Which Garmin GPS unit is best?
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If you're on the hunt for the best GPS for your outdoor pursuits, you're not alone. With a sea of options available—from rugged handheld units to sleek GPS watches—it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. At Outdoor GPS Shop, we’ve done the hard work for you, highlighting the best Garmin (and a couple of Suunto) GPS units based on how you like to explore.
Whether you're a weekend hiker, ultra runner, or heading off-grid, here's our expert guide to choosing the right GPS unit for your lifestyle.
🥾 Best Garmin GPS for the Occasional Hiker
👉 Garmin eTrex 32x
If you’re after a simple, reliable and affordable GPS for day hikes, casual walking, or a bit of cycling, the Garmin eTrex 32x is ideal.
- Compact and rugged design
- Pre-loaded with TopoActive Europe maps
- Compatible with Ordnance Survey maps
- Electronic compass and barometric altimeter
- Up to 25 hours battery life on 2 AA batteries
💡 Perfect for: hiking, cycling, paddleboarding, and outdoor enthusiasts who don’t need advanced features but want peace of mind.
Garmin eTrex 32x - more here
⛰️ Best Garmin GPS for Serious Walkers and Long-Distance Hikers
👉 Garmin GPSMAP 67
Built for tough terrain and multi-day trips, the Garmin GPSMAP 67 is one of the most advanced handheld GPS units on the market.
- Multi-band GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) tracking for precision
- 3" sunlight-readable colour display
- Pre-loaded TopoActive maps with satellite imagery support
- Huge 180-hour battery life in tracking mode, 840 hours in expedition mode
- Plan routes across devices (PC, tablet, mobile) with Ordnance Survey mapping
💡 Perfect for: long-distance walking, hillwalking, hiking holidays, and mountain treks in any weather.
Garmin GPSMAP67 - more here
🏃 Best GPS for Runners and Route Logging, not a Garmin, but it is the best
👉 Suunto Race & Suunto Race S
For runners, racers and those who want a wearable that looks good on the wrist while packing serious performance features, the Suunto Race series delivers.
Suunto Race S (smaller, sleeker):
- Lightweight GPS watch with a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen
- Easy to read in fast-paced conditions
- Tracks 95+ sports modes
- Ideal for training, running, swimming, and everyday wear
Suunto Race (standard size):
- Larger battery with up to 40 hours in training mode
- Heart rate monitoring, wellness and sleep tracking
- GPS navigation for route logging and performance tracking
💡 Perfect for: ultra runners, competitive athletes, and those who want accurate data without bulk.
Suunto GPS Watches - more here
🧭 Best Garmin GPS for Off-Grid Exploration
👉 Garmin inReach Mini 2
Heading into the wilderness? The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is your compact lifeline when mobile signal vanishes.
- Two-way satellite messaging (Iridium network – subscription required)
- Interactive SOS alerts from anywhere on Earth
- TrackBack routing helps guide you back
- Digital compass and navigation support
- 14-day battery life in 10-minute tracking mode
- Sync with Garmin Explore app for planning and topographical maps
💡 Perfect for: remote adventurers, solo travellers, and wild campers looking for peace of mind.
Garmin inReach mini 2 - more here
🌍 Best Garmin GPS for Global Travel and Staying Connected
👉 Garmin inReach Messenger
For those who love exploring remote corners of the globe but want to stay in touch, the Garmin inReach Messenger is a tiny yet powerful tool.
- Global two-way messaging from anywhere
- Lightweight (just 100g!) and pocket-sized
- Impressive 200-hour battery life
- Two-way SOS with Garmin’s global emergency network (IERCC)
- Reverse charging to top up your mobile
- Weather updates direct to the device
💡 Perfect for: global travellers, digital nomads, and anyone who wants to share their adventures in real-time—even off the beaten path.
Garmin inReach Messenger - more here
Still Not Sure Which GPS is Right for You?
At Outdoor GPS Shop, we stock a full range of Garmin, Suunto, and TwoNav GPS devices—all at competitive prices. Whether you need a simple hiking companion or a rugged device for expeditions, we’ve got you covered.
✅ All products in stock for next working day delivery
✅ Trusted by outdoor adventurers across the UK
✅ Budget-friendly with no fuss
Let us help you find your top GPS—browse our full GPS range or get in touch if you have any questions.
