So you want to know what is the best Garmin handheld GPS for hunting?

When you are visiting a large game lodge and you do not have a game warden with you then you will pose the risk of getting lost.

Believe me when I say that there are a few things worse than getting lost inside of a 10 000 acre gaming lodge.

I know the feeling.

This is where it becomes very important to have your own handheld GPS with you so that you can easily find your way back home.

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In this review, I am going to cover 10 of the best handheld GPS units and I think that it is fair to say that Garmin has really made a mark in the GPS industry.

I am going to cover the screen sizes, downloadable maps, the cost, screen sizes, sharing of information, GPS units that can take photos, weather forecasting, emergency calling and even dog tracking devices that will prove to be useful.

If you are new to GPS units in general, then it might also be a good idea to read the buying guide displayed below:

How to Choose the Right Garmin Handheld GPS

I think that we can both agree that Garmin is the best brand when it comes to a GPS.

Below, I will give you some guidelines on how to choose the right Garmin GPS for you that you can also use while hunting.

1. How much do these devices cost?

The cost will be determined by the size of the screen and also the features available. The least expensive item in this listing will cost you less than $100 while the most expensive item will cost just under $1000.

If you are short on a budget or you just do not want to spend that much on a handheld GPS, then I would recommend the Garmin eTrex 10 as it is also the least expensive.

On average you can expect to pay from $200 up to $500 for a decent GPS that can be used for hunting.

2. What are the available screen sizes?

The GPS with the smallest screen size (2.2 inches) must be the Garmin eTrex 10 and also the Garmin eTrex 30 which is the upgraded and colored version of the eTrex 10.

If you have large hands or maybe your eyesight is not as good as it used to be and you would like to have a GPS that has a larger screen size (4 inches), then I would recommend the Garmin Montana 610 Camo which has the largest screen size

3. Some units are also rechargeable with a long battery life

The average battery of the units in this article is from 16 to 20 hours. If you prefer to have a GPS that has a very long battery life (75 hours) that can also be recharged, then I would highly recommend the Garmin Inreach Explorer+ which also has an SOS system in case of an emergency.

4. Some devices can wirelessly share information

Almost all of the devices in this listing can share information such as position, images and also waypoints with other devices that are Bluetooth compatible.

There is also a GPS that can connect to your smartphone in order to share information and also to receive messages and emails.

The GPS that I refer to is the Garmin GPSMAP 64SC which is not a bad choice either.

5. Some GPS units can take photos

There are currently 4 GPS units in this review that can take pictures. They all have a built-in 8-megapixel camera that can also geotarget each image to the location in which it was taken for reference later on.

Below I will reveal all 4 units that have a built-in camera:

1. Garmin Montana 680t (4-inch screen)

2. Garmin Oregon 650 (3-inch Screen)

3. Garmin GPSMAP 64SC (2.6-inch Screen)

4. Garmin Rino 755t (3-inch Screen)

I would personally recommend the 4-inch screen as it has better visuals for taking photos.

6. Some have a compass and can measure air pressure with altitude

Most of the GPS units in this review will have a built-in compass that will help with the direction and also a barometer for tracking the air pressure and an altitude meter for determining the altitude.

7. Weather forecasting with a flashlight can also be included

If forecasting the weather is important to you, then I would highly recommend the Garmin Rino 755t which can also take photos and has a built-in flashlight.

8. Some can call for aid when there is an emergency

The best GPS for this is going to be the Garmin Inreach Explorer+ which has a built-in SOS system that can be used to notify the GEOS services that will respond to your need 24/7.

This unit will have an SOS button on the right that once activated will trigger a search response.

9. You can even track your dogs

If you like to take your dogs with you while hunting, then you will love the Garmin Alpha 100 TT that can be used to track your dogs.

This specific unit also comes with 1 trackable dog collar and can track up to 20 dogs at a time. It has a lot of other features as well.

#1 Garmin Oregon 650 (Editors Choice)

• Battery life: 16 hours
• Display: 3-Inch
• Weight: 7.4 ounces
• Item size: 4.5 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches (LxWxT)

If you would like to have a handheld GPS that has most of the features mentioned in the article that can also take photos, then I would highly recommend Garmin Oregon 650.

