By James Descombes; edited by Natasha Dennis
Handheld GPS devices are a convenient and portable alternative or addition to the good old map and compass when walking, hiking or trekking. Like car navigation devices they use GPS satellite to pinpoint your location, but instead of providing data on your journey, they’re specifically designed for use off road. Whether you’re a casual walker, enthusiast or mountaineer, there’s a handheld GPS gadget to suit your requirements. Here’s our guide to choosing the right handheld GPS for your needs.
Weekend walking
A handheld can still come in handy for casual weekend walkers - it’s easier to consult than folding out a map and even at the lower end of the price bracket can still offer a good suite of added extras than you’d find in a plain old map, such as saving waypoints, routes and tracks.
Usually controlled by a series of buttons adjacent to the screen, some basic handheld GPS devices don’t always have a base map loaded onto them, or indeed allow you to add new maps - but if you only plan to use the unit to chart your weekend rambles, this isn’t essential.
A small, low-resolution screen may not be as sharp or detailed as pricier devices, but you’ll find that it’s fine for the odd jaunt or walking holiday. Look for lightweight models that won’t add unnecessary weight to your kit and waterproofing is always a good option.
Walking enthusiasts
More serious fans of the great outdoors, perhaps who enjoy walking holidays or regular hikes should opt for a touchscreen device. The screen is bigger, brighter and easier to see, but also easier to operate on the go.
Look for models that offer base maps, along with the facility to add new maps and POIs. If you choose a device with on-board storage you will be able to store far more tracks, routes and waypoints than a basic device.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, look for a handheld GPS that will make you more aware of your surroundings: a barometric altimeter tracks altitude and changes in pressure and is useful for monitoring weather conditions if you’re heading further afield. A 3-axis electronic compass tells you which direction you’re facing and doesn’t have to be placed on a flat surface to work like a magnetic compass.
Tougher terrains
If you’re a hiker who likes to take it to the next level by braving extreme trips over mountains or moorlands where it’s colder and more remote, look for top-end handheld GPS devices that are more rugged, so dustproof and shockproof.
As well as base maps, marine maps are often included for use at sea. If you’re planning on using it in cold weather, opt for a device with buttons as well as a touchscreen; it’ll mean that you can operate it without removing your gloves.
Look for additional storage space with even more waypoints - often double that of cheaper devices, from 1000 to 2000, along with storage for more tracks and routes. A built-in camera is a good extra, allowing you to take geotagged snapshots with GPS coordinates, making it easier to revisit a remote location or pinpoint exactly where you were later.
Another nice touch to look for on top-drawer GPS units is wireless capabilities so you can swap routes, tracks and waypoints with fellow hikers.
Mapping options
With the exception of the most basic devices, most handheld GPS units will come with base OS maps, with basic information on boundaries, roads and coordinates. For detailed topographic information including trails, rivers, contours, summits, rivers, lakes and streams (vital when ascertaining the difficulty and timing of a walk), you may need additional maps. Most devices have internal storage or a memory card slot for downloading or adding maps, the latter is more flexible and convenient because you can swap cards quickly.
When choosing maps, consider the region you want to explore. Each manufacturer offers different choices so you can choose from a variety of places you might want to explore.
One last thing...
Handheld GPS devices are usually powered by AA batteries, although some take NiMH or Lithium cells that last longer, but AA cells are cheaper to replace and easier to get hold of if you’re in a remote area – you really don’t want to run out of power at the top of a mountain.