10 Essential questions to ask before buying a GPS Unit
Thinking about buying a GPS unit? With so many models on the market – handhelds, watches, touchscreens, button units, map bundles, inReach safety features and more - it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The truth is that most people don’t start with the right questions, which is why they often end up with the wrong device.
At Outdoor GPS Shop, we specialise in cutting through the noise. Here are the 10 key questions you should ask before choosing a GPS unit, explained simply and with real-world experience behind them.
If you are chatting with our AI Sales executive, bear these things in mind, remember the more info you give it the more it will give you!
1. What activity am I buying it for?
Your activity dictates everything.
- Walkers benefit from clear mapping, long battery life and often a larger screen.
- Trail runners need lightweight GPS devices or watches, battery life will vary according to the distances you cover.
- Bikepackers and mountaineers often need tougher units and often go fior units with buttons on, so you can use with your gloves on.
Be honest about how you’ll actually use it – not how you think you will.
2. Do I want a handheld GPS or a GPS watch?
A classic decision:
Handheld GPS units
✔ Bigger screens, so you can see 'what is around you'
✔ Easier to see in poor conditions
✔ Excellent battery life
✔ The ability to put Ordnance Survey Maps on the unit
GPS watches
✔ Lightweight
✔ Great for tracking fitness
✔ Perfect for ultras or fast-and-light adventures
There’s no right answer – only the right fit for your style.
3. Do I want Ordnance Survey mapping – and at what scale?
For UK navigation, OS mapping is still king.
- 1:50k maps – perfect for big-picture navigation
- 1:25k maps – ideal for tricky ground, small paths, and detailed planning
If in doubt, most walkers find 1:25k easier to use when out on the trail.
You will find an in-depth guide to GPS maps here (opens in a new window).
4. How much battery life do I genuinely need?
Manufacturers often quote “maximum” battery life – very different to real usage.
Think about:
- Multi-day hikes, think about taking a powerbank with you and/ or a GPS unit with a long battery life, some have over 150 hours.
- Long winter days, often cold weather affects battery life, units with 'built in batteries' perform better in cold weather.
- Ultra events, think about how often you you will see your kit bag (which you can put a powerbank in) and how long you need your GPs battery to last.
Better to have more battery than you think you need – not less.
5. How big a screen do I want?
A larger screen makes navigation clearer and safer, particularly in wind, rain, and poor visibility.
The trade-off:
- Bigger = easier to read but can use more battery
- Smaller = lighter in the hand or pack, but can be harder to read
Most walkers prefer clarity over compactness i.e. a normal or large screen GPS unit.
6. How easy is it to operate with cold, wet, or gloved hands?
Touchscreens are brilliant – until the weather turns foul. Some touchscreen units (Garmin units) work with gloves on, whist TwoNav do not.
Button-operated units still win on reliability in winter or in torrential rain and with gloves on.
If you walk year-round, this matters more than you might think.
7. Do I need satellite communication (SOS or two-way messaging)?
This is becoming increasingly important for solo walkers and people heading into remote areas.
Consider:
- Garmin inReach (SOS + two-way messaging via Iridium). Can be standalone unit or built into a navigational GPS unit
- ZOLEO (excellent value, reliable messaging)
- SPOT (simple SOS options)
Navigation + safety in one system offers real peace of mind.
Satellite communication does come at a cost, our sister website, GPS Training has a Satellite Messenger Cost Calculator that you may find useful.
8. Do I want it to integrate with my phone or smartwatch?
Some people love smart integrations – syncing routes, receiving notifications, uploading to Strava, etc. Not all GPS units pair with a mobile phone/ wifi etc, so if you want to use a mobile device to transfer data onto your GPS unit please bear this in mind.
Others prefer a device that’s intentionally “offline”.
Know which camp you’re in but all units will alongside your PC or Mac.
9. How rugged does it need to be?
The British weather doesn’t do half measures.
Check:
- Waterproof rating
- Drop resistance
- Cold-weather performance
- Screen durability
If you’re out in the hills regularly, toughness isn’t optional – it’s essential.
10. What’s my budget – and which features actually matter?
You can overspend on things you’ll never use.
But buying too cheaply can mean weaker GPS accuracy, short battery life, or limited mapping.
Outdoor GPS Shop’s philosophy is simple:
Get the right device, at the best possible price – never knowingly beaten.
Why Buy from Outdoor GPS Shop?
- Never knowingly beaten on price – we use AI to compare prices
- Expert advice available 24/7 through our AI bot
- Huge range of GPS units, watches, and two-way communicators
- Fast, reliable delivery
When you know what to look for, choosing a GPS unit becomes much easier.
And when you shop with us, you know you’re getting the best value.
Please just ask our AI Sales Executive any questions you have.
