Best Hunting GPS – Best Garmin Handheld Hunting GPS Units for 2009

Hunters hold a very high standard for the GPS units that they use in the field. They want one that is lightweight, easy to read and use, while being waterproof and receives a signal even in heavy foliage or deep canyons. Garmin has two new lines of handheld GPS units in the Oregon and Dakota series but surprisingly these two series did not make the 2009 “Best Hunting GPS “ list. Hunters preferred the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx, the Garmin GPSMap 60 CSx, and the Garmin Rino 530 HCX for the following reasons.

1. Garmin eTrex Vista HCx– Hunters rated the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx as the Best Hunting GPS for 2009 because it is small, lightweight, and easy to use. The color screen makes it easy to view in sunny conditions. The eTrex Vista HCX gets a great signal in heavy tree cover and deep canyons. One hunter really liked the compactness of the Vista and carries it in his shirt pocket for easy access.

2. Garmin GPSMap 60 CSx – This hunting GPS unit is very popular again this year because it has a larger, color screen which makes viewing GPS maps in the field easier on the hunter’s eyes. It also has a SD card slot which allows the hunter to have a special MicroSD card for each of his hunting areas. The GPSMap 60 CSx maybe a bit larger of a handheld GPS but hunters still love it for it’s great reception in the field.

3. Garmin Rino 530 HCx – The Rino remains popular with hunters because it has a build in radio that you can use to communicate with other FMS/ radio users. The Garmin Rino will also allow for fellow Garmin Rino users in your hunting party to pinpoint your current location. This popular hunting GPS also has a larger, color screen and gets a great satellite signal.

So, as you can see, the best hunting GPS units for 2009 were the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx, the Garmin GPSMap 60 CSx, and the Garmin Rino 530 HCx.