Top rated handheld GPS units are not just for savvy travelers

Getting lost on the road or high up in the mountains are definite no-no’s for seasoned travelers who already know the basics of planning ahead for an upcoming trip – doing research on road maps, getting familiar with the available routes or verifying hiking trails. Thankfully, there are travel gadgets that help steer you back on track, so getting lost is not an option. GPS units have become indispensable companions, not just for first-time tourists but for experienced outdoor enthusiasts as well. Handheld GPS units are helpful for combat use, playing golf, hiking, biking or simply navigating the streets.

Garmin, Bad Elf and PAPAGO are topping the list for handheld GPS units (whether you’re a savvy traveler, a fitness buff or an avid golf player) based on Amazon Top Rated (best products based on customer reviews). Here’s the list that’s sure to make some GPS fans drool. 🙂

1. Garmin Approach S1W GPS Golf Watch (Preloaded with US Courses)

Who wouldn’t want a GPS receiver with 3 important features – flexibility, lesser weight and high-sensitivity? For golf enthusiasts, these are very much needed on the course, and the Garmin Approach S1W GPS Golf Watch meets these requirements. It is not just a rugged waterproof sports watch but a golf GPS as well, preloaded with U.S. courses, and enables the user to determine individual shot distances as well as distance walked along the course. The Approach S1W is a full-featured gadget yet slim and lightweight.

Product weight / dimensions: 1.8 ounces / 2.7 x 0.6 x 1.8 inches
Display size / resolution: 1 inches / 64 x 32

2. Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro

For tech-savvy iOS users, the Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro easily works with all location based apps and has its own cool feature for sharing location information simultaneously. Using Bluetooth wireless technology, a maximum of 5 iOS gadgets (iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad) can link and accept GPS data from it. This is truly a helpful feature during group trips. Its big LCD display provides important status information on data storage, location, power and connectivity. With its rugged and splash proof enclosure, the Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro is a gadget that you can confidently use outdoors.

Product weight / dimensions: 3.2 ounces / 2.4 x 0.7 x 3 inches
Display size / resolution: 2 inches / 128 x 96

3. Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS

As its name suggests, the Garmin Foretrex 401 is basically designed for hiking, camping, hunting and other outdoor activities. It is also a favorite among military personnel based on customer reviews citing its use during combat patrols and military deployment as it can be easily set to MGRS (military grid reference system). With its high-sensitivity GPS receiver, it works well even in deep canyons and heavy tree cover. Its TracBack feature lets you retrace your steps back so getting lost is nothing to worry about. The Garmin Foretrex 401 provides accurate tracking of distance and elevation, a much-needed feature for hiking on varied terrain levels.

Product weight / dimensions: 3 ounces / 1.7 x 0.9 x 2.9 inches
Display size / resolution: 1.7 inches / 100 x 64

4. PAPAGO GoWatch 770 Multi-Sports GPS Watch

Combining your travel and fitness plans can be a breeze with the PAPAGO GoWatch 770. It is a virtual personal trainer that helps track your time, distance and fitness stats. Its GPS feature tracks exercise routes, elevation and speed. Its multi-sports mode can be used for indoor and outdoor activities such as hiking, running, cycling, etc.

PAPAGO GoWatch 770 GW770PN-US (Without Heart Rate Monitor)

Smart watch enthusiasts will surely fancy this eye-catching wrist gadget with four color options (pink, blue, white, and yellow) to choose from.

Product weight / dimensions: 2.4 ounces / 2.1 x 0.6 x 1.6 inches
Display size / resolution: 1.5 inches / 144 × 168

PAPAGO GLW-HB-US GoWatch 770 Multi-Sports GPS Watch with ANT+ Heart Rate Monitor

This is a fitness package consisting of the GoWatch 770 and the GoHeart100 ANT+ Heart Rate Monitor (Heart Rate Range of 30-240 BPM), definitely a great combination for those who want to track more physiological results and stats. It features ANT+ technology with a transmission range up to 16.4 ft. The chest belt can be comfortably adjusted from 26 to 36.3 inches.

Product weight / dimensions: 3.8 ounces / 2.1 x 0.6 x 1.6 inches
Display size / resolution: 1.5 inches / 144 × 168

The PAPAGO GoWatch 770 is not only stylish and fashionable in appearance, this robust GPS sports watch is also designed to be waterproof and incorporated with a high resistant screen.

5. Garmin Approach G5 Waterproof Touchscreen Golf GPS / Garmin Approach G3 Waterproof Touchscreen Golf GPS

A handy high-sensitivity GPS receiver that’s not only rugged and waterproof with touchscreen feature is sure to be a hit in the golf course. Both the G3 and G5 versions of the Garmin Approach handheld GPS device are packed with these features and more. The G3 with 2.6 inches display screen is lighter and smaller than the G5 which offers more view with 3 inches of display size and includes more enhanced features. Both versions are pre-loaded with golf course maps.

Garmin Approach G3 Waterproof Touchscreen Golf GPS

Product weight / dimensions: 5.3 ounces / 2.2 x 1.3 x 3.9 inches
Display size / resolution: 2.6 inches / 160 x 240

Garmin Approach G5 Waterproof Touchscreen Golf GPS

Product weight / dimensions: 12 ounces / 5.3 x 2.6 x 5.3 inches
Display size / resolution: 3 inches / 240 x 400

There are many more choices for GPS handheld units when you visit the Amazon Top Rated list, whether it’s a rugged sports watch you’ll need for your next mountain climbing expedition, or a lightweight golf GPS device for an upcoming tournament. So many features are offered on these handy GPS gadgets and deciding on the type, brand or model can be a dilemma. The trick is to ask yourself what you need it for, and determine which features are important to you.

Photo credits: Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro