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What Are The Best Solar-Powered Hiking GPS in 2025

"Unleash Your Adventure: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Solar-Powered Hiking GPS for Every Trailblazer! Discover the cutting-edge technology that keeps you connected and safe in the wild, while harnessing the power of the sun. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned trekker, finding the right solar-powered GPS is essential for navigating the great outdoors without sacrificing battery life. Dive into our expert insights on essential features like durability, battery capacity, and user-friendly interfaces, ensuring you’re equipped for any terrain. Don't overlook vital factors such as water resistance, map availability, and real-time tracking capabilities—these are key to a successful adventure! Join us as we explore the top contenders in this eco-friendly category, making your hiking experience not only safer but also more sustainable. Gear up and let the sun guide your path to unforgettable exploration!"

1

Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator with Topo Maps and GPS Navigation

Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator with Topo Maps and GPS Navigation
Buy Now $719.99

Why We Love It

Reviewers consistently praise the Garmin inReach Explorer+ for its robust features and reliable performance. The two-way messaging feature is often highlighted, ensuring safety in remote areas. The built-in navigation and topographic maps are a favorite among hikers, allowing for easy navigation even in unfamiliar terrain. Users also love that it's solar-powered, as this eliminates the need to worry about battery life during extended trips.

Pros

  • Rugged and durable
  • Two-way messaging
  • Built-in navigation and topographic maps

Cons

  • Subscription required for some features
  • Relatively expensive

A handheld satellite communicator with built-in navigation and topographic maps.

The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is a rugged, handheld satellite communicator that provides two-way messaging, GPS navigation, and topographic mapping. It's solar-powered, ensuring you'll never run out of battery while on your hiking trips. It features 100% global Iridium satellite coverage, allowing you to stay connected in remote areas. The device also includes a built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter, and accelerometer to assist with navigation.

2

Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator with Topo Maps and GPS Navigation

Buy Now $720.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the reliability of the Garmin inReach Explorer+ in remote locations and its ability to function as a fully fledged GPS device. The built-in compass, altimeter, and accelerometer are highly praised for their accuracy. Users also appreciate the solar charging capability, which can be a lifesaver during long treks.

Pros

  • Reliable satellite communication
  • Built-in GPS navigation
  • Durable and water-resistant

Cons

  • Subscription required for satellite services
  • Weighty for some users

Handheld satellite communicator with built-in GPS navigation.

The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is a robust, water-resistant, impact-resistant handheld satellite communicator that offers two-way text messaging, interactive SOS, and global Iridium satellite coverage. It comes with preloaded DeLorme TOPO maps, built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter, and accelerometer. The device also includes an internal, rechargeable lithium battery that lasts up to 100 hours in tracking mode and up to 30 days in power save mode. Solar charging compatibility extends the battery life.

3

Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS

Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS
Buy Now $454.99

Why We Love It

Users appreciate the Garmin Foretrex 401 for its compact size and lightweight design, which makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods. The high-sensitivity receiver is commended for maintaining a strong signal in challenging environments. The wealth of features, including a trip computer and hunting/fishing information, are also frequently mentioned in reviews. Its waterproof design is another highlight, allowing users to navigate confidently in all weather conditions.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • High-sensitivity receiver
  • Feature-rich

Cons

  • Small display
  • Limited map functionality

A compact, wrist-mounted, waterproof hiking GPS with a high-sensitivity receiver.

The Garmin Foretrex 401 is a high-performance, solar-powered hiking GPS that is designed to handle the rigors of outdoor adventures. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix for improved performance and reception in heavy tree cover or deep canyons. The Foretrex 401 also includes a trip computer, sunrise/sunset times, hunting/fishing information, electronic compass, and barometric altimeter. The device is waterproof, making it ideal for all weather conditions.

