The Best Garmin Handheld GPS of 2025

Hunting takes you to the heart of the untamed wilderness, where precision, patience, and preparation are key to success. In such vast, unpredictable terrains, a reliable Garmin handheld GPS becomes more than a device—it’s your ultimate hunting companion. Whether navigating dense forests, tracking game in rugged mountains, or exploring remote areas, the right GPS ensures you stay on course and return safely.

In this guide, we’ve curated seven of the 7 best Garmin handheld GPS devices designed specifically for hunters. Each offers unique features, from advanced navigation and detailed mapping to two-way communication and tough durability. Let’s explore how these devices can enhance your next hunting adventure, keeping you focused on the thrill of the hunt without worrying about getting lost.

The 7 Best Garmin Handheld GPS for Hunting (Review)

• Garmin GPSMAP 66i – Best for Navigation and SOS
• Garmin eTrex 32x – Best Budget-Friendly Option
• Garmin Montana 700i – Best for Versatility
• Garmin Foretrex 701 – Best for Hands-Free Use
• Garmin Rino 755t – Best for Group Hunting
• Magellan eXplorist 710 – Best for Multimedia Features
• Garmin Oregon 750t – Best for All-Terrain Use

1. Garmin GPSMAP 66i Handheld GPS

The Garmin GPSMAP 66i is a tough and high-performance handheld GPS designed for hunters who require advanced navigation and safety features. It features two-way communication via satellite, thanks to the integrated inReach technology. This makes it ideal for venturing into remote areas where cell service is unreliable or nonexistent.

The GPSMAP 66i has a large 3-inch color display that is easy to read, even under direct sunlight, and supports multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) for accurate location tracking in challenging environments. It also includes preloaded topographic maps and aerial imagery. Moreover, the device offers a robust battery life of up to 35 hours in tracking mode and 200 hours in expedition mode. You’ll also appreciate the weather forecast feature.

2. Garmin eTrex 32x Budget Handheld GPS

The Garmin eTrex 32x is perfect for hunters who want a reliable GPS without breaking the bank. With a compact and user-friendly design, it features a 2.2-inch color display and a preloaded worldwide basemap. The eTrex 32x works well in navigation with its GPS and GLONASS support, ensuring accurate tracking even in dense woods or canyons. Its battery life is impressive, offering up to 25 hours with two AA batteries.

You’ll appreciate its affordability without compromising on essential features. It also supports custom maps and microSD cards for additional storage, making it highly versatile for various hunting scenarios. The lightweight design ensures easy portability, allowing you to focus on your hunt rather than your gear.

3. Garmin Montana 700i Handheld Hunting GPS

The Garmin Montana 700i is an advanced GPS navigation and communication tool for hunters who prioritize versatility. Its large 5-inch touchscreen display is glove-friendly and supports both landscape and portrait modes. The device uses multi-GNSS for superior tracking and includes preloaded topographic maps with optional public land boundaries, which is a bonus for hunters scouting new areas.

With built-in inReach technology, the Montana 700i allows two-way satellite communication and SOS. The sturdy design meets MIL-STD 810 standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance. My only small gripe is that it’s easy to accidentally touch the screen and open a page you didn’t intend to, but it’s also easy to fix.

4. Garmin Foretrex 701 Hands-Free GPS

The Garmin Foretrex 701 Ballistic Edition is a tough wrist-mounted GPS navigator designed for hunters. Built to military standards (MIL-STD-810G), it performs in extreme conditions with resistance to thermal, shock, and vibration. This device integrates Applied Ballistics Elite software, making it ideal for long-range shooting.

GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems ensure reliable navigation even in remote areas. Its built-in 3-axis accelerometer, compass, and barometric altimeter help users maintain direction, even when stationary. These features are beneficial for navigating dense forests and uneven terrain for hunting.

The device offers excellent battery life, running over 48 hours in navigation mode and up to a week in UltraTrac mode, perfect for extended trips. Hunters can also receive smart notifications, such as texts and emails, directly on their wrist. With automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, users can effortlessly track their activities. 

5. Garmin Rino 755t 2-Way Radio/GPS Navigator

Garmin Rino 755t combines a powerful 2-way radio and GPS navigator into a single tough device, making it a perfect companion for outdoor activities like hunting and hiking. With its 5-watt GMRS two-way radio, the Rino 755t provides an impressive range of up to 20 miles. This is especially useful for staying in contact with your group while navigating challenging terrain.

Its position reporting capability lets you share your exact location with other Rino users. Its 3-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen with dual orientation allows for easy map viewing in any lighting conditions.

The Rino 755t adds value with preloaded TOPO U.S. 100K maps, an 8-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, and dual battery options. It offers up to 14 hours of runtime on a rechargeable lithium-ion pack or up to 18 hours with AA batteries.

6. Magellan eXplorist 710 Hunting Hand GPS

Magellan eXplorist 710 handheld GPS combines advanced functionality with multimedia features, making it an ideal choice for outdoor fanatics who want versatility and convenience. This waterproof handheld GPS seamlessly blends outdoor and vehicle navigation, offering City Series USA Turn-By-Turn Navigation for road trips and Summit Series USA Topographic Mapping (1:24k resolution) for off-road adventures.

User-programmable buttons complemented its 3-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen for quick access to essential functions. For navigation accuracy, the device has a 3-axis electronic compass and barometric altimeter. With a 3.2-megapixel camera featuring autofocus, the eXplorist 710 allows you to document your journey and geotag your photos.

The device offers 15 hours of battery life using two AA batteries and supports expandable memory through a Micro SD card. With 3.5GB of internal storage, you’ll have plenty of space for maps and data.

7. Garmin Oregon 750t Touch GPS with GLONASS

The Garmin Oregon 750t is a top-tier GPS device designed for hunters seeking precision, connectivity, and versatility. Preloaded with U.S. 100K Topographic Maps and a Bird’s-eye Satellite Imagery subscription, this device ensures reliable navigation in diverse terrains. The bright 3-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen offers crisp visuals.

With a redesigned antenna, the Oregon 750t delivers enhanced GPS and GLONASS satellite reception. It also features a built-in 8-megapixel autofocus camera. This will allow you to document your journey and geotag your favorite spots.

You’ll appreciate its expanded wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ANT+ support enable seamless sharing of data, automatic geocache downloads, and live tracking. Smart notifications keep you connected to calls and messages. Active weather features, like animated weather overlays, help you plan your outings.

Conclusion

Choosing the right handheld GPS for hunting can make a significant difference in your outdoor experience. When selecting a model, consider battery life, durability, satellite reception, and any additional tools you may need, like cameras or two-way radios. The Garmin Oregon 750t or Foretrex 701 offer groundbreaking technology for detailed navigation. For those prioritizing communication, the Garmin Rino 755t offers two-way radio and GPS functionality.

Each of the GPS units reviewed offers something unique, serving different hunting styles and preferences. Whether navigating backcountry terrain, geocaching, or planning your next big hunt, buying a reliable handheld GPS from our ranking ensures confidence and safety in the wild. Happy Hunting!

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