November 6, 2025

Plus, when you hike with Garmin Trails, you’ll be better prepared.

You’ve laced up your hiking boots, checked the forecast and packed the 10 essentials. It’s time to hit the trail.

But you’re missing one thing: a Garmin GPS hiking watch, handheld navigator or inReach® satellite communicator. Let’s break down how you can choose which one is best for you.

For those looking for inReach technology and messaging on your wrist

fēnix® 8 Pro: With this premium GPS smartwatch, you’ll get cellular connectivity, satellite connectivity¹ and inReach SOS message capability. You’ll also have a built-in LED flashlight as well as enhanced maps and navigation tools, including preloaded TopoActive maps and dynamic round-trip routing.

When connected to the LTE network, you can use fēnix 8 Pro to send 30-second voice messages. You can also make and take phone calls from other fēnix 8 Pro users or those using the Garmin Messenger™ app on their smartphone. With LiveTrack™, you can share your location and check-in with friends and family. Plus, you’ll see current weather conditions and multiday forecasts.

With satellite connectivity, you can send and receive text messages with friends and family using the Garmin Messenger app on their smartphone or compatible Garmin smartwatch. After you trigger an SOS message on your fēnix 8 Pro, it sends that message over satellite or cellular connectivity to Garmin Response℠, our 24/7-staffed international emergency coordination center that attempts to contact first responders.

• Durability: This smartwatch offers a dive-rated build with leakproof metal buttons, a metal sensor guard cover and a titanium bezel. It’s also tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock and water resistance (MIL-STD-810).
• Battery life: Up to 27 days in smartwatch mode and up to 78 hours in GPS only mode on the 51 mm size.

For those looking for an easy-to-use and rugged handheld navigator

eTrex® Touch: Leave your phone packed away and hike with eTrex Touch, a dedicated device made for all types of outdoor adventures. eTrex Touch offers a high-resolution color touchscreen so you can easily swipe and zoom in on routes. When you connect this handheld with the Garmin Explore™ smartphone app, you’ll get seamless trip planning and the ability to manage waypoints, courses and activities. You can also see upcoming climbs on your route — and how steep they’ll be — so that next hill doesn’t catch you off guard.

eTrex Touch features multi-band GPS as well as preloaded TopoActive maps for roads and trails. You can see terrain contours, topographic elevations, points of interest and more. Plus, take your mapping capabilities to another level when you add on an Outdoor Maps+ plan.

• Durability: With an impact-resistant design tested to MIL-STD-810 and an IP67 dust/water rating, eTrex Touch is built to withstand weather and rugged conditions.
• Battery life: Up to 130 hours — and up to 650 hours in expedition mode.

For those looking for a premium handheld with advanced mapping

GPSMAP® H1i Plus: This rugged GPS handheld navigator features a 3.5” color touchscreen, physical buttons and a built-in LED flashlight. It offers built-in inReach Plus technology² so you can stay in touch when you adventure beyond cell coverage. You can exchange photos, voice messages and text messages with an active inReach service plan. In the event of an emergency, trigger an interactive SOS message to the 24/7-staffed Garmin Response coordination center.

You’ll get more advanced mapping features such as preloaded TopoActive maps for the U.S., Mexico and Canada, as well as easily accessible global maps. You can even download high-resolution satellite imagery directly to your device that you can use to find trails and parking, create waypoints and more. Plus, multi-band GPS and multi-GNSS help pinpoint your location. When you add on an Outdoor Maps+ plan, you can access a variety of global premium mapping content.

• Durability: The rugged design is tested to MIL-STD-810 and offers an IP67 dust/water rating, so it can withstand weather and extreme temperatures.
• Battery life: Up to 145 hours of battery life in all satellite systems and multi-band mode (assuming typical use with SatIQ™ technology) — and up to 840 hours in expedition mode.

For those looking to stay connected beyond cell coverage

inReach® Mini 2: This compact satellite communicator² allows you to trigger an interactive SOS message to Garmin Response. It also offers LiveTrack³ location sharing and two-way messaging, so you can stay in touch with loved ones during your adventure. Unlike traditional satellite phones, these devices prioritize two-way text messaging, location sharing and triggering SOS messages, over voice calling. This option might be right for you if you prioritize remaining…