10 Best Kayak GPS In 2023

The Garmin eTrex 22x is the most compact handheld kayak GPS in our kayak GPS reviews. Despite this, its GPS tracking is dead-on accurate as it uses both GPS and GLONASS systems. Also noteworthy are it’s impressive 8GB internal memory and incredibly long battery life. Running off two AA batteries, it can last up to 25 hours in GPS mode.

GPS System

The compact size is certainly not at the expense of the GPS functionality, as the eTrex 22x can communicate with both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems. This means that its position fixes are fast and accurate. Not only can you create waypoints, routes, tracks, and geocaches, but you can also share them wirelessly with other devices. 

Mapping and Sensors

Beyond getting your eTrex 22x already equipped with Topo Active maps, you will be able to download the maps you need thanks to the 8GB internal memory and microSD card slot. Furthermore, the unit supports paperless geocaching and is compatible with Birdseye satellite imagery.

Features and Use

Even though the Garmin eTrex 22x is a compact handheld kayaking GPS with a 2.2 inch screen, the 65k color display is easy to read in direct sunlight. As for build quality, it's a tough unit with IPX7 waterproof rating so it's up to the rigors of kayaking.

Both a top-notch marine GPS unit and a top rated VHF radio, the Standard Horizon HX870 6W floating VHF radio with GPS is the ultimate handheld GPS for ocean kayaking. It’s equipped with a 66 channel WAAS GPS receiver so you can count on it to determine your location accurately. As a marine emergency radio, it has DCS calling capability, NOAA weather alerts, a water-activated strobe, a group monitoring feature, and a man overboard function.

GPS System

As a reliable marine GPS should, the HX870 has a high-quality 66 Channel WAAS GPS receiver built-in. Thanks to this, it's quick to acquire positions and accurate in determining locations. Furthermore, it allows you to save waypoints and create routes and also has an easy to use compass function. 

VHF Marine Radio

As a marine VHF radio, the most impressive thing about the Standard Horizon HX870 is its built-in Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) with noise canceling to deliver superb sound quality. On top of this, the VHF radio features a red emergency button for sending a distress call to the Coast Guard, NOAA weather alerts, an emergency strobe, a man overboard function, and a group monitoring feature. 

Features and Use

Designed for ease of use while under duress, the HX870 has a large full dot matrix display and an intuitive menu system with the most important functions easily accessible. The build is rugged and completely waterproof. At the same time, the device is lightweight and buoyant. The radio comes with a 1800 mAh Li-Ion battery and also takes regular alkaline batteries.

The best thing about the Garmin Striker 4cv kayak GPS fish finder is that it has ClearVu scanning sonar. This combined with CHIRP traditional sonar delivers an unparalleled view of the water beneath your kayak. Add a top of the line GPS system to this mix and it's easy to see why the 4cv is a best rated GPS for kayaking and hiking. 

GPS System 

As you can expect with a top rated kayak GPS from Garmin, the GPS positioning is spot on. Besides monitoring speed, the Striker 4cv has a track feature so you can mark waypoints and create routes. As for mapping, Garmin's Quickdraw Contours mapping software lets you create and store up to 2 million acres of maps with 1’ contours.  

Fish Finder

The 4cv fish finder combines CHIRP technology with ClearVu scanning sonar to deliver a crystal clear view of the underwater world. Thanks to this combination, the target separation is remarkable and you can clearly see the bottom structure and distinguish fish. Due to this, it's one of the best kayak GPS systems for fishing.

Features and Use

The Garmin Striker Plus 4Cv with transducer is rugged and comes with everything you need to mount it on your kayak. The bright 4.3” display gives you a clear view of what is below your boat whether you're kayaking in the middle of the day or fishing at night. Lastly, the device is pretty easy to figure out thanks to the intuitive user interface.

In addition to a top of the line WAAS-enabled GPS for paddling, the Garmin GPSMAP 78sc kayak GPS and chart plotter comes pre-loaded with BlueChart g2 coastal charts of the U.S. and Bahamas. This makes it one of the best GPS for ocean kayaking. On top of this, it features a 3-axis compass, a barometric altimeter, and a dedicated man over board button.   

GPS System 

To help your find your way when you need it most, the GPSMAP 78sc utilizes a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, HotFix satellite prediction, and a worldwide Basemap. Due to this, it can locate your position quickly and precisely and maintain its GPS location even in challenging environments. It's also an accurate depth reader.

