This blog was updated on August 28, 2024, with newly tested product information.
According to recent surveys, 80% of hikers who use GPS trackers report increased confidence and peace of mind on their journeys. With the latest options available, choosing the right GPS tracker can make a significant difference in your hiking experience, offering both reliability and peace of mind.
When hiking tough trails, a good GPS tracker can boost your safety and navigation. The Family1st GPS Tracker is a top choice for 2024. It's small and easy to carry, with reliable 4G for accurate location updates. It has a long-lasting battery that works for 14 days and can be used with a waterproof case for tough conditions. Affordable with a low monthly fee, it's great for all hikers. Features like the SOS button and geofencing make it a smart and safe option for your adventures.
Our Top Picks: Best GPS Trackers for Hiking
| Ratings | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Best For | Cost-effective for hiking | Compact and efficient for hiking | Long-lasting battery for extended hikes | Waterproof and reliable for all weather | Lightweight and easy to carry | Small and discreet for personal tracking | Effective for hiking and asset tracking | Advanced tracking with SOS for safety | Comprehensive coverage and alerts |
| Price | $29.95 | $44.99 | $28.80 | $29.95 | $19 | $18.80 | $65 | $129.99 | $16.97 |
| Subscription Fee | $19.95/month | $19.99/month | $6.99/month | $19.95/month | $19/month | $9.95/month | $32/month | $14.99/month | $29.99/month |
| Battery Life | 2 weeks with 1-minute updates, 6 months in sleep mode | 10-12 days with minute updates, 2 weeks in sleep mode | 2 weeks with 1-minute updates, 18 months with 1 update/day | 3 weeks with 3-minute updates, 6 months in sleep mode | 2-3 days with 1-minute updates, 6 days in sleep mode | 5 days with 1-5 minute updates | 10-14 days with one-minute updates | 7 days with constant tracking | 6 days with one-minute tracking, 15 days in sleep mode |
| Features | Real-time tracking, Pocketable size, Geofencing, Weather-resistant, SOS alerts, Lifetime warranty | Compact size, Intelligent Battery Alerts, Motion and SOS Alarm, Weather-resistant, Supports up to 20 geofences | Location Sharing, Small and compact design, Weatherproof | Waterproof, Google Maps integration, Immediate Alerts, Versatile use | Lightweight, Portable, User-friendly app, SOS button, Worldwide coverage | Smallest and lightest, SOS Alert Button, 3500 mAh Battery, 5 years of tracking history, Coverage of 190 countries | Records location history, Wired device option, No contract, No activation or cancellation fees | Small size, Waterproof, SOS Button, Lifetime warranty, Real-time tracking, Custom Geofences and alerts, SOS mode, 911 emergency dispatch | Magnetic waterproof case, Panic button, Rapid track mode, Compact size, Full 4G coverage |
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Why do you need GPS Trackers for Hiking?
GPS trackers are very useful for hiking because they help you know exactly where you are, even in thick forests where it's hard to see landmarks. They make it easier to find your way and can help rescue teams find you if you need help.
GPS devices for trail hiking are a more rational and reliable option for safe hiking in the market. These systems make it easy for you to find a way and explore nature without any fear. So, if you have a portable GPS hiking tracker in your bag, you can make your trip more adventurous and fun. Additionally, a real-time GPS tracker for hiking trail can provide peace of mind to your family and loved ones as they can track you no matter where you are. And in case of emergency, they can send immediate help. In the same way, you can press the SOS button to call for assistance.
How To Choose GPS Trackers for Hiking?
Now that you are convinced to purchase a GPS tracker for your hiking trip, here are the necessary factors to consider before choosing the perfect GPS device for yourself:
Size And Weight
Who will love extra baggage while hiking? Therefore, before making any decision, you should always pay attention to the dimensions of the product. An ideal GPS tracker for hiking should be small in size and lightweight.
Battery Life
Always look for a GPS tracker for hiking with good battery backup. Why? So that when you are in the forest, you can wander without any worry. You won’t need to find a charging outlet in the wild. If your GPS tracker's battery dies, you will be left alone.
Waterproof
You cannot predict what circumstances you may face during your hike. If a tracker falls in a puddle or your water bottle leaks, your investment will be wasted, and you’ll need to purchase a new one after finding your way back home. To avoid such situations, always choose a waterproof GPS tracker.
Easy To Use
Look for a GPS tracking device for hiking with a user-friendly interface so that it is easy to use, and anyone in your family can use it without stress during hiking.
