Garmin GPSMAP 64st Hunting GPS
Magellan eXplorist 100 Water Resistant Hiking GPS
Garmin Astro 430/T 5 Dog Tracking
Owing and using the best hunting GPS will make your next hunting trip one to remember. These navigational tools take the worry out of hunting expeditions and will allow you to spend more time focusing on the game and new terrains. Acquiring a reliable unit can be quite daunting, however, since there are so many different makes and models to choose from. But that’s where we step in. Here we will highlight and review the top 10 hunting GPS systems that won’t let you down.
The Best Hunting GPS
1Garmin GPSMAP 64st Hunting GPS
With an extremely high-sensitivity GPS receiver, the Garmin GPSMAP 64st can be used anywhere in the world. It’s available in a variety of styles too (not that good looks matter much when you are out on a hunt). This model’s flexibility does, however, extend beyond aesthetics and one of its most impressive features is that it can connect to Smartphones and other Garmin devices, including heart rate monitors and foot pods. Other traits include 250,000preloaded geocaches, 100k US TOPO maps, a compass and barometer, and up to 16 hours of battery life.
2.6-inch color display screen
Sensitive GPS and GLONASS receiver
8 GB of internal memory
Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity
3-axis compass with barometric altimeter
250,000 preloaded caches
- BrandGarmin
- Model010-01199-20
- Weight9.3 ounces
Lightweight, compact, and portable
Weatherproof design
Many maps included
Pairs well with other Garmin products
Poor battery life when using both GPS and GLONASS
Poor instruction manual
2Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hunting GPS
This no-fuss and no-frills GPS for hunting is a lightweight design that can be strapped to your wrist so that you can keep your hands free. The GPS receiver is highly sensitive, so it will work well in areas with dense tree coverage. The LCD screen is basic and readings are helpful and to-the-point. With Garmin Foretrex 401, users can track their paths, read their current location in multiple formats, and have access to plenty of hunting and fishing information. Added extras include a barometric altimeter and an electronic compass. If you would love to own a Garmin GPS abut you are on a tight budget, then for less than $200 you may find this model to be a bargain.
GPS receiver with HotFix
Battery life Up to 17 hours in GPS mode
Electronic compass and barometric altimeter
LCD display screen
TracBack for path retracing
Supports dual position readout
- BrandGarmin
- Model010-00777-00
- Weight3.04 ounces
A waterproof design
Gives accurate and reliable readings
Great value for money
Impressive signal reception
Conveniently lightweight
Waterproof
Lacks software support
Maps cannot be saved
3Garmin Montana 680t Hunting GPS
The Garmin Montana 680t is slightly on the bulky side but that’s because it features an impressively large touchscreen and an 8 megapixel autofocus camera. This device comes with most of the bells and whistles. From hunting GPS maps and a track manager to a 3-axis compass with barometric altimeter, there’s very little that’s not included in this package. The only thing it doesn’t have going for itself, however, is its bulky weight – which makes it a bit awkward to carry when you are trying to creep up with your target. All-in-all, the 680t is a powerful unit that has flawless reception. You may also be interested in some of the best golf GPS watches from our list, so check them out.
4-inch dual-orientation touchscreen
250,000 preloaded worldwide geocaches
Track manager
4 GB internal memory
8 MP internal memory
Battery powered
- BrandGarmin
- Model010-01534-11
- Weight10.2 ounces
Impeccable reception
The screen gives crystal clear pictures
Compatible with different mounts
Includes wireless communication
The large and bulky design can be somewhat impractical for hunting
4Garmin Astro 430/T 5 Dog Tracking
Garmin Astro 430/T 5 Dog Tracking has been specifically designed to track the movement of hounds with precision and accuracy. It has the ability to monitor the movement and locations of up to 20 dogs at once and locations of up to 9 miles. As a premium product, this model does come with a premium price tag. The quality features make digging deep into your pocket worth it, however, and with highly sensitive GPS and Glonass satellite reception, the Astro 430 will work flawlessly in even the most challenging environments. To add, the hunt metrics will also help you to train your dogs more effectively.
GPS and Glonass satellite reception
Preloaded mapping
Hunt metrics
2.5-second update rate
Preloaded TOPO U.S 100K mapping
1-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription
- BrandGarmin
- Model010-01635-00
- Weight9.6 ounces
The screen is conveniently scratch resistant
Simple to use controls
There are no hidden monthly fees
A weather resistant device
Impressive communication range
Rather expensive
Can only be used in the US
5goTele GPS Tracker
Taking a break from Garmin devices, we are quite excited to add this hunting GPS from goTele to our list. Not only is this device a cost-effective solution to your tracking needs but it pairs well with other goTele devices to give you all-round solutions. This handy gadget works by connecting to your Smartphone via Bluetooth. It then allows you to track your location like a GPS. With a shock-proof, water-proof, and dust-proof design, you can expect this device to withstand harsh environments without faltering. Now you can keep track of your mates while out on the field and you can record your path too! For more amazing products for hunters, check out our selection of the best hunting boots.
Real-time Tracking
SOS feature included
Off-line Map
Compatible with iOS and Android devices
A durable design
Track and record your movements
- BrandgoTele
- Weight15.2 ounces
You can track your route or someone else’s movement
Conveniently works without cell service
There are no hidden monthly costs
Works well in an assortment of different climates
Works best when there are two or more devices
If your Smartphone dies, then the device is useless (barring SOS functionality)
6Magellan eXplorist 100 Water Resistant Hiking GPS
The eXplorist 100 stores up to 500 waypoints, 20 routes, and five tracklogs. It’s as feisty as its bright orange casing. Designed with hunters in mind, this model is lightweight and versatile. It has the ability to track-log up to 3 files – each with up to 2,000 trackpoints, 500 points of interest, and 20 routes. This way you will always be able to find the hunting hotspots. Waterproof and rugged, the eXplorist includes a user-friendly interface, a 2.3-inch greyscale display screen, and it’s just small enough to be tucked away in your pocket.
