The best travel GPS navigators: Independent Top 6


Tourist GPS navigators: Guide to choose from

Why do we need tourist GPS navigators?

The advantages of a tourist GPS navigator are obvious:

  • Speed. You no longer need to waste a lot of time calculating your coordinates and plotting a route;
  • Moisture resistant. Can work in snowfall, in the rain, during river rafting;
  • Ability to load many maps;
  • Additional functions: remembering routes, communication with your phone and with navigators of fellow travelers are never superfluous.

Navigator is different from navigator

Tourist navigators differ from automobile and any other ones in a number of ways:

  • Designed to work in extreme hiking conditions;
  • Must work for a long time without recharging; the best navigators have power supplies that are easy to replace;
  • Compactness, light weight, and ease of use while hiking are much more important than additional functions.

How to choose the best travel GPS navigator

When purchasing a navigator, pay attention to its reliability, map database and navigation capabilities.

I prefer products from trusted brands, the most popular of which is Garmin. The devices of this manufacturer are reliable and durable - they can even be passed on by inheritance. They have many functions that make a tourist’s life much easier, but nothing unnecessary.

The most important thing is the cards. A good navigator should have the ability to update maps for free. Sometimes the manufacturer provides them, but for budget models you have to look for cards yourself.

Another important option is the ability to work with the GLONASS navigation system, which allows you to very accurately determine coordinates.

Don’t forget about autonomy - your hiking navigator should not run out of battery at night in the middle of the forest or during a snow storm in the mountains.

Navigator selection criteria

Receiver capabilities

  • Signals to the device come from many satellites in orbit. How many of them can a particular navigator “work” with?
  • Sensitivity. Not all devices that support stable communications in open areas function reliably in the forest. This is one of the reasons why navigators installed in cars, fishing or hunting are usually useless.

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Display options

  • Resolution. The clarity of the image directly depends on this.
  • Navigator screen size. There is nothing to comment here.

When deciding on a display, you need to take into account the peculiarities of your vision and prepare for the worst situation (the golden rule, which many people forget). For example, you don’t have glasses at hand, the sun is on the horizon or has already gone. Will it be possible to see anything on the navigator screen? And not just vague outlines of contours, but to see a completely clear picture, a diagram.

But whether the display is color or black and white is up to the user to decide. For navigation while fishing or hunting, this does not matter. A color screen is only needed if the navigator has special options for viewing, for example, downloaded files to pass the time. How relevant is this for a person who goes out into nature for a very specific purpose?

It is unlikely that anyone would exchange an evening around the fire for a film that can be seen at home on the TV screen. And considering that the cost of a “color” navigator is significantly higher, such a device is unlikely to be needed for hunting or fishing.

Duration of continuous operation

This indicates how often the batteries will have to be replaced. This determines how much battery you need to take with you.

Availability of memory card

Navigators without this service, which determine only the geographic coordinates of the standing point, will not let you get lost. But only on the condition that the person has a compass, a map of the area and is trained to work with them. For example, it is correct to “reference”, determine the sides of the horizon, and so on. Therefore, when choosing a model, you should pay attention not only to the ability to load information into the navigator (memory capacity), but also to the presence of a built-in magnetic pointer.

All of the above are nothing more than general recommendations. Manufacturers are constantly updating, introducing, and improving something, so it is unrealistic to cover all the nuances of the functioning of navigators. For example, is it possible to mount a separate device on a dog’s collar (for hunters).

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Anglers may prefer a stationary model that is installed on a boat or boat. Some navigators have an echo sounder function. For someone who goes to nature not just to sit with a fishing rod, but to return with a rich catch, this is an indispensable help. But a hunter does not need this option at all. But if there is a built-in barometer, it will be equally useful for everyone who is forced to rely on weather conditions. The same applies to multi-level screen backlighting.

And yet – which specific navigator should a hunter or fisherman choose for himself?

Not all the advantages of devices that manufacturers and sellers emphasize to buyers are tested in practice. Some functions actually turn out to be useless, others do not live up to expectations.

