Planning a mountain trip? Never set off without a reliable GPS to guide you on the best route.
The market offers a wide variety of brands and models. Here, we’ll focus on Garmin, one of the brands with the most options available.
Hiking and mountaineering
GPS Map 62s. Retains the best features of previous models while adding a 3-axis compass, capable of showing your bearing even when stationary. Another advantage is its worldwide map, allowing you to explore routes anywhere.
You can also check barometric pressure, helping you monitor weather changes—essential in the mountains, where conditions can shift unexpectedly. It includes a database of 2,000 waypoints, 200 routes, and a track log of 10,000 points.
Best of all, you can share your routes with other users who own compatible Garmin devices.
Priced at around €380, it’s available at authorised retailers or online.
Expeditions and high-altitude mountaineering
GPS Dakota 20. Makes navigation easier with its durable touchscreen, designed for comfort. The screen is also water-resistant, so unexpected mountain rain won’t be an issue.
Its electronic compass and barometric altimeter keep your course and weather changes in check. Thanks to its WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, you’ll maintain your location even in dense forests or deep canyons.
It features a worldwide base map, so your adventurous spirit can roam freely. You can also add custom maps. Plus, share waypoints and routes with users of Dakota, Colorado, Oregon, and Foretrex models.
This GPS costs approximately €350—a small price for never missing a route.
Orientation and hiking
GPS Oregon 550. This navigator also boasts a touchscreen and a 3.2-megapixel digital camera. Photos are geotagged automatically, so you can share them on Picassa. Built to endure, it handles water, dust, impacts, and humidity with ease.
Maximise your time on the trail—its intuitive design simplifies navigation. It includes global maps and supports custom maps via microSD.
The electronic compass and barometric altimeter help you stay on course and monitor weather. With its WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, pinpoint any location when needed.
Priced around €500, it’s a superb investment given its extensive features.
