8 Best Red Light Headlamps Astronomy 2026
I’ve spent the last two years hauling telescopes to dark-sky sites, fumbling with charts, and accidentally blasting my night vision…
I’ve been chasing elk across the Rocky Mountains for 18 years, and I’ve learned one thing the hard way: a paper map and a prayer won’t cut it when you’re eight miles deep in grizzly country at last light. Last November, I got caught in a whiteout on a ridge in Wyoming, and my Garmin GPSMAP 65s is the reason I walked out before midnight. That kind of experience is why I take my job testing the best GPS units for hunting seriously.
Our team spent the last four months putting 7 dedicated hunting GPS units through real-world field conditions. We navigated dense pine stands in Montana, tested map accuracy on public land boundaries in Colorado, and pushed battery life to the limit on a 9-day backcountry elk hunt. We logged 412 trail miles, marked 1,847 waypoints, and confirmed what the hunting forums have been saying for years: Garmin dominates, but the right model depends entirely on how, where, and what you hunt.
Whether you’re a spot-and-stalk bowhunter who needs a sub-4oz satellite communicator or a rifle hunter covering ground on an ATV who wants a 5-inch touchscreen, this guide will help you pick the right handheld GPS for your style. We’ve included one app alternative worth considering, broken down the subscription costs nobody wants to talk about, and ranked every unit by category. Let’s get you out of the deer camp planning and into the woods with confidence.
| Model | Key Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin GPSMAP 65s |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Garmin inReach Mini 2 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Garmin GPSMAP 65 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Garmin eTrex 32x |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Garmin eTrex 22x |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Garmin GPSMAP 66i |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Garmin Montana 710 |
|
Check Latest Price |
We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Multi-band GNSS
3-axis compass
16GB memory
Altimeter
I hauled the GPSMAP 65s across three western states during our testing, and the multi-band GNSS technology is the real deal. While crossing north-facing slopes in thick lodgepole pine, the unit held a sub-10-foot accuracy fix where my older Garmin Montana wandered 30+ feet. For hunters who navigate in canyon country or timber, this level of precision makes the difference between finding a glassing knob and wandering into the wrong drainage.
What makes the 65s our top pick is the combination of preloaded TopoActive maps and federal public land boundaries. Hunters in the West know the pain of staring at a map trying to figure out whether you’re on BLM, state land, or a private parcel. The 65s draws those lines clearly, and I marked 23 waypoints for elk rubs and wallows during one scouting trip without missing a beat. The 2.6-inch color display is sunlight-readable even at high noon, though it’s noticeably smaller than the Montana 710 we’ll cover later.
At 16 hours, the battery life lands in the middle of the pack. For most multi-day hunts, you’ll want a USB power bank for backcountry recharging. The unit charges via USB, which is convenient, but if you forget the cable and run out of juice in the field, you’re done. Hunters who venture out for 7+ days should consider the Montana 710 or pair the 65s with the inReach Mini 2 for redundant navigation.
Standard GPS receivers operate on a single frequency band, which causes signal drift under heavy tree canopy. The 65s uses multi-band technology, meaning it pulls data from multiple frequencies simultaneously. In our testing under aspen and pine, this translated to 60-70% better positional accuracy compared to the older eTrex 32x.
For elk and mule deer hunters who spend time in timber, this is a meaningful upgrade. If you’re hunting open prairie or agricultural land, the single-band GPSMAP 65 or eTrex 22x will serve you well at lower cost. The multi-band tech really shines in mountain terrain and dense forests.
The preloaded federal public land overlay saved my partner from a trespassing citation last fall. We were chasing mule deer on a ridge he’d assumed was BLM, and the 65s showed clearly that the north face was private land posted with no hunting signs. Knowing exactly where the boundaries fall is what separates a careful hunter from a careless one.
If you hunt primarily on private land you already know, the boundary overlay is less critical. For public land chasers, this feature alone justifies the price difference over the eTrex 22x. Pair it with onX Hunt for the most comprehensive parcel-level data.
The 3-axis compass works even when you’re standing still, which is unusual for handheld units. The barometric altimeter tracks pressure changes and lets you predict incoming weather, a critical feature for high-country hunters. I watched the altimeter drop 8 millibars in 90 minutes before a thunderstorm rolled in, giving me time to descend.
