GPS Watches for Hunting – Buying guide, Reviews and Comparison
If you are interested in getting the best GPS watch for hunting, but you are short on time, and you cannot do the necessary research, we are here to lend you a hand. After assessing the market and reading what owners had to say about some of the available products, we have concluded that the Garmin Foretrex 401 is the model you should take a good look at. This unit comes supplied with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that improves its reception. Moreover, this choice can keep track of your routes, waypoints as well as your heart rate. The easy-to-read display is another feature that recommends it, as it allows the buyer to have a good idea of his/her location at all times. The device runs on two AAA batteries and has a battery life of 17 hours when used in GPS mode. If this item is unavailable, check out the Garmin epix TOPO U.S.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
This choice has a long battery life of 17 hours, and it features plenty of useful options such as an electronic compass, a barometric altimeter, sunrise and sunset times and it can provide you with extra info about hunting or fishing. The dual position readout that it incorporates can supply the user with the ability to view his/her current location in multiple formats.
Although the item has received numerous favorable reviews, some buyers noted that the manual that the seller provides is not easy to follow.
If you need a device that is more than a GPS watch, keep in mind that this option also is compatible with a heart monitor.
2nd Best
If you like models that have a modern design, this is the one that can cater to your needs. The unit has a 1.4” high-resolution, Chroma touchscreen display that makes it highly intuitive as well as visible even when viewed in bright sunlight. The unit features an internal memory of 8 GB that is expandable. The data that you collect while using it can be uploaded to the Garmin Connect Mobile app.
It has been pointed out that the maps that this watch depicts are very slow to refresh. Still, not many considered this an issue.
This item is functional, and it stands out because it allows the buyer to stay connected to one’s social media profile.
Also To Consider
This alternative is perfect if you need a device that also works for fitness training. The choice can provide buyers with real-time data like time, distance, speed, pace and even the calories that one has burned. On top of that, this model is waterproof, and it can also be utilized during swimming competitions. Also, you can use it to stay connected to social media apps.
Although many spoke highly of it, some buyers complained that the display of the watch can be a tad difficult to read.
If you are interested in a unit that features numerous modes, including ski and swim ones, this product is ideal for you.
3 Best GPS Watches for Hunting (Reviews) in 2021
Purchasing a good GPS watch for hunting is not an easy task, especially if you find it difficult to navigate through the countless models that are currently available. To be of help to you, we have decided to lend you a hand by putting together a list of products that are spoken highly of by users.
1. Garmin 010-00777-00 Foretrex 401 GPS Watch
If you are in the market for a waterproof device that you can use when you go hunting, the Garmin Foretrex 401 might be just what you need. This device runs on two AAA batteries that you have to get separately, and it can be used for 17 hours at a time before you have to change them.
This unit can keep track of your waypoints and routes so that you don’t get lost during your hunting expeditions. What is more, because it is compatible with a heart rate monitor, you can also utilize it when you exercise.
Because it features what the seller calls a TracBack option, this model can help you retrace your steps. The biggest advantage of the device is its sizeable display that supports dual position readout. Consequently, you can see your location no matter how you hold it.
As a plus, this item comes with a trip computer that displays info about the sunrise and sunset times, an electronic compass and a practical barometric altimeter. Overall, the display measures 1.42 x 0.91 inches, and it has a resolution of 100 x 64 pixels.
The high-sensitivity GPS receiver that this model includes guarantees that this GPS will have an improved reception even in deep canyons and in heavily tree-covered areas.
Pros
When shipped, buyers will receive the Foretrex 401 watch, a USB cable, a wrist expansion strap as well as a guide and a manual that you should read before using it for the first time.
This device allows owners to create and store routes and it provides them with useful info. In fact, the model includes a trip computer, data about sunrise and sunset, as well as info about hunting and fishing.
By using the USB cable, one can connect the watch to a computer and analyze his/her activity.
No matter where you end up during your hunting adventure, this GPS unit can help you retrace your steps so that you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
Cons
The main drawback that buyers have noted about this piece of equipment is that the manuals provided by the seller are challenging to follow.
Additionally, it has been remarked that the battery life of the watch is not long. Therefore, you might want to bring a couple of extra batteries with you.
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2. Garmin epix Topo U.S. 100K
This modern-looking alternative has a sizeable high-resolution display measuring 1.4”. Even more so, the device allows owners to read it even when standing in direct sunlight. The 8GB internal memory that it features enables buyers to load numerous maps on it.
To make the watch as attractive as possible, the manufacturer has constructed it in such a way so that one can customize it by switching between a variety of watch faces, widgets, and applications.
This model is also liked by owners because it helps one stay connected. The TOPO U.S is known for uploading date wirelessly to the Garmin Connect app and to LiveTrack. As a plus, you can use it to connect to your phone and to receive texts, alerts, and emails directly to the watch.
The practical display of the device gives the user swipe access to detailed maps. The built-in worldwide shaded relief basemaps are also available. As a result, you won’t risk getting lost or not knowing where you are at all times.
Because this watch has ample memory space, you can also download extra maps that you can easily access, such as BirdsEye Satellite Imagery or BlueChart g2 maps.
