For adventure enthusiasts, a set of professional and practical outdoor gear is indispensable, and a reliable handheld GPS is an essential piece of equipment that can be a lifesaver in critical moments. In recent years, incidents of hikers getting lost or even dying in the wild have been all too common. To avoid such tragedies, hikers must equip themselves with a handheld GPS. So, what kind of handheld GPS is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts? Here, we have to mention the brand Garmin. As the world's most professional GPS brand, Garmin’s handheld GPS devices have long been the trusted companions of adventurers. Recently, Garmin launched its latest handheld GPS model, the GPS MAP 63sc. Let’s take a look at how this newly crowned “king of handhelds” can provide convenience and assistance to adventurers in the wild.
As an outdoor product, the quality of the GPS MAP 63sc is reassuring. The entire device is solidly built and supports IPX7 waterproofing, allowing it to function normally in rainy conditions. It features a 2.8-inch high-definition color display with sunlight-readable capability (clearer visibility in bright light). The 8-megapixel high-definition camera can take photos that include coordinate data. In terms of operation, it combines physical buttons with touch controls, making it easy to operate even while wearing gloves.
The GPS MAP 63sc comes with a dual satellite positioning system (GPS + GLONASS) and features a highly sensitive receiving antenna on the top of the device, ensuring stable signals even in harsh outdoor environments. It has a built-in multi-axis electronic compass that shows the user’s current direction, and a barometric altimeter provides information on current altitude, as well as air pressure and temperature.
As an outdoor handheld device, the most prominent feature of the GPS MAP 63sc is naturally navigation. It supports three modes: waypoint navigation, route navigation, and trackback. Waypoint navigation is essentially point-to-point navigation—from point A to point B. As for how to get there, hikers need to rely on experience and use the electronic compass as an aid for navigation.
Route navigation is similar to the common mobile phone navigation. By searching for your destination on the GPS MAP 63sc, it will plan a route for you, and following that route will lead you to your destination. The trackback function, simply put, is about retracing your steps. If you get lost in the wild, there’s no need to worry—the GPS MAP 63sc will guide you back to your starting point.
The GPS MAP 63sc supports the ANT+ transmission protocol, allowing you to wirelessly share waypoints, routes, and tracks with teammates in the field without using a computer. Additionally, the GPS MAP 63sc offers a Live Track feature, which lets you share your adventure in real time with family and friends. They can view your location on a map via computer or mobile device, sharing in your joy while also feeling reassured. Of course, adventurers can also combine photos, videos, and tracks after completing an expedition to create a complete adventure record, allowing loved ones to enjoy the scenery along the way and experience this remarkable journey together.
During expeditions, devices like mobile phones are often kept in bags, making it easy to miss important messages. To help adventurers stay updated while on the go, the GPS MAP 63sc can connect to a mobile phone via Bluetooth, enabling users to receive important calls, text messages, and other alerts from their phone directly on the handheld device—extremely convenient.