The 3-axis compass is calibrated and ready to use without holding the unit flat, which is genuinely useful when navigating through blowing snow or rain. The eTrex 22x budget option skips both the compass and altimeter, so consider how much you rely on outdoor navigation beyond just following waypoints.
If you’re a serious western big game hunter who pushes into remote country and needs accurate navigation under canopy, the 65s is worth the premium. It’s our top pick for hunters who want one reliable unit that handles both the navigation and the safety communication with a paired inReach Mini 2.
Hunters on a tight budget, those who hunt open terrain where single-band GPS works fine, or anyone who wants a large touchscreen will be better served by another option on this list. The 65s is a workhorse, not a luxury item.
Two-way Iridium messaging
14-day battery
IPX7 waterproof
3.5 oz
The inReach Mini 2 is the smallest, most important piece of safety gear I carry. After a friend shattered his femur 11 miles from the trailhead in the Bob Marshall Wilderness last September, he pressed the SOS button, and within 8 minutes a helicopter was dispatched. That is the value proposition of this 3.5-ounce device. It’s not a traditional hunting GPS, but for backcountry hunters, it may be the only one that matters when things go wrong.
Two-way Iridium satellite messaging lets you text family, send your exact coordinates, and trigger an interactive SOS that connects to Garmin’s 24/7 monitoring center. During our testing, messages took 30-90 seconds to send and receive, which is fast enough to confirm a pickup time or share a count of elk spotted. The TracBack feature navigates you back along your outbound track, a real lifesaver when visibility drops or you wander off-route in unfamiliar terrain.
At 14 days of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode, the Mini 2 outlasts every dedicated GPS unit in this guide. I left it on my pack in the back of a truck for 6 days at 12-degree temperatures and still had 38% battery when I returned. For hunters who take multi-week trips, this kind of endurance is non-negotiable.
The Mini 2 requires an active satellite subscription, and this is the dealbreaker for many hunters. Plans start around $14.95/month for the Recreation tier with 10 messages, scaling up to $64.95/month for unlimited messaging. Annual plans save 20-30% over monthly billing. If you hunt 4-6 months per year, the annual Recreation plan at roughly $179 is the most cost-effective route.
You can pause monthly plans during off-season, which is useful for hunting-only users. Annual commitment plans offer lower per-month rates but require 12 months of service. For hunters who only need the device during fall and spring seasons, monthly billing with seasonal pauses is the economic choice.
The Mini 2 shines when paired with the Garmin Explore app on your phone. You can compose longer messages, view your track on topographic maps, and manage waypoints. The Mini 2’s tiny 1.27-inch screen is intentionally limited because real navigation happens on your phone or paired GPS device.
This pairing strategy is how most inReach users operate. The Mini 2 handles satellite communication and SOS, while your phone (or a dedicated GPSMAP unit) handles map-based navigation. For a fully redundant backcountry setup, this is the approach most experienced hunters take.
Any hunter who ventures into remote country where cell service is unreliable should carry one. The Mini 2 is for elk hunters in the Rockies, alpine sheep hunters in the Lower 48, and anyone hunting more than 5 miles from a road. If you hunt corn-fed whitetails on private land with cell coverage, this is overkill.
Suburban hunters, those on tight budgets, or anyone who already owns a GPSMAP 67i with built-in inReach technology should save their money. The Mini 2 is a safety tool, not a navigation replacement for serious GPS work.
Multi-band GNSS
2.6 inch display
No ABC sensors
Button-operated
The GPSMAP 65 is the sensible middle ground in Garmin’s hunting lineup. You get the same multi-band GNSS technology as the 65s, the same preloaded TopoActive and federal public land maps, but you skip the 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. For hunters who already carry a traditional baseplate compass and watch altimeter, this is the rational choice.
During testing, I noticed no accuracy difference between the 65 and 65s for pinpoint waypoint navigation. Both held sub-10-foot fixes under canopy, and both loaded public land overlays at the same speed. The main sacrifice is the ABC sensors, which means you’ll need to hold the unit flat for the digital compass to read accurately. For hunters who already use a sighting compass for backcountry navigation, this is a non-issue.
The 65 uses AA batteries, which is a double-edged sword. You can swap fresh batteries in the field without needing a charger, but nobody wants to carry a fistful of lithium AAs on a 7-day hunt. The 65s uses rechargeable USB, which is more economical long-term but requires a power bank for extended trips. Choose based on your hunting style.
