If you need to navigate in your sport, you’ll know it’s a skill that takes time to master. Buying a handheld GPS is no shortcut, and there’ll always be the need to recognise map symbols, estimate distance and read the ground in font of you. But the 6 best handheld GPS models of 2012 will help!
Still, the latest machines are a significant step forward, featuring digital maps and bells and whistles that could see your beloved Ordinance Survey locked away in the top pouch of your rucksack.
Buying a handheld GPS
We say never ditch the traditional skills. Batteries don’t last forever, wrong coordinates get typed in, and these juicy little tech boxes can be mislaid – or in the case of mine, ‘acquired’…
If, like me, you’ve come to rely on both, here’s 6 of the best handheld GPS units.
There’s two brands that appear to have this market cornered: Garmin and Magellan. And somewhere within their extensive ranges you’ll find a handheld GPS to suit.
6 best handheld GPS models
But we are all for new products and game changers, so let’s get this started with the new kid off the rock – Satmap.
Satmap Active 10
First impressions: Looks as if it belongs on patrol. Weatherproof and shockproof casing wraps up a serious contender. We’ve not touched it yet but it’s walked away with some fans since its launch in 2007 and earned admirers in mountain rescue circles. Key features, other than the overlaid OS mapping, are the oversize buttons and joystick navigation.
It also has a battery life that can extend to 100 hours on hibernate – although how this matches rivals we can’t tell. Custom mapping options should appeal to explorers, size should appeal to weightlifters – but with this you get a huge screen – and the optional Xpedition function should get you most of your mapping for free.
Garmin e-trek
Because I used to have one, and it was great! For me it was the simplicity, the ruggedness and the layout – with rubberised buttons running up its side.
If you need a GPS for trekking holidaysthat gets you your grid co-ordinates, points the direction to your next waypoint and can hack it in tough weather, the eTrexH model will be your friend. And it’s cheap. Perfect for weekend walkers and safety staff, a great check navigation device. Running forever off 2 AA batteries, my only gripe was the data input – I found it back to front.
Garmin GPSMap 62s
A clear step up in terms of spec, but without some of the unnecessary features that creep in to top-end models. Some clever software allows you to download photos and navigate towards them, and you can share your waypoints with other handheld GPS owners.
The ability to store up to 2000 waypoints is impressive, but perhaps more relevant is the model’s ability to get your location even under heavy cover; and upload OS Explorer maps, as well as mountainbike trails and ski routes. Better for trekking in New Zealandthan it is for geocaching although built to hack both.
Magellan eXplorist 310 and 610
When the first generation of handheld GPS units were going around, we just called them ‘Magellans’, and for a while this stuck, regardless of which brand it was. The latest models are much improved with the brand still synonymous with mapping and exploration.
eXplorist 310
Good entry level, chunky, and specced handheld GP (we think the eXplorist 310 would be a better choice than the more geocach-oriented model, the eXplorist GC). Downloadable maps, ruggedized construction and a very smart compass overlay that places a compass graphic over the map. The GPS systems this little orange unit supports are comprehensive and it comes with a pre-loaded world edition map. Shapely and enduring (18 hours from 2 AA batteries) it’s a good choice for weekend walkers, geo-cachers and trekkers. Well priced too.
eXplorist 610
A jump in quality from the entry-level products, the eXplore 610 is as multimedia as it is multifunction.
As well as the pre-loaded Summit series maps, there’s an integrated 3.2 megapixel camera. While this may not add real navigational functions, its appeal lies in capturing and sharing your experiences – and it’ll even hook up to Facebook!
Ignoring for a moment the novelty factor, it’s still a solid device built around a 3-axis electronic compass, barometric altimeter and fully served GPS satellite mapping software. But whether the social function is worth the price premium is down to you.
If you’re buying a handheld GPS, don’t be blinded by the big brands – there’s another contender on the map:
Memory Map Adventurer 2800
Bit of a ringer in this company, but Memory Map has a trick or two up its sleeve with its 2800 model. Built to be used in-car as well as on foot, it’s a little yellow jack of all trades.
Weatherproof, lightweight and compatible with preloaded OS Landranger maps, it runs off a touch screen interface – which may be its Achilles heel for us outdoors people keen on big buttons and clunky glove compatibility.
There’s also a larger, tablet-like model, the Adventurer 3500, but it’s a bit of a beast. With a healthy discount on trade-in, we’d suggest you try one in store to see if it’s as technical as it is good value.
