The best travel GPS navigators in 2022

One of the necessary devices for an avid traveler is a GPS navigator, whose task is to help with orientation. He will indicate the right direction in the mountains, forest and other unfamiliar terrain. Every year, new models with a variety of features appear on the market, making it difficult to choose.

Knowing about the general requirements for 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 to consider when choosing a device

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

Important selection criteria are the 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. Devices are divided into 2 groups: those that support the GPS satellite system, and the second "catch" signals from GLONASS. The nuance is that GLONASS transmits accurate data in northern latitudes, and GPS in temperate and equatorial latitudes. Therefore, for traveling around the world, it is better to purchase a navigator with support for two satellite systems;
• case protected from impacts and moisture. Going to conquer the mountains or hiking in the forest, the tourist will inevitably encounter rain, snowstorms and a sharp change in temperature. So that the device does not break due to extreme conditions, accidental falling on stones, it must be durable.
• autonomy. When thinking about how to choose a navigator, attention is focused on the type of food. It should not turn off at the most inopportune moment. Regular batteries are recognized as the best type of power supply.But they should not be more than other necessary things in a backpack. One set should be enough for 2-3 days of hiking.

A smartphone or car navigator will not be able to replace a travel navigator, since they do not provide all three functions at the same time. Which is better to buy a device depends on the tasks with which it must cope, and the budget.

Who manufactures travel navigators

Popular models look like cell phones from the early 2000s in appearance. They are distinguished by a small display, but a sufficient amount of RAM and a powerful process. You shouldn't demand more from gadgets. The main thing is that the navigator shows a detailed map of the area, catches the satellite signal well.

The best manufacturers of navigators are GARMIN, the only company that continues to mass-produce devices. The devices work with GLONASS and GPS, can withstand temperatures from -20◦ to +70◦C, and the body 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 path, hill and forest grove. A feature of the gadgets is the presence of an external antenna, thanks to which the signal from satellites will not be lost even in small caves. When buying a gadget, the question of which company is better disappears, since the answer will be unequivocal - from Garmin.

Recommendations for choosing a navigator

Garmin produces 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 so. It is better to choose models where there is a color display, where maps are displayed in 3D format.

For avid fishermen, a navigator with a waterproof case is suitable, which will endure contact with water without consequences. It will be possible to increase the amount of RAM using a Flash card. To update it with new map data, the instrument 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 management. 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 features that are not used in practice. A 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 of smartphones. Since accidentally dropping the device, you can lose both your phone and navigator overnight.

Rating of the best tourist 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, and in the 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 is suitable for those who like to hike in hard-to-reach places. The cost will pay off thanks to the 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 a reinforced antenna, so the signal is picked up from a larger number of GLONASS and GPS satellites, in difficult terrain conditions. The GARMIN GPSMAP 64ST supports ANT+ technology, so it syncs with a heart rate monitor and other accessories.

• waterproof housing;
• 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 is 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 a 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;
• you cannot install a memory card.

Average price: 8,000 rubles.

Garmin Oregon 650

One of the two popular models from GARMIN, 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.In case of an accidental fall, the body 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. Given the cost, the case can be more reliable.

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

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

Average price: 34,000 rubles.

Garmin eTrex 30

Finding inexpensive, but high-quality tourist navigators is not so easy. Garmin eTrex 30 is located in the middle between the budget and mid-price segment. The model will work 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.

• impact-resistant case;
• about 2 GB of internal memory;
• saves up to 200 routes.

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

Average price: 14,000 rubles.

Garmin Fenix ​​2

The navigator is made in the form of a wrist watch and is an analogue of 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 is synchronized with other devices thanks to the Bluetooth and ANT technologies.At home, it is used as a heart rate monitor or bicycle sensor.

• convenient form;
• moisture resistance;
• quality stuffing.

• does not show the map in full;
• 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 shocks and moisture, so the device will survive immersion in water at 1 m for 30 minutes.

• color 2.6-inch display;
• work from finger 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 a sufficient amount of internal memory - 1.5 GB. The navigator has a slot for a flash drive. Color screen with a resolution of 220 by 176 pixels.

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

• comfortable, rubberized body;
• cord fastening;
• screen lock 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 device is made not only by price, but also by the needs of the user. For novice tourists who make rare trips to nature with friends, the simplest devices are suitable.

Packed with features ranging from using different maps to listening to music, the popularity of models is high among experienced explorers of unknown terrains. The device in their hands becomes a survival tool. His choice is approached 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 it is profitable to buy a navigator. With Aliexpress it is worth ordering if you are interested in a low price. If the manufacturer and firmware matters, 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 trip!