Best Garmin for Hiking: Comprehensive Guide for 2024

You’re all set to explore unknown trails, and of course that includes the appropriate hiking GPS. But what is the best hiking Garmin for hiking? Should you go for a handheld device or a Garmin watch? Read on in our comprehensive guide and discover the best Garmin for hiking that suites you.

Table of Content

• What is a Garmin Hiking GPS?
• Why Choose Garmin for Hiking?
• Comparing Garmin Handheld GPS Devices & Garmin Watches for Hiking
• Best Garmin handhelds for hiking in 2024
• Best Garmin Watches for Hiking in 2024
• Frequently asked questions

What is a Garmin Hiking GPS?

Garmin hiking GPS devices are designed to provide accurate navigation, robust durability, and user-friendly interfaces for outdoor enthusiasts. These devices come equipped with topographic maps, barometric altimeters, and other features essential for serious hikers.

Why Choose Garmin for Hiking?

Garmin hiking GPS devices offer unmatched reliability, durability, and comprehensive features tailored for outdoor adventures. Whether you need detailed topographic maps, robust navigation, or reliable communication in remote areas, Garmin has a device to meet your needs. Garmin is also an expert and market leader in the GPS market.

Comparing Garmin Handheld GPS Devices & Garmin Watches for Hiking

When it comes to hiking, Garmin offers a range of both handheld GPS devices and watches, each designed to meet specific needs. While both types of devices provide excellent navigation and tracking capabilities, they have distinct features and benefits that cater to different kinds of hikers. This section delves into the comparison between Garmin handheld GPS devices and Garmin watches for hiking.

Garmin Handheld GPS Devices

Advantages:

1. Robust Navigation Features: Garmin handheld GPS devices, such as the GPSMAP 66i and eTrex 32x, are equipped with advanced navigation tools, including detailed topographic maps, waypoint marking, and route planning. They also support multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) for enhanced accuracy in challenging environments like dense forests and deep canyons .
2. Durability and Ruggedness: Handheld GPS units are built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. They are typically water-resistant, shockproof, and designed to operate under extreme temperatures. For example, the Garmin GPSMAP 67i boasts an IPX7 rating, ensuring it can handle accidental submersion in water .
3. Extended Battery Life: Handheld devices generally offer longer battery life compared to watches. For instance, the GPSMAP 67i can last up to 840 hours in expedition mode, making it suitable for multi-day hikes where recharging may not be feasible .
4. Larger Display: The larger screens on handheld devices provide a more detailed view of maps and navigation data, which can be crucial for precise navigation. The Garmin Montana 700 series, with its 5-inch touchscreen, offers a user-friendly interface that’s easy to read even in bright sunlight .

Disadvantages:

1. Bulkiness: Handheld GPS units are bulkier and heavier than watches, which can be a drawback for hikers who prefer to travel light. Carrying a handheld device requires additional space in your gear or pocket.
2. Less Convenient for Quick Glances: While handheld devices offer comprehensive navigation data, they are less convenient for quick glances compared to wrist-worn devices. Accessing information requires stopping and taking the device out, which can be inconvenient on the go.

Garmin Watches

Advantages:

1. Portability and Convenience: Garmin watches, such as the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire and Instinct 2 Solar, are compact and worn on the wrist, making them highly portable and easy to access. This convenience is ideal for hikers who need quick access to navigation and health metrics .
2. Health and Fitness Tracking: In addition to navigation, Garmin watches offer a wide range of health and fitness tracking features. These include heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, VO2 max estimation, and body battery energy monitoring. These metrics can be valuable for maintaining optimal physical condition during hikes .
3. Smart Features: Many Garmin watches come with smart features such as smartphone notifications, music storage, and contactless payments. These features add convenience and functionality beyond just hiking .
4. Integration with Apps: Garmin watches seamlessly integrate with apps like Garmin Connect and AllTrails, providing easy access to route planning, activity tracking, and social sharing. This integration enhances the overall hiking experience by allowing users to plan and review their hikes in detail .

Disadvantages:

1. Smaller Display: The smaller screens on watches can limit the amount of information displayed at one time. Detailed map views and navigation data may be less readable compared to the larger displays of handheld devices.
2. Shorter Battery Life: While many Garmin watches offer impressive battery life, they generally cannot match the extended battery life of handheld GPS units, especially when using GPS tracking continuously. For example, the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire offers up to 89 hours in GPS mode, which is less than the handheld counterparts .
3. Potential for Distraction: The added smart features and notifications on Garmin watches can be a distraction during hikes. Managing these features requires a balance to ensure they do not detract from the hiking experience.