Pros
This model comes fitted with auto-calibrating ABC sensors that can supply you with relevant real-time info.
According to the seller, this choice features an EXO antenna with GPS/GLONASS reception that is made of stainless steel. Therefore, it can pass the test of time.
The 8GB memory slot allows the owner to download numerous maps onto it. This way, he/she won’t risk getting lost easily.
Because it features a 1.4-inch high-resolution color touchscreen, the maps that you decide to load on it will undoubtedly be clearly displayed.
Cons
There have been buyers that said that the battery life of the device under-performs in some circumstances. However, not many complained about this issue.
One owner noted that the product is not as efficient as he wanted it to be due to the numerous software bugs that it features. Even more so, this watch does not function well when one decides to use both the maps and the apps.
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3. Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire GPS Multisport Watch
Another alternative that might catch your attention is the Garmin Fenix 2 GPS. This model is perfect for hunting, as well as for fitness training. What makes it worth your while is the fact that it can display real-time performance info such as the distance that you have walked, the pace, the speed, your heart rate or the calories that you have burned.
If you decide to pair it with the HRM-Run monitor2 also distributed by Fenix, this choice can provide you with even more feedback on your running.
To make this choice as versatile as possible, the seller has also fitted it with a swim and a ski mode that can cater to your needs when performing either of these sports. As a plus, the item allows the owner to stay connected with his/her loved ones, as one can use it to connect to personal social media accounts.
If you pair it with your personal phone, you will also receive numerous notifications that can keep you connected to the civilized world while you are out hunting. On top of that, the watch comes provided with high-sensitivity GPS tracking features such as a worldwide basemap, a 3-axis compass, and a TracBack app.
Pros
This model has a very appealing design that includes a sizeable display. Also, this unit can provide users with plenty of real-time performance data that can help them get a better understanding of their progress.
As the seller points out, this watch includes numerous GPS tracking features, including a worldwide basemap, a TracBack app that helps you not get lost and a 3-axis compass that can make navigating in an unknown area effortless.
The choice can be used when performing various sports, including fitness, swimming or skiing. Therefore, you no longer have to invest in additional pieces of gear.
Previous users were happy to report that the model has a long battery life and a sturdy design that prevents it from getting broken easily.
Cons
One owner was quick to say that the display of the watch is not necessarily easy to read and that the red backlight is hard to see because of the screen.
Some users said that the watch that they received broke fairly rapidly. However, overall, this device has received positive reviews.
Buy from Amazon.com
Buying guide
Finding the best hunting GPS watch is not a process that comes without certain difficulties. To assist you in your search, we have composed a list of aspects that are considered a must in an item of this type. So, read ahead and shop accordingly!
GPS accuracy
As reviews of GPS hunting watches put it, the accuracy of the GPS sensor that a device comes fitted with is crucial. This is the case because the watch that you intend to buy should help you find your way easily whenever you are exploring unknown areas during your hunting trips.
What is more, the sensor should also work when you travel to places that are covered in thick forests. In other words, no special circumstances should interfere with the reliability of your hunting GPS equipment.
A good way to assess this aspect is by going online and reading what the experts had to say about the technology used in constructing specific models. Besides, you might also want to take a good look at what previous owners had to say about the data that the model that you like can deliver.
Water resistance
Just like in the case of investing in a high-quality hunting range finder, you should always check to see whether or not the model that you have found for sale is water-resistant or not. From this point of view, you should only settle for devices that can resist coming into contact with water.
As you know, hunting is an activity that implies spending long periods of time outside, no matter the weather. Hence, it is best that you come prepared to deal with adverse meteorological conditions. Also, you shouldn’t risk not being able to use your GPS because of the rainfall.
However, this does not mean that you should only purchase a device that was designed to be immersed in water. Instead, get a watch that is sweat, water, and dirt-resistant, as this should suffice.
Extra features
Similarly to when getting a hunting flashlight, the option that you intend to spend your money on should be intuitive and easy to use. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a watch that comes fitted with a good resolution screen and a long battery life so that you don’t end up in unknown territory without an idea of how to get back.
As a plus, it is worth saying that a quality device of this kind should have specific features for hunting. For instance, some models come with built-in compasses, storm warning alarms, and pre-downloaded maps.
Even more so, there are choices that can also be used to connect to one’s social media accounts. This way, one can ask for help in case he/she gets lost. Moreover, some units can also be connected to one’s phone, so that one has direct access to his/her notifications, calendar, and texts.
Price-wise, if you are on a strict budget, it is advisable that you set up a price range and that you stick to it. Consequently, you won’t feel tempted to check out products that are out of your reach.
If you are a fan of hunting trips, but you find it challenging to select quality pieces of equipment, this buying guide on how to get a monocular for hunting can be of help. Also, this article on how to purchase a trail camera might also be of help.
In case you’re also interested in other hunting equipment, you can check our articles on how to pick hunting boots, a pair of hunting pants for cold weather to keep you warm, or a sturdy and comfortable hunting backpack to carry essential supplies.
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