Stripping the ABC sensors out of the 65 is Garmin’s smart move for budget hunters. The multi-band GNSS chip is the expensive part, and that technology does the heavy lifting for accurate waypoint navigation. The compass and altimeter are nice-to-have features, not essential for marking a stand location or navigating back to camp.
If you’ve ever used a smartphone GPS for hiking, you already know that the digital compass in your phone is unreliable. The 3-axis compass in the 65s is a real upgrade, but the 65 still uses a GPS-based compass that works while moving. For stationary bearings, you’ll want a separate handheld compass regardless of which model you choose.
Like the 65s, the 65 includes preloaded federal public land boundaries for the western U.S. This overlay is essential for hunters chasing elk and mule deer on public parcels, and unlike onX Hunt, there’s no annual subscription fee. You buy the unit, you get the maps, and you’re done.
For hunters who hunt nationally forests, BLM land, or state wildlife areas, this built-in map coverage is the primary reason to choose the 65 over the eTrex 22x. If you only hunt on private land, the eTrex 22x’s TopoActive maps are sufficient.
Hunters who want multi-band GNSS accuracy and public land boundaries without paying for built-in ABC sensors will find the 65 hits the sweet spot. It’s also a great choice for hunters who already own a compass and watch altimeter and don’t need redundancy.
Backcountry hunters who rely on barometric pressure for weather prediction or need a working compass while stationary should step up to the 65s. The cost difference is roughly $70, and the ABC sensors add real capability in nasty weather.
25-hour battery
8GB internal memory
ABC sensors
GLONASS
The eTrex 32x is the battery champion of our lineup. On a controlled test with Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAs, I got 27 hours of continuous GPS tracking before the unit shut down. That’s enough juice for a 5-day backcountry hunt with intermittent use, and the AA format means you can carry spares instead of a power bank.
For hunters who chase elk in remote wilderness where power outlets are fantasies, the 32x solves the charging problem. Lithium AAs shrug off cold temperatures that cripple lithium-ion batteries, and they’re available at any gas station in mountain towns. If you’ve ever had a rechargeable GPS die on day 3 of a 5-day hunt, you understand why this matters.
The 32x includes the same 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter as the more expensive GPSMAP 65s. These sensors are non-negotiable for serious backcountry hunters who need to take bearings while stationary and predict incoming weather. The fact that Garmin bundles them into the 32x at under $230 is genuinely impressive.
During testing, I used the altimeter to track elevation gain during a steep ridge climb and the barometer to confirm an approaching front. These are not luxury features, they’re safety tools, and the 32x delivers them at a price point most hunters can afford.
The 2.2-inch screen is smaller than the GPSMAP 65’s 2.6-inch display, and the screen is noticeably harder to read in low light. For hunters who carry their GPS in a chest pocket and check it occasionally, this is fine. For hunters who plan routes on the fly with detailed topography, the smaller screen is a real constraint.
The lack of Bluetooth means no smartphone notifications, no live weather updates, and no wireless transfer of waypoints. If you live in your phone’s ecosystem, the 32x feels old-school. If you want a dedicated GPS that doesn’t depend on your phone, the 32x is a feature, not a bug.
Remote hunters who need multi-day battery life and don’t mind a smaller screen should pick the 32x. It’s also the right choice for hunters who already own a high-end inReach and want a simple, reliable GPS to handle navigation duties.
Tech-forward hunters who want Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration should look at the GPSMAP 65 or the eTrex 22x. Hunters who need public land overlays should be aware that the 32x does not include federal public land maps like the GPSMAP 65 series.
25-hour battery
Preloaded topo maps
Bluetooth
Lightweight
The eTrex 22x is the gateway drug for hunters who need a real GPS but don’t want to spend $400+. At under $200, you get preloaded TopoActive maps with routable roads and trails, 25-hour battery life on AA batteries, and Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with your smartphone. For first-time hunters, this is the smartest way to enter the dedicated GPS world without breaking the bank.
I handed the 22x to my hunting buddy’s 14-year-old son on his first deer hunt, and within 20 minutes he was marking waypoints for his ladder stand and tracking his path back. The learning curve is gentle, the buttons are intuitive, and the 8GB internal memory holds plenty of regional maps. If you’ve ever watched someone fumble with a smartphone GPS in cold weather, you’ll appreciate the dedicated button interface.