  • Before going to the store, it makes sense to interview friends who already use navigators. Their opinion and reviews of models are more objective.
  • You can learn a lot of useful things by “visiting” thematic forums. On them, fishermen and hunters openly talk about the problems that they face when using GPS devices in “field” conditions.

The author did just that. It turned out that the most popular among “average” hunting and fishing enthusiasts are navigators under the GARMIN brand. Firstly, the devices are available in various modifications, therefore, you can choose the most suitable series. Secondly, the functionality is simple, so understanding the peculiarities of the navigator’s operation is not difficult even for a person who is still familiar with modern electronics. Thirdly, the price of the products is quite affordable, and their purchase is not burdensome for the family budget.

"E-Trex" 10 series

The device is sold in a yellow-black case that meets all requirements for moisture protection and shock resistance. Screen size 43 x 36 black and white; simple menu; continuous work throughout the day. The memory allows you to store information about 1000 standing points on 50 different routes.

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Price – within 5,500 rubles.

The same 20-series device is capable of working not only in the GPS system, but also in the domestic Glonass system. 1.7 GB memory, color screen, 2000 saved routes and marked points. All this increases the cost of the device.

Price – about 9,800 rubles.

Best Bicycle Touring GPS Navigator

Garmin Edge 820

With a color touchscreen, GLONASS support, and high-quality maps from Garmin, the Edge 820 makes it really hard to get lost while biking. The 2.3-inch screen is small, but it is convenient to mount on the steering wheel next to the flashlight and other accessories. With a price of 28 thousand rubles, the gadget has a lot of useful functions for a cyclist:

  • The ability to track the movement of the entire cycling group in real time;
  • Current weather information, barometer;
  • Communication with other gadgets, notification of calls and messages,
  • Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
  • Registration of road accidents;
  • Compatible with ANT+ sensors;
  • A program for cycling training with recording of dynamics, power, efficiency, stress points.

Waterproof baby weighing only 68g. runs on its own battery for 15 hours - you will have to take care of recharging

prosMinuses
  • High quality cards;
  • Working with the GLONASS system;
  • Touch color display;
  • Lots of additional features.
  • Own battery;
  • High price.

Price: RUB 27,990

What to look for when choosing a travel navigator

A GPS navigator, like any other high-tech device, has a lot of different characteristics, but not all of them are equally significant. Sometimes a manufacturer focuses the buyer’s attention on a bright, but not very necessary feature (for example, the presence of a thermometer) in order to distract from other, much more important qualities.

Brand

I recommend choosing products only from those manufacturers who have been working for a long time and have earned authority in this field. Perhaps - what the hell is not joking? — your life and health will depend on the navigator, so let’s put experiments and savings aside.

Durability and protection from external influences

Be sure to pay attention to this issue. When hiking, sometimes there are completely extreme conditions, so special requirements must be placed on gadgets.

Autonomy

This parameter affects a lot. Some manufacturers strive to impress users with large touch screens, loud beeps and powerful processors, but modestly keep silent about the fact that all this significantly increases the appetite of the device. Therefore, look for a reasonable compromise between technical bells and whistles and battery life, giving preference to the latter.

Maps, maps, maps

Tourist navigators can be sold with or without built-in maps. In the latter case, it is important to find out whether it is possible to download and use custom maps, including raster ones. If the manufacturer has blocked this feature, you will have to separately buy “branded” cards, the cost of which over time may exceed the price of the device itself.

PC compatibility

You will prepare the route on the computer. And there you will upload the track after the hike. Therefore, make sure that your navigator has PC-compatible interfaces. The days of being obsessed with proprietary connectors are almost gone, but it is still worth paying attention to this issue.

Design, convenience, control

These parameters are quite difficult to estimate from pictures on the Internet, but they also matter. Try to find a gadget that you like in appearance and that is comfortable to use with one hand.

Specifications

The navigator must have a powerful processor to quickly scale maps, and sufficient memory to store them. However, most modern devices easily cope with such tasks, so you don’t have to focus on this aspect.