TrueFix technology
WAAS/EGNOS-enabled GPS receiver
2.3-inch greyscale LCD screen
Waterproof shell
Stores up to 500 waypoints
Powered by only two AA batteries
- BrandMagellan
- Modelexplorist 100
- Weight8.8 ounces
Rubber armored and impact resistant
A compact and lightweight design
The bright orange color is perfect for nighttime hunting
Easy to use right from the box
A truly durable construction
Cannot store maps from a computer
Superiorly small and lightweight, Garmin has made another appearance on our list – this time with the practical and oh-so affordable eTrex 30x. For basic hunting, this device does a reliable job of replacing the traditional map and compass whilst adding tons of additional features to your kit. It has just enough internal memory so that you can save data and information (3.7 GB) and its wireless functionality allows you to share waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches with other compatible devices. All of this packed into a rugged, portable, and easy-to-use design. You may also like some of the best trail cameras from our list, so check them out and pick the one for your next hunting adventure.
Built-in sensors
Preloaded basemap
2.2-inch color sunlight-readable display screen
BirdsEye satellite imagery
microSD card slot
Electronic compass and a barometric altimeter
- BrandGarmin
- Model010-01508-10
- Weight5 ounces
One of the most lightweight handheld GPS devices
Has an impressively long battery life
Supports geocaching files
Locates your position quickly and with precision
Very easy to use
The pre-installed map is not the best
The case itself is flimsy
8Magellan eXplorist 310 Waterproof Hiking GPS
The Magellan eXplorist 310 is an entry-level GPS device and the features remain practical. As a result, we would suggest this make to beginner hunters who are looking to test out navigational tools before investing in a premium and more expensive device. Features include a 2.2-inch sunlight-readable color display screen, 18 hours of battery life (which is quite impressive, and a high-sensitivity SiRFstarIII GPS tracking system. All of this is packed into a rugged and compact portable case. This model also has many positive reviews from those who use it for geocaching adventures – so if that’s your thing, it might be worth giving this very affordable device a run for its money.
Includes a detailed road network
Paperless geocaching
High-sensitivity SiRFstarIII GPS
Rugged IPX-7 waterproof GPS receiver
2.2-inch LCD display screen
500 megabytes of user memory
- BrandMagellan
- ModelCX0310SWXNA
- Weight5.1 ounces
Very good battery life
The screen can be read in the sunlight easier than most touchscreen models
An affordable navigational tool for accurate geocaching adventures
Toggle button is hard to use
Very little internal memory
9Garmin inReach Explorer+
The inReach Explorer+ is a 2-in-1 handheld GPS unit and a communication device. With 100% global Iridium satellite coverage, you will be able to send 2-way messages from anywhere in the world. This feature will give you peace of mind if you ever worry about getting lost nowhere-and-beyond. The Explorer’s stand-out attribute has to be its seamless ability to pair with Smartphones, giving you a more thorough and flexible approach to your tracking needs.
Preloaded DeLorme TOPO
Digital compass and barometer
100% global Iridium satellite coverage
SOS trigger
2-way text messaging
Compatible with Apple and Android
- BrandGarmin
- Model010-01735-10
- Weight8 ounces
The SOS trigger can be a lifesaver in dire situations
A lightweight and compact device
Practical yet useful in diverse situations
Not badly priced
Most of the preloaded maps are US-based only (may not be useful for other countries)
10Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS
This is the most affordable product on our list. Because it’s an entry-level product, we’re not going to recommend it to professional hunters. If you are new to the game, however, then the eTrex 10 is a great first step towards successful hunting trips. The device includes a 2.2-inch monochrome display screen and it works with a WAAS enabled GPS receiver. While the features are pretty basic, the functionality is still perfect for most casual outdoor activities – so don’t brush this unit off just yet. While it may be last on our list, it still makes the cut for being one of the best hunting GPS maps available.
Preloaded worldwide basemap
WAAS enabled GPS receiver
Waterproof to IPX7 standards
Support for paperless geocaching
HotFix and GLONASS support
20-hour battery life
- BrandGarmin
- Model010-00970-00
- Weight5 ounces
The best GPS device that’s under $100
Can be used as a marine unit
Easy to use touchscreen and toggle button
Rugged and durable design
Only shows data of nearby places
Hunting GPS FAQ
Q: What are the different types of hunting GPS?
A: Portable GPS - A portable GPS is not necessarily pocket-sized but it is small and lightweight enough to carry in a backpack or in one’s hand. On average, this type of GPS measures 4-inches wide and will weigh between 5-10 ounces.
Pocket GPS - As the name implies, a pocket GPS is small and lightweight enough to be carried in one’s pocket. Despite its small size, this type of tracking device is generally more expensive than portable models.
GPS Navigation - Most tracking devices use satellite-based GPS to function. GPS ensures that you have a signal no matter where you roam and it doesn’t need Wi-Fi or internet connectivity to work.
Smartphone Navigation - Nowadays, most smartphones come equipped with a location service feature and a selection of apps for navigation. These apps are great for city guidance but may not suffice when off the beaten track. There are, however, GPS devices that work with Smartphones to provide an ultimate GPS experience.