The 5 Best GPS for Geocaching

Geocaching is a fun outdoor activity that you can participate in with your family or friends. It is not only a good sport to get outdoors and active but also an interesting way to enhance your navigation skills. You get to learn how to navigate as you get active and have fun in the outdoors.

Geocaching comes across as treasure hunting, but instead of keeping what you find, you replace it with something of a higher value. In short, finding the treasure is not the goal but finding the cache is.

With the best GPS for geocaching, you can go on an expedition and have fun while at it. The idea is to get a reliable and functional GPS that meets your needs. Below are some of the options you can choose from.

Best GPS for Geocaching

1. Best Overall | Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS

Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator

This GPS navigator combines the durability of high-quality materials with the functionality of its features. It is an ideal GPS navigator for beginners in geocaching or outdoor enthusiasts who need it for navigation.

Key Features

  • Worldwide basemap
  • 2.2 inches monochrome display
  • GPS and GLONASS satellites
  • 25-hour battery life
  • 2 AA batteries
  • Portable handheld design

One of the things you need to consider when looking for a GPS for geocaching is the quality of materials. This is because outdoor environments can be rough on devices, therefore needing gadgets that can withstand damage.

This rugged navigator is designed for the outdoors with a well-protected screen and a sturdy case. Additionally, it is waterproof to IPX7 standards to withstand water splashes.

It comes fitted with a 2.2-inch monochrome screen where you can read the results. And, with the already preloaded worldwide basemap, navigating with this is as easy as it can get. It supports paperless geocaching and comes with a long-lasting battery.

Pros

  • Simple to set up and run
  • Lightweight
  • Accurately marks tracks
  • Bright display

Cons

  • The world map is basic and marks only major cities and landmarks.

2. Best Premium | Garmin Montana 680T Handheld GPS

Garmin Montana 680t, Touchscreen Hiking Handheld, GPS/GLONASS and Preloaded TOPO Maps, 8 Megapixel Camera

If you spend a lot of time outdoors and need a reliable GPS for all your excursions, this one from Garmin is a top choice. It is suitable for hiking, hunting, on the water, and anywhere else you would like.

Key Features

  • Dual orientation color touch screen
  • Preloaded US topography
  • 8-megapixel Digital camera
  • 3-axis tilt-compensated compass
  • Barometric altimeter
  • Access to both GPS and GLONASS satellites

One of the features that stand out with this GPS is that it supports paperless geocaching GPX files such that you can send them straight to your device. You do not need to enter coordinated and paper printouts with this feature.

Additionally, Montana stores all essential information such as the location, terrain, descriptions, difficulty, and hints. The track manager app can come in handy to navigate track logs and routes.

It comes with highly sensitive GPS and GLONASS reception making it easier and quicker to position. Whether near tall buildings or deep in the woods, this GPS will help you find your way back when you need it most.

Lastly, the 4-inch, sunlight-readable touchscreen display provides clear colors and high-resolution images. It is easy to use, and you can spend more time exploring the outdoors than setting up your GPS.

Pros

  • High-quality, durable materials
  • Fast GPS signal
  • High accuracy
  • Bright, easy-to-read large screen
  • Useful built-in camera
  • Long-lasting battery

Cons

  • Pricey
  • It can be challenging to clip.

3. Best Budget | Magellan eXplorist GC Waterproof Geocaching GPS

 

This GPS is specifically built for geocaching, meaning it has all the features you need for a worthwhile geocaching experience. It is a great choice if you are looking for a functional GPS on a budget.

Key Features

  • Preloaded with geocaches
  • Brilliant color screen
  • Can store up to 10,000 geocaches
  • Rugged construction
  • Waterproof quality
  • Worldwide basemap
  • 18-hours battery life
  • High-speed USB

The best thing about this GPS is that it comes preloaded with the most popular geocaches in the world. And it supports paperless geocaching, so you can download and view multiple unique characteristics of each cache.

With this GPS, you can find details such as location, description, difficulty, terrain, hint, and spoilers. The brilliant color screen comes in handy to display all the details, even in direct sunlight.

The device’s accuracy is unmatched, providing a 3-meter accuracy, way better than the 20-meter accuracy most smartphones provide. Use the worldwide basemap already preloaded and find nearby streets, lakes, parks, etc.

Pros

  • Long-lasting battery
  • Easy to set up and start
  • Useful USB charging feature
  • High accuracy
  • Sturdy construction

Cons

  • GPS can be a little sluggish in updating position.

4. Best Waterproof | Garmin GPSMAP 78SC Waterproof Marine GPS

Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter

If you are going to explore lakes and seas or planning a camping trip in the rainy season, you might want to invest in a waterproof GPS. That way, you can maintain its functionality regardless of the weather changes. This Garmin model is a viable choice.

Key Features

  • Marine-friendly
  • IPX7 waterproof standards
  • For watersports and boating
  • High-sensitivity GPS receiver
  • 2.6- inch color display
  • Built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass
  • Built-in microSD card slot

This GPS is ideal for watersports enthusiasts that need a reliable navigating device that can withstand the water environment. This waterproof GPS is made from rugged materials and properly sealed to prevent water splashes and dips damage. And it floats.

It comes with a 3-axis electronic compass to find your positioning on the map quickly. Additionally, it has a highly-sensitive GPS receiver, so you are sure of fast and accurate positioning.

The LCD screen is designed to provide clear information paying attention to color mapping for easy interpretation. With the built-in microSD card slot, you can load additional maps and keep track of all.

Pros

  • Provides great value for money
  • Ideal for water environments
  • The GPS receiver is highly sensitive
  • Accurate charts
  • Clear display

Cons

  • The screen is too small.

5. Best Portable | Garmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS

Garmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS with 8MP Digital Camera (US Topographic Maps)

Geocaching is a fun activity, but you need an easy-to-carry GPS for the best experience. Luckily, this Garmin model is small enough to hold in your hand, yet it comes with all the necessary features you need.

Key Features

  • Small, handheld design
  • 3-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen display
  • GPS and GLONASS satellite positioning
  • Wireless sharing
  • Dual battery system
  • 3-axis compass
  • Accelerometer and barometric altimeter
  • Landscape/ portrait auto-switch

This GPS comes in an ergonomic design for easy holding in your hands. It is small but has some weight to it to get a good grip on it. It is, therefore, a great choice for long hours of use in the outdoors, whether that is hiking, backpacking, or camping.

It comes fitted with a 3-inch touchscreen display where you can comfortably read details without worrying about the reflection from the sun. It features a multi-touch capability adding to its usability when maneuvering it.

It comes with sensors, including a 3-axis compass, an accelerometer, and a barometric altimeter. With ANT and Bluetooth technology, you can share routes, tracks, and custom maps between units.

You can automatically switch from landscape to portrait views for added usability, depending on your preference. The device comes with a dual battery system with 2 AA batteries and the NiMH battery pack. With the two, you will have a backup for long hours of use.

Pros

  • Easy to read in the sun
  • Comfortable in the hand
  • Seamless user interface
  • Excellent packaging
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Well-positioned buttons

Cons

  • The touchscreen is highly sensitive- you will need to turn on the lock display.

The Bottom Line

A GPS is a useful device outdoors, whether you are into geocaching or hiking and backpacking. Investing in one will save you hours on end finding your way, and if you are looking for a little more fun, then geocaching will come in handy.


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