Connectivity
There are several GPS trackers for hiking available on the market with different connectivity options. Some GPS devices use a 2G network, while others have 5G compatibility. Always choose a GPS hiking tracker with faster connectivity, such as 4G or 5G.
9 Best Hiking GPS Trackers
Family1st: Cost-effective for hiking
Family1st portable GPS tracker is a small GPS tracker for hiking trails that can track almost anything from anywhere. It is the most cost-effective device on the market and is feasible for all of us. You can purchase the hardware by paying $29.95. On top of that, it has a low monthly subscription charge of $19.95. You can enjoy several features at such nominal fees, such as an SOS button, geofence, Smart alerts, instant reports, and many more.
Whether you or your family is hiking or engaging in any other adventurous activity, you can never go wrong with this product. It is no bigger than a D-size battery, and therefore, will not occupy much space in your backpack. You can set up this device by following three simple steps.
As the device has a decent battery life, you can keep on exploring the jungle without any fear of losing your way. It uses lightning-fast 4G connectivity, and therefore, can deliver accurate location updates anywhere in North America. You can purchase the device with a waterproof case and take it with you on any adventurous trip.
- Real-time location updates
- Compact and easy to carry
- Long battery life
- Geofencing and SOS alerts
- Affordable pricing
- Subscription required
- Limited to North American coverage
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Real-time GPS tracker | Yes |
| Pocketable size | Yes |
| Lifetime Warranty | Yes |
| 14-days battery Life | Yes |
| 30-days money-back guarantee | Yes |
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.8” x 1.8” x 1.1” |
| Weight | 3.60 Oz |
| Battery Capacity | 2400 mAh Li-Polymer |
| Battery Type | Internal and Rechargeable |
| Battery Life (Active) | 2 weeks with 1-minute updates |
| Battery Life (Sleep Mode) | 6 months with 1 update/day |
Amcrest: Compact and efficient for hiking
Amcrest GL300 GPS tracker is a compact GPS tracker for hiking that you can use to monitor vehicles, loved ones, and assets. It uses 4G connectivity to offer real-time location tracking. It can send you location updates for up to 5 seconds, and hence you can access them through a web portal or mobile application.
The Amcrest GPS trackers for trail tracking offer different features to make your tracking experience smooth. For example, you can use the geofencing feature to drop virtual fences over the map. You will receive a real-time alert whenever the target passes by. You can purchase the device at $44.99 plus monthly subscription fees of $19.99.
Amcrest GL300 is another affordable solution for GPS tracking device for hiking. You can choose the device for your outdoor adventures, let it be hiking, motorcycle travels, or trekking. It uses a 4G network, and therefore, you can get accurate location updates in the deep woods. You can lower the frequency rate to five seconds and hence stay assured that you are going on the right track. It has a pretty long battery that will last for two weeks and thus becomes ideal for hiking.
- Real-time GPS tracking with updates every 5 seconds
- Long battery life (up to two weeks in sleep mode)
- Compact and portable design
- Geofencing capability for virtual boundary alerts
- Weather-resistant construction
- Monthly subscription fee required
- Dependence on cellular coverage for optimal performance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Compact Size | Smaller than a matchbox |
| Intelligent Battery Alerts | Yes |
| Motion and SOS Alarm | Yes |
| Weather-Resistant | Yes |
| Supports Geofences | Up to 20 |
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 3” x 1.5” x 1” |
| Weight | 3.52 Oz |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer, 2600 mAh, Internal and Rechargeable |
| Battery Life (Active Mode) | 10-12 days with minute updates |
| Battery Life (Sleep Mode) | Up to 2 weeks (no activity) |
Trak-4: Long-lasting battery for extended hikes
Trak-4 is another reliable GPS tracker for hiking on our list that you can take on your adventure. It is a simple hiking GPS tracker that starts tracking within a few minutes out of the box. Installing the device is a breeze. Moreover, it is easy to use and therefore anyone in your family, even your child, can use it.
It is an affordable GPS tracking device for trail hiking that you can own by paying $28.80. The company also charges monthly fees of $6.99 for hourly pings. The device has impressive battery life that can last up to 12 to 18 months on a single charge. Moreover, it is a durable and weatherproof device that you can use for any outdoor activity.
Trak-4 is a durable GPS device for hiking that you can take on your different journeys. The rugged device will deliver reliable location updates even in extreme weather conditions. The device has a giant battery life that can last up to 18 months on a single charge. So you won't have to worry about the battery in the wild.
