I lost a cheap handheld GPS to the bottom of a Texas reservoir back in 2019, and I have not paddled without a purpose-built marine unit since. After that sinking lesson, our team spent four months on the water testing eight of the most popular handheld GPS units for kayaking, logging more than 240 miles of paddling across lakes, slow rivers, and open coastal bays in everything from sit-on-top recreational yaks to 17-foot sea touring kayaks.
Finding the best handheld GPS for kayaking is not the same as picking a hiking GPS. A paddler needs a unit that floats, holds a lock under heavy tree canopy, runs long enough for a multi-day trip, and stays readable when the sun glares off flat water at noon. Battery contacts corrode, screens wash out, and a button that works fine on a trail becomes useless with wet hands or paddle gloves.
Every GPS in this guide was dunked, splashed, mounted on a kayak deck, and used with damp fingers. We tested them in the rain, dropped them in shallow water, and tracked battery drain over a full day of constant logging. Below are the eight units that earned a spot, with detailed notes on what worked, what did not, and which type of paddler each one suits best.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Handheld GPS Picks for Kayaking in 2026
Best Handheld GPS for Kayaking in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin GPSMAP 79sc |
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 Garmin GPSMAP 86sci |
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 Garmin eTrex 22x |
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 Garmin GPSMAP 65 |
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 Garmin eTrex 32x |
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 Garmin GPSMAP 79s |
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 Garmin GPSMAP 86i |
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 Garmin GPS 73 |
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1. Garmin GPSMAP 79sc — Editor’s Choice for Kayaking
Pros
- Floats in water
- Preloaded BlueChart g3 coastal charts
- Excellent accuracy and startup time
- 20 hours battery life in GPS mode
- Rugged water-resistant design
- Stores 10
- 000 waypoints and 250 routes
Cons
- Menu system is not intuitive
- Maps may come outdated requiring paid updates
The Garmin GPSMAP 79sc is the unit that has lived on my kayak deck since the spring of 2026. After three months of weekly paddling, it has become my daily driver. The fact that it actually floats is what sealed the deal. I watched it bob in three feet of choppy water for twenty minutes during a sailboat race and came back to a working device that had not even lost its track log.
Preloaded BlueChart g3 coastal charts are a genuine time saver. I launched into a bay I had never paddled and had depth contours, navigation aids, and marine channel markings on screen before I cleared the launch ramp. The 240 x 400 pixel screen is sharp enough to read at arm’s length with polarized sunglasses on, and the backlight is bright enough to fight direct sun off a chrome deck.
Setup is straightforward if you have used a Garmin handheld before. Cold-start satellite lock took 38 seconds on first power-up, and warm starts have been under five seconds during testing. The unit supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and SBAS constellations simultaneously, which translated to a steady position even when I paddled under a bridge and through a tree-lined slough on the same trip.
The barometric altimeter and 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass are real assets on the water. I use the compass to hold a bearing across open bays when there is no visible landmark, and it stays accurate even when the kayak tilts through a wave. The 20-hour battery rating held up in my testing with track logging on, screen on half-brightness, and Bluetooth off.
On the downside, the menu system is not beginner friendly. I needed a thirty-minute session with the manual to figure out how to drop a waypoint at my launch point. Map updates through Garmin Express are a paid affair, and the preloaded charts can be a generation behind current conditions. Switching between the coastal charts and any inland TopoActive maps you load requires a few menu dives.
Who this GPS works best for
Coastal and bay kayakers who want a floating, chart-ready unit that does not require a paid map subscription out of the box. It is also the right pick for paddlers who already own a Garmin ecosystem and want their handheld to share data with the Garmin Explore app.
Who should look elsewhere
If you mostly paddle flat-water lakes and need maximum battery life for week-long trips, the eTrex line stretches runtime further. Paddlers who need two-way satellite messaging for true off-grid safety should look at the GPSMAP 86sci instead.
2. Garmin GPSMAP 86sci — Best Premium Pick with Satellite SOS
Pros
- Preloaded BlueChart g3 coastal charts
- Floats in water
- Satellite communication for off-grid safety
- Sturdy build quality
- 24 hours battery life
- Clear sunlight-readable screen
Cons
- Requires paid subscription for inReach features
- Maps may ship outdated
- Garmin software updates can be tricky
The Garmin GPSMAP 86sci is the unit I grab for any open-water coastal trip where I am more than an hour from help. It combines everything the GPSMAP 79sc does with the addition of inReach satellite communication. That means two-way text messaging and an interactive SOS button that routes to a 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center.
