10 Best Hiking Gps 2026 in the United States

The Garmin Montana 750i is a powerful hiking GPS designed for serious outdoor adventurers. One of its standout features is its rugged, military-grade construction, ensuring durability in harsh conditions — perfect for those who hike in tough terrains. The 5-inch touchscreen is notably larger than many competitors, providing better readability, even in direct sunlight, which is essential when navigating trails. Its accuracy is enhanced by multi-GNSS support, allowing users to connect to both GPS and Galileo systems, ensuring more reliable tracking and navigation.

Battery life is decent, but keep in mind that using satellite communication features will drain it faster, so it's wise to plan accordingly. The built-in inReach technology adds significant value, enabling two-way messaging and an SOS feature that can be a lifesaver in emergencies. However, this requires an active satellite subscription, which may add to the overall cost.

The product’s mapping capabilities are impressive, with preloaded TopoActive and City Navigator maps, making it easier to navigate both backcountry and urban landscapes. Additional navigation sensors, like the 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, enhance its functionality for serious hikers. The weight might be a concern for some, as it could feel bulky during long hikes. The user interface is generally intuitive, but new users may need some time to get accustomed to all the features available. Lastly, while connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ANT+ are great for syncing data and accessing satellite imagery, they may not appeal to every hiker, especially those who prefer a more straightforward, distraction-free device.

The Garmin Montana 750i is well-suited for dedicated hikers who value durability, advanced navigation features, and safety options. However, its size and the need for a satellite subscription could be drawbacks for more casual users.

The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is a highly capable handheld GPS device designed specifically for hiking and outdoor adventures. One of its standout features is its impressive battery life, offering up to 165 hours in tracking mode and 425 hours in expedition mode, which is excellent for long trips. The device's large 3-inch sunlight-readable color display ensures that you can easily view maps and data, even in bright conditions. Additionally, it supports advanced mapping and navigation features, including preloaded TopoActive maps and multi-band GNSS support, making it reliable for getting accurate location data in various terrains.

The GPSMAP 67i also comes equipped with inReach satellite technology, allowing for two-way messaging and SOS capabilities via the global Iridium satellite network, which can be a lifesaver in emergency situations when cellular coverage is unavailable. The potential to pair it with a smartphone for weather updates and geocaching adds to its versatility.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While the device is robust and built for outdoor use, its weight of 8.1 ounces may be a bit heavy for some users who prefer lighter options for long-distance hiking. The user interface, while straightforward, might still require some getting used to for those unfamiliar with GPS devices. Furthermore, using the inReach features necessitates an active subscription, which can add to the overall costs.

The Garmin Montana 710 is a solid choice for hikers needing a durable and reliable GPS navigator. Its large 5-inch touchscreen is designed to be easy to use even with gloves, which is great for outdoor conditions, and the color display is clear for reading maps and satellite images. Battery life stands out with up to 24 hours of continuous GPS use and an extended expedition mode, so you won’t worry about running out of power on longer trips. It also offers flexibility by allowing you to use standard AA batteries if needed. The device is built tough, meeting military standards for shock, vibration, and water resistance, meaning it can handle rough trails and wet weather well.

The included TopoActive maps cover trails and roads, and you can add more detailed maps or satellite imagery via Wi-Fi, which is helpful for planning or finding landmarks. Navigation is boosted by built-in sensors like an altimeter, barometer, and compass, giving useful data for hiking in varied terrain. The user interface is straightforward with touchscreen controls and compatibility with the Garmin Explore app, which makes managing routes and waypoints easier.

There are some compromises, such as the Montana 710 being somewhat bulky compared to smaller handheld units, and the panel-mount option implies it’s designed to be fixed in vehicles too, which might be less convenient if you prefer a purely handheld device. Additionally, some advanced mapping content requires separate purchases or subscriptions. For those seeking a rugged, feature-rich GPS capable of handling demanding outdoor adventures and providing detailed navigation support, the Garmin Montana 710 is a well-suited option in the hiking GPS category.