10 Best Backpacking Gps 2025 in the United States

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact and lightweight satellite communicator designed for backpackers and outdoor adventurers who need reliable two-way messaging and emergency SOS capabilities almost anywhere on the globe. It excels in portability, weighing just 3.5 ounces and fitting comfortably in your hand or pack without adding bulk. Its battery life is impressive, lasting up to 14 days with 10-minute tracking intervals, which is excellent for extended trips. The device offers solid durability with water resistance, so it can handle rough outdoor conditions.

The screen is small at 1.27 inches with a 176 x 176 resolution, which means it’s clear enough for basic navigation and messages but not ideal for detailed maps or complex visuals. Navigation is supported by features like TracBack routing to guide you back to your start point and an accurate digital compass that works even when you’re stationary. You can plan trips and sync waypoints via the Garmin Explore app, which adds flexibility and convenience. The user interface includes a touchscreen, making it easier to operate without fiddly buttons, and Bluetooth connectivity lets you pair it with smartphones and other Garmin devices to send messages or trigger SOS alerts.

An active satellite subscription is required for messaging and SOS functions, which is an extra ongoing cost. While it shares location and sends messages, it doesn’t provide full GPS mapping on the device itself, so it’s best used alongside a smartphone or other GPS-enabled device for detailed navigation. This lightweight, tough emergency communicator with basic navigation and excellent battery life is a strong choice, especially for solo hikers or those venturing into areas without cellphone coverage.

The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is a robust handheld GPS device designed for serious backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. One of its standout features is its large 3-inch sunlight-readable color display, which ensures excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The device supports two-way messaging and location tracking via the global Iridium satellite network, and it includes an interactive SOS feature, making it a reliable companion in emergencies—though these features require an active subscription and are subject to regional regulations.

The device is equipped with preloaded TopoActive mapping, multi-band GNSS support and sensors, enhancing its mapping and navigation capabilities significantly. Users can also access premium mapping content via Wi-Fi with an Outdoor Maps+ subscription, adding further value for detailed trip planning. The battery life is impressive, providing up to 165 hours in 10-minute tracking mode and up to 425 hours in expedition mode, ensuring long-lasting performance during extended trips. However, the device is relatively heavy at 8.1 ounces and larger in size, which might be a drawback for ultra-light backpackers.

The user interface, operated via buttons, is straightforward and functional, though it might feel dated to those accustomed to touchscreens. The Garmin GPSMAP 67i excels in providing robust navigation features, durability, and reliable emergency communication options, making it a solid choice for dedicated outdoor adventurers.

The SUUNTO Vertical Solar GPS Sports Watch offers a range of features that make it suitable for backpacking and other outdoor activities. Its 49mm color display is large and clear, and the inclusion of free global offline maps is a significant advantage for navigation in remote areas. The watch excels in accuracy with dual-band GPS, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging environments like cliffs and valleys.

The long battery life is another highlight, with up to 500 hours of tracking in tour mode and up to 60 hours in the most accurate mode, further extended by solar charging in sunny conditions (Titanium model only). This makes it highly dependable for extended trips without frequent recharging. Durability is assured with a sapphire lens and a robust build, reflecting Suunto's heritage of high-quality craftsmanship. However, the watch's weight, at 9.6 ounces, may be noticeable on the wrist for some users, and its size may not be suitable for those with smaller wrists.

The user interface is friendly, with a touchscreen and button controls, but some may find it complicated initially. The watch also supports advanced health and recovery monitoring, which adds value for those interested in tracking fitness metrics. Its strengths in accuracy, battery life, and durability make it a strong contender for backpackers, though its weight and interface complexity could be potential drawbacks for some.