Handheld GPS

[Devil Horns]

I’m thinking about buying a handheld GPS unit for hunting the larger state game lands in PA.
 

I’ve never owned or used one so I have no idea where to start. I’m looking for something I can save scouted spots, mark stand locations, and track routes into and out of the woods. 
 

What features should I look for and what should I stay away from? I’m looking to stay under $300. Thanks in advance for the help. 

[nmc02]

https://best.offers.com/best-handheld-gps-units

Stick w Garmin. They make many good hand held

[Nomad]

Use your cell phone and get oNX. Never use my gps anymore.

Edited August 18, 2021 by Nomad

[Devil Horns]

I have onX but I don’t get any cell signal up there. 

[Haskell_Hunter]

I still use a GPS because it's a little better on battery.  Like @nmc02 said, stick with a Garmin.

This is about the least expensive Garmin to fit your needs:  https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/669244#specs

Decent specs, but nothing by Garmin is cheap.  If that's too expensive and you want to use your phone, which is a reasonable thing to do, buy a reserve battery to keep in your pack.  Nothing worse than going into the woods and having your navigation device run out of power.

I have one of these in my pack for my phone:  https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=14202

Good luck with your search.  I've owned and still own a lot of Garmin GPS products and have a few apps for my phone too.

[Haskell_Hunter]

2 minutes ago, Devil Horns said:

I have onX but I don’t get any cell signal up there. 

I use this for offline maps.  I paid for it and I think I paid extra for some features.  Well worth it.  Used it in NH when we were off-roading through the mountains.  Lifesaver.

https://www.gaiagps.com

 

[Lunatic]

I have the top line Garmin handheld and have not used it in 10 years. Smart phones give you much better GPS apps. I also find my iPhone 10 times faster in showing me what I’m doing than a handheld. That’s important when you are walking. Delay can make you go in circles. 

[trapoholic]

I have been using hand held GPS units for hunting and trapping for over 20 years. That is the easiest way to find your tree stand in the pre-dawn hours. I have a Delorme. But they have been bought out by Garmin. Still works good but the time of day is off and I believe that is still the case.

[trapoholic]

6 minutes ago, Lunatic said:

I have the top line Garmin handheld and have not used it in 10 years. Smart phones give you much better GPS apps. I also find my iPhone 10 times faster in showing me what I’m doing than a handheld. That’s important when you are walking. Delay can make you go in circles. 

I prefer to leave my phone at home when hunting. Just my way of getting away from it all!

[Devil Horns]

Garmin GPSMAP 64sx, Handheld GPS with Altimeter and Compass, Preloaded With TopoActive Maps, Black/Tan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S31B7V2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DS76DQSC2RQJRWT0R3FQ?psc=1
 

I would gladly use my cell phone but it doesn’t work where I hunt. I can load maps for offline use but I would like real time locations. 
 

I was looking at the model above. 
 

[Lunatic]

Just now, trapoholic said:

I prefer to leave my phone at home when hunting. Just my way of getting away from it all!

I would not hunt without it. It’s my lifeline if something happened. I have an app where I press a button and two reliable people get a text and an email from me to get help. It provides them with my GPS location 

[Lunatic]

1 minute ago, Devil Horns said:

Garmin GPSMAP 64sx, Handheld GPS with Altimeter and Compass, Preloaded With TopoActive Maps, Black/Tan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S31B7V2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DS76DQSC2RQJRWT0R3FQ?psc=1
 

I would gladly use my cell phone but it doesn’t work where I hunt. I can load maps for offline use but I would like real time locations. 
 

I was looking at the model above. 
 

There are apps which work without cell signal. OnX hunt is one of them 

[Nomad]

15 minutes ago, Devil Horns said:

I have onX but I don’t get any cell signal up there. 

You don’t need a cell signal, it works just as well without one. You just download the map of the area before you go there. Look at off-line maps on the onX app. I use it all the time in Maine with no cell signal, the GPS on your phone works with or without a cell signal.

[Nomad]

1 minute ago, Lunatic said:

There are apps which work without cell signal. OnX hunt is one of them 

Right you just download your Maps before you go if you don’t have a cell signal there.

[Devil Horns]

Didn’t know that about onX. I will have to try that. 
 

Thanks!