Quick Answer
For extended wilderness trips, the best GPS options include handheld devices like Garmin inReach or DeLorme, satellite messengers like Garmin inReach or DeLorme, and smartphone GPS apps like Gaia GPS or Maps.me, with a separate GPS device or backup power source as a safety precaution.
Choosing the Right Device
When selecting a GPS device for extended wilderness trips, consider the device’s battery life, water resistance, and satellite connectivity options. Handheld GPS devices like the Garmin eTrex 10+ have up to 25 hours of battery life and are water-resistant up to 30 meters. Satellite messengers like the Garmin inReach Explorer+ have up to 100 hours of battery life and offer two-way messaging and GPS tracking.
Preparing for Backup Power
To ensure you have a backup power source in case of an emergency, consider packing a separate battery pack or a hand-crank generator. The Goal Zero Venture 70 solar panel and battery pack can charge devices via USB and has a battery capacity of 16,800mAh. The Brunton PowerStation 45 has a battery capacity of 45Wh and can be recharged via USB or solar panel.
Additional Navigation Tools
In addition to a GPS device, consider bringing a compass, paper maps, and a personal locator beacon (PLB) as a backup navigation tool. A PLB sends a distress signal to emergency responders in the event of an emergency. The ACR ResQLink+ PLB weighs 6.6 ounces and has a battery life of up to 5 years.
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