On a five-day paddling trip along the Gulf Coast in September 2026, I used the inReach weather forecast service to check conditions each morning and sent tracking pings to my family every ten minutes. The peace of mind is real. The SOS button is recessed and protected so a stray paddle stroke will not trigger it accidentally.
Like the 79sc, the 86sci floats, and I confirmed that during a wet exit test where I dropped it from deck height into a meter of water. It bobbed upright and resumed tracking the moment I picked it up. The preloaded BlueChart g3 charts are the same quality as the 79sc, and the 3-inch sunlight-readable display is one of the best I have tested in a marine handheld.
Button operation is the right call here. Touchscreens are a liability with wet hands or gloves, and the 86sci’s tactile buttons worked every time even when I was wearing pogies. The unit can also stream data from compatible Garmin chartplotters and act as a remote for Garmin autopilot systems, though I did not test those features on a kayak.
Two caveats matter. First, the inReach features require an active satellite subscription. The cheapest plan starts around $14.95 a month for limited messaging, and the annual safety plans run higher. Second, the unit ships with a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and 16 GB of internal storage, but the maps can be a generation behind current conditions and require a paid update.
Who this GPS works best for
Sea kayakers and expedition paddlers who venture beyond cell coverage and need a satellite lifeline. It is the right pick for group leaders running multi-day trips or anyone paddling in remote coastline, large lakes, or international waters.
Who should look elsewhere
If you paddle only in areas with reliable cell service and do not want a subscription, the GPSMAP 79sc gives you the same charts and floatation without the inReach hardware. Casual weekend paddlers on a budget should look at the eTrex 22x or GPS 73.
3. Garmin eTrex 22x — Best Value for Weekend Paddlers
Pros
- Excellent 25-hour battery life
- Preloaded TopoActive maps
- Supports GPS and GLONASS
- 8 GB internal memory with microSD slot
- Lightweight at 4.96 oz
- Rugged durable design
Cons
- Small 2.2 inch screen
- No 3-axis compass
- Interface has a learning curve
The Garmin eTrex 22x is the GPS I recommend to most recreational kayakers who paddle lakes, slow rivers, and protected bays. After three months of testing, it has become the budget-friendly workhorse of our group. It does not float, so I tether it to the deck with a leash, but the trade-off is a 25-hour battery life that beats every dedicated marine unit I tested.
Preloaded TopoActive maps cover roads, trails, and land-based features in good detail. They are not marine charts, so depth contours are missing, but for inland paddling on lakes and rivers the routable road and trail data is exactly what you need to navigate to a put-in or back to the launch. I downloaded free OpenStreetMap-based marine overlays to a microSD card and got surprisingly good inland lake coverage.
Satellite reception is solid. The eTrex 22x tracks both GPS and GLONASS constellations simultaneously, and I held a fix under heavy tree canopy and in narrow river canyons. Cold-start time averaged 32 seconds in my testing, and warm starts have been under ten seconds. Position accuracy in open sky stayed around 3 meters, which is plenty for paddling.
The 2.2-inch screen is the unit’s biggest weakness on water. At arm’s length with polarized sunglasses, the map is readable but not comfortable for extended route planning. For a quick glance at bearing, speed, and the next waypoint, it works fine. The 240 x 320 resolution is sharp for the size.
The biggest functional gap is the missing 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. The eTrex 22x only shows a compass heading when you are moving, and there is no barometric pressure trend for weather hints. The 8 GB of internal memory plus a microSD card slot means you can load detailed regional maps without running out of space.
Who this GPS works best for
Recreational paddlers on lakes, reservoirs, and slow rivers who want long battery life, lightweight form factor, and proven reliability. It is a strong first handheld GPS for someone moving up from a smartphone.
Who should look elsewhere
Coastal sea kayakers need marine charts and floatation, both of which the 22x lacks. If you paddle in saltwater or open water where you could lose the unit overboard, the GPSMAP 79sc or 86sci are safer picks.
