Garmin Dakota 20
Garmin Dakota 20

Best compact handheld GPS

*Est. $250
Estimated Price

The Garmin Dakota 20 is a compact yet rugged GPS receiver. Its small size and light weight are ideal for hikers, but its screen is a tad on the small size, meaning less of a map is visible at one time. The touch-screen display is fun and easy to use, but it's also a challenge to view in bright sunlight and suffers from fairly low resolution. Features include a three-axis compass that can be read regardless of the direction it's being held, and start-up is fast. Long battery life is another plus, reviews say

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Garmin Oregon 450t
Garmin Oregon 450t

Best handheld GPS

*Est. $450
Estimated Price

Sure, it's expensive, but experts and owners say that the Garmin Oregon 450t is a terrific handheld GPS receiver for dedicated adventurers. Features of the Oregon 450t include an iPhone-like color touch screen that makes using the 450t both fun and easy. Additional pluses include accurate navigation features, plenty of storage for routes and waypoints, paperless geocaching features and a three-axis digital compass that keeps you pointed in the right direction no matter which way the 450t is held. It also includes built-in topographic maps; not every expert says that those maps are worth the price difference from the base Garmin Oregon 450 (*Est. $300), but owners are more positive that it is.

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Garmin eTrex Venture HC
Garmin eTrex Venture HC

Best budget handheld GPS

*Est. $150
Estimated Price

Reviews point to the Garmin eTrex Venture HC as one of the best choices for handheld GPS buyers on a budget. The Venture HC features a quality color screen and a very sensitive GPS signal processor. It lacks the bells and whistles found in higher-priced receivers, so don't expect a compass, altimeter, touch screen or similar features. What you will find with the eTrex Venture HC is a handheld GPS with all the basics needed to get the job done.

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Handheld GPS Runners Up:

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