Best Travel GPS Navigators in 2024

One of the essential devices for the avid traveler is a GPS-navigator, whose task is to help with orientation. He will point you in the right direction in mountains, forests and other unfamiliar terrain. Every year new models appear on the market with a variety of functions, which makes it difficult to choose.

Knowing about the general requirements of the devices, it will be possible to buy exactly the navigator that the tourist will use for a long time and often. The rating of high-quality and popular models significantly narrows the range, introducing devices that have already been tested by other travelers.

What is considered when choosing a device

First of all, a tourist navigator should be compact and easy to use. Because it is practically carried in the hand. When choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to the case, and give preference to the waterproof one. The received data is different, depending on the sensitivity of the receivers.

Important selection criteria are power supply and screen resolution. How much a quality model costs is a factor that interests all buyers. The average price of such a device is around 15,000 rubles.

The functionality and capabilities of each model will be different, but three characteristics are especially important, as they save the life of a tourist in emergency situations. These include:

• location determination. How accurately and quickly the device indicates where you are depends on 2 parameters: the sensitivity of the receivers and the number of satellites from which the navigator picks up signals. The devices are divided into 2 groups: those that support the GPS satellite system, and the latter “catch” signals from GLONASS. The nuance lies in the fact that GLONASS transmits accurate data in northern latitudes, and GPS - in temperate and equatorial ones. Therefore, for traveling around the world, it is better to purchase a navigator with support for two satellite systems;
• shock and moisture resistant housing. Going to conquer the mountains or hike in the forest, a tourist will inevitably face rain, snowstorms and a sharp change in temperature. To prevent the device from breaking due to extreme conditions, accidental falling on stones, it must be strong.
• autonomy. Thinking about how to choose a navigator, attention is focused on the type of food. He should not shut down at the most inopportune moment. Regular batteries are recognized as the best type of power supply. But there should not be more of them than other necessary things in a backpack. One set should be enough for 2-3 days of trekking.

A smartphone or car navigator cannot replace a travel navigator, since they do not provide all three functions at the same time. Which one is the best to buy depends on the tasks it needs to handle and the budget.

Who manufactures travel navigators

Popular models look like the cell phones of the early 2000s in appearance. They have a small display, but plenty of RAM and a powerful process. One should not demand more from gadgets.The main thing is that the navigator shows a detailed map of the area, it picks up the satellite signal well.

The best manufacturers of navigators are GARMIN, the only company that continues to produce devices in large quantities. The devices work with GLONASS and GPS, withstand temperatures from -20 ° to + 70 ° C, and the case has an IPX7 degree of protection. Even budget models have such characteristics.

Any GARMIN navigator shows a very detailed topographic map. On it the tourist will see every trail, hill and forest grove. The peculiarity of the gadgets is the presence of an external antenna, thanks to which the signal from satellites will not disappear even in small caves. When buying a gadget, the question of which company is better disappears, since the answer will be unambiguous - from Garmin.

Recommendations for choosing a navigator

Garmin has a wide range of products, which is both good and bad. Because tourists have plenty to choose from, but at the same time, it is not so easy to do it. It is better to choose models that have a color display, where maps are displayed in 3D.

For avid fishermen, a navigator with a waterproof case is suitable, which without consequences will endure contact with water. It will be possible to increase the amount of RAM using a Flash-card. To replenish it with new map data, the device must have a USB port. Considering that the future route is prepared on a computer, the device must be compatible with a PC.

When conquering steep peaks and climbing slopes, it is more rational to purchase a navigator with a special carabiner mount. In addition to technical characteristics, it is worth paying attention to design, ease of use and control. That is, the navigator should be pleasant in appearance, and at the same time, it should be convenient to operate it with one hand.

Many models are equipped with additional functions that are not used in practice. The tourist navigator must complete its main task, and only then show the atmospheric pressure and take pictures. It is not worth saving by replacing the device with smartphones. Since accidentally dropping the device, you can suddenly lose your phone and navigator.

Rating of the best travel GPS navigators

Compasses and paper maps have been replaced by special devices that will not allow you to get lost in a forest or an unfamiliar city. Tourist navigators differ in their ability to work with maps and tracks, control system. Among the wide variety, there are models that have earned a large number of positive reviews and are in great demand.

Garmin GPSMAP 64ST

An expensive but advanced model from the world leader in the production of tourist navigators, suitable for those who like to go hiking in hard-to-reach places. The cost will pay off with a clear display. Glare will not appear on it even when exposed to direct sunlight. The compact navigator fits comfortably in your hand.

The device is equipped with an enhanced antenna, so the signal is picked up from a larger number of GLONASS and GPS satellites in difficult terrain conditions. The GARMIN GPSMAP 64ST is ANT + capable, so it syncs with your heart rate monitor and other accessories.

• waterproof case;
• slot for microSD;
• powerful firmware.

• screen resolution 2.6 inches;
• high price.

Average price: 22,990 rubles.

Garmin eTrex 10

The cheapest but practical device. The GARMIN eTrex 10 was chosen for its compact size and high sensitivity. The navigator is equipped with a simple display and is controlled by a joystick located in the upper right corner of the outer panel. It is this element that most often causes dissatisfaction among users.

Since the manufacturer did not provide for the lock, if you carry the navigator in your pocket, the joystick will inevitably move.Why the device turns on, new points appear on the map. The way out is to buy a special case for the gadget. The navigator is susceptible to low temperatures, so it is not suitable for skiers and winter hikes.

• continuous work up to 30 hours;
• simple control;
• menu in Russian;
• listening to music.

• minor problems with the firmware;
• 2.2 inch display;
• memory card cannot be inserted.

Average price: 8,000 rubles.

Garmin Oregon 650

One of the two popular models from the GARMIN company, attractive with powerful firmware and wide functionality. The impression is spoiled by a weak plastic case. The manufacturer seriously thought over the "stuffing" of the navigator, but there was not enough strength for the outer shell. If accidentally dropped, the case breaks easily.

But the device recognizes the satellite signal in a few seconds after turning on, it works stably. The navigator supports GLONASS and GPS networks, maps are easily updated. Considering the cost, the case can be more reliable.

• 8-megapixel camera;
• 3-inch display with touch backing;
• quality software.

• short work offline;
• flimsy construction;
• low backlight brightness.

Average price: 34,000 rubles.

Garmin eTrex 30

Finding inexpensive, but high-quality travel navigators is not easy. The Garmin eTrex 30 sits halfway between the budget and mid-range segment. The model will work for 25 hours in a row and does not require recharging. It is enough to change the batteries to continue the journey.

Thanks to the built-in magnetic compass, navigation is simplified. There is a card slot that allows you to load additional cards. The display with a resolution of 2.2 inches has become color. The model is suitable for the forest and walks in other areas.

• shockproof housing;
• about 2 GB of internal memory;
• saves up to 200 routes.

• supports only GLONASS;
• draws maps slowly;
• random movements of the joystick in your pocket.

Average price: 14,000 rubles.

Garmin fenix 2

The navigator is made in the form of a wrist watch and is analogous to a smart watch. The gadget is designed to permanently fix the location of the tourist. The device is compatible with a PC, so the route can be downloaded to a computer and studied in detail.

The Garmin Fenix ​​2 navigator syncs with other devices thanks to Bluetoth and ANT technologies. At home, it is used as a heart rate monitor or bicycle sensor.

• convenient form;
• moisture resistance;
• high-quality "filling".

• does not show the entire map;
• monochrome screen;
• low battery life.

Average cost: 33,000 rubles.

Garmin Astro 320

In appearance, the navigator resembles a walkie-talkie, especially because of the two antennas. However, one of them can be disconnected. What not to do, because signal reception improves, and support for WAAS and EGNOS technologies is provided.

The navigator comes with a dog collar, so you won't be able to lose your four-legged friend on a hike. The case is protected from shock and moisture, so the device will “survive” immersion in 1 m of water for 30 minutes.

• 2.6-inch color display;
• work from AA batteries;
• magnetic compass and barometer.

• does not interact with a smartphone;
• high price.

Average price: 39,990 rubles.

Garmin Dakota 20

The second popular model from the manufacturer, which is praised for the sufficient amount of internal memory - 1.5 GB. The navigator has a slot for a flash drive. Color screen with a resolution of 220 x 176 pixels.

The lightweight device is perfect for both male and female hands. Switching on / off, changing the backlight level is carried out with one button located on the side, on the right side.

• comfortable, rubberized body;
• fastening on a lace;
• lock the screen from accidental touches.

• bad built-in speaker;
• average permeability.

Average price: 13,000 rubles.

Buy or save on device

Many travel GPS navigators cost the same as a good smartphone. But the choice of the device is made not only by the price, but also by the user's needs. For novice tourists who make rare forays into nature with friends, simple devices are suitable.

The popularity of models packed with different functions, from using different maps to listening to music, is high among experienced explorers of unknown places. The device in their hands becomes a survival tool. They approach his choice more deliberately, and the high price will be justified.

In order not to purchase a useless model with unnecessary functions, you need to know where to buy a navigator profitably. It is worth ordering with Aliexpress if you are interested in a low price. If the manufacturer and firmware are important, then you should buy the device in specialized stores. When buying a navigator, it is important to test it, to understand how comfortable it is in your hand. And you should also learn how to use it before the hike!