The best handheld GPS device for geocaching is a hotly debated topic among geocachers. They look to find the most accurate, reliable, and easy-to-use handheld GPS devices in order to locate caches as quickly and efficiently as possible.
A handheld GPS device is the best way to locate caches without any additional assistance. Geocachers agree that having a reliable geocaching device and good knowledge of your surroundings isn’t enough when you’re in an unfamiliar environment with steep terrain, dense forests, or thick brush.
A handheld GPS device can be relied on to provide accurate coordinates of all cache locations and direct you straight there from wherever you are on the map. Not only does it tell you exactly where a cache is located by latitude/longitude coordinates, but some also let users know if they are within close proximity (within 100 feet) based on distance markers like bearings and magnetic degrees.
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What Are The Best Handheld GPS Devices for Geocaching?
To help you decide which one is right for you, we compiled this list of the 5 best handheld GPS devices for geocaching based on their popularity, accuracy, and ease of use.
Garmin eTrex 30x Handheld Navigator
Garmin eTrex 30x is one of the most versatile GPS units on the market. Not only does it have a built-in 3 axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter, but also lets you load City Navigator NT, HuntView, BlueChart g2, and TOPO 24K maps using the internal memory or external microSD card slot.
You can use this to track changes in pressure over time in order to pinpoint your altitude precisely while you watch birds with the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery feature or plot barometric pressure overlaid on terrain contours via TOPO zoom levels 10-3 for all of North America’s topographical details.
The eTrex 30x is a handheld navigator with a 2.2” 65,000 color sunlight-readable display making it easier to see during the day and at night. You can view maps in detail with the 240×320 pixel resolution, save photos like you save data on your computer’s hard drive, and create waypoints by connecting to zip codes nearby or just inputting coordinates from Google Maps.
Garmin Oregon 700
The Oregon 700 is a rugged outdoor GPS from Garmin. It features touchscreen sensitivity, 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, and barometric altimeter sensors.
The device includes large maps so you don’t have to worry about not having enough room for desired destinations with the built-in 16GB memory unit. View elevation profiles, track progress, or mark important points on your route – all in real-time using this cutting-edge gadget from Garmin’s world-class electronics experts!
The Oregon 700 also has water resistance up to IPx7 standards for those rainy days where it just won’t stay dry… which should make it waterproof when used correctly as well.
It might sound great to take these gadgets out into nature (and Greenland hasn’t got any other people in it so you won’t be bothering anyone) but there are some downsides to this. The first is that the battery life isn’t as great and may need recharging every few hours depending on how often you’re using the device, which can become a bit of an annoyance if your trip has already been planned for weeks in advance. The other downside to these devices is they aren’t cheap – always look out for deals when purchasing one of these!
Garmin inReach Mini GPS Satellite Communicator
The Garmin inReach Mini GPS Satellite Communicator is small, rugged, and lightweight. It enables 2-way text messaging using the 100% global Iridium network (satellite subscription required). When you trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center users will be instructed on what actions they need to take for their situation and where rescuers are headed.
The Garmin Earthmate app can also track a user’s location on downloaded maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery, and more. Lastly, optional map updates can provide detailed weather updates directly to your device with detailed updates available at either basic or premium levels of service from Garmin.
The inReach Mini is ideal for adventures into the wild, or anywhere you need to keep in touch with loved ones. Stay connected from virtually any location and get real-time weather and activity updates. Resistant to water (IPX7) and dust, users won’t have to worry about charging breaks. The USB power cable extends battery life up to 50 hours of tracking.
Garmin GPSMAP 64st
The all-new and exclusively built-for outdoor enthusiasts Garmin GPSMAP 64st is perfect for the guitarist, backpacker, hiker, or angler. The 2.6″ color display is sunlight readable with an enlarged interface and dual battery system making it a handy companion to any trip outdoors.
The 16-hour battery life can be extended with two traditional AA batteries (best of Polaroid) or by using the rechargeable NiMH battery pack that you can charge while inside the device.
The IPX7 water rating makes the all-new GPSMAP 64st even more rugged when adventuring in wet environments where other devices might not farewell! For serious hikers who need to have every trail detail at their fingertips – this is your new best friend.
Garmin’s GPSMAP 64st is the ultimate outdoor navigation and fitness device that provides you with Smart Notifications, an optional ANT+ sensor, such as a heart rate monitor or speed/cadence, live tracking capabilities, 3 axis compass with barometric altimeter, and more! You can experience travel without limits when you wirelessly upload data to Garmin Connect, record your travels while on the go and share them in real-time.
Garmin eTrex 10
The rugged Garmin eTrex 10’s 2.2 inch display provides you with a highly visible, easy-to-read, intuitive interface for better navigation. All this, and it will fit in your pocket!
This handheld navigator packs a surprising punch into its small design: WAAS enabled GPS receivers with HotFix and GLONASS support are built in to give fast positioning and reliable signal, waterproof protection of IPX7 standards to keep you out on the trail as long as you want without worry, power-efficient Lithium-ion battery so that up to 20 hours of use on two AA batteries is possible (recommended Atlanta AA batteries), high/low elevation points or store waypoints along the track.
The Garmin eTrex 10 is the perfect hiking companion. Utilizing WAAS and GLONASS satellites, the eTrex Locates your precise location quickly and precisely – even in heavy cover and deep canyons. With 100K topographic maps on a microSD card (sold separately), you have all the map detail you will need for day hikes or extended treks into uncharted territory. If you’re looking for an efficient way of organizing your waypoints while tackling new trails, Geocaching is where it’s at; simply drop a cache from anywhere in the world onto your device to find it later.
Overall, this device is a great navigator. This satellite-capable GPS device is easy to use, durable and waterproof.
Hey,
Thanks For Helping.
I had been confused about which Geocaching GPS is best for me! I have been already purchased Garmin eTrex 30x Handheld Navigator GPS for your blog.
Garmin eTrex 30x Handheld Navigator is the best GPS.
Thanks For Helping!
Thank you
Rod Thomson
I received a Garmin eTrex Venture GPS as a gift. I used it about 5 times, and then it failed to turn on. No fixes available. It was a total waste. That’s why when I saw Garmin eTrex 30x on your list, I got skeptical! But after reading the user reviews, I decided to give it a chance. And it was a good decision. Excellent battery performance, pretty easy to upload/download/transfer tracks, but the joystick button is sometimes a little bit unresponsive.