Blue Navigation

For extended backpacking where waypoint marking and detailed mapping matter, a handheld GPS with a 2–4 inch screen is easier to read and stores custom topo maps. GPS watches suit hikers or runners who want lightweight, wrist-worn tracking with 10–40 hour battery life and built-in altimeters.

Expect handheld units to run anywhere from about 15 hours to several days depending on usage, while GPS watches generally offer roughly 10–40 hour battery life. Bring a spare battery pack or manage device settings if you plan long outings away from charging.

Satellite messengers like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 are worth carrying on truly remote trips because they provide satellite-based two-way messaging and SOS independent of cellular networks. The inReach Mini 2 is highly packable at about 3.5 ounces and 7.8 cubic inches and even clips to your pack with a built-in carabiner.

Most navigation devices offer waterproof or water-resistant construction suitable for rain, stream crossings, and snow, and rugged housings help protect against drops and impacts. Make sure battery housings seal fully and screens resist fogging or scratching, and consider two-way radios with reinforced antennas if you need reliable long-range communication.

Smartphone apps like BackCountry Navigator can replace a paper map for day hikes when you preload offline topo maps, and they work well in areas with occasional cell coverage. Still carry a paper map and compass printed on durable, waterproof paper or laminate as a reliable backup and plan for battery management.