The best travel GPS navigator and collar

Garmin Alpha 50 with T5 collar

Do you go hiking with your beloved dog? The Alpha 50 navigator with T5 collar will help you keep your four-legged companion in sight. The navigator with proprietary Garmin software contains built-in maps, but you can download additional ones, including raster ones. With 4GB of built-in memory, it's easy to store a large database. If you want more, use an SD card.

External antennas add sensitivity to the gadget, and support for the GLONASS system accuracy, water resistance allows you to work in dense forests, in the mountains, in the rain or near water bodies. For such powerful equipment, which also monitors the dog, the price of 44 thousand rubles does not seem too high. With a weight of 260 g. The navigator has its own trip computer and Track-Back function. Operates on AA batteries for 20 hours, you can connect an external power source.

prosMinuses
  • High sensitivity;
  • GLONASS support;
  • Collar;
  • Battery operated.
  • Great cost.

Price: RUB 67,235

Tourist navigators and GPS trackers

Mini-devices come in different types and are used for a wide variety of purposes. It is worth finding out their purpose, main types and characteristics. This will make choosing a good option much easier.


Tourist navigators and GPS trackers

Purpose

A paper map and compass are not all that are useful for tourism. Models of devices have been developed that can be of great help during hikes. The tourist GPS navigator performs the following tasks:

  1. Determining the route and marking waypoints while preparing for the trip.
  2. Obtaining accurate coordinates while moving. The tourist follows a given route.
  3. View saved information after returning home. The user is able to learn about the mistakes made and analyze each stage of the trip.

You can also download the application to your Android-based smartphone and synchronize your pocket device with your iPhone. In this way, it will be possible to track an object equipped with a tracker.

Interesting! Even devices in the form of a collar are produced. They are designed to determine the coordinates of animals, for example, if a dog gets lost during a hike.

Types

The GPS or GLONASS satellite signal is picked up by several devices:

  1. Lighthouse. Designed for terrain orientation in real time. It is activated after a specified interval and sends a message with the current coordinates. Such devices operate without recharging for several years. True, they are most often used in cars.
  2. Tracker. Tracks the route, works while moving all the time that the traveler is on the road. The energy charge is consumed much faster.
  3. Navigator. Performs the same functions as the tracker, but does not require connection to a smartphone or computer. Allows you to determine coordinates, think over a route and mark waypoints.

Important! Simple navigators do not have memory for installing maps. They only remember the route and allow you to mark certain points.

Main characteristics

You need to choose a geotracker taking into account its characteristics. Often the emphasis is on a specific program, a separate function. Other parameters also deserve attention. The table provides a description of the main ones.

DisplayAvailable in color and monochrome. The first option looks more attractive, displays information clearly, but consumes more energy. In addition, in bright sunlight there may be glare on the screen. Black and white displays are suitable for hunters, fishermen and tourists.
MemoryIt is advisable that the navigator have a slot for a micro SD card. A minimum of 1 GB of internal memory is required. This way you can download all the necessary information to your device. If there is not enough memory, you will not be able to download maps.
CPUIts power affects the speed of operation and connection with satellites. The more powerful the processor, the faster the battery drains. It needs to be recharged frequently.
BatteryA travel tracker should hold a charge for at least a day. Many of them run on regular batteries.
FrameDurable materials must be used for its manufacture. It is extremely important that the case is sealed and equipped with anti-slip parts.

The country of origin also deserves attention. Most often, products from China are found on sale. Unfortunately, the quality of such trackers is not always at the highest level. Both Chinese products and products from trademarks of other countries are in demand. Among the most popular are Garmin, Alan, Locus, Logger and Magellan.

For the mushroom picker

Several types of GPS returners have been developed for mushroom pickers, allowing route tracking. A hiking navigator is designed for a long road; it is not suitable for lovers of quiet hunting. It makes more sense to purchase a key fob tracker.

The returner allows you to choose a route and remember points so as not to get lost in the forest. This way it will be easy for the mushroom picker to find his way around and return to the beginning of the path. The device is capable of replacing a free application installed on Android and fully copes with the functions assigned to it.

