
Which GPS is Best For Me?
Take a look through our helpful list of GPS devices below and who they will suit best. Most GPS devices will cover a number of activities but we’ve broken them down into a few core activity groups to help you understand which kind of GPS you need.
Which GPS is best for the occasional hiker
Garmin Etrex 32x
The Garmin Etrex 32x is for those who require a durable, affordable and reliable GPS at an entry price point, making it ideal for occasional outdoor enthusiasts.
It has a clear screen, Ordnance Survey maps can be uploaded and it also comes pre-loaded with TopoActive European mapping.
The Garmin eTrex 32x has an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter.
Perfect for hiking, cycling, SUP activities and a 25-hour battery life in GPS mode with 2 AA batteries
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Which GPS is best for hard-core hikers and walkers
Garmin GPSMAP 67
This GPS unit give you the flexibility to plan your routes with Ordnance Survey Mapping on a PC, Mac, tablet or mobile phone and access to satellite imagery
With a 180 hours of battery life in tracking mode and 840 hours in expedition mode it’s the ideal unit for the hard-core walker.
With multi-band global navigation satellite technology, track roaming you can track your position in and the 3″ sunlight-readable colour display allows you to clearly see your route whatever the weather.
Which GPS is best for route logging and ultra running
Suunto Race and Suunto Race S
A stylish performance companion watch ideal for runnners, racing, training, swimming and everyday wear.
The vibrant AMOLED touchscreen and digital crown means ease of readability in fast-paced situations in challenging conditions
Excellent for performance tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep and wellness, GPS navigation tacross 95 different sports activities with a 40 hour training mode battery life.
The Race S is a smaller version of the Race, it has slightly less battery power but if you are looking for something less bulky on your wrist you should certainly consider this slightly more affordable GPS watch. Read all of our Suunto Race S Reviews.
Which GPS for the off-grid explorer
Garmin InReach Mini 2
The Garmin InReach Mini 2 is a lightweight, compatible satellite communicator that adds two-way communication and interactive SOS capabilities (subscription required) to your adventures, so you can communicate with loved ones at home and have piece of mind going off-grid. Using the Iridium satellite network, this device can send an alert message from anywhere in the world, even places out of the reach of mobile networks. Another handy feature is the track back routing which navigates you back to your starting point the same way you came.
The digital compass allows you to understand the direction you’re heading even when you’re not moving.
There’s up to 14 days of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode, helping you reach the furthest corners of the globe. You can also sync the Garmin InReach Mini 2 with Garmin Explore for trip planning and topographical mapping, and create way points, courses, activities and collections, all available to sync to your device.
Which GPS is best for off road cycling
TwoNav Terra
The TwoNav Terra is for the outdoor adventure lover, who wants to explore safely with a light larger 3.7’ screen at great value.
The extra-large screen size and the highly tough rugged design makes this unit perfect for mountain biking, tour cycling and hiking.
The TwoNav Terra can display multiple routes on a map page with the glass design it avoids reflections for perfect vision.
The unit includes Ordnance Survey topographical mapping and other map options can be downloaded.
Which GPS is best for the globe trotter
Garmin InReach Messenger
If you like to stay in touch with friends and family while out and about, even when there’s no mobile coverage, then the Garmin InReach Messenger is for you.
One of the main draws is the global two-way messaging, which allows you to keep in contact with everybody from anywhere in the world. This is great for sharing your experience with those you love and staying up to date with things back home. Weighing in at just 100g, this is one of the lightest, most compact GPS devices on the market. For such a small device, up to 200 hours of battery life is impressive and it can double up as a mobile phone charger with reverse charging.
Stay safe with location sharing and two-way SOS, connecting to the Garmin International Emergency Response Coordination Centre (IERCC). You can also keep an eye on the weather with current location forecasts available, wherever you are in the world.
If you’re in need of some more information on how GPS devices work and what features are available, take a look at our beginners guide to choosing a GPS device.
