Uploaded January 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Garmin 67i, inReach Mini 2, Epix Pro: top picks for handheld GPS, satellite communicators, and hiking watches in 2026.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
After years of field testing, these are the devices I trust for navigation, emergency communication, and fitness tracking. The GPSMAP 67i combines full topo routing with two-way satellite messaging. The inReach Mini 2 is the lightest dedicated satellite communicator with global SOS. For those who don't need navigation, the Garmin Messenger offers SOS and two-way texting without a subscription to mapping services. The Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Solar remain the top outdoor watches for multi-day battery life and route tracking. Also covered: ruggedized phones, PLBs for no-subscription emergencies, and ATV-specific GPS units.
00:00 Best Handheld GPS
01:28 Best GPS & Sat Comm Combo
01:50 Best Satellite Communicator
02:40 Rick's Pick For Sat Comm
03:12 Best ATV GPS
03:48 Best for Casual Users
04:46 Best No Subscription
06:09 Best Smartwatch
06:25 Rick's Best Smartwatch
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*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Garmin 67i, inReach Mini 2, Epix Pro: top picks for handheld GPS, satellite communicators, and hiking watches in 2026.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
After years of field testing, these are the devices I trust for navigation, emergency communication, and fitness tracking. The GPSMAP 67i combines full topo routing with two-way satellite messaging. The inReach Mini 2 is the lightest dedicated satellite communicator with global SOS. For those who don't need navigation, the Garmin Messenger offers SOS and two-way texting without a subscription to mapping services. The Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Solar remain the top outdoor watches for multi-day battery life and route tracking. Also covered: ruggedized phones, PLBs for no-subscription emergencies, and ATV-specific GPS units.
00:00 Best Handheld GPS
01:28 Best GPS & Sat Comm Combo
01:50 Best Satellite Communicator
02:40 Rick's Pick For Sat Comm
03:12 Best ATV GPS
03:48 Best for Casual Users
04:46 Best No Subscription
06:09 Best Smartwatch
06:25 Rick's Best Smartwatch
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