The best budget travel GPS navigators

Magellan SporTrak

An inexpensive model costing about 6,000 rubles from Magellan is simple and reliable. Nothing extra, but it performs basic functions properly. Compact device weighing 172 g. comfortable to hold with one hand. The device is waterproof and can float on the surface of water. Now the loss of a navigator at the bottom of the river will not be a disaster for the tourist group. Another convenient function is NorthFinder - indicating north. A monochrome LCD screen measuring 3.6 by 5.8 cm and a resolution of 104 by 160 pixels will help save battery. SporTrak runs on two AA batteries for 14 hours: you will need to take a pair of batteries for each day of the hike. The gadget has built-in maps and allows you to download additional ones, but it only has 1 MB of memory.

prosMinuses
  • Waterproof;
  • Loading maps;
  • Battery operated;
  • Affordable price.
  • Small amount of memory;
  • Does not support GLONASS.

Price: ₽ 6,000

3. Magellan Meridian Gold

Meridian Gold costs about 6,500 rubles, has 16 MB of built-in memory and an SD card slot. Does not sink, can operate at temperatures from -10 to +60 degrees. In addition to the internal antenna, the developers have provided a connector for an external one. The monochrome screen is 4.4 by 5.6 cm and has a resolution of 120 by 160 pixels. The navigator weighs 227 grams. runs on two batteries for 14 hours. It tells you the phases of the moon, the time of sunrise and sunset.

prosMinuses
  • Large enough screen;
  • Battery operated;
  • Connector for external antenna;
  • SD card slot;
  • Affordable price.
  • Relatively small amount of memory;
  • Does not support GLONASS.

Price: ₽ 6,500

Rating of the best GPS navigators and trackers for 2021

Garmin Montana 680

The compact and productive device has long earned the trust of both professional and novice tourists. Despite the small screen, the image obtained on it is convenient for study. High pixel density allows you to carefully view maps and terrain.

The control system is touch-sensitive; it works even when pressed with gloved fingers. The battery is designed for 16 hours of uninterrupted operation. It is also possible to install two batteries. If desired, the user can easily replenish energy by charging in the car. The navigator supports all satellite systems; the detail of the maps deserves special mention. The landscape is drawn accurately, the type of forest is indicated in the description, and only relevant and verified information is used. It will not be difficult to catch the signal; in addition, it is possible to download custom maps.

The body of the product is made of impact-resistant materials that are not afraid of getting into water. A separate and significant advantage will be the presence of a good camera that allows you to take a high-quality photo and instantly attach it to coordinates.

Garmin Montana 680

Advantages:

  • food versatility;
  • high-quality assembly;
  • excellent signal reception;
  • waterproof;
  • the ability to upload your own maps;
  • works with GLONASS AND GPS.

Flaws:

  • high price;
  • paid content.

The average cost is 50,000 Russian rubles.

Garmin GPSMAP 64ST

And another representative of the brand described above. This is ideal for hiking and long walks in unfamiliar tourist areas. The body is made of rubberized materials, which, coupled with the convenient shape of the device, allows you to easily carry the navigator in your hand for a long time. You also don’t have to be afraid of dropping your gadget into water; short contact with moisture will not harm the product.

Fans of simple controls will appreciate the device - instead of complex touch systems, the model is made in a push-button version. The small screen copes well with its functions; it is possible to work with custom maps and additional services. The user can synchronize the gadget with his smartphone via a Bluetooth connection. This way, you can duplicate the necessary information or send it to another tourist. The antenna sensitivity is high and there is a built-in accurate compass. In addition, the manufacturer has equipped the product with a barometer, which will make it easy to find out any weather changes.

Garmin GPSMAP 64ST

Advantages:

  • strong body;
  • multifunctionality;
  • built-in barometer and compass;
  • sensitivity.

Flaws:

  • weak processor;
  • Not compatible with all smartphones.

The average cost is 20,000 Russian rubles.

Garmin eTrex 20x

If the two options described above attracted you with their performance, but scared you with the price category, then we advise you to take a closer look at the budget and high-quality model.