- Extremely long battery life (up to 18 months)
- Weatherproof and durable for outdoor use
- Easy to use and quick to set up
- Compact and portable design
- Monthly subscription fee required
- Tracking updates are limited to hourly pings
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location Sharing | Yes |
| Compact Design | Small and lightweight |
| Weatherproof Design | Yes |
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.5” x 1.75” x 1.25” |
| Weight | 3 oz |
| Battery Type | 4600 mAh, Internal and Rechargeable |
| Battery Life (Active Mode) | 2 weeks with one-minute updates |
| Battery Life (Sleep Mode) | Up to 18 months with one update per day |
LandAirSea 54: Waterproof and reliable for all weather
LandAirSea 54 GPS tracker is a mini waterproof GPS tracker for hiking. Owing to its ultra-compact design, it can easily fit in pockets, backpacks, purses, or cases. You can even enjoy discreet tracking with this small-sized device. The device uses 4G LTE plus satellite technology to deliver reliable and accurate location updates. It has an ultra-strong non-slip magnetic mount, and therefore, you can mount it on any metal surface without any tension. It also has a rechargeable battery that lasts two weeks with one-minute updates. You can even increase it by lowering the report frequency.
LandAirSea 54 GPS tracker is 100% waterproof, and therefore you can rely on the device even in different weather conditions such as sunny, rainy, windy, or snowy days. It is a portable device that can easily fit into your backpack, and you won't feel like you are carrying extra baggage with you. It offers worldwide coverage, so you can purchase it no matter where you are hiking.
- 100% waterproof design
- Compact and discreet size
- Strong non-slip magnetic mount
- Google Maps integration
- Versatile and portable
- Monthly subscription fee required
- Battery life may vary with usage
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Waterproof Device | Yes |
| Google Maps Integration | Yes |
| Immediate Alerts | Yes |
| Versatile Use | Yes |
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.25″ x 2.25″ x 0.8″ |
| Weight | 8 oz |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion, Internal and Rechargeable |
| Battery Life (Active Mode) | 3 weeks with 3-minute updates |
| Battery Life (Sleep Mode) | Up to 6 months |
Geozilla: Lightweight and easy to carry
The Geozilla GPS tracker is great for hiking because it gives you real-time location updates and works anywhere in the world. You can see your exact location on the Geozilla app, and it has an emergency SOS button in case you need help. It also lets you set safe zones and alerts if you go outside them. The battery lasts up to five days, making it useful for long hikes.
Geozilla is a small and lightweight hiking GPS tracker and comes with a range of accessories such as lanyards and attachment pouches. So you can either hang the GPS around your neck as an accessory or keep it in your backpack. It provides worldwide coverage. So no matter where you are hiking, you can use this GPS tracker. It also has an SOS button that you can press in case of emergency to call for help. Other notable features of this product are: decent battery life, geofence feature, reliable location updates, etc.
- Lightweight and portable
- User-friendly application
- Worldwide coverage
- Geofencing and SOS button
- Affordable tracking services
- Monthly subscription fee required
- Battery life may vary with frequent updates
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and Portable | Yes |
| Blends with Surroundings | Yes |
| User-friendly App | Yes |
| Affordable Tracking Services | Yes |
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 8″ x 1.6″ x 1″ |
| Weight | 1.05 oz |
| Battery Type | Li-ion 520mAh, Internal and Rechargeable |
| Battery Life (Active Mode) | 2-3 days with 1-minute updates |
| Battery Life (Sleep Mode) | Up to 6 days (no activity) |
Tracki: Small and discreet for personal tracking
The Tracki GPS tracker is a lightweight device that works well for hiking, giving you real-time location updates anywhere in the world. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, and it won’t get in your way during hikes. The battery lasts up to five days with regular updates, and you can extend the battery life with an extra battery and a waterproof case. It costs $18.88, with a monthly subscription fee of $9.95, making it an affordable and reliable option for hikers.
The Tracki GPS Tracker is best for hiking in unfamiliar areas. It is small so it won’t add any extra weight to your gear. The device uses GPS and GSM networks to give you real-time location updates and works worldwide. Your can easily track your location through the app, ensuring you're safe. In case of an emergency, you can press the SOS button to call for immediate help. Ideal for staying safe on your hiking adventures.