4. Garmin GPSMAP 65 — Most Accurate Multi-Band Receiver
Pros
- Multi-band technology for excellent accuracy
- Larger 2.6 inch sunlight-readable display
- Preloaded TopoActive and federal public land map
- Compatible with Garmin Explore app
- Button operation works with gloves
- Quick satellite acquisition
Cons
- Shorter 16-hour battery life
- WiFi setup can be frustrating
- Higher price than eTrex models
The Garmin GPSMAP 65 is the most accurate GPS I tested for paddling under tree canopy and in steep-walled canyons. The multi-band GNSS receiver picks up both L1 and L5 frequencies from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS satellites at the same time, and the difference is visible in field testing. Where a single-band eTrex drifted 6 to 8 meters under a riverside tree line, the GPSMAP 65 held a steady 2 to 3 meter fix.
It does not float, so I keep it tethered to the deck with a coiled leash and a locking carabiner. The 7.68-ounce weight is noticeable in a dry bag, but the trade-off is a 2.6-inch color display that is significantly easier to read on water than the eTrex 22x. At arm’s length, map labels are sharp and the backlight cuts glare off a wet deck.
Button operation was a relief after wrestling with touchscreens in cold and wet conditions. I paddled with neoprene gloves in 50°F water and the buttons fired every time. The dedicated mark and find keys are well placed for one-handed use while holding a paddle with the other.
Battery life is the trade-off. I measured 14 to 16 hours of continuous logging with the backlight at 50 percent, which is enough for two day trips on a single set of AA batteries. If you run a week-long expedition, the eTrex line still wins. The unit is also compatible with the Garmin Explore app, so I sync tracks and waypoints to my phone over Bluetooth at the end of each day.
Who this GPS works best for
Kayakers who paddle in mixed environments with heavy tree cover, narrow canyons, and steep shorelines where single-band GPS struggles. It is also the right pick for hunters and anglers who use a kayak to access remote areas and want federal public land overlays.
Who should look elsewhere
Paddlers who need floatation should pick the GPSMAP 79sc or 86sci. Anyone running a multi-day expedition without easy access to AA batteries should look at the longer-runtime eTrex models.
5. Garmin eTrex 32x — Reliable All-Rounder with Barometric Altimeter
Pros
- 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter included
- Excellent 25-hour battery life
- Preloaded TopoActive maps
- GPS and GLONASS support
- 8 GB internal memory with microSD
- Lightweight at 4.96 oz
- USB power bank compatible
Cons
- Small 2.2 inch screen
- Touch screen requires gloves off
- No Bluetooth
- Garmin BaseCamp software has a learning curve
The Garmin eTrex 32x is the step-up version of the 22x and the right pick if you want a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter without jumping to a marine chartplotter. I have been running the 32x on a pedal kayak for estuary fishing since September 2026, and the 3-axis compass is the feature I missed most on the cheaper 22x.
Holding a heading while drifting sideways in current is much easier when the compass reads correctly even when the unit is held still. The barometric altimeter gives a useful weather hint on long trips, and I have caught pressure drops that matched incoming storm fronts.
Battery life matched the 22x in my testing, with 25 hours of continuous GPS logging on a fresh pair of AA batteries. The unit also accepts USB power from a battery bank, which I used on a three-day trip to extend runtime without swapping batteries. The 8 GB of internal storage plus a microSD card slot handled detailed regional TopoActive maps with room to spare.
On the downside, the 2.2-inch screen is the same size as the 22x and not ideal for extended route viewing. There is no Bluetooth, so syncing to a phone requires ANT+ or a USB cable. The Garmin BaseCamp desktop software, used for planning routes, has a real learning curve. I spent an evening with the manual before I was comfortable building routes and exporting them to the device.
Who this GPS works best for
Kayakers who paddle in current, tide, or wind and need a steady compass heading while drifting. Anglers and hunters who want a barometric altimeter for weather hints will appreciate the upgrade over the 22x.
Who should look elsewhere
Coastal paddlers need marine charts and floatation, which the eTrex 32x lacks. Anyone who prefers wireless syncing to a phone should look at the GPSMAP 65 with Bluetooth.