This option is a completely redesigned outdated version. The screen and storage capacity have been upgraded. The protective and compact body is also attractive. The device provides regular maps, road and sea routes. It is possible to install your own maps and trackers.

The navigator runs on batteries and has an autonomy of 25 hours of continuous operation. However, there are also weaknesses. Firstly, it is a small, albeit advanced display. Secondly, a weak processor, causing slight freezes on the device.

Garmin eTrex 20x

Advantages:

  • a budget option;
  • versatility;
  • high-quality assembly;
  • waterproof;
  • sensitivity.

Flaws:

  • small screen;
  • weak processor.

The average cost is 13,500 Russian rubles.

Avel DRC050G

This product is made in China, its quality is slightly lower than that of the brand in the rating above. However, this is a good version for those who want to save money without losing the quality of the product.

The screen is touch-sensitive and responds correctly to touches from gloved hands. Power is supplied via a battery that can be charged in the vehicle. There is dust protection that will ensure the safety of the navigator in fast riding conditions on a motorcycle or bicycle. The screen is relatively wide, its brightness is enough for comfortable use. The “stuffing” of the equipment is standard for Chinese products; the memory capacity, although small, is enough for additional software. The user has the opportunity to upload his own maps. And we strongly advise you to do this, because the installed information will only allow you to study highways.

Avel DRC050G

Advantages:

  • acceptable price;
  • dust protection;
  • durable body;
  • capacious battery.

Flaws:

  • there are no topographic maps in memory;
  • small storage capacity.

The average cost is 7,000 Russian rubles.

Delorme inReach Explorer

Such a device will become an indispensable assistant for an experienced tourist at any time of the year. First of all, what will attract an avid traveler is the opportunity to compile a detailed report on your movements. The navigator takes into account the distance traveled by the user and the time spent on the hike. The built-in compass and barometer will also be a big plus; they will prevent you from losing your orientation and will allow you to prepare for any weather surprises.

Despite the compactness of the gadget, it has a relatively large and bright screen and a convenient virtual keyboard.

Delorme inReach Explorer

Advantages:

  • accounting for speed, time and mileage of movements;
  • compass and barometer;
  • accuracy;
  • small dimensions.

Flaws:

  • none.

The average cost is 25,000 Russian rubles.

The best wrist travel GPS navigator

Garmin Foretrex 601

A small navigator from the famous manufacturer Garmin works with proprietary software of this brand. The Garmin company is famous for its high-quality maps, which are available free of charge to the owner of the branded device for the entire life of its operation. Foretrex 601 runs on two AAA batteries for 48 hours. At the same time, it supports the GLONASS precision navigation system. The 2-inch screen has a resolution of 200 by 128 pixels, and the body is waterproof.

Additional functions are also pleasing: magnetic compass, barometer, alarm clock, timer, stopwatch, Bluetooth. The gadget can be combined with heart rate, speed, and pedaling sensors. For such options you will have to pay about 12 thousand rubles, but the quality of the device is worth it.

prosMinuses
  • High-quality, up-to-date maps;
  • GLONASS support;
  • Many additional functions;
  • Long operating time without recharging.
  • High price.

Price: RUB 15,497

The best premium travel GPS navigator

Garmin Rino 750

This is an excellent navigator, walkie-talkie and even messenger in one package. The 3-inch touch screen with changeable orientation allows you to see the location of all group members. When fellow travelers ask for your coordinates, simply press the PTT key, and the latest data will appear on all devices in the group. The screen quality is quite decent – ​​everything can be seen. Trouble has happened - one press of the Call Key will send an alarm to the entire team. The walkie-talkie works both in normal mode and through a headset. If you can't talk, use text messages.

Rhino 5 can communicate with a mobile phone and display call notifications on the screen. The gadget has 4.5 GB of internal memory plus a slot for micro SD. It runs on its own battery for 14 hours; in the field, you can also connect a cassette with AA batteries. It is compatible with GLONASS and has a three-axis compass and altimeter. For 41 thousand rubles you buy two devices in one. The result is that you carry less weight and free up your hands and space in your backpack.

prosMinuses
  • Combining a navigator with a walkie-talkie;
  • Availability of different types of communication;
  • Sending alarm messages;
  • GLONASS support.
  • High price.