Choosing between a Garmin handheld GPS device and a Garmin watch for hiking depends on individual preferences and hiking styles. Handheld GPS devices are ideal for those who prioritize robust navigation capabilities and durability, especially on extended and challenging hikes. On the other hand, Garmin watches offer unmatched convenience, portability, and additional health and fitness tracking features, making them suitable for hikers who value these aspects. Both types of devices provide reliable and accurate navigation, ensuring safety and enhancing the hiking experience.

READ ALSO: “Choose the outdoor GPS that’s right for you!”

Best Garmin handhelds for hiking in 2024

Below, we present 5 models of handheld Garmin devices, tailored to everyone’s budget and level:

• GPSMAP 66 series
• GPSMAP 67i
• eTrex series
• Montana 700 series
• InReach series

Garmin GPSMAP 66 series

More customizable features for a lower budget (Our preference)

You don’t shy away from rough terrain and sometimes head off into the mountains for a hiking trip of several days? Of course you need a device that has the necessary features to make your adventure safe and successful.

Do you want to go hiking, hunting, climbing, geocaching, kayaking,… and are you looking for robustness? Then the Garmin GPSMAP 66 series is definitely for you!

One of the advantages of the GPSMAP 66 series is that it comes in 4 different versions. You don’t have to buy an expensive model that comes fully stacked with features but only use 50% of them. Depending what you will use it for you can choose the version that is most suitable for you.

The GPSMAP 66 series comes in 4 different versions depending on which options you take:

Garmin GPSMAP 66s (NO TopoActive map, NO inReach, NO multi-band)
Garmin GPSMAP 66st (INCLUDED TopoActive map, NO inReach, NO multi-band)
Garmin GPSMAP 66i (INCLUDED TopoActive map, INCLUDED inReach, NO multi-band)
Garmin GPSMAP 66sr (INCLUDED TopoActive map, NO inReach, INCLUDED multi-band)

You see that the type depends on whether the device has the following 3 options or not:

• A TopoActive map that lets you see the terrain a lot more accurately.
• InReach technology that allows you to send an interactive SOS message to the GEOS 24/7 rescue monitoring center and to send and receive messages via the global Iridium® satellite network (satellite subscription required).
• Multi-band technology that gives you optimum accuracy in challenging locations, including steep slopes, ravines and dense forests.

So you can choose a type from the GPSMAP 66 series according to your needs.

However, the GPSMAP 66i version is most suitable for hikers who often go off the beaten path.

Features (for all 4 types):

• Even in sunlight, the large color screen is always clearly legible
• Robust buttons make this Garmin walking GPS easier to operate in more difficult circumstances (for example, when wearing gloves).
• The maps are razor sharp and extremely detailed.
• With the help of “Active Weather” you can see what kind of weather is coming and never be surprised by increasing cloud cover again.
• The battery life of up to 16 hours in GPS mode, and 1 week in expedition mode (GPS mode with very low power consumption).
• Connect with the Garmin Explore™ website and app and open up a world of off-grid possibilities.
• Navigate any trail with ABC sensors (altimeter for elevation data, a barometer for checking weather and a 3-axis electronic compass).
• Download high-resolution photorealistic maps directly to your device without an annual subscription. Easily find trails, choose your pitch, find a parking spot, create waypoints and more.

Our choice in the list of best Garmin hiking GPS devices is the GPSMAP 66 because of its robustness, compactness and versatility.

>> Check prices and availability on Amazon

Garmin GPSMAP 67i

For hikers on big adventures!

In the realm of outdoor exploration and navigation, having a reliable GPS device can make all the difference. Garmin has introduced its latest offering – the Garmin GPSMAP 67i. It’s the successor of the above mentioned GPSMAP 66i.

Packed with features designed to cater to adventurers, hikers, geocachers, and outdoor enthusiasts, this device holds the promise of seamless navigation, communication, and safety.

The benefits of the Garmin GPSMAP 67i are substantial. It boasts a rugged and durable design that can withstand tough environmental conditions (IPX-7). Its high-resolution color display provides clear and detailed maps, ensuring you never lose your way. The device is preloaded with topographic maps, helping you navigate off the beaten path with ease. A significant advantage is the inReach® technology that allows two-way messaging via satellite communication, providing an extra layer of safety when cellular coverage is absent.

However, no product is without its drawbacks. The Garmin GPSMAP 67i’s main drawback is its price, which might be considered steep for casual outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, some users might find the user interface slightly complex to navigate initially, requiring a learning curve.

Difference between the GPSMAP 66i and GPSMAP 67i

The main difference between the Garmin GPSMAP 67i and 66i is its extended battery life. For outdoor enthusiasts, having a reliable GPS device with a long-lasting battery is a game-changer. The GPSMAP 67i delivers up to an impressive 840 hours of battery life in expedition mode! Compared to 200 hours on the 66i this is a significant upgrade on battery life.

This extended battery life ensures that the device remains operational even during extended trips into the wilderness, where access to power sources might be limited.

