Leveraging Tech on the Trail Using GPS Trackers and Navigation Apps for Safer Hiking

10 Best Hiking GPS Trackers With No Monthly Fees

Are you tired of being lost in the wilderness, or even worse, paying a monthly fee for your hiking GPS tracker? Look no further, as I have scoured the market and found the 10 best hiking GPS trackers with no monthly fees. Whether youre a budget-conscious hiker or a serious outdoor enthusiast, these devices offer advanced navigation features and will ensure you stay on the right track, all while saving you the hassle and expense of a monthly fee.

So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and lets hit the trail with confidence and peace of mind!

What Is A Hiking GPS Tracker And Why Do Some Of Them Have Monthly Fees?

A hiking GPS tracker is a device that uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to track and record the location of a hiker in real time. It allows hikers to navigate unfamiliar terrain, plan routes, and retrace their steps. Some hiking GPS trackers also offer additional features such as messaging, weather forecasting, and navigation tools.

Some hiking GPS trackers require a monthly fee in order to access certain features or services. These may include access to detailed topographic maps, real-time location sharing with friends and family, or the ability to send and receive text messages. The monthly fee is typically required to cover the cost of maintaining the satellite network and other services that the device relies on.

Its also worth mentioning that some of the devices that have a monthly fee offer additional features such as messaging, weather forecasting, and navigation tools, as well as providing peace of mind as they usually come with a 24/7 monitoring center that can be alerted in case of an emergency via SOS button.

10 Best Hiking GPS Trackers With No Monthly Fees

Now weve got to the most exciting section of the guide. Here, well review 10 of the best hiking GPS trackers with no monthly fees. Ive used each one of these myself as well.

1. Garmin eTrex 10

The Garmin eTrex 10 is a budget-friendly device that is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast who wants a simple and easy-to-use hiking GPS tracker without breaking the bank. The monochrome display may not be as flashy as its more expensive counterparts, but it gets the job done. The device comes with a set of basic navigation features, such as the ability to track your location and save waypoints, which can be extremely helpful when navigating unfamiliar terrain.

The eTrex 10 also allows you to store and view your tracks, which can be a lifesaver when trying to retrace your steps or for planning future hikes. The device is powered by two AA batteries, which means you can easily replace them on the go, ensuring that you never run out of juice when you need it the most. The battery life of up to 25 hours means you wont have to constantly worry about charging it. All in all, the eTrex 10 is a solid choice for the budget-conscious hiker.

2. DeLorme inReach SE

The DeLorme inReach SE is a satellite-based device that is perfect for the hiker who wants a little extra peace of mind while on the trail. This device offers a range of advanced features, including two-way satellite communication and location tracking, which can be a lifesaver in case of an emergency. The device also provides SOS capabilities, allowing you to send an emergency signal to a 24/7 monitoring center with just the push of a button.

Additionally, the inReach SE allows you to send and receive text messages, which can be a great way to keep in touch with family and friends while youre out on the hike. The device is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides a battery life of up to 100 hours, more than enough for a week-long hike.

3. SPOT Gen3

The SPOT Gen3 is a compact and lightweight device that is perfect for the hiker who wants to stay connected while on the trail. This device offers basic location tracking and messaging capabilities, which can be a great way to signal for help in case of an emergency. Additionally, the device allows friends and family to track your location in real time, providing them with peace of mind while youre out on the trail.

The device is powered by four AAA batteries, which means you can easily replace them on the go, and it has a battery life of up to 7 days, more than enough for a weekend hike.

4. Garmin Oregon 600

The Garmin Oregon 600 is a high-performance hiking GPS tracker that is perfect for the hiker who wants the best of the best. This device offers advanced navigation features, such as an electronic compass and barometric altimeter, which can be extremely helpful when navigating unfamiliar terrain. Additionally, the device allows you to download detailed topo maps, which can be a great way to plan your route and navigate with confidence.

The device also allows you to share your location with others, which can be a great way to stay connected and ensure your safety while on the trail. The device is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides a battery life of up to 16 hours, more than enough for a full day of hiking.

Related: Best Satellite GPS Trackers For Hiking & The Outdoors

5. Suunto Traverse

The Suunto Traverse is a high-performance hiking GPS tracker that is perfect for the hiker who wants the best of the best, and a little extra. The device offers advanced navigation features, such as a barometer, compass, and weather trend indicator, which can be extremely helpful when navigating unfamiliar terrain.

Additionally, the device allows you to track your location and save waypoints, which can be a lifesaver when trying to retrace your steps or for planning future hikes. The device is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides a battery life of up to 100 hours, more than enough for a week-long hike.

Whats more? The device provides storm alarms and automatic breadcrumb trails that can be followed in case one gets lost, which can be very useful in case of getting lost or disoriented. The device also has a built-in flashlight, which can be a lifesaver in case of an emergency or when hiking in low-light conditions. Overall, the Suunto Traverse is a top-of-the-line hiking GPS tracker that offers a wide range of advanced features and capabilities, making it a great choice for the serious hiker.

6. GPSMAP 64st

The GPSMAP 64st is a device that offers advanced navigation features, making it a great choice for the serious hiker. The device comes with a built-in electronic compass, barometric altimeter, and a high-sensitivity receiver, which can be extremely helpful when navigating unfamiliar terrain. Additionally, it allows you to download detailed topo maps, which can be a great way to plan your route and navigate with confidence.

The device also features a bright, 2.6-inch color display, which makes it easy to view your location and navigate even in low-light conditions. The device also has a long battery life of up to 16 hours with 2 AA batteries, this will give you peace of mind when youre out on the trail for extended periods of time. The GPSMAP 64st is a device that will make sure youre always on the right track.

7. GPSMAP 66st

The GPSMAP 66st is a device that offers even more advanced features than its predecessor, the GPSMAP 64st. It comes with built-in wireless connectivity, which allows you to share your location with friends and family, download software updates, and even sync your data with other compatible devices. The device also features a long battery life of up to 16 hours with 2 AA batteries, this will give you peace of mind when youre out on the trail for extended periods of time.

The device also comes with a built-in electronic compass and barometric altimeter, which can be extremely helpful when navigating unfamiliar terrain. Additionally, it allows you to download detailed topo maps, which can be a great way to plan your route and navigate with confidence. The GPSMAP 66st is a device that will make sure youre always connected and on the right track.

8. TomTom Adventurer

The TomTom Adventurer is a device that is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast who wants to track their outdoor activities, such as hiking, running, and cycling. The device comes with an electronic compass, barometric altimeter, and a built-in heart rate monitor, which can be extremely helpful when navigating unfamiliar terrain and monitoring your fitness levels.

Additionally, the device allows you to track your outdoor activities, such as hiking, running, and cycling, and view your performance data on a bright, 1.2-inch color display. The device also has a long battery life of up to 11 hours in GPS mode, this will give you peace of mind when youre out on the trail for extended periods of time. The TomTom Adventurer is a device that will make sure youre always on the right track and in the best shape.

9. Magellan eXplorist TRX7

The Magellan eXplorist TRX7 is a device that offers advanced navigation features and a large 7-inch color touchscreen display. The device comes with a built-in electronic compass, barometric altimeter, and a high-sensitivity receiver, which can be extremely helpful when navigating unfamiliar terrain. Additionally, it allows you to download detailed topo maps, which can be a great way to plan your route and navigate with confidence.

The device also allows you to view your location in real-time, which can be a lifesaver when trying to retrace your steps or for planning future hikes. The device is also built to withstand the elements with its rugged design, making it a great choice for the serious hiker.

10. Holux M-241

The Holux M-241 is a budget-friendly device that offers basic navigation features, making it a great choice for the hiker who wants a simple and easy-to-use hiking GPS tracker without breaking the bank. The device comes with the ability to track your location and save waypoints, which can be extremely helpful when navigating unfamiliar terrain.

Additionally, it has a built-in electronic compass and barometric altimeter, which can be a great way to track your altitude and direction. The device also supports multiple languages, making it a great choice for the international hiker. One of its greatest features is its long battery life of up to 33 hours, this will give you peace of mind when youre out on the trail for extended periods of time.

The device is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around on your hike. The Holux M-241 is a device that may be simple in features but will get the job done, and it is a great choice for the budget-conscious hiker.

Like this:

Like Loading...

The Best GPS for Hiking (Top 7 Devices & Apps to Navigate on the Trail)

FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A GPS FOR HIKING

While there are a lot of great GPS devices for hiking, everyone has different needs in navigation. That means theres not always a clear cut answer of what is best, but here are some of the most important features to consider when choosing the best GPS for hiking for you.

SMARTPHONE OR STANDALONE

The first decision to make is whether you want to use a smartphone GPS app or get a standalone GPS device for hiking. Smartphone apps are convenient and cheaper than standalone devices, so they make the best budget GPS for hiking options and are awesome for beginner backpackers.

But while Gaia GPS and AllTrails have free versions, I highly recommend you at least upgrade to the premium or pro membership so that you can use these apps without cell service.

Standalone hiking GPS navigation systems are dedicated devices with lots of features. They require a bigger investment upfront, but since they are designed to do one job, they do it really well.

SIZE & WEIGHT

Bigger is better for some things, but you need to balance that with keeping your gear weight down when youre packing for backpacking.

A bigger screen on your hiking GPS device makes it easier to follow the tracks on your maps. Plus, it is often easier to use the menus on a larger device.

But a smaller, lighter device takes up less space in your pack (although I usually just clip mine to my pack) and doesnt weigh you down.

SATELLITE COMMUNICATION & SOS

If youre heading into the backcountry without cell service, having a satellite communicator with SOS capability can be an actual lifesaver.

And even if you (hopefully) dont need to use the SOS to call for a rescue, two-way messaging is super useful for staying in touch with loved ones and getting updates while youre on the trail.

You can get a GPS device with integrated satellite communication, like the Garmin inReach Explorer+ or the GPSMAP 66i, or you can pair something like the inReach Mini with a GPS like the Gaia app or the Garmin GPSMAP 67.