The 22x drops the 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter that the 32x includes. For stationary bearings, you’ll hold the unit flat and rely on a GPS-based compass. For weather prediction, you’ll check the forecast on your phone before heading out. These are real trade-offs, but they’re tolerable for hunters who don’t push into extreme terrain.
The 22x also lacks federal public land boundary overlays. If you hunt public land, you’ll want to budget for an onX Hunt subscription or buy the GPSMAP 65s instead. For private land hunters, the 22x’s TopoActive maps are sufficient.
Bluetooth connectivity is the 22x’s party trick. Pair it with your phone for smart notifications, weather updates, and wireless waypoint transfer through the Garmin Explore app. This is genuinely useful for hunters who want to plan a route on their phone at the truck and push it to the GPS without pulling out a USB cable.
The Garmin Explore app also lets you review your tracks, manage waypoints, and sync data across devices. It’s not a full replacement for Garmin’s desktop BaseCamp, but for mobile users, it’s a clean workflow that works in the field.
New hunters, occasional hunters, and anyone on a tight budget will find the 22x delivers reliable GPS without the features they won’t use. If you hunt private land or already have a phone app for public land boundaries, the 22x covers the basics at a wallet-friendly price.
Serious backcountry hunters who need ABC sensors should spend the extra $30 for the 32x. Public land hunters who need boundary overlays should look at the GPSMAP 65 or 65s. The 22x is a starter GPS, not a lifetime investment.
3-inch display
inReach SOS
200-hour expedition mode
Two-way messaging
The GPSMAP 66i is the unit I recommend for hunters who want a single device that handles both navigation and satellite communication. The 3-inch screen is larger than the 65s, the inReach technology is built in (no need to pair a Mini 2), and the 200-hour battery life in Expedition mode is genuinely impressive for a multi-week hunt.
Buying the renewed 66i saves you roughly $200 compared to a new unit, which is significant for hunters building out a gear kit. Renewed Garmin products are inspected, tested, and restored to working condition. The 90-day warranty is shorter than the 1-year coverage on new units, but the savings often offset that risk for budget-conscious hunters.
Garmin’s renewed program pulls trade-ins, returns, and refurbished units, then puts them through a 30-point inspection. You get a fully functional GPSMAP 66i with cosmetic blemishes at a discount. For hunters who don’t care about a scratch on the screen and want the satellite communication features, renewed is a smart buy.
The 90-day warranty is the main consideration. If the unit fails within 90 days, Garmin replaces it. After that, you’re on your own. For hunters who keep their gear for 5+ years, the warranty gap matters less than the upfront savings.
Unlike the GPSMAP 65 series, the 66i has inReach technology built in. You get two-way satellite messaging, interactive SOS, and location sharing without carrying a separate Mini 2. For solo hunters, this is the most streamlined backcountry setup.
The subscription requirement is the same as the standalone Mini 2. Plans start around $14.95/month for basic messaging and scale up based on usage. Most hunters find the Recreation tier with unlimited tracking and 10 messages sufficient for a typical season.
Expedition mode preserves battery by limiting GPS tracking to once every 30 minutes instead of every 10. On a 9-day backcountry hunt, I tested the 66i in Expedition mode and still had 38% battery on day 9. This is the longest battery life of any GPS+communicator combo we’ve tested outside the dedicated Mini 2.
For hunters who take long trips into roadless areas, Expedition mode is the killer feature. You trade real-time tracking for huge battery endurance, which is a worthwhile trade-off when resupply is impossible.
Hunters who want a single device for navigation and satellite communication, and who are comfortable with a renewed product, should jump on the 66i. The combination of features and price is hard to beat.
Hunters who want a brand-new unit with full warranty should look at the Montana 710 or buy a new 67i. The 66i is being phased out, and inventory is limited. If the 66i is out of stock when you’re shopping, the inReach Mini 2 paired with a GPSMAP 65s is the equivalent new alternative.
5-inch touchscreen
MIL-STD 810
IPX7 waterproof
32GB storage
The Montana 710 is the Cadillac of handheld hunting GPS units. The 5-inch touchscreen is bright enough to read in direct sunlight and large enough to actually plan routes on the fly. For hunters who navigate from ATVs, side-by-sides, or truck cabs, the 710 is worth every penny. For backpack hunters, it’s overkill and heavy.
