There is a very wide range of outdoor GPS devices. In the category of sports watches alone, there are several models, each with its strengths. But how to choose the right outdoor GPS device that is most suitable for you? Should you go for a multi sports watch such as the new Garmin Fenix 8 or a handheld GPS device?
Here we list a few things for you and discuss the different types of GPS devices.
READ ALSO: “BEST Garmin GPS for hiking: TOP 4 comparison!”
Do I even need such a GPS device?
Of course you can only answer that question yourself. If you only occasionally need route navigation, the cost of purchasing an outdoor GPS might not be worth it.
But we can really recommend the use of an outdoor GPS device. Especially if you’re an avid outdoor athlete. It is the way to discover new paths without worrying and without constantly getting lost. Thanks to GPX files you can set off on any new route!
Looking for mountain biking, hiking or skiing routes to explore? Be sure to check out our GPX routes! (mountain bike routes, hiking routes or ski routes)
Which outdoor GPS device is best for my activities?
Which outdoor GPS device should you choose? That depends entirely on what you want to achieve with it and in what way you want to use your outdoor GPS. For example, are you someone who mainly cycles or mountain bikes? Or rather a jack-of-all-trades who ventures into multiple outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing, trail running, …? Your choice for an outdoor GPS device will mainly depend on this.
We therefore distinguish 2 categories of GPS devices in this guide: Outdoor GPS smartwatches (multisport) and sport specific GPS devices (“hand held”).
Sport specific outdoor GPS
GPS for hiking
Are you going to use your outdoor GPS device exclusively for beautiful hiking routes in the mountains or through the countryside? Then you might be better off with a device that is specifically designed for hiking. This is because of the features that are more extensive and fully tailored to the target activity.
They are robust devices that you can take with you anywhere. You can keep track of your exact location wherever you are. Go exploring during your hikes and experience new adventures!
For occasional use, a hiking GPS is probably not necessary but you can get by with your smartphone. For the rougher stuff, a hiking GPS is quite handy and maybe even necessary. In terms of reliability of the device, accuracy of navigation and battery consumption, a hike GPS is far superior to a regular smartphone.
The outdoor GPS devices for hiking and trekking are usually “hand held”. This means that you just hold them in your hand or stash them away in a pants or jacket pocket. You can also attach them to a belt or backpack.
>> I am interested in a hike GPS
GPS for cycling and mountain biking
As a mountain biker or cyclist, we all know the feeling: it’s time for a new round because you’ve seen the region around you a bit now. A bicycle GPS is the ideal tool to discover unknown paths and to go on an adventure!
Whether it is a 30 km round trip or 150 km, it does not matter. New trails are everywhere and ready to be discovered.
Cyclists, mountain bikers and touring cyclists need reliable technology that is designed for cycling. Therefore, you have bike GPS devices with turn-by-turn navigation, bike routes, safety features and more.
Cycling is a more dynamic sport compared to hiking or walking. Everything moves faster on a bike so the device needs to be tuned to that as well. Also the digital maps you might use are different with a bike GPS compared to a hiking GPS.
On top of that, bike GPS devices are often equipped with performance related functions. For example, after your ride, you can view a lot of metrics that tell you more about your performance.
A mount allows you to mount the bike GPS on the handlebars of your bike.
>> I am interested in a bicycle GPS!
Outdoor GPS smartwatch (Multisport)
Finally, we have our second category: the one for the outdoorsy types!
Do you venture into unknown territory on a mountain bike, in mountain boots or in a kayak? Then you might be better off with an outdoor GPS smartwatch!
Personally, I am a big fan of this! For the sports (freeride skiing, hiking, mountain biking,…) for which I need navigation, an outdoor GPS smartwatch offers all the possibilities to navigate smoothly through the terrain.
An outdoor GPS smartwatch is usually equipped with a whole range of sport-specific “apps”. This makes them suitable for a lot of sports and activities. Performance metrics are also measured inside per sport which means you also have data at hand to measure your progress or create training schedules.
Why make a choice when you can have it all in 1 device? Of course there are some disadvantages compared to a walking or cycling GPS. Think for example of the size of the screen. Reading your route from a smartwatch screen will be a bit slower than from a walking or cycling GPS.
>> I am interested in an outdoor GPS smartwatch.
Conclusion
Is accurate navigation within 1 sport your requirement? Then choose a bicycle GPS or hiking GPS. Do you need navigation for multiple sports or activities? Then an outdoor GPS smartwatch is the best choice for you!
