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 connected beyond cell coverage.

• Durability: inReach Mini 2 is water-rated to IPX7, with a tough, durable and impact-resistant design that’s tested to MIL-STD-810.
• Battery life: Up to 14 days of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode.

How Garmin Trails can take your hike to the next level

Now that you’re equipped with the Garmin GPS product that’s right for you, you’re almost ready to leave. If you need help choosing where to go, Garmin Trails can help.

In either the Garmin Explore or Garmin Connect™ apps, you can find routes of any level for any type of hike, whether you’re taking a day trip, backpacking, or going on a trail run. You can view thousands of trails based on difficulty, distance, trail type, dog-friendliness, terrain and more. Trying to chase waterfalls? Filter trails for features such as waterfalls, rivers and forests — or on permitting requirements and steepness.

Plus, you can send trails to your compatible device with an active Outdoor Maps+ or Garmin Connect+ plan. After your hike, add your own trail rating and review.

Navigate your National Hiking Day adventure with confidence with Garmin GPS devices and Garmin Trails. Prepare for your next hike by browsing our full collection of adventure smartwatches, GPS handhelds and satellite communicators. And if you need help choosing the best smartwatch for your hike, we can help.

1Active subscription required; LTE network coverage and satellite connectivity are not available in all countries. Check Garmin.com/fenix8procoverage to see which services are accessible in your area — or in countries to where you may be traveling. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices; it is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws.

2Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.

3When used with your compatible smartphone and the Garmin Messenger app or when used with your compatible inReach technology-enabled Garmin device