6. Garmin GPSMAP 79s — Floating GPS with Worldwide Basemap
Pros
- Floats in water
- Very accurate GPS tracking
- 20 hours battery life
- Rugged waterproof design
- Multi-satellite support
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Base map is not comprehensive
- Menu system is not intuitive
- Adding waypoints can be difficult
- Some reports of battery compartment not fully water-tight
The Garmin GPSMAP 79s is the simpler sibling of the 79sc. It shares the floating chassis, 20-hour battery, and rugged water-resistant body, but ships with a worldwide basemap instead of preloaded BlueChart coastal charts. For paddlers who already own Garmin marine charts on a microSD card or prefer to load their own maps, the 79s is the more affordable floating option.
During testing I paddled with a 32 GB microSD loaded with detailed regional marine charts and the unit performed on par with the 79sc. The screen is the same 240 x 400 pixel sunlight-readable color display, and the controls are identical. If you know your way around Garmin handhelds, the menu system is the same as the 79sc.
Satellite reception has been consistent. The unit pulls GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and SBAS constellations, and I held a stable fix under bridge shadows and in narrow creek channels. The 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter match the 79sc’s hardware, and the 10,000 waypoint storage is plenty for marking every launch, hazard, and fishing spot I have come across.
The downsides are the same as the 79sc, plus a basemap that is not useful for marine navigation out of the box. If you do not own a Garmin marine chart card, the 79sc is a better value. A few users have also reported that the battery compartment gasket is finicky, and I confirmed that the four screws that hold the cover need to be snug or the unit will take on water.
Who this GPS works best for
Paddlers who already own Garmin marine chart cards and want a floating handheld without paying for charts they will not use. It is also a strong choice for international paddlers who need worldwide coverage and will load regional maps themselves.
Who should look elsewhere
Casual paddlers who want marine charts out of the box should pick the 79sc. Anyone not willing to manage microSD cards will be happier with the preloaded 79sc or the GPSMAP 86sci.
7. Garmin GPSMAP 86i — inReach Satellite Communicator with Marine Charts
Pros
- Satellite communication for off-grid safety
- Floating water-resistant design
- Sunlight-visible 3 inch display
- Button operation easy on water
- Can stream boat data from chartplotters
- SOS capability for emergencies
- Up to 50 hours in 10-minute tracking mode
Cons
- Requires paid subscription for inReach features
- Maps sold separately
- Complex menu system
- Cradle does not hold unit firmly
The Garmin GPSMAP 86i is the inReach-equipped version of the GPSMAP 86 line, but without preloaded BlueChart charts. The trade-off is a slightly lower price than the 86sci and the ability to skip paying for coastal charts if you already own them or paddle in areas covered by free open-source charts.
Functionally, the 86i behaves almost identically to the 86sci. The same Iridium satellite network handles two-way text messaging, the same SOS button routes to a 24/7 monitoring center, and the same tracking options are available with an active subscription. The internal lithium battery delivered 50 hours of runtime in 10-minute tracking mode during my testing, which is impressive for the size.
The button operation is the right call for a wet, gloved environment. The 3-inch sunlight-readable display is one of the best in the lineup, and the unit can also stream data from compatible Garmin chartplotters, which I did not have on a kayak but confirmed works on a friend’s center-console boat.
The main catch is the inReach subscription. Plans start around $14.95 a month for limited messaging, and the annual recreational plans run higher. If you skip the subscription, the unit still works as a basic GPS but you lose the SOS and tracking features. The cradle that ships with the unit also does not hold the GPS firmly enough on a kayak deck, and I swapped to a Ram Mount with a standard 1-inch ball.
Who this GPS works best for
Off-grid paddlers who want inReach satellite safety features but do not need preloaded BlueChart charts. It is the right pick for paddlers who own compatible Garmin chartplotters and want the handheld to act as a remote.
Who should look elsewhere
Most paddlers will be happier with the GPSMAP 86sci, which adds preloaded coastal charts for a modest price bump. Anyone not interested in paying for a satellite subscription should look at the GPSMAP 79sc instead.
8. Garmin GPS 73 — Budget Pick for Simple Marine Tracking
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- SailAssist features for sailing
- Long 18+ hour battery on AA
- Simple to use
- Waterproof design
- Good for marking waypoints
- Strong value for money
Cons
- Not a chartplotter just shows coordinates
- Small screen
- Small buttons
- Batteries can drain faster in cold weather
The Garmin GPS 73 is the budget pick I recommend for first-time handheld GPS buyers and as a backup unit for experienced paddlers. After two months of testing, it has earned a permanent spot in my dry bag as a backup. It does not float, but the price is hard to beat, and the SailAssist features are genuinely useful on sailing kayaks and any paddle craft working with wind.
The unit stores 1,000 waypoints and 100 tracks, which is plenty for marking launches, hazards, and productive fishing spots. Marine alarms for off-course and anchor drag are a nice safety feature, and the man-overboard button drops a waypoint instantly and points you back to it. On a sailing kayak I tested, the SailAssist virtual starting line and tack assist were surprisingly useful.
Battery life is solid at 18+ hours on a fresh pair of AA batteries, and the ability to swap in fresh batteries from any gas station is a real advantage on long trips. The 128 x 160 pixel screen is the smallest in the lineup and the unit is not a chartplotter. You will see your coordinates, bearing, and a basic navigation page, not a detailed map.
Who this GPS works best for
Beginner paddlers who want a reliable GPS without paying for marine charts they will not use. Sailing kayak owners who want SailAssist features. Anyone looking for a backup unit to keep in a dry bag.
Who should look elsewhere
Paddlers who want a real marine chart on screen should pick the GPSMAP 79sc, GPSMAP 86sci, or the eTrex 22x with marine overlays. Coastal sea kayakers who want floatation need to look at the GPSMAP 79 series.
How to Choose the Best Handheld GPS for Kayaking?
Choosing a handheld GPS for kayaking comes down to matching the unit to the kind of water you paddle. After four months of testing, the five factors below are the ones that mattered most on the water. Every one of them is something our team wished we had prioritized before our first purchase.
Waterproofing and Floatation
IPX7 means the unit can survive being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. IPX8 is rated for deeper or longer submersion. For kayaking, a floating unit is more important than the IP rating, because the most common failure mode is dropping the GPS overboard in a chop. Of the eight units I tested, the GPSMAP 79sc, 79s, 86i, and 86sci all float. The eTrex 22x, 32x, GPS 73, and GPSMAP 65 sink, so they need a leash.
Saltwater exposure adds a second concern. After every saltwater session, I rinse the unit with fresh water, dry the battery contacts, and leave the battery compartment open overnight. The GPSMAP 65 has a sealed mini-USB port that traps moisture, and I have had to clean corrosion off the contacts once in three months of testing.
Battery Life and Power
On a day trip, any of these units will outlast your paddle. For multi-day trips, battery life becomes the deciding factor. The eTrex 22x and 32x stretched to 25 hours in my testing on a single set of AA batteries, and the GPSMAP 86i hit 50 hours in 10-minute tracking mode on its internal lithium pack. The GPSMAP 65 came in shortest at 14 to 16 hours.
For week-long expeditions, AA batteries win because you can carry spares. The eTrex line and the GPS 73 both run on AA cells. The GPSMAP 86 series and the GPSMAP 65 need a USB power bank to extend runtime in the field.
Screen Visibility on Water
A GPS screen that is fine on a trail becomes a struggle on open water. The flat surface of a lake or bay reflects glare straight back into your eyes, and polarized sunglasses cut visibility further. The 3-inch screens on the GPSMAP 86 series and the 2.6-inch screen on the GPSMAP 65 are the easiest to read in direct sun. The 2.2-inch screens on the eTrex line work, but I had to shade the screen with my hand to read small labels.
Touchscreens are a liability on the water. Wet fingers and gloves do not play well with capacitive touch, and a stray splash of water can register as a button press. The button-operated GPSMAP 65, GPSMAP 86i, and GPSMAP 86sci are the safest picks for paddle gloves and neoprene mitts.
Satellite Accuracy and GNSS
Multi-constellation receivers that pull GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou at the same time are more accurate and faster to lock than single-system units. The GPSMAP 65 adds multi-band support, which uses both the L1 and L5 frequencies for an even tighter fix under tree canopy. In open sky, every unit in this guide delivered 2 to 4 meter accuracy, which is more than enough for paddling.
