Accurate and efficient, hiking GPS can prove to be an essential accessory for lovers of country walks. If you regularly hike with your loved ones or alone, using hiking GPS is essential.
To help you decide if you need this type of device, we’d like to share with you the different advantages of hiking GPS.
With its small size, hiking GPS is practical because it fits perfectly in your hand. So this small box can go with you on your summer and winter hikes. Resistant to all temperatures, hiking GPS is like an electronic navigation system you can use wherever you are. Directly connected to satellites used as location points in space, it’s equipped with a GPS system that lets you to have your location on a map when out hiking.
Meaning Global Positioning System, hiking GPS is a satellite positioning system, i.e. it works using a network of 24 satellites based on the principle of triangulation, which obtains very precise gps points. Originally, hiking GPS was created for the military to replace paper mapping. Gradually, it has established itself as an essential tool for developing new transport or for leisure such as hiking.
Today, three main positioning systems ensure the proper functioning of hiking GPS, namely :
- Galileo, which is a European positioning system comprising 24 satellites.
- Glonass, which also consists of 24 satellites, but covers the Russian satellite network.
- Beidou, which was created in China and is represented by 4 satellites.
Popular for its versatility, hiking GPS offers various features that let you fully enjoy your hiking. To help you understand the usefulness of such a device, we suggest you discover its main functions.
When you’re out in the mountains during a hike, hiking GPS will tell you your exact gps points. So you can walk as long as you want and set off to discover new routes without risking getting lost.
By activating your hiking GPS as soon as you start your hike, it can record your route and show you the way back. Thanks to this feature, you can also choose to repeat this route identically during a future session.
With the route function, you can prepare your future hike by creating a specific route you want to take. This feature is all the more useful if you hike regularly and want to change your usual route to discover new landscapes.
During your hike, you may lose track of which way is north or south. To remedy this, hiking GPS has a compass option, or more specifically a heading indicator, which lets you find your desired direction.
If you opt for an even more recent hiking GPS model, you’ll get a barometer functionality which gives you information on the atmospheric pressure wherever you are. As such, you’ll quickly be warned if the weather conditions are changing and it’s best to take shelter or give up on your hike.
If you want to choose hiking GPS, you need to pay particular attention to a few criteria that will have an impact on your decision. To make sure your hiking GPS matches how you’ll use it, we share with you the points that will make this device your best companion for your hikes.
Generally, the screen size of hiking GPS can be 2 to 4 inches. To optimise screen reading, we recommend you opt for hiking GPS with a screen of sufficient size. In addition, with a large screen, it will be easier for you to read all the information your device gives you.
With a backlight system and adjustable brightness, you can easily read the data displayed on the screen, even in the dark. Most hiking GPS devices offer two types of brightness settings: automatic and manual adjustment. Choosing this option will depend on your preferences and budget when making your purchase.
Today, some hiking GPS models have a touch screen that will make its use more intuitive. On the other hand, this type of device will have a shorter battery life, which means you will only be able to hike over short distances. For longer hikes, we recommend you go for hiking GPS with a classic screen equipped with buttons to use it as you wish.
The weight of hiking GPS devices can vary. The screen size will play an important role in the weight of your device. Indeed, the larger your hiking GPS, the heavier it will be.
Thanks to satellites, your hiking GPS will give you your altitude. However, to increase the accuracy of this data, your device will need to have a barometer and compass that rely on barometric pressure to tell you the exact altitude in real time.
If you’re a regular hiker, you’ll need hiking GPS that lets you record a large number of routes. To do this, you need to consider the storage space on the device you want to buy. Generally, for long trips, it’s best to go for hiking GPS compatible with a micro SD card which lets you increase your storage capacity and load maps.
Depending on the route you take, your hiking GPS must have high resistance to water and knocks. Your path may be strewn with hazards or run along a river, so it’s possible you may drop your hiking GPS. To ensure its proper functioning and return home with no issues, check it’s sufficiently waterproof and durable.
As regards the battery of your hiking GPS, it can have a longer or shorter battery life. If you choose an entry-level model, your device will have a battery life of around 30 hours. For a day of hiking, you’ll need a hiking GPS with up to 8 hours of battery life. However, if your hiking GPS model has a short battery life, remember to bring an external battery to recharge it along the way.
If you wish to connect your device to a computer, this is possible via a USB cable, Bluetooth connection, Wifi or ANT+. As a result, you can consult the information concerning your trips out whenever you wish.
Should you be hiking with one of your loved ones and one of you is injured, you can quickly contact the emergency services using the distress beacon. This call will then use the satellite network if you’re somewhere the mobile network can’t reach. It will give a very precise GPS location for rescue.
With a classic compass, the compass function on your hiking GPS will be of no use to you. In such a case, this feature will be essential in the same way as the barometric altimeter to know your altitude with high precision and be able to direct you in the mountains to find your way.
Depending on the type of hiking GPS you choose, you will have a camera feature that lets you keep fond memories of your outing. Nevertheless, we recommend you get hiking GPS equipped with the essential features for use so that it works as well as possible.
Hiking GPS is a great alternative to a map for hikers. Indeed, this device gives you essential information on your location, route and destination.
At Decathlon, we offer Garmin hiking and trekking GPS units for your outdoor activities.
Originally intended for hiking, hiking GPS can be used when you’re taking a long walk, bike or quad ride. Known for being lots of fun, this device lets you track your progress with a digital map. If you’re hiking on your own, without a guide, it’s advisable to add an IGN data card to your hiking GPS and bring a compass. As such, you’ll have all the equipment you need to fully enjoy your outdoor activity in complete safety.