- Smallest and lightest GPS tracker
- SOS alert button with additional buttons
- Long-lasting 3500 mAh battery
- Five years of tracking history
- Global coverage in 190 countries
- Monthly subscription fee required
- Battery life may vary with update frequency
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Smallest and Lightest GPS Tracker | Yes |
| SOS Alert Button + 2 Extra Buttons | Yes |
| Battery Capacity | 3500 mAh |
| Tracking History | Five years |
| Global Coverage | 190 countries |
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.74” x 1.5” x 0.6” |
| Weight | 1.26 oz |
| Battery Type | 3500 mAh Li-Polymer, Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life (Active Mode) | 5 days with 1-5 minute updates |
Americaloc GL300: Effective for hiking and asset tracking
The Americaloc GL300 GPS tracker is a top choice for hiking, providing accurate real-time tracking. Its small size allows it to fit easily in your backpack or attach to your gear. The battery lasts up to 14 days, making it reliable for extended hikes, and you can customize the tracking frequency to suit your needs, ensuring you're always connected during your outdoor adventures.
When you are exploring nature, your parents or loved ones are left worrying about your safety. There is no active cellular network in the jungle or mountains, so they are unable to reach you. You can ensure their peace of mind by using the Americaloc GPS tracker for trail tracking.
You can lower the update frequency to track anyone in almost real-time without additional cost. It also does not bind you in any contract or charge any hidden fees. You can enter or exit the plan as per your need. So, when your vacation ends, you can drop the subscription and place the device in your cupboard for the next trip.
- Long battery life up to 14 days with one-minute updates
- Adjustable update frequency without extra cost
- No contract or hidden fees
- Option to use as a wired device
- Record location history for up to 1 year
- Higher initial cost compared to some trackers
- Monthly subscription fee required
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location History | Records for up to 1 year |
| Wired Device Capability | Yes |
| Contract-Free | Yes |
| No Activation or Cancellation Fee | Yes |
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 7” x 1.51” x 0.92” |
| Weight | 24 oz |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion, Internal and Rechargeable |
| Battery Life (Active Mode) | 10-14 days with one-minute updates |
Jiobit: Advanced tracking with SOS for safety
The Jiobit GPS tracker is a reliable option for hiking, offering real-time location tracking through GPS, cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth networks. Its compact, lightweight design makes it easy to attach to your gear or keep in your backpack. With a battery life of up to 10 days, it ensures consistent tracking, even in remote areas, giving you peace of mind on long hiking trips.
Jiobit GPS tracker is a safe location-tracking device for trail hiking. When you explore nature, you can keep it by your side. It will protect you and help you to keep track of your location. You can not only know where you are with this tracker but also seek help in an emergency. As you press the SOS button, the care team will receive a notification, along with your location information. They can send the same to the emergency dispatchers, who will contact you immediately.
- Real-time tracking with GPS, cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- SOS button with emergency dispatch support
- Customizable geofences and alerts
- Durable and lightweight
- Lifetime warranty
- Higher initial cost compared to some other trackers
- Monthly subscription fee required
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Real-time Tracking | Yes |
| SOS Button | Yes |
| Lifetime Warranty | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Custom Geofences and Alerts | Yes |
| Emergency Dispatch Support | Yes |
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.96” x 1.45” x 0.47” |
| Weight | 1.76 oz |
| Battery Type | Lithium Polymer, Internal and Rechargeable |
| Battery Life (Active Mode) | Up to 10 days with constant tracking |
Brickhouse Security: Comprehensive coverage and alerts
Brickhouse Security is a small and portable GPS tracking device for hiking that you can use to cater to your different tracking needs. It provides full 4G coverage over North America. It ensures you peace of mind and can determine the location of the people you love. It is also a suitable solution to protect your valuable assets from theft. It allows you to set up multiple geofences over the map and get notified when the device passes through it. It also has a panic button that your loved ones can press to get your attention in an emergency. You can own the device by paying $16.97 and a monthly subscription fee of $29.99.
Hiking with kids is a great family activity. It allows your child to connect with nature and enjoy time outdoors without technology. It can be at the same time intimidating for you. If you are worried about your child's safety in the wild, here is a simple solution - Brickhouse Security Spark Nano 7 hiking GPS tracker for family.
It provides 4G coverage all over North America. You don't have to worry about staying connected to your child, even in remote locations. You can create geofences over the map to get notified if your child accidentally crosses the preset place. It also has a panic button that they can press to get immediate help. You can switch to Rapid track mode to get live updates if they get lost.