Price: RUB 41,140

The best multifunctional travel GPS

Devices of this type can receive information from smartphones or computers. For this purpose, built-in memory of 4 GB and above is provided.

MicroSD card slots allow you to expand your storage. As a rule, such navigators are complemented by a variety of tourism functions - from sharing routes to participating in geocaching.

Bad Elf Pro-2200

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

A professional level navigator was developed 8 years ago. But after a customer survey in 2021, the manufacturer added modern features to the popular model - for example, interaction with an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch.

Large backlit LCD display shows location, speed and altitude. The autonomous recorder records information and transfers it to mobile gadgets so that you can share the route with friends.

Advantages:

  • powerful battery that lasts for 32 hours;
  • availability of Bluetooth connection;
  • durable body;
  • the ability to connect 5 gadgets to the navigator simultaneously.

Flaws:

  • no port for micro-USB cable;
  • Android devices cannot be connected.

The device is suitable for complex routes in foreign countries, including travel on yachts and private aircraft.

Garmin eTrex Touch 35

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

96%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The navigator is an update of the well-known 2016 model, which invariably occupies top positions in the ratings.

The device antenna receives signals from the GPS and GLONASS satellite systems. The downloaded set of cards can be supplemented by transferring information from a smartphone or computer.

Travel options are enhanced by a three-axis compass and altimeter. Thanks to a convenient connection to a smartphone, the navigator receives e-mail and call notifications. The bright display makes it possible to view not only maps, but also photos with geotags.

Advantages:

  • support for raster and vector maps;
  • possibility of installing a microSD card;
  • waterproof case;
  • access to BaseCamp, a free route planning program.

Flaws:

  • errors in programs;
  • inability to run GLONASS separately from GPS.

High functionality makes the device convenient for any type of travel, including car travel. The kit also includes a mount for installing the device on a bicycle, ATV or boat.

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Comparison table of the best travel GPS navigators

Name Main characteristics Price
Magellan SporTrak Weight 172 g, monochrome LCD screen measuring 3.6 by 5.8 cm and a resolution of 104 by 160 pixels will help save battery. ₽ 6 000
Magellan Meridian Gold It has 16 MB of built-in memory and a slot for an SD card, a 4.4 by 5.6 cm monochrome screen with a resolution of 120 by 160 pixels, and a weight of 227 g. ₽ 6 500
Garmin Foretrex 601 It runs on two AAA batteries for 48 hours, supports the GLONASS system, the 2-inch screen has a resolution of 200 by 128 pixels, and the body is waterproof. ₽ 15 497
Garmin Edge 820 The 2.3-inch screen is small, but it is possible to track the movement of the entire cycling group in real time, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. ₽ 27 990
Garmin Alpha 50 Built-in memory of 4 GB, support for the GLONASS system, waterproof. ₽ 67 235
Garmin Rino 750 It has 4.5 GB of built-in memory, a slot for micro SD, runs on its own battery for 14 hours, and is compatible with GLONASS. ₽ 41 140

The best car travel navigator

One of the best navigators for car tourism, in particular for off-road raids, is Garmin GPSMAP 276 Cx . The five-inch color screen is protected by durable glass. The model is designed to easily withstand rough use. A lithium-ion battery provides uninterrupted power supply, providing operation for 16 hours. Below it is a compartment for installing batteries. In addition, power support is implemented via a 12 V USB interface. The built-in antenna provides excellent reception quality both on the road and on rough terrain, and the functionality is comparable to ERTF navigation systems. This is confirmed by the fact that this particular navigator is used on KAMAZ-Master team support vehicles.

Among the advantages of the Garmin GPSMAP 276 Cx , a whole list of functions stands out, including sound alarms and voice messages, route calculation, and the use of raster maps. In addition, the device supports WAAS and EGNOS. Useful additions: tide tables, fishing and hunting calendars.

