Thread: Whats the best hunting gps?😀

The dedicated single function GPS unit has quite a limited role actually.

My two old samsung phone both have equally good GPS fix and track as my Garmin Oregon 550.
Camera is also much better. And it has my ballistics app on it.
Touch useability and screen colour are much better on the phones (due to different screen technology). The Garmin can be used in bright sunlight without backlight.


Screeen use is what drains the battery so both phone and GPS units last a long time if you don't use them !

Advantages of dedicated GPS Unit:
Rugged. can be used in yor hand while walking. Using a GPS saves a lot of effort in walking and makes your hunting more efficient.
Changeable chargeable batteries (but not the same as my headlamp or UHFCB)
Good software for tracking, waypointing, archiving on laptop. I'm not sure if there is similar available for phones. I use New Zealand Maps (Android) and although map quality is excellent (download at home on wi fi or 4G but get it at the "level" ie resolution you will need in the field) the tracking, marking and transfer to laptop are all very rudimentary. That ought to be solvable but I haven't seen it yet.

Phone could in principle be charged from powerbank, vehicle etc more easily than AA batteries perhaps.

In reality most people can't afford $600 for a new GPS using (or shouldn't).
I know most people do carry them but few use them well and its far from a essential piece of kit.
An ordinary smartphhone can do 90% of what my garmin can.

My strong advice is to put off buying a GPS.
Use paper maps and compass first.
Use a phone app and work on mastering it.

GPS would be way down the list of hunting gizmos for purchase:
get a better scope
good binoculars
good headlamp
better lighter pack
Top notch parka
new unfaded blaze clothes
good tent
more ammo

Then think about a GPS if you hunting in the bush or if in open country get a rangefinder first.

Originally Posted by Bagheera

The dedicated single function GPS unit has quite a limited role actually.

My two old samsung phone both have equally good GPS fix and track as my Garmin Oregon 550.
Camera is also much better. And it has my ballistics app on it.
Touch useability and screen colour are much better on the phones (due to different screen technology). The Garmin can be used in bright sunlight without backlight.


Screeen use is what drains the battery so both phone and GPS units last a long time if you don't use them !

Advantages of dedicated GPS Unit:
Rugged. can be used in yor hand while walking. Using a GPS saves a lot of effort in walking and makes your hunting more efficient.
Changeable chargeable batteries (but not the same as my headlamp or UHFCB)
Good software for tracking, waypointing, archiving on laptop. I'm not sure if there is similar available for phones. I use New Zealand Maps (Android) and although map quality is excellent (download at home on wi fi or 4G but get it at the "level" ie resolution you will need in the field) the tracking, marking and transfer to laptop are all very rudimentary. That ought to be solvable but I haven't seen it yet.

Phone could in principle be charged from powerbank, vehicle etc more easily than AA batteries perhaps.

In reality most people can't afford $600 for a new GPS using (or shouldn't).
I know most people do carry them but few use them well and its far from a essential piece of kit.
An ordinary smartphhone can do 90% of what my garmin can.

My strong advice is to put off buying a GPS.
Use paper maps and compass first.
Use a phone app and work on mastering it.

GPS would be way down the list of hunting gizmos for purchase:
get a better scope
good binoculars
good headlamp
better lighter pack
Top notch parka
new unfaded blaze clothes
good tent
more ammo

Then think about a GPS if you hunting in the bush or if in open country get a rangefinder first.

Wow Bagheera now that is a prittey slick review cheers