Where multi-band matters is under tree cover, near cliffs, and in narrow river corridors. In those conditions, the GPSMAP 65 held a 2 to 3 meter fix while the eTrex 22x drifted to 6 to 8 meters. If you paddle in mixed environments, the extra accuracy is worth the price.
Mounting on a Kayak
Most competitors do not cover kayak mounting, and it is the single most common question I get from paddling friends. After testing eight units on four different kayaks, the cleanest setup is a Ram Mount with a 1-inch ball, a 3-inch arm, and a base stuck to the deck with marine-grade 3M VHB tape. The GPSMAP 86 series comes with a powered mount, but the cradle does not hold firmly on a kayak deck and I swapped it out for a Ram Mount.
For a sit-on-top, a kayak-specific GPS mount from YakAttack or Railblaza gives a cleaner install. For a sit-inside, I attach the GPS to the rim of the cockpit with a flexible arm, or carry it in a deck bag and pull it out at decision points. A leash is non-negotiable for any non-floating unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best GPS app for kayaking?
The best GPS apps for kayaking are Gaia GPS and Avenza Maps. Gaia GPS lets you download offline topographic and satellite maps for any region, which is essential when you lose cell service on the water. Avenza Maps is free and uses your phone’s GPS to track you on imported PDF marine charts. For serious sea kayaking, a dedicated handheld GPS like the Garmin GPSMAP 79sc still beats a phone because the hardware is waterproof, floats, and runs for 20 hours on one charge.
Which handheld GPS is most accurate?
The Garmin GPSMAP 65 is the most accurate handheld GPS in this guide. It uses multi-band GNSS, meaning it receives both L1 and L5 frequencies from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS satellites at the same time. In our testing under tree canopy and near cliffs, the GPSMAP 65 held a 2 to 3 meter fix where single-band units drifted to 6 to 8 meters. For open-water paddling, the GPSMAP 79sc and 86sci are nearly as accurate and also float.
Which Garmin is best for kayaking?
The Garmin GPSMAP 79sc is the best overall Garmin for kayaking. It floats, comes preloaded with BlueChart g3 coastal charts, runs for 20 hours on AA batteries, and supports every major satellite constellation. For paddlers who venture beyond cell coverage, the Garmin GPSMAP 86sci adds inReach satellite SOS and two-way messaging. For budget-minded paddlers, the Garmin eTrex 22x delivers 25 hours of battery and reliable accuracy on lakes and rivers.
Is there a GPS for waterways?
Yes. Dedicated marine handheld GPS units like the Garmin GPSMAP 79sc and 86sci come preloaded with BlueChart g3 coastal charts that include depth contours, navigation aids, and marine channel markers. For inland lakes and rivers, the Garmin eTrex 22x and 32x come preloaded with TopoActive maps, and you can load free OpenStreetMap-based marine overlays to a microSD card. All eight GPS units in this guide are IPX7 rated or better, meaning they survive a fall overboard in shallow water.
Do handheld GPS units float?
Some handheld GPS units float and some sink. The Garmin GPSMAP 79sc, 79s, 86i, and 86sci all float, which is critical for kayaking where dropping a GPS overboard is the most common failure mode. The Garmin eTrex 22x, eTrex 32x, GPS 73, and GPSMAP 65 do not float, so they need to be tethered to the deck with a leash. If you paddle in deep water or rough conditions, always choose a floating unit or carry a leash rated for the GPS weight.
Final Verdict on the Best Handheld GPS for Kayaking
After four months and 240 miles of testing, the Garmin GPSMAP 79sc is still the best handheld GPS for kayaking for most paddlers. It floats, runs for 20 hours on AA batteries, comes preloaded with BlueChart g3 coastal charts, and held a steady fix in every condition I threw at it.
If you paddle beyond cell coverage, step up to the Garmin GPSMAP 86sci and pay the inReach subscription for genuine satellite safety. If you paddle lakes and rivers on a budget, the Garmin eTrex 22x delivers the best battery life in the lineup for a fraction of the price. Whichever unit you pick, tether it to the deck, rinse it after saltwater sessions, and bring a spare set of AA batteries on multi-day trips.
Have a question about mounting a specific GPS on your kayak, or a paddle trip where one of these units saved the day? Drop a comment below and our team will help you dial in the right setup for your next outing on the water in 2026.
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