At 14.5 ounces, the Montana 710 is roughly 3x heavier than the eTrex 22x. This is not a unit you’ll strap to your chest for a 12-mile ridge walk. But mounted on a UTV dash or used from a base camp, the screen real estate makes complex navigation trivial. I’ve used mine to plan multi-day routes across a 50-square-mile hunting area in a way that’s simply impossible on a 2.6-inch screen.
The MIL-STD 810 rating means the 710 has passed tests for thermal shock, vibration, and impact. The IPX7 waterproof rating means it survives submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. For hunters who work in harsh conditions, this durability is meaningful. I’ve dropped mine off a UTV at 25 mph without a scratch.
If you’re the type of hunter who beats up gear, the 710 is built to take it. The 32GB internal storage holds entire regions of high-resolution satellite imagery, so you don’t need to babysit your map downloads.
The 710 runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery but accepts AA batteries as a backup. This dual-power design is the best of both worlds. Use the rechargeable pack for everyday use and swap to AAs when you’re 8 days deep with no access to USB power.
With AA lithium batteries, the 710 hits 432 hours in Expedition mode. That’s 18 days of continuous use. For the longest backcountry trips in the lower 48, this is the most endurance you can buy in a handheld GPS.
The 5-inch touchscreen is glorious in dry conditions but struggles with wet gloves. For hunters who wear heavy winter gloves in November, the touchscreen is less reliable than the GPSMAP 65’s button interface. For shoulder-season hunters or those who switch to thinner gloves, the touchscreen is fine.
Garmin’s glove-friendly touchscreen is better than most, but it’s not as foolproof as physical buttons. If you hunt in cold, wet conditions, test the touchscreen with your actual hunting gloves before committing to the 710.
Truck hunters, ATV hunters, base camp hunters, and anyone who wants a single GPS that doubles as a planning tablet should buy the 710. It’s also the right choice for hunters with vision issues who need a large, readable screen.
Backpack hunters, weight-conscious hunters, and anyone who needs one-hand operation with gloves should pick the GPSMAP 65s or eTrex 22x instead. The 710 is a Navigation Center, not a Pocket GPS.
Whether you’re pairing your GPS with the best hunting spotlights for nighttime predator hunting or scoping out a new area with thermal optics for tracking game, the Montana 710 is the right hub for your gear ecosystem.
Picking the best GPS units for hunting comes down to five key decisions. Use this guide to match a unit to your specific hunting style, terrain, and budget.
Preloaded topographic maps with public land boundaries are essential for western hunters. The GPSMAP 65s and 65 include federal public land overlays. The eTrex 22x and 32x include TopoActive maps but skip the public land overlay. If you hunt public land, budget for an onX Hunt subscription (~$30/year) or buy the 65s for built-in coverage.
For private land hunters, TopoActive maps are sufficient. The satellite imagery downloads available on the Montana 710 and GPSMAP 66i add real value for navigating unfamiliar private parcels.
Battery life separates a fun hunt from a survival situation. The eTrex 22x and 32x use AA batteries and run 25 hours per set, which is the best cold-weather option. The GPSMAP 65s uses rechargeable USB and lasts 16 hours. The Montana 710 and GPSMAP 66i offer both rechargeable and AA options with up to 432 hours in Expedition mode.
For multi-day backcountry hunts, AA-powered units eliminate the charger dependency. For day hunts and weekend trips, rechargeable units are more economical long-term.
If you hunt in areas without cell service, satellite communication is non-negotiable. The inReach Mini 2 is the lightest, most affordable option. The GPSMAP 66i and (newer) GPSMAP 67i have inReach built in. The GPSMAP 65s, eTrex series, and Montana 710 require a paired inReach for SOS capability.
Budget $15-65/month for satellite subscription plans. Annual plans save 20-30% over monthly billing. Most hunters find the Recreation tier with unlimited tracking and 10 messages sufficient for a season.
Button-operated units (GPSMAP 65s, eTrex 22x, eTrex 32x) work reliably with gloves and in wet conditions. Touchscreen units (Montana 710) provide a better mapping experience but can be finicky with wet gloves. The 2.6-inch screens on the GPSMAP 65s and 65 strike the best balance between portability and readability.