The extended battery life not only enhances convenience but also contributes to safety. Whether you’re on a multi-day hike, camping in a remote location, or embarking on a long backcountry expedition, the knowledge that your GPS device won’t run out of power when you need it most is invaluable. This feature sets the GPSMAP 67i apart and solidifies its position as a reliable companion for outdoor adventures.

Another extra that comes with the 67i is the two-way messaging via InReach technology that allows you to send and receive messages with your loved ones at home.

Features:

• The longest battery life with 840 hours in expedition mode
• Two-way messaging
• All the above mentioned for the 66 series

>> Check prices and availability on Amazon

Garmin eTrex 23x and 33x

The solid entry-level model!

Are you looking for not too many bells and whistles but just a solid device that does what it should do? Then the Garmin eTrex 23x or 33x is the device for you!

The eTrex series is the entry-level series of the Garmin range, but that doesn’t make them any less qualitative! This device is more than suitable for the sporty hiker.

The eTrex series stands out especially for its ease of use.

Features

• The devices are equipped with pre-installed TopoActive maps for Europe, with navigable roads and trails for hiking (or biking). You get information about your surroundings including waterways, natural features, buildings, international borders and more. You can also find thousands of points of interest, such as stores, restaurants, universities, parking lots and accommodations.
• The devices support both GPS and GLONASS satellite reception. This allows you to connect and find your way even in environments where there is less coverage.
• The device runs on 2 replaceable AA batteries and lasts up to 25 hours in GPS mode.
• You have 8 GB internal memory for downloading maps plus an extra microSD card slot.
• The difference between the eTrex 22x and eTrex 32x? The eTrex 32x additionally features a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, making it easier to determine your exact position.

If you are a bit lower on the budget, Garmin also has the eTrex 10 in the range. This is only suitable for beginning hikers and for geocaching. The eTrex 10 is rather “basic” in terms of functionality and quality.

That is why I would personally rather go for the upgrade and buy the eTrex 22x if you have doubts. It offers more value for money, such as the TopoActive map for Europe.

>> Check prices and availability on Amazon

Garmin Montana 700 series

On adventure with a bigger (touch screen) screen!

Is compactness not necessarily a must and would you like a little more comfort to use your maps on your adventures? Then this big boy handheld gps might be for you!

This outdoor GPS definitely belongs in our list of best hiking GPS Garmin devices. Yet, it’s created for more than just hiking adventures.

Think for example of navigating remote trails with a quad or cross bike. They can also be used on adventures with other vehicles such as boats, jeeps, motorhomes, etc..

For the hiking adventurer looking for a lighter and more compact unit, the Montana 700 is not the right choice. Compared to the GPSMAP 66 series, the Montana 700 weighs a lot more (8.5oz vs. 14.5oz respectively).

In terms of functionality, there are not that many things the GPSMAP 66 can’t do compared to the Montana 700.

Also within this series you have the choice between 3 different types depending on a few options:

Garmin Montana 700 (NO inReach; NO camera)
Garmin Montana 700i (NO inReach; NO camera)
Garmin Montana 750i (INCLUDED inReach; INCLUDED camera)

These are the additional features for the Montana 700 series:

• Large touchscreen
• Battery capacity is a bit better (18 hours in GPS mode)
• Convenient for hunters and trainers: sync compatible Astro® or Alpha® handhelds (sold separately) to track sporting dogs in the field.
• Various portable mounts are sold separately so you can use the unit for on/in ATVs, boats, cars, motorcycles, RVs or other vehicles.
• If you choose the 750i, you can take advantage of a built-in camera.

>> Check prices and availability on Amazon

Garmin inReach Explorer+

For the true adventurer who knows no boundaries!

You are a frontiersman who seeks out inhospitable areas. For that, you not only need good navigation but also a communication system that won’t let you down in the most desolate places when you need it.

The Garmin inReach Explorer+ combines these two features in one device.

It is a very compact and light device (only 7.5oz) yet strong, durable, shock resistant and water resistant to IPX7.

Features:

• Trigger an interactive SOS message to the 24/7 rescue monitoring center
• Track and share your location with friends and family.
• You have full GPS navigation support with the Explorer+.
• You can pair with compatible mobile devices to access downloadable maps, color aerial photos, etc.
• Built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer.
• Each inReach has free access to a portal in the cloud. This allows you to plan your trips with routes and via points but also to create preset messages, download additional TOPO maps, link your social media accounts, etc.
• The InReach weather forecasting service sends detailed updates directly to your InReach device.

>> Check prices and availability on Amazon

Best Garmin Watches for Hiking in 2024

When it comes to hiking, having a reliable GPS watch can make all the difference. Among the myriad options available, Garmin stands out with its range of hiking-focused devices. Here, we delve into the best Garmin watches for hiking in 2024, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed choice.

• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire
• Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
• Garmin Forerunner 965
• Garmin Epix (Gen 2)

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire

The multifunctional power horse! (Our preference)

Advantages:

1. Comprehensive Features: The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire is our top pick for the best Garmin watch for hiking. It boasts a comprehensive set of features tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, including superior tracking capabilities, full-color maps, and a wide array of sensors such as a barometer, altimeter, and compass.
2. Impressive Battery Life: With an impressive battery life of up to 89 hours in GPS mode, this watch is designed to withstand the rigors of any hiking expedition. The inclusion of solar charging adds an extra layer of convenience for long treks, allowing you to extend the battery life further when exposed to sunlight.
3. Durability: The Sapphire glass ensures durability, protecting the watch face from scratches and impacts. This robustness is crucial for hikes in rugged terrains where bumps and scrapes are inevitable.

Disadvantages:

1. Higher Cost: The advanced features and durability come at a higher price point, making it a significant investment. However, for serious hikers, the benefits often outweigh the costs.
2. Complexity: The extensive feature set can be overwhelming for beginners. It may take some time to fully learn and utilize all the capabilities of the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire.

>> Check prices and availability on Amazon

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

Best on a budget!

Advantages:

1. Affordability and Functionality: For hikers looking for a balance between functionality and affordability, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is an excellent choice. This model combines robust GPS functionality with solar charging, providing extended battery life even on multi-day hikes.
2. Rugged Design: Its rugged design is built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making it a reliable companion for any adventure. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, shock-resistant, and constructed to military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance.
3. Health Monitoring: It offers comprehensive health monitoring features, including heart rate tracking, stress tracking, and sleep monitoring, helping hikers maintain optimal physical condition.

Disadvantages:

1. Basic Display: The monochrome display, while highly readable in various lighting conditions, lacks the vividness and detail of higher-end models with full-color screens.
2. Limited Advanced Features: Compared to more expensive models like the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire, the Instinct 2 Solar has fewer advanced navigation features and a more basic interface.

>> Check prices and availability on Amazon

Garmin Forerunner 965

For runners who love trails!

Advantages:

1. Versatility: Although primarily designed for runners, the Garmin Forerunner 965’s advanced GPS features make it a worthy contender for hikers. It offers precise tracking, a high-resolution display, and comprehensive health monitoring features.
2. Health and Fitness Tracking: The watch includes advanced health metrics such as VO2 max, body battery energy monitoring, and sleep tracking, making it ideal for fitness enthusiasts who enjoy both running and hiking.
3. Lightweight Design: The Forerunner 965 is lighter and more comfortable to wear over long periods compared to bulkier models.

Disadvantages:

1. Less Rugged: While it offers good durability, it is not as rugged as the Instinct 2 Solar or Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire, making it slightly less suitable for extremely harsh hiking conditions.
2. Shorter Battery Life: The battery life, though sufficient for most hikes, is shorter compared to dedicated hiking watches, especially in GPS mode.

>> Check prices and availability on Amazon

Garmin Epix (Gen 2)

For those who go the extra mile!

Advantages:

1. Advanced Mapping Capabilities: The Garmin Epix (Gen 2) is ideal for tech-savvy hikers who want the latest features. It includes advanced mapping capabilities, offline navigation, and customizable data screens to suit various hiking needs.
2. AMOLED Display: With its AMOLED display, the Epix offers clear visibility in all lighting conditions, ensuring you can always keep track of your progress and surroundings.
3. Extensive Smart Features: The Epix Gen 2 includes a wide range of smart features such as music storage, contactless payments, and smartphone notifications, adding convenience and functionality to your hikes.

Disadvantages:

1. Price: Like the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire, the Epix Gen 2 comes with a high price tag, reflecting its advanced features and capabilities.
2. Battery Life: While the battery life is decent, it does not match the endurance of dedicated hiking models like the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire, particularly when using power-intensive features.

>> Check prices and availability on Amazon

Frequently asked questions for best garmin for hiking

What is the best Garmin for hiking maps?

The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire is highly recommended for its comprehensive mapping features and durability.

Is a Garmin worth it for hiking?

Yes, Garmin devices are known for their reliability, durability, and advanced navigation features, making them worth the investment for hiking.

What is the best watch for hiking maps?

The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire and the Garmin Epix (Gen 2) are excellent choices for watches with hiking maps.

Which GPS is best for hiking?

The Garmin GPSMAP 66i and GPSMAP 67i are among the best GPS devices for hiking due to their robust features and reliability.

Which Garmin watches work with AllTrails?

Many Garmin watches, including the Fenix and Forerunner series, are compatible with AllTrails for enhanced navigation.

Does Garmin have a hike setting?

Yes, most Garmin watches and GPS devices come with a hike setting that provides specific metrics for hiking activities.