10 Best Navigation and Communication Tools for Trailblazing Families
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Navigating and communicating effectively in the great outdoors is crucial for the safety and enjoyment of any family adventure. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or exploring remote areas, having reliable navigation and communication tools can make a significant difference. These tools can help you find your way, stay connected with loved ones, and handle emergencies. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the ten best navigation and communication tools for outdoorsy families, each offering essential features to enhance your outdoor experiences.
Table of Contents
Quick Glance: Navigation and Communication Tools for Trailblazing Families
| Tool Name | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin GPSMAP 66i | Best Overall | GPS and satellite communicator, topo maps, weather updates, SOS feature |
| SPOT Gen4 Satellite GPS Messenger | Best for Emergency Communication | SOS messaging, tracking, waterproof, compact design |
| Garmin inReach Mini | Best Compact | Two-way messaging, SOS feature, GPS navigation, lightweight |
| Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios | Best Two-Way Radios | Bluetooth connectivity, app for offline maps, weather alerts, durable |
| Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS | Best Budget | Simple interface, backtrack function, compact, water-resistant |
| Garmin Foretrex 601 Wrist-Mounted GPS | Best for Wearable GPS | Hands-free use, rugged design, multiple GNSS support, long battery life |
| Garmin eTrex 32x | Best Handheld GPS | Preloaded topo maps, expandable memory, waterproof, compass and altimeter |
| Bivy Stick Satellite Communicator | Best Satellite Communicator | Two-way messaging, weather forecasts, SOS feature, lightweight |
| Uniden SX507-2CKHS Two-Way Radios | Best Long-Range Radios | Up to 50-mile range, waterproof, emergency features, rechargeable |
| Garmin Montana 700i | Best for Versatility | GPS and satellite communication, topo maps, large touchscreen, rugged design |
1. Best Overall: Garmin GPSMAP 66i
- Large 3” Sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the geos 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center; two-way messaging via the 100% Global I…
- Preloaded Garmin TOPO mapping with direct-to-device Birdseye satellite imagery downloads (no annual subscription); inclu…
The Garmin GPSMAP 66i is our best overall pick for navigation and communication. It combines GPS navigation with a satellite communicator, providing topo maps, weather updates, and an SOS feature for emergencies. This tool ensures you stay connected and informed during your outdoor adventures.
2. Best for Emergency Communication: SPOT Gen4 Satellite GPS Messenger
- MEANT FOR ADVENTURE: Spot Gen4 provides critical, life-saving line of communication when you travel beyond cell towers; …
- NO CELL PHONE OR SERVICE-NO PROBLEM: With the Tracking feature Gen4 can transmit location updates when you are moving an…
- GLOBALSTAR SATELLITE & SPOT products use GPS to determine location and transmit GPS coordinates to others; SPOT users ca…
The SPOT Gen4 Satellite GPS Messenger is ideal for emergency communication. It features SOS messaging, real-time tracking, and a waterproof design. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, ensuring you can call for help when needed.
3. Best Compact: Garmin inReach Mini
- Compact, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally (Active satellite sub…
- Navigate back to where you started by using TracBack routing
- Share your location with loved ones back home at any time (active satellite subscription required) by using your MapShar…
The Garmin inReach Mini is a highly compact and lightweight satellite communicator. It offers two-way messaging, GPS navigation, and an SOS feature, making it perfect for families who need reliable communication without the bulk.
4. Best Two-Way Radios: Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios
- With 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, totaling 2,662 combinations, it’s easy to find an available channel.
- Bluetooth connectivity to app and audio accessories
- Weather Proof IP54
The Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios are great for family communication. They offer Bluetooth connectivity, an app for offline maps, weather alerts, and a durable design. These radios keep you connected and informed during your outdoor activities.
5. Best Budget: Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS
- Don’t have cell coverage or battery dies on your smartphone when you are out hiking, backpacking, or hunting? The Bushne…
- The Bushnell Backtrack Mini uses GPS technology to capture your trip or waypoint so you can guide back to your starting …
- Want to store or share your trip or waypoints? The Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS has Bluetooth to view and sync trips and …
The Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS is a budget-friendly navigation tool with a simple interface and backtrack function. It’s compact and water-resistant, making it an affordable and reliable option for basic navigation needs.
6. Best for Wearable GPS: Garmin Foretrex 601 Wrist-Mounted GPS
- Wrist-mounted GPS navigator with a monochromatic screen is easy to read in a variety of lighting conditions
- Navigate the terrain with advanced sensors, including a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- Get improved position accuracy with upgraded multi-band signal reception technology
The Garmin Foretrex 601 is a rugged, wrist-mounted GPS device. It supports multiple GNSS for accurate tracking, offers hands-free use, and has long battery life. It’s perfect for families who need reliable, hands-free navigation.
7. Best Handheld GPS: Garmin eTrex 32x
- Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS
- 2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readability
- Preloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
The Garmin eTrex 32x is a top choice for handheld GPS navigation. It comes with preloaded topo maps, expandable memory, and is waterproof. It also includes a compass and altimeter for enhanced navigation capabilities.
8. Best Satellite Communicator: Bivy Stick Satellite Communicator
- Global Iridium Satellite Coverage: Stay connected anywhere on Earth with 100% global Iridium satellite coverage for two-…
- 24/7 Emergency SOS Monitoring with Global Rescue: Feel confident wherever you go with Global Rescue’s 24/7 SOS monitorin…
- Dedicated Phone Number and Email: Each Bivy Stick comes with a dedicated SMS phone number and email address upon activat…
The Bivy Stick Satellite Communicator is excellent for two-way messaging and weather forecasts. It features an SOS button for emergencies and is lightweight, making it a reliable communication tool for remote areas.
9. Best Long-Range Radios: Uniden SX507-2CKHS Two-Way Radios
- Up to 50-Mile Range – Uniden Two Way radios keep you in touch whether you are out camping, shopping, biking or caravanni…
- With 22 channels, and 142 Privacy Codes/142 Direct Call Codes there’s always an open line for uninterrupted communicatio…
- Uniden SX507-2CKHS is certified JIS7 and can be submerged in up to three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. On the plus…
The Uniden SX507-2CKHS Two-Way Radios offer up to a 50-mile range and are waterproof. They include emergency features and are rechargeable, making them ideal for long-range communication in challenging environments.
10. Best for Versatility: Garmin Montana 700i
- Features rugged military-grade construction and a 5” touchscreen display that’s 50% larger than the previous model; offe…
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the GEOS 24/7 monitoring center — two-way messaging via the 100% global Iridium satellite …
- Multi-GNSS (GPS and Galileo) support — plus preloaded TopoActive maps and City Navigator street map navigation; navigati…
The Garmin Montana 700i combines GPS navigation with satellite communication. It features topo maps, a large touchscreen, and a rugged design. This versatile tool is perfect for families who need comprehensive navigation and communication capabilities.
Final Words
Choosing the right navigation and communication tools is essential for the safety and success of your family’s outdoor adventures. The options listed above cater to various needs, from comprehensive GPS devices and emergency communicators to budget-friendly and compact options. Consider your family’s specific requirements and activities to select the best tools for your outdoor explorations.
