Handheld GPS Shop

In this category you will find handheld GPS devices from leading manufacturers for outdoor use in Switzerland. Whether you are looking for a handheld GPS for hiking, trekking tours, geocaching, mountaineering, hunting or forestry work – here you will find models from Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, Satmap, Bushnell, Suunto and other brands. The selection includes compact entry-level devices with basic functions as well as powerful premium models with topographic maps, barometric altimeter, electronic compass and multi-satellite reception for precise navigation even in demanding terrain – with fast delivery throughout Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Buy handheld GPS online – Navigation for outdoor and leisure

A handheld GPS is the ideal companion for anyone traveling off paved roads who doesn't want to rely solely on a smartphone. Compared to mobile phones, handheld GPS devices offer higher accuracy, robust construction, longer battery life and the ability to navigate reliably even in remote regions without mobile reception. The range covers devices for beginners, passionate hikers, ambitious alpinists and professional users – so whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, geocacher or mountain sports lover, you will find exactly the right model.

Buying a handheld GPS – what matters

When buying a handheld GPS, you should look for a robust, IPX-standard waterproof housing, a display that is easy to read even in sunlight, long battery life and compatibility with topographic maps. Models with a barometric altimeter and three-axis compass are particularly recommended for mountain tours and alpine terrain. Support for multiple satellite systems such as GPS, GLONASS and Galileo ensures faster and more precise positioning – even in narrow valleys and densely forested areas of the Swiss Alps.

Handheld GPS for geocaching, hiking and alpine tours

For geocaching, devices with GPX support and paperless cache management that display hints and descriptions directly on the display are ideal. For mountain tours and alpine use, a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass and compatibility with Swiss Topo maps from swisstopo are essential. Those on multi-day trekking tours benefit from models with long battery life and the option to replace standard batteries – ensuring navigation remains secure even far from any power outlet.

Top brands

Garmin Magellan Lowrance Satmap Bushnell Suunto Trimble Leica

Brand comparison

Brand	Known for	Ideal for	Price segment
Garmin	GPSMAP, eTrex, Montana – versatile handheld GPS	Outdoor, geocaching, mountain tours	Entry – Premium
Magellan	Explorist and Triton series, robust navigation	Hiking, geocaching	Entry – Mid
Lowrance	Outdoor navigation with large display	Trekking, hunting, forestry	Mid – Premium
Satmap	Active series with topographic maps	Alpine tours, expeditions	Mid – Premium
Bushnell	Compact GPS devices with hunting mode	Hunting, outdoor beginners	Entry – Mid
Suunto	GPS multisport watches with navigation	Trail running, mountain sports, ultralight	Mid – Premium
Trimble	High-precision GNSS devices for professional applications	Surveying, GIS, forestry	Premium
Leica	Geodesy devices and surveying solutions	Professional surveying, construction	Premium

Who is this category suitable for?

This category is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, mountaineers, geocachers, hunters and forestry workers in Switzerland who are looking for a reliable handheld GPS for navigation off paved roads. Professional users from surveying, GIS and construction will also find precision devices here that are often not available in this selection in local retail.

Quality, safety & product selection

When buying a handheld GPS, it is worth paying attention to IPX-standