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BEST 4 BUDGET GPS FOR HIKING 2020
Find your path and never lose your way.
The best budget GPS systems that will get you there and back safe and sound.
GPS has become an essential bit of kit for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
The advanced GPS technology is the fastest and most efficient way to know where you are. You also have the information at hand, to know exactly where your'e heading.
There are many systems on the market and it can be daunting trying to choose the best GPS for your needs.
GPS come with a host of features and if you're new to hiking, you may not understand some of the technical terms.
See our GPS features and functions for information.
Many models are super expensive and come with all kinds of bells and buttons that you may never need. So we've sifted through hundreds of models to make your choice easier.
Here's our Best four budget GPS options based on 100's of real life hiker reviews and comments.
1. GARMIN eTREX 10 WORLDWIDE HANDHELD
The Garmin e TREX10 is one of the cheapest handheld GPS systems on the market.
Garmin have updated this model and it is proving still very popular and reliable.
They have redesigned the ergonomics, an easier-to-use interface and paperless geocaching.
It has a long battery life and a worldwide base map, which add up to some serious improvements for an already legendary GPS handheld. eTrex 10 is durable and sturdy.
Whatever the weather and terrain you're in, this tough cookie is built to cope.
The eTrex10 provides data on your location as a grid reference and sets you on the correct course to get through your journey.
Whatever the visability, the enhanced 2.2 inch monochrome display is clear and readable.
The uncomplicated interface lets you enjoy your hike without the need for constant searching for guidance.
The e Trex 10 is waterproof and tough and built to cope with whatever environment you take it through.
It has a clear and simple operating design which makes for easy use.
2. GARMIN eTREX 22X RUGGED HANDHELD
With preloaded road -routable TopoActive maps, the eTREX 22x supplies all the information you need wherever you find yourself.
Whether you're out in the wilds of nature or needing to find a shop or accommodation, the eTREX has you covered.
In fact, you'll find thousands of useful points of interest.
As with all the eTREX series, It uses not only GPS, but also the GLONASS satellite system which enables it to receive and track accurately in all difficult conditions more so than just GPS alone.
The eTREX 22x also supports paperless geocaching.
You can simply upload GPX files to your device. You'll receive and view all relevant det
3.GARMIN eTREX 32X OUTDOOR HANDHELD
This tough GPS handheld device is water rated to IPX71 and is shock and impact resistant. It will give you up to 25 hours in GPS mode using 2 AA batteries.
Keeping you safe in difficult terrain, you'll have the GPS and GLONASS satellite systems backing you up. It has a built in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter to help you keep your bearings.
The e TREX 32x has a 2.2 inch sunlight readable display and comes preloaded with TopoActive maps for all outdoor pursuits.
It also has a useful 8 GB of internal memory plus a micro SD card. On top of all of this, it supports paperless geocaching enabling you to download geocaches and data direct to your device.
4. GARMIN eTREX TOUCH 35
Whether you're a hill walker, hiker or into alpine adventures, this device has all that you'll need.
There's an altimeter for those climbing mountains and comes with preinstalled TopoActive Europe maps.
It supports paperless geocaching with a whacking 250,000 preloaded caches.
The e TREX TOUCH 35 has features covering so many activities. Your able to check on information such as hunting and fishing and much more.
For bikers, it has a cycle mount included.
A 2.6 inch colour touchscreen and a 3 axis- tilt compensated compass keeps you heading the right way. It can receive smart notifications direct to the device from your compatible smartphone.
BASE MAP
Base maps are made up from several individual maps layered one on top of another.
They are stored in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and each of the maps have a different geo-referenced data point. A map of a hiking route overlayed onto a mountain range will give you clarity as to the challenge facing you.
Several overlaying maps with differing perspectives give even more detail, helping you plan and keep on the right track.
A word of advice. Although GIS maps are great for route visualisation, there are some individual GIS maps that may be old and out of date.
As a back up, many hikers tend to take along with them an up to date topographical paper map.
TOPOACTIVE MAPS
Garmin provide preloaded TopoActive maps in their devices.
They give loads of information for your hike. They show roads, trails and waterways.
Shops and accommodation and much more.
It shows contour and elevation lines more or less at 100 ft intervals. It should be noted that the coverage of the TopoActive map varies based on where the device is purchased.
GRID REFERENCE
The grid on the map uses coordinates to fix a position.
There is a vertical and a horizontal line.
The more digits, the more precise the location.
Using the example below, your position is 1181.
The horizontal line on the grid square is the first two digits of the coordinates. (11) The vertical line shows the third and fourth digits.(81)
GLONASS GLObal NAvigation System
Satellite System (GLONASS) is a Russian made space based system which provides an alternative to GPS. See Wikipedia
There are several GPS devices that have both GPS and GLONASS built in, giving you extra positioning data when out hiking.
PAPERLESS GEOCACHING
Geocaching has become a worldwide fun game using GPS to track down 'treasure' left hidden by other enthusiasts.
A cache is often a small object tucked away out of sight on a trail and other players hunt and find using GPS tracking.
A log book is often placed by the item for the finder to sign and record their success. Paperless geocaching using GPS devices is environment friendly (no paper needed)!
The information comes onto the device electronically rather than a paper printout.
GPX FILES
The files loaded into the GPS device offer very useful data on your journey.
You can design a hike route or any other journey and place the lay out on top of a map to follow on screen.
MICRO SD CARD
A memory card that can be inserted into your device to increase memory space.
WATER RATED IPX71
Simply the amount of water exposure that the device can withstand.
The eTREX 32X OUTDOOR HANDHELD is water rated IPX7.
This code tells us that the device can withstand exposure to water of a depth of up to one metre for 30 minutes.
3 AXIS-TILT COMPENSATED COMPASS
This compass uses two sensors and by measuring the Earths magnetic field, is able to direct the heading angle. A digital compass giving up to 1° to 2° heading accuracy.