- Full 4G coverage across North America
- Compact and portable design
- Panic button for emergency alerts
- Rapid Track mode for live updates
- Multiple geofencing capabilities
- Higher monthly subscription fee compared to some trackers
- May require additional accessories for full functionality
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full 4G Coverage | Yes |
| Panic Button | Yes |
| Rapid Track Mode | Yes |
| Magnetic Waterproof Case | Yes |
| Compact Size | Yes |
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.0” x 1.58” x 1.0” |
| Weight | 3.3 oz |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Life (Active Mode) | 6 days with one-minute tracking |
| Battery Life (Sleep Mode) | 15 days |
Importance Of GPS Trackers for Hiking
Still confused about whether to buy a GPS tracker for hiking trails or not? Here are some benefits of GPS trackers for hiking:
Immediately Locate the Hikers
GPS trackers use a series of satellite networks to locate someone, known as the trilateration technique. No matter where you are or if there is any network, the GPS tracker for trail hiking will locate you and send reports. So even if you lose your original path, you can discover a new one with its help.
SOS Buttons
Some GPS trackers for hiking come with an SOS button, helpful in case of an emergency. You can press the button to receive help immediately. How? When you press the SOS button, the tracker immediately sends real-time alerts to your trusted contacts, who can then send help to you.
Geofence Boundaries
If your child is hiking and you are worried about their safety, a GPS tracker for hiking trails will come in handy. With the geofencing feature, you can set virtual boundaries on a predetermined path. If they cross it, you will immediately receive an alert, allowing you to contact them and correct their route.
Weather Forecasts
Nowadays, GPS tracking devices for hiking can provide weather forecasts for a location beforehand, helping you prepare for the situation. For example, you can check if it will rain and take necessary precautions to enjoy the day.
Gives Freedom
With the help of a GPS tracker for hiking trails, you can get closer to nature freely. You can explore even the deepest parts of the forest and uncover its secrets without worrying about remembering the path, as the hiking GPS tracker will guide you.
GPS Tracker Vs. Smartphone - Which One Is The Best?
You can find two options in the market, GPS tracker and smartphone. Some people find it worthless to invest in portable GPS devices for trail hiking and prefer smartphone GPS on their hike. But which one is the best? Let us discuss it in the following section:
Smartphones, at first glance, may seem like a worthy choice. Why? Because they are versatile tools that will serve you different functions apart from basic GPS, such as flashlight, camera, and enable two-way calls. On top of that, you will not have to invest any money as you probably own it already.
On the other hand, GPS devices for trail hiking ask for an initial investment. They use satellite-based navigation to provide you with location updates. GPS trackers for hiking are preferable to a smartphone. Why? As they have long battery life, an SOS button, and are waterproof. Moreover, a GPS tracker for a hiking trail will send you reliable location updates even when there is no cell phone network.
To sum it up, we can say that you can only rely on a smartphone if you are going somewhere nearby, such as front country trails or camps. But you should choose a portable GPS tracker for hiking if you are hiking in mountains or forests.
Frequently Asked Questions
A GPS tracker can help you navigate your way through unknown terrain, track your progress, and alert you to potential hazards such as steep drops or dangerous wildlife. It can also provide peace of mind to your loved ones back home by letting them know your location and ensuring your safety.
Some important features to consider when choosing a GPS tracker for hiking include battery life, accuracy, durability, ease of use, and the ability to connect to a network or smartphone app.
GPS trackers receive signals from GPS satellites orbiting the earth, which provide information about the device's location. This information is then transmitted to a central server, where it can be accessed by the user.
Many GPS trackers require a subscription fee for access to their services, such as real-time location tracking or geofencing. However, there are also some models that do not require a subscription fee.
Some GPS trackers can function without cellular coverage by using alternative means of communication, such as satellite or radio signals.
The battery life of a GPS tracker can vary depending on the device and its usage. Some models have a battery life of several days, while others can last for weeks or even months on a single charge.
When choosing a GPS tracker for hiking, consider your specific needs and requirements, such as the size and weight of the device, its battery life, and the features you need. You may also want to read reviews and compare prices to find the best option for your budget.
Final Words
Picking the best GPS tracker for hiking is important for staying safe and worry-free on the trail. You can choose from different options, including small and affordable models to more advanced ones with a long battery life. Consider things like size, battery life, and water resistance to make sure you can stay in touch and stay safe during your outdoor trips. Getting a good GPS tracker means you can explore the great outdoors with confidence while keeping your family and friends in the loop about your whereabouts.
I hope this guide helped you to find out a suitable alternative to GPS trackers for hiking. Do share your thoughts in the comment section below.