Chart Plotter and Sensors

One of the most impressive things about the GPSMAP 78sc is its crisp color mapping. The built-in BlueChart g2 U.S./Bahamas coastal charts include details such as shorelines, depth contours, navaids, harbors, marinas, and more. With a card slot and BirdsEye Satellite Imagery support, you can also add your own custom maps. Beyond this, the tilt-compensated compass shows your heading without requiring your to hold it level and the barometric altimeter monitors heading, altitude, and weather. 

Features and Use

Molded rubber side grips make the GPSMAP 78sc one of the best GPS handheld. While the screen is small at 2.6 inches, it's a bright color display so you can still read location and maps easily. Last but certainly not least, it's waterproof to IPX7 standards, floats in water, and provides a day of continuous use on 2 AA cells.

Despite being the most affordable model in the Garmin 78 GPS series, the Garmin GPSMAP 78 waterproof GPS for kayaking features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that locks onto satellites impressively fast. While it doesn't come with sensors or charts, this lack of extra features gives it an excellent battery life. You can get up to 20 hours out of 2 AA batteries. As a bonus, it has a dedicated man over board button. 

GPS

Thanks to the high-sensitivity WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix, the GPSMAP 78 picks up satellite signals very quickly whether you have it in a pocket or stowed away in your kayak. It's a very accurate distance and speed tracker and instantly records waypoints allowing you to mark lucrative fishing spots. 

Mapping

As its name suggests, the GPSMAP 78 also comes equipped with a built-in worldwide Basemap with shaded relief. With 1.7 GB of internal memory plus a microSD card slot, you can also add your own maps. On top of this, it supports geocaching GPX files so you will be able to download geocaches straight to the device.  

Features and Use

While the GPSMAP 78 is a compact handheld marine GPS with a 2.6-inch screen, the display is bright and sunlight legible. The device itself is rugged, waterproof to IPX7 standards, and floats in water.

Boasting both sidescan and downscan imaging, the Humminbird 410220-1 kayak GPS has the best fish finder capability. To guide your way to the best fishing spots, it utilizes a built-in precision GPS system, Humminbird Basemap, and AutoChart Live.

GPS System

Besides the precise internal GPS, the GPS mapping on the Humminbird 410220-1 is awesome. To start with, the integrated Basemap is loaded with buoys, daymarkers, hazards, marinas, and other navigation aids. Furthermore, the AutoChart Live feature allows you to create real time maps of your favorite fishing spots. 

Fish Finder

Featuring CHIRP dual-beam sonar, down imaging, and side imaging, the Humminbird 410220-1 is one of the best fish finders you can get. It does a fantastic job of filtering out clutter to give you a stunning view of the fish, bottom structure, and thermoclines. Depending on how much detail you wish to see, the fish finder allows you to switch between a Max and Clear display mode. 

Features and Use

Speaking of display, the 5-Inch widescreen color display with 800H x 480V resolution and backlighting makes the Humminbird 410220-1 a very-user-friendly kayak GPS fish finder. Creating a waypoint or plotting a course is at the push of a button. Installation is also a breeze and the package includes a transducer and mounting hardware, power cable, and gimbal mounting bracket.

The standout thing about the Garmin Montana 680 outdoor GPS is its 8 megapixel digital camera. It enables you to take geotagged shots you can use to create trails and retrace your steps. With a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, Hotfix satellite prediction, and GLONASS support, it's probably the most reliable hand-held GPS for kayaking and hiking. Above this, it supports Geocaching and comes with a 1-year Birdseye Satellite Imagery subscription.

GPS System

Because it relies on multiple satellite signals, the Garmin Montana 680 locks onto your position incredibly fast and is also exceptionally precise. It comes preloaded with TOPO U.S 100K maps and you can use Garmin's free BaseCamp software to get high-definition maps of the area you're interested in. Lastly, the track manager lets you navigate through waypoints, routes, and track logs. 

Geocaching and Sensors

The Montana supports paperless geocaching and includes 250,000 preloaded geocaches. As for sensors, it features an impressive 8 megapixel camera that captures high-quality automatically geotagged shots and a 3-axis compass with barometric altimeter.

Construction and Use

Thanks to a 4 inch dual-orientation, sunlight readable, and glove-friendly touchscreen display, the Garmin Montana ranks as one of the easiest to use GPS systems. Made of rugged materials and rated IPX7 water resistant, it can stand up to bumps, dirt, humidity, and water. Despite being one of the most expensive handheld GPS units on the market, the Garmin Montana 680 is worth every dollar.