Now we start to get to some of the more expensive GPS devices.

More info on the features:

1. Has a larger and clearer screen. This GPS comes with a screen that is 3 inches and also sun readable. This screen is also a touchscreen.
2. Can wirelessly share information. This device makes the use of Bluetooth that enables you to share information such as photos, tracks, routes, waypoints etc.
3. Comes with rechargeable batteries. This device uses 2 AA batteries and also a NiMH battery pack (battery pack included). You will also get a USB charging cable for the battery pack.
4. Takes quality photos. This device also has a built-in 8-megapixel autofocus digital camera that will enable you to take quality photos. Another great pro is that each photo that you take will also be tagged to the specific location from where you have taken the photo.
5. Can get your bearings. This device also comes with a built-in 3-axis electronic compass and also a barometer that will detect the air pressure which will then lead to the altitude.
6. Is very sensitive to movement. Gone are the days when you had to wait a couple of seconds before your GPS registered your movement. This device has a receiver that is both WAAS and GLONASS enabled.
7. You can add additional maps. The Garmin Oregon 650 also enables you to add several maps that you can use at your disposal.

Play video below to learn more about the Garmin Oregon 650.

What we liked

• Can take quality photos.
• Is rechargeable.
• Sensitive to movement.
• Comes with compass and Barometer.

What we didn’t like

• Can be expensive for some.

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#2 Garmin eTrex 10 (Least Expensive)

• Battery life: 20 hours
• Display: 2.2-inch
• Weight: 5 ounces
• Item size: 4 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches (LxWxT)

If you would like to get started with a handheld GPS and you do not want to spend that much money then I would highly recommend the Garmin eTrex 10.

This product is also the least expensive option in this article.

More info on the features:

1. Screen size is moderate to good. This handheld GPS has a screen size of 2.1 inches which also has a monochrome display.
2. You do not have to upload a new map. This device also comes with a pre-loaded worldwide map that makes it easy to use from the start.
3. Has a reliable signal. The receiver of this GPS makes the use of GLONASS and HotFix which gives it better signaling with also a faster response to movement change.
4. Batteries will last for a whole day. This GPS makes the use of 2 polaroid AA batteries that can be used for up to 20 hours straight.
5. Comes with a lot of indicators. This device will display the distance between points, high and low altitudes, estimated time between points and also waypoints to save your favorite hunting spot.

The only thing that I did not like was the display quality which is a simple black and white.

What we liked

• Very inexpensive.
• Long battery life.
• Can upload routes.

What we didn’t like

• Screen quality and detail not that good.

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#3 Garmin eTrex 30

• Battery life: 24 hours
• Display: 2.2-inch
• Weight: 5 ounces
• Item size: 4 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches (LxWxT)

If you liked the Garmin eTrex 10 but you would like to have it in color, then I would highly recommend the Garmin eTrex 30 which has 65K colors and a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels.

This product is also $100 more expensive than the Garmin eTrex 10.

More info on the features:

1. Improved display. This product has a 2.2-inch screen with a color display that has 240 x 320 pixels which is much better when it comes to the resolution.
2. Can also share information wirelessly with compatible devices. You can share information with other Garmen devices. The sharable information includes routes, waypoints and also tracks.
3. Already comes with a map. This GPS also comes with a preloaded that makes it ready use from the start. There are also options to load more maps.
4. Can update and load more maps. Along with the existing map, you can also load more maps such as HuntView, City Navigator NT, and TOPO 24K etc. You also have 3.7 GB of internal memory at your disposal along with a microSD card.
5. Can easily navigate using this device. You will have a built-in digital compass and also a barometric altimeter that will calculate changes in pressure and also your altitude.
6. You can easily plan your trip beforehand. By plugging this device into your computer, you will also be able to use the free trip-planning software to plan or share your trip with others.

The most common complaints were about user friendliness and also the reliability of the maps.

What we liked

• Has a high quality color screen.
• Can share information wireless.
• Has a built-in compass with Barometer and Altimeter.

What we didn’t like

• Might take a while to get used to this product.
• The existing maps are not that great.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

#4 Garmin GPSMAP 64

• Battery life: 16 hours
• Display: 2.6-inch
• Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Item size: 6.3 x 4.2 x 1.4 inches (LxWxT)

If you liked all the features of the Garmin eTrex 30 but you would like to have one with a larger screen, then you might want to consider the Garmin GPSMAP 64.

This product is also not that much more expensive than the eTrex 30

More info on the features:

1. Comes with an even larger screen. The GPSMAP 64 comes with a 2.6-inch size screen that is larger than some of the previously mentioned products. Now you can see with much more detail on the screen.
2. You can also share your activities. With the help of Live Track, you can also share your current activities with other similar Garmin devices such as the “64 s” and “64 st” model.
3. Has a moderate to long battery life. This GPS makes the use of 2 AA batteries or also the rechargeable NiMH battery pack. While using these batteries, this device will have a battery life of around 16 hours.
4. Is very sensitive to movement. This device makes the use of a Glonass receiver and helix antenna which will result in higher sensitivity that will pick up your position quickly.
5. Can add more maps to its large internal memory. You can add a large variety of maps such as the TOPO 24K and the 100K maps into the built-in 4 GB memory. You also have a microSD card slot for if you want additional memory.
6. Can easily plan your next trip. With the help of BaseCamp software, you can easily plan your trips or routes beforehand that you can also share with your friends.

The screen size is somewhat larger which is good, but the only problem that I had was that this device does not have a barometer, altimeter or compass.

Play video below to learn more about the Garmin GPSMAP 64.

What we liked

• Has a larger screen.
• More sensitive to movement.
• Can easily plan your trips beforehand.

What we didn’t like

• Does not have a barometer, altimeter or compass. 

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#5 Garmin GPSMAP 64SC

• Battery life: 16 hours
• Display: 2.6-Inch
• Weight: 8 ounces
• Item size: 6.3 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches (LxWxT)

The Garmin GPSMAP 64SC is like the upgraded version of the normal 64 model (entry level) where it has additional features such as ANT, Bluetooth and also has a built-in camera.

This product is also $140 more expensive than the normal 64 (entry level) model.

Other features that you will like:

1. Large colored sunlight readable screen. This model comes with a 2.6-inch screen that is also easier to view in bright sunlight.
2. Can easily navigate with this GPS. This model will also come with ABC sensors that you can use as a compass and also a barometer that will track the air pressure and also the precise altitude.
3. Can take geotargeted images. This product gives you the ability to take foto’s with its 8 MP camera and also allows you to tag the images taken to a specific location. This is especially useful for when you want to re-visit the same sport during the next hunting trip.
4. It is compatible with your smartphone. This will allow you to easily receive information from a compatible smartphone such as emails and text messages.
5. Comes with preloaded maps. This model comes with pre-loaded maps such as the Worldwide Basemap that will also prove to be useful.
6. Has even more useful sensors. This device will also come with a heart rate monitor and a temperature reading sensor that might prove to be useful as well.
7. Has state of the art satellite imagery. You will also get a year subscription to the Birdseye satellite imagery that will show you a real-time and good quality map.

This will prove to be a good option if you would like to take photos and it would be great if the screen was just a little bit bigger.

What we liked

• Can also take photos.
• Is smartphone compatible.
• Can be used as a compass and barometer.
• Has Birdseye satellite imagery.

What we didn’t like

• Can be very expensive.
• I personally would prefer a larger screen.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

#6 Garmin Montana 610 Camo (Largest Screen)

• Battery life: 16 hours
• Display: 4-Inch
• Weight: 8 ounces
• Item size: 5.7 x 2.9 x 1.4 inches (LxWxT)

If screen size is important for you, then you would love the Garmin Montana 610 Camo where the body of this GPS is also camo colored.

This product can be very expensive for some people as it costs more than $300 per item.

More info on the features:

1. The screen size is larger than 3 inches. This device comes with a whopping 4-inch size screen that makes it much easier to navigate your way through an area. This screen is also a touchscreen.
2. Fastly responds to your movement. This reception of this device is also a GPS and GLONASS reception and it also has a WAAS-enabled receiver. This makes this GPS much more sensitive to movement so that you do not have to wait for this device to keep track of your movement.
3. Can also help you to navigate in your surroundings. This device has a built-in compass and also a barometric altimeter that keeps track of the direction in which you are heading also the air pressure which can them predict your altitude.
4. Can plan your hunting trip. You can also plan your hunting trip by creating waypoints and routes which will help you to cover more game rich areas.
5. Comes with preloaded maps. This device also comes with pre-loaded topographic maps which also might prove to be very useful.

Overall, I really liked the larger screen size but would have liked this moved to have a camera.

What we liked

• Has a 4″ screen size.
• Comes with compass and barometric altimeter.
• Very sensitive to movement.

What we didn’t like

• Can be very expensive.
• Does not come with built-in camera.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

#7 Garmin Rino 755t (Can Forecast Weather and has Flashlight)

• Battery life: 14-18 hours
• Display: 3-In
• Weight: 13 ounce
• Item size: 7.9 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches (LxWxT)

If you are serious about having the best of the best when it comes with a handheld GPS for hunting, then I would highly recommend the Garmin Rino 755t. This device can be very expensive but it has a built-in radio, flashlight, weather tracking, a camera and much more in store.

You will really love these features:

1. Has a large enough screen. This device has a 3-inch color screen that is a touch screen and also readable in sunlight which is a plus for the outdoors.
2. Superior navigation and tracking. You will be able to use the built-in compass, the barometric altimeter which will track the air pressure and altitude and also an accelerometer for measuring your acceleration.
3. You can also take high-quality pictures. This GPS also comes with an 8-megapixel autofocus camera that will also make the use of a flash.
4. Will also give you light while it is dark. This product also has a built-in LED flashlight where the light beam can range up to 2 miles in distance.
5. Can also be used for communication. This device will make the use of 5-Watt FRS/GMRS 2-way radio that will include voice calling and text messaging.
6. Comes with a weather forecast ability. This will also make it easy to determine if a thunderstorm is approaching so that you can start to plan your route back home.

Overall, I think this was a superior GPS unit for anyone that is serious when it comes to tracking. I would also much liked to have one with a bigger screen.

What we liked

• Can be used as a flashlight.
• Is also a 2-way radio.
• Can also take pictures.
• Can forecast the weather.

What we didn’t like

• Is very expensive.
• I would have liked a larger screen for the price.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

#8 Garmin Inreach Explorer+ (Best for Emergencies)

• Battery life: 75 hours
• Display: 2.3-Inch
• Weight: 8 ounces
• Item size: 6.5 x 2.7 x 1.5 inches (LxWxT)

If personal safety and taking precaution is your way of life, then you would like the SOS features that comes with the Garmin Inreach Explorer+. This device can also be very expensive as well.

Best features for precautions in mind:

1. Can be used in emergency situations. The most likable feature of this device must be the ability to trigger an SOS search. On the right-hand side of this device, you will find a red SOS button that can be used when in danger. This device will make the use of the GEOS service which will respond to your need 24/7.
2. Not that large screen size. This device will make the use of a 2.3-inch screen which is similar in size to that of the Garmin eTrex.
3. Can connect to your mobile device. This feature will make it easy to share information such as maps, aerial imagery and also charts with the help of Bluetooth.
4. Have the ability for weather forecast (optional). This is an external service that you need to register to in order to have the weather forecast abilities activated.
5. Track and share your position. This device will enable you to share and track your whereabouts to your family and friends using the web-based MapShare portal.
6. Makes the use of 2-way messaging. With this device, you can exchange text messages to any cell phone number or email address anywhere.
7. Is rechargeable. This device has an already built-in battery that can also be recharged. This battery also has the longest battery life of all the devices in this article.
8. Perfect for navigation. This device will also have a compass, barometric altimeter, and an accelerometer that can be very useful for tracking and other important purposes.

Personally, I think this is a great device especially when it comes to the SOS feature. For myself, I would prefer to have a unit that has a larger screen size.

What we liked

• Can use SOS signaling for emergency situations.
• Can connect to your mobile device.
• Has 2-way messaging.

What we didn’t like

• Screen size is not that large.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

#9 Garmin Alpha 100 TT (Best for Tracking Dogs)

• Battery life: 20-40 hours
• Display: 3-Inch
• Weight: 18.72 ounces
• Item size: 6.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches (LxWxT)

If you like to hunt with your dogs as much as they do and you would like to keep track of them, then you would love the Garmin Alpha 100 TT which is best suited for dog hunting. This product also comes with 1 trackable dog collar.

More info on the features:

1. Can track multiple dogs at once. You can track up to 20 dogs while hunting with a maximum radius of up to 9 miles. This specific order also comes with 1 trackable do collar to get you started.
2. Good size screen. This GPS tracker will also come with a 3-inch screen that will make it easier to keep track of your dogs and also your own position.
3. Comes with pre-loaded maps. This model also comes with TOPO U.S. 100K maps that will help to get you started as soon as possible.
4. Set virtual boundaries. This will enable you to set boundaries for your dogs where you will get a notification if breached so that you can recall your dog.
5. Measure your dog’s performance. You can measure each dog’s speed, direction and also the distance traveled by each one.
6. Can also recharge your battery. This device will come with a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that can also be recharged and will have a battery life of up to 20 hours.

This is a pretty good device to have if you love hunting with your dogs. The only problem relevant to this device is that the collars used are very expensive which is more than $200 each.

What we liked

• Can track up to 20 dogs.
• The screen is a decent size.
• Can measure your dog’s performance.
• The battery is rechargeable.
• Comes with 1 collar.

What we didn’t like

• The collars can turn out to be very expensive.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

#10 Garmin Montana 680t (Best for Taking Photos)

• Battery life: 16 hours
• Display: 4-Inch
• Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Item size: 5.7 x 2.9 x 1.4 inches (LxWxT)

If you liked the large screen size of the Garmin Montana 610 Camo but you would like to have one that can also take photos, then I would highly recommend the Garmin Montana 680t. This product can also be $100 more expensive than the Montana 610 Camo.

The features that are included:

1. It has a very large screen size. This device has a 4-inch screen size that will make it a breeze to use for navigation and tracking. This is also a touchscreen.
2. Can also take photos. This device also has an 8-megapixel digital camera that can be used to take photos where each photo will also have a tag that will represent the location as well.
3. Will also include pre-loaded maps. This device will also come with a topographic map that is also included. This will enable you to get started from the get-go. You can also upload your own maps as well.
4. Can easily set up your route. This device also makes it possible to setup waypoints which will give you a custom trial from which to follow. This handheld GPS will also locate your position very quickly.

This product is ideal for those that want a large screen that can also take photos. The only thing that I would have liked to add to this product is a compass.

What we liked

• Has a very large screen.
• Can take photos.
• Comes with pre-loaded maps.

What we didn’t like

• Does not have a built-in compass.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

Top 10 Handheld GPS Comparison

Product Name	Battery Life	Display	Price
1. Garmin Oregon 650 (Editor’s Choice)	16 hrs	3″	$$$
2. Garmin eTrex 10 (Least Expensive)	20 hrs	2.2″	$
3. Garmin eTrex 30	20 hrs	2.2″	$$
4. Garmin GPSMAP 64	16 hrs	2.6″	$$
5. Garmin GPSMAP 64SC	16 hrs	2.6″	$$$
6. Garmin Montana 610 Camo (Has Largest Screen)	16 hrs	4″	$$$
7. Garmin Rino 755t (Forecast Weather and Flashlight)	14-18 hrs	3″	$$$$
8. Garmin Inreach Explorer+ (Best For Emergencies)	75 hrs	2.3″	$$$
9. Garmin Alpha 100 TT (Best For Dog Tracking)	20-40 hrs	3″	$$$$$
10. Garmin Montana 680t (Best for Taking Photos)	16 hrs	4″	$$$$

Final Word

And there you have it, folks.

I have covered the 10 best GPS units for hunting that is also handheld.

I have covered specific features such as screen sizes, weather forecasting, Bluetooth sharing, the cost, taking photos etc.

If you still could not make up your mind, then I would highly recommend the Garmin Oregon 650 which was also my favorite.

This unit can take photos, has a larger screen, built-in compasses, is also rechargeable etc.

Please share your opinion below on what was your favorite unit and also feel free to share other units with us that are worth mentioning. Click here to learn more about electronics for hunting.