GPS device for hiking etc.?

[Old School]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a GPS device to use while hiking? Ideally, it would be a reliable, durable, waterproof device with good installed mapping, that would show exactly where you are, especially on trails and off roads.

Related, any recommendations for affordable satellite communication devices? (Maybe both in one unit?)

[George]

I’m not being smart here, but what are you looking for beyond what your phone can do?

Outside of an emergency satellite beacon, everything else will be limited by the same service issues as a phone, I’d think.

[Pete Hogwallop]

I can't personally vouch for either of these, but I have looked into these a little and I think these two should be considered:
Garmin eTrex 32X - a little cheaper option with good mapping but no communications
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - pricier, but can do communications. I think the mapping/navigation isn't as good, though

But just downloading offline maps to your phone is a pretty decent option on it's own. GPS will work without a cell signal. Maybe bring a supplemental battery and you should be good outside of not being able to message if you have no service.

[Old School]

I’m not being smart here, but what are you looking for beyond what your phone can do?

Outside of an emergency satellite beacon, everything else will be limited by the same service issues as a phone, I’d think.

If an iPhone outside of cell tower range can consistent and reliably tell you your GPS coordinates and show you exactly where you are on a detailed map, I need to pay more attention to how to use that.

[Pete Hogwallop]

If an iPhone outside of cell tower range can consistent and reliably tell you your GPS coordinates and show you exactly where you are on a detailed map, I need to pay more attention to how to use that.

I mentioned it in my reply, but for Google Maps, you can download offline maps for the area you are hiking. Your phone can get the satellite GPS signals as well as a dedicated GPS device even without the cell tower. If you have the maps downloaded for offline, then the GPS signal is plotted in the correct location on the map.

I do not know if Apple Maps has the offline feature, but I think you can install and use Google Maps on an iPhone.

[WeWant9]

I have an old Garmin I used for years (not sure on the model) but lately I’ve been mainly using All Trails pro on my phone. It’s amazing how well that app works. You can download the maps beforehand and it will ping you the whole way. I’ve had zero issues with All Trails pro hiking in CO.

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the Garmins though. That is always in my backpack if All Trails ever messes up.

[BlueHeaven]

I have an old Garmin I used for years (not sure on the model) but lately I’ve been mainly using All Trails pro on my phone. It’s amazing how well that app works. You can download the maps beforehand and it will ping you the whole way. I’ve had zero issues with All Trails pro hiking in CO.

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the Garmins though. That is always in my backpack if All Trails ever messes up.

+1 on All Trails. Never had an issue with it.

[Old School]

I very obviously have some phone tinkering to do. Gentlemen, thank you!