Do I really need a GPS if my phone has GPS?

For day hikes on popular trails with cell coverage, your phone is fine with downloaded offline maps. For backcountry, multi-day, or solo hiking, a dedicated GPS provides 3-10x battery life, better accuracy under tree cover, weather resistance, and no dependency on cell towers. A dead phone in the backcountry is a genuine safety hazard.

How accurate are handheld GPS devices?

Multiband GPS units like the GPSMAP 67 are accurate to 2-3 meters in open sky and 5-8 meters under tree canopy. Single-band units are accurate to 3-5 meters open and 10-15 meters under canopy. For trail navigation, even 15-meter accuracy is sufficient to stay on trail.

Is a Garmin inReach subscription worth it?

If you hike solo in remote areas, yes — the SOS function alone justifies the $15/month Safety plan. The $35 Recreation plan adds two-way messaging. Consider it the cost of backcountry insurance. Cancel during months you don't hike to save money.

Best GPS Handhelds 2026