4

Bushnell BackTrack D-Tour Personal GPS Tracking Device

Bushnell BackTrack D-Tour Personal GPS Tracking Device
Buy Now $139.90

Why We Love It

The Bushnell BackTrack D-Tour is often praised for its simplicity and ease of use. Users appreciate its ability to store and locate up to five locations, making it a valuable tool for hiking and camping trips. The digital compass with latitude and longitude is another popular feature, as it provides users with precise navigation information. Despite its limited features compared to other models, users find it to be a reliable and straightforward GPS device.

Pros

  • Stores and locates up to five locations
  • Digital compass with latitude and longitude
  • Weather-resistant design

Cons

  • Limited features compared to other models
  • Battery life could be improved

A personal GPS tracking device with a digital compass and trip information storage.

The Bushnell BackTrack D-Tour is a compact, handheld GPS tracking device that can store and locate up to five locations. It offers a digital compass with latitude and longitude, and it records trip data, including time, altitude, and temperature. This solar-powered device comes with a self-calibrating digital compass and a backlit LCD. With its weather-resistant construction, the BackTrack D-Tour is ready for your next outdoor adventure.

5

Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator, Solar-Powered

Buy Now $140.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers appreciate the Garmin eTrex 10 for its affordability and basic navigation features, making it a good entry-level device for outdoor enthusiasts. Users commend the device's ability to maintain GPS location even in challenging terrain. The solar charging capability is also praised for extending the device's battery life during outdoor activities.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Supports geocaching GPX files
  • Solar charging compatible

Cons

  • Basic features
  • Monochrome display

Basic handheld GPS navigator with solar charging capability.

The Garmin eTrex 10 is an affordable handheld GPS navigator that offers basic navigation features for outdoor activities. It has a 2.2-inch monochrome display, supports geocaching GPX files for downloading geocaches and details straight to your unit, and maintains GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The device has a long-lasting battery that can be charged with solar power for continuous use.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 5 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product Solar-Powered Weight (grams) Screen Size (inches) Water Resistance Rating Map Features Communication Features
1 Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator with Topo Maps and GPS Navigation
Yes Yes Yes IPX7 Preloaded Topo Maps Two-way messaging
2 Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS
Yes Yes Yes IPX7 Limited map functionality None
3 SPOT 3 Satellite GPS Messenger - Orange
Yes Yes Yes IPX7 None SOS button
4 Bushnell BackTrack D-Tour Personal GPS Tracking Device
Yes Yes Yes Weather-resistant Stores 5 locations None
5 Garmin GPSMAP 64st, TOPO U.S. 100K with High-Sensitivity GPS and GLONASS Receiver
Yes Yes Yes IPX7 Preloaded TOPO U.S. 100K maps None
1

Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator with Topo Maps and GPS Navigation

Solar-Powered
Yes
Weight (grams)
Yes
Screen Size (inches)
Yes
Water Resistance Rating
IPX7
Map Features
Preloaded Topo Maps
Communication Features
Two-way messaging
2

Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS

Solar-Powered
Yes
Weight (grams)
Yes
Screen Size (inches)
Yes
Water Resistance Rating
IPX7
Map Features
Limited map functionality
Communication Features
None
3

SPOT 3 Satellite GPS Messenger - Orange

Solar-Powered
Yes
Weight (grams)
Yes
Screen Size (inches)
Yes
Water Resistance Rating
IPX7
Map Features
None
Communication Features
SOS button
4

Bushnell BackTrack D-Tour Personal GPS Tracking Device

Solar-Powered
Yes
Weight (grams)
Yes
Screen Size (inches)
Yes
Water Resistance Rating
Weather-resistant
Map Features
Stores 5 locations
Communication Features
None
5

Garmin GPSMAP 64st, TOPO U.S. 100K with High-Sensitivity GPS and GLONASS Receiver

Solar-Powered
Yes
Weight (grams)
Yes
Screen Size (inches)
Yes
Water Resistance Rating
IPX7
Map Features
Preloaded TOPO U.S. 100K maps
Communication Features
None

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar-Powered Hiking GPS

What makes a solar-powered hiking gps the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your solar-powered hiking gps recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of solar-powered hiking gps?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.