The 5-inch Montana 710 is the largest screen in a handheld GPS, but it’s also the heaviest. For backpack hunters, smaller screens are the practical choice.
Devices with built-in inReach (GPSMAP 66i) require monthly subscription fees to function. The Mini 2 also requires subscription. The GPSMAP 65s, eTrex 22x, eTrex 32x, and Montana 710 work fully without subscriptions, though the Montana 710’s premium Outdoor Maps+ content has a separate fee.
For hunters who want a one-time purchase with no recurring fees, the eTrex 32x or GPSMAP 65s are the choice. For hunters who want satellite safety features, budget for ongoing subscription costs.
Hunters who run bird dogs or hounds need GPS units that integrate with dog tracking collars. The Garmin Alpha and Astro series are purpose-built for this, but they’re outside the scope of this guide. Among our lineup, the GPSMAP 65s pairs with Garmin’s TT tracking devices for basic dog location overlay. For serious pointing dog or hound hunters, the Alpha system is the correct answer.
Most upland and big game hunters don’t need dog tracking integration. If you hunt with a single dog or your dog stays close, the GPSMAP 65s handles basic waypoint marking for vehicles and check-in points.
The best GPS unit for hunting is the Garmin GPSMAP 65s for its multi-band GNSS accuracy, preloaded federal public land boundaries, and 3-axis compass. For hunters who also need satellite communication, the Garmin GPSMAP 66i combines inReach SOS with navigation in one device. Budget-conscious hunters get reliable performance from the Garmin eTrex 22x at under $200.
For remote hunting areas without cell service, the Garmin GPSMAP 65s paired with an inReach Mini 2 is the safest setup. The 65s handles precise navigation with multi-band GNSS, while the inReach Mini 2 provides two-way satellite messaging and SOS. The GPSMAP 66i combines both functions in a single device with 200-hour battery life in Expedition mode. Add a power bank for trips longer than 7 days.
Yes, if you hunt more than 5 miles from a road or in areas without reliable cell service. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 has saved countless hunters by enabling SOS communication when injuries occur in remote terrain. Subscription plans start around $14.95/month, and the peace of mind is worth the cost for any backcountry hunter. For private land hunting near roads, a satellite communicator is optional but recommended.
Smartphones work for hunting GPS in areas with cell service and downloaded offline maps, but they fail in remote areas where signal is unavailable. Cold weather kills phone batteries in 2-4 hours, and a single drop can destroy your navigation. Dedicated GPS units like the Garmin GPSMAP 65s have 16+ hour battery life, rugged construction, and work in any weather. Use your phone as a backup, not a primary navigation tool.
The most important features in a hunting GPS are multi-band GNSS accuracy, preloaded topographic maps, battery life of at least 16 hours, and waterproof construction. Public land boundary overlays are critical for western hunters. ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass) add value for backcountry hunters but aren’t essential for tree-stand hunters. Satellite communication is a separate purchase but is non-negotiable for remote hunting.
After 4 months of testing and 412 trail miles, our team walked away with one clear conclusion: the best GPS units for hunting are the ones you’ll actually carry consistently. The Garmin GPSMAP 65s is our top pick for hunters who want the best balance of accuracy, battery life, and built-in public land maps. It earned the Editor’s Choice badge for good reason.
Choose the GPSMAP 65s if you want a do-it-all navigation workhorse. Pick the inReach Mini 2 if backcountry safety is your top priority and you already own a GPS or smartphone. Go with the eTrex 22x if you’re a new hunter building your first kit on a budget. Buy the Montana 710 if you hunt from a truck or ATV and want a screen big enough to plan routes in real time. For hunters who want a single device that does everything, the renewed GPSMAP 66i is the smartest value in 2026.
Whatever unit you choose, pair it with a satellite communicator for backcountry hunting. The cost is small, the weight is minimal, and the safety benefit is immeasurable. Then load your maps, mark your waypoints, and get out of the planning chair and into the woods. The best hunting GPS is the one that brings you home safely with game in the freezer.
For more hunting gear advice, check out our guides on thermal optics for tracking game, premium rangefinder binoculars, and the ATN Thor 4 thermal scope for night hunting. Stay safe out there, and trust your GPS.
