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Hiking GPS devices are a relatively new addition to the world of GPS and it can be difficult to know what they are all about. As an avid hiker and a technology geek I hope I can shed some light that will get you on your way. With so many different models offering an overwhelming number of features (for instance Garmin boasts over 40 different models) it is almost certainly difficult to find the hiking GPS that is perfect for you.

The first and most important point for any hiker is that a GPS receiver is not a substitute for a quality trail map. As with any technology that relies on electricity you can run out of charge, the unit can simply break during use, or you may not be able to pick up an accurate satellite signal. It is important to always have a good trail map while on the trail, a hiking GPS should be used as a supplement.

One of the biggest differences between GPS for cars and hiking GPS receivers that you may not be familiar with is the use of waypoints. This nearly universal feature gives you the ability to navigate to different points along a route of your choosing. Navigational information is displayed by showing you your bearing: direction from the current waypoint to the next, and heading: direction in which you are travelling. This is show in in both degrees and distance to a waypoint. When trekking, GPS lets you easily mark coordinates of your current location by pressing a key or two. This gives the user the ability to mark your starting location and subsequent points along the route so you can find your way back after the hike. The other common way to take advantage of waypoints is to follow a preset route that come standard on many hiking GPS receivers. Many of my favorite and other outstanding trails have already been mapped and all you need to enjoy that beauty for yourself is a handy hiking GPS!

A question that many users new to GPS is how accurate they are, after all you definitely don’t want to find yourself lost in a remote area. Due to many different factors discussed here, there will always be some room for error when determining your location, speed and altitude when using your hiking GPS. I’ve found that my GPS while on a hike is usually accurate within 60 feet, but can sometimes vary as much as a few hundred. Pretty awesome when you consider that you are receiving signals bounced back from space tens of thousands of miles away!

When shopping for a hiking GPS there are a few must have features that I will touch upon to get you going. As always, take your time to identify your needs and requirements, do thorough research into the different makes and models, and be patient.

• Durability – Your hiking GPS will take a beating while out on the trail. Look for a device that will stand up to the elements (including rain!) and have a decent lifetime.
• Battery – You’ll want optimal battery life from your unit. No sense in bringing with you on a trek if you can’t use it to find your way back.
• Screen – A good screen can go a long way to see where you are relative to waypoints. In general, a nice map screen can make a load of difference in the ease of use.
• Maps – Depending on your requirements you will want to look for certain mapping features as there is a large variance in what a hiking GPS can offer. I find a basic set of common maps to be a useful feature.
• Route and Waypoint Capability – Although many new receivers are coming standard with this, be sure your hiking GPS can support at least 20 routes and over 500 waypoints.
• Accuracy – Last but not least, a great feature to have is a 12 channel parallel receiver. This is needed for optimal reception when you are in difficult terrain or dense foliage.