When you’re hiking, your primary goal is usually to escape the noise of daily life, find some peace, and—let’s be honest—get that Instagram-worthy shot of the sunset. But while you’re out there, surrounded by majestic peaks and rolling valleys, it’s essential to have one thing on your side: a reliable GPS tracker.
Now, you might be thinking, “I’ve got my phone! I don’t need any fancy tracker.” Well, I’ve got news for you—your phone might be great for snapping pics, but when you’re miles into the wilderness and your phone battery dies faster than your motivation on a Monday, a GPS tracker will be your best friend. Whether you’re going for a short afternoon hike or planning an epic multi-day adventure, the right GPS tracker can make all the difference between a serene experience and one that leaves you feeling lost (literally).
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve rounded up the best GPS trackers for hiking in the US, so you can leave your worries behind (well, except for the bears and possible awkward encounters with squirrels).
1. Garmin inReach Mini 2: Small but Mighty
If you’ve heard of Garmin, you know they don’t mess around when it comes to outdoor gadgets. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is like the Swiss Army knife of GPS trackers—compact, efficient, and full of techy goodness. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket, but don’t let its size fool you—it packs some serious punch.
Key Features:
- Satellite Connectivity: You won’t have to worry about losing service in the middle of nowhere. This tracker uses Iridium satellite technology, which covers the globe. So whether you’re at the summit of a mountain or in a remote valley, it’ll keep you connected.
- Two-Way Messaging: Got a bear sighting? Or just want to check in with the folks at home? Send a text message from wherever you are. Plus, the Mini 2 allows for two-way communication, so you can even let someone know that you’re fine—after sending an epic selfie with a mountain in the background.
- SOS Feature: We know, we don’t like to think about worst-case scenarios either, but this tracker can send an SOS to emergency responders if you’re really in a jam.
What we love: The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is perfect for minimalist hikers. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and most importantly—reliable. Plus, it’s the ideal tracker for people who want all the GPS goodness without carrying around a bulky device.
What we don’t love: The initial setup can be a bit finicky, and while the satellite messaging is super handy, you’ll need to pay for a subscription plan for full functionality.
2. SPOT X: Your Personal SOS Beacon
For those who want something slightly larger but still incredibly reliable, the SPOT X is an excellent choice. It’s not just a GPS tracker; it’s also a lifeline in an emergency. This device is more for the folks who want to venture way off the beaten path, as it’s designed for those who really like to go into the unknown.
Key Features:
- Global Satellite Coverage: Like the Garmin, the SPOT X works anywhere on the globe. There’s no such thing as “no service” when you’re packing this beauty.
- Two-Way Text Messaging: You can send messages to anyone, anywhere, making it perfect for letting your hiking buddies know when you’ve reached that scenic overlook (or when you accidentally missed the trail and wandered off into the wilderness).
- SOS Function: In case of emergency, the SPOT X allows you to send a distress signal to the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center. This is serious business—if you find yourself in trouble, you’ve got the help you need.
What we love: The SPOT X has a screen that lets you type and send messages, which is especially handy when you want to let people know where you are without pulling out your phone. Plus, it’s incredibly rugged, so it can handle whatever you throw at it (figuratively, not literally).
What we don’t love: It’s slightly larger than some other models, so it’s not the best for those looking to keep things ultra-light.
3. ACR ResQLink View: The Rescue Superhero
This one’s for the folks who are serious about safety and need the best-of-the-best when it comes to emergency response. The ACR ResQLink View is like the Batman of GPS trackers—sleek, powerful, and always ready to swoop in and save the day.
Key Features:
- Built-In GPS & Navigation: With the ResQLink View, you can track your location with precision and also get an accurate GPS signal to guide you along your journey.
- SOS & Distress Signal: When things go wrong, this device sends out a distress signal to satellites in real-time, which then alerts search and rescue teams to your exact location. It’s basically a superhero in a tiny package.
- User-Friendly Screen: Unlike some other devices, the ResQLink View comes with a small display screen that shows you essential data like battery life, GPS coordinates, and status updates. It’s like having a mini command center on your wrist.
What we love: The ACR ResQLink View is built for those who value safety above all. Its emergency response features are unparalleled, and it works well for solo adventurers who want to make sure someone’s got their back—just in case.
What we don’t love: It’s more focused on emergency response than other GPS trackers that offer more hiking-specific features. But hey, if you’re hiking in truly remote places, this is the one to have.
4. DeLorme inReach Explorer+: The All-In-One Adventurer’s Dream
You’ve heard of the Swiss Army knife of GPS trackers, right? Well, the DeLorme inReach Explorer+ is basically that, but for adventurers who don’t mind a few extra ounces of tech weighing them down.
Key Features:
- Satellite Messaging & Tracking: Like other models on our list, the inReach Explorer+ allows you to send text messages, share your GPS coordinates, and track your movements in real-time.
- Interactive Map: You can view detailed maps on the device, which makes it easier to navigate those tricky terrain sections where the trail seems to disappear.
- Weather Forecasting: The Explorer+ also gives you access to weather updates, so you’ll never be caught off guard by an unexpected storm. It’s like having your own personal meteorologist, minus the awkward small talk.
What we love: This device offers a good mix of navigation and communication tools for the serious adventurer. It’s a little bulkier than some, but it compensates with a host of useful features.
What we don’t love: The display isn’t as intuitive as some others, and it takes a little time to get used to all the functions. But once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty much unbeatable.
5. Backtrack Mini GPS: The Budget-Friendly Hero
Okay, maybe you’re on a tight budget but still want a GPS tracker that does more than just show you a pin on a map. Enter the Backtrack Mini GPS—a solid little tracker that proves you don’t have to break the bank to stay safe while hiking.
Key Features:
- Simple Tracking: The Backtrack Mini is all about simplicity. It offers basic GPS navigation, which is perfect for those who don’t need a ton of bells and whistles. It helps you retrace your steps, so you can find your way back to the trailhead (unless you’re like me and tend to get distracted by shiny things).
- Compact Design: This tracker is small, light, and can fit in your pocket without weighing you down. If you’re looking for something to complement your minimalist approach to hiking, this is it.
- Easy to Use: No complicated screens or confusing menus here—just press a button, and you’re good to go.
What we love: The Backtrack Mini is simple, affordable, and effective. If you don’t need a fancy touchscreen or satellite messaging, this tracker gets the job done without any fuss.
What we don’t love: It lacks some of the advanced features like two-way messaging or SOS functions. But for casual hikers, it might be all you need.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best GPS Tracker for Your Hike?
Well, that depends on what kind of hiker you are! If you’re an ultralight hiker who likes to keep things minimal but still wants reliable tracking and emergency features, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 or the Backtrack Mini GPS might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re more of a serious adventurer who wants all the bells and whistles (and possibly to save your life in a worst-case scenario), the ACR ResQLink View or DeLorme inReach Explorer+ should be at the top of your list.
At the end of the day, choosing the best GPS tracker for hiking isn’t just about features—it’s about finding the one that fits your hiking style and gives you peace of mind while you explore the great outdoors. Happy hiking, and remember—if you do get lost, at least now you’ve got a way to find your way back (or call for help, if necessary).