Characteristics

  • Type – portable universal.
  • Screen parameters: type – LCD, color – yes, diagonal – 5 inches, resolution – 800*480 pixels.
  • Memory – built-in, 8 GB.
  • Antenna parameters: type – internal, there is a connector for connecting an external one.
  • Path parameters: points – 10,000, routes – 250, log – 20 thousand points.
  • Power parameters: type – Li-Ion battery, quantity – 1, operating time – up to 16 hours.
  • Interfaces: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, MicroSD slot, NMEA support
  • Dimensions: 192*95*44 mm.
  • Weight – 450 g.

pros

  • Housing strength and component reliability.
  • Functionality comparable to professional navigation systems.
  • Possibility of connecting an additional power source.

The most popular question about tourist GPS navigators

What is better to buy: a tourist GPS navigator or a smartphone? Modern smartphones have a GPS navigation function, but they are not suitable for every trip. Only certain smartphone models are protected from moisture, dust and drops on stones. When using a fragile device for navigation on a hike, it can be easily damaged. The second disadvantage is the charging method. Tourist navigators usually operate from autonomous power sources - you can take at least a dozen replaceable batteries on a hike. If spare batteries fail, it is quite possible to buy new ones in the nearest locality.

Rating of the TOP 7 best tourist navigators

Tourist navigators experienced the peak of their popularity a very long time ago, but this does not stop many travelers from using them. Today, the following models are considered the most frequently purchased and reliable:

  • Montana 680.
  • GPSMAP 64ST.
  • Foretrex 701.
  • GPSMAP 276Cx.
  • Zumo 595.
  • AVEL DRC050G.
  • Garmin Edge 1030.

Let's move on to a description of each presented model.

Montana 680

Our rating opens with an American model from a company considered a monopolist. The device is quite compact, fits comfortably in the hand and has a traditional display, the diagonal of which reaches four inches. It features increased pixel density and high information content.

Typeportable
Built-in memory8 GB
Nutritionown Li-Ion
Weight333 g

pros

  • many nutritional options are provided;
  • quickly searches for a satellite;
  • reproduces a high quality signal;
  • good assembly and strength of the case.

Minuses

  • BirdsEye is available after connecting to a subscription, which must be renewed every year independently.

Price: from 40,000 to 46,000 rubles.

navigator Montana 680

This is not my first navigator. I gave my previous devices to friends and parents. I always buy models from Garmin, because I am one hundred percent confident in the quality of their products. I tested gadgets in different conditions: hiking, hunting, fishing. I managed to go on a trip to Europe and Russia. It is inconvenient to use because the map consists of several parts, but you quickly get used to such an organization.

GPSMAP 64ST

Provides access to a topographic map of Russia and TORO 24. There are special routes for sea walks - BlueChart g2 and roads - ity Navigator N. It is an improved version of previous analogues and combines an enlarged screen display, a large amount of memory and a durable housing that helps protect the device from any falls.

Number of waypoints2000
Number of colors65000
Screen diagonal2.2 inches
Built-in memory size3.70 GB

pros

  • passed many strength tests;
  • uses battery power economically;
  • It is considered a multi-functional device as it is suitable for various types of travel.

Minuses

  • Compatible with iPhone only.

Price: from 20,000 to 25,000 rubles.

navigator GPSMAP 64ST

Cool navigator with a large and high-quality screen. It’s a pleasure to watch the map, especially since you don’t have to squint or put on glasses. My previous one from another company definitely doesn’t compare with it. The sensor is good and does not freeze when pressed hard. The battery lasts for quite a long time, in my experience - about two days.

Foretrex 701

This model is similar in appearance to a smart watch. Fully complies with accepted MIL-STD standards, thanks to which the device can be read in the dark without a night vision device. It will be a great addition to users who are interested in precision shooting, thanks to the built-in ballistic calculator.

BatteriesAAA
Duration of work48 h
ConnectionUSB, Bluetooth
Weight88 g

pros

  • not afraid of shocks and dust;
  • high quality display;
  • work is carried out on the basis of three geopositioning systems;
  • it is assumed that it can be synchronized with a smartphone;
  • supported by Jumpmaster.

Minuses

  • easy to lose along the way due to its low weight - 88 grams.

Price: from 30,000 to 36,000 rubles.

Foretrex 701 navigator

I came across a good navigator in the form of a wristwatch at a discounted price in a store. Without thinking twice, I immediately bought it and went to test it in practice. Indeed, it shows the road and direction with high accuracy and regardless of the time of year or day.

GPSMAP 276Cx

A top-end navigator from the popular company Garmin will be an excellent assistant in off-road travel. The five-inch screen is equipped with impact-resistant closed glass. There is no touch control at all as it would be useless in harsh weather conditions.

Weight450 g
Working hours16 h
Built-in memory size8 GB
Number of routes250

pros

  • high quality signal reception;
  • triple type nutrition;
  • high functionality due to good signal.

Minuses

  • Peripheral and processor performance is limited for technical reasons.

Price: from 35,000 to 50,000 rubles.

navigator GPSMAP 276Cx

I often go on mini-trips by bicycle. I wanted to explore new areas, but I didn’t want to stop and unfold a paper map all the time. Having studied the market with a tourist category navigator, I immediately decided to purchase this device due to the complete lack of touch controls. Push-button devices will last longer and without breakdowns. After a long time of use, I can confidently recommend purchasing!

Zumo 595

It is a device with a high-quality five-inch display. Any information on it can be easily read even in the sunniest weather, and the sensor allows you to operate it without taking off your gloves. The route is laid out based on the main roads of the specified area.

Screen size10.8×6.5 cm
Touch screenThere is
Antenna typeinternal
Dimensions149x97x33 mm

pros

  • high-quality signal reception and comfortable shell;
  • connection with a sensor indicating the fuel level is maintained;
  • The kit includes an external battery pack.

Minuses

  • It is better to complement off-road tourism with another model, since this one is not suitable for such conditions.

Price: from 60,000 to 70,000 rubles.

navigator Zumo 595

I have been using this navigator for almost two months and during this time there have been no problems with operation, it is always stable and does not depend on the type of terrain. I often ride a cross-country motorcycle through the forest and on vacation in the mountains. He saved me more than once in difficult moments, when, out of curiosity, I drove very far from the road. Nice device. I recommend everyone to give it a try!

AVEL DRC050G

The model has good and high-quality protection from dust and moisture, making it possible to install not only on a bicycle, but also on a motorcycle or ATV. On-board power supply is provided using a bracket, and after removal it automatically switches to the battery.

Typeportable
operating systemWindows CE 6.0
Antennainternal
SlotMicroSD

pros

  • power supply via high precision bracket;
  • the case has high-strength protection;
  • It is assumed that it can operate from a built-in battery.

Minuses

  • With the help of software it only works on the road.

Price: from 8,000 to 10,000 rubles.

Navigator AVEL DRC050G

In the summer I purchased this navigator to install on my ATV. I consider the operating system to be the main parameter, so I chose it based on it. Overall, the device does its job well and can work for a long time without charging.

Garmin Edge 1030

The company of this model produces special navigators, which are most often installed on a bicycle frame. The device has a 3.5-inch color screen and looks like a regular travel navigator. The Trendline system allows you to plot routes for cycling and connect a heart rate sensor and pedal rotation.

Dimensions58x114x19 mm
Weight123 g
Working hours20 h
Additionallythermometer, barometer

pros

  • The battery lasts for twenty minutes of continuous operation;
  • well-designed moisture protection;
  • it assumes the ability to connect to a group of people;
  • special navigation is designed for bicycle tourism.

Minuses

  • not detected.

Price: from 40,000 to 50,000 rubles.
Garmin Edge 1030 navigator

I recently purchased a special navigator because I’m going to start cycling. The model is good and does not fail at the most important moments. The connection is excellent, it can be received everywhere and the card almost never disappears from memory. The device is simple and even a child will understand it. The only negative is the glossy case, which constantly slips out of your hands during wet weather, but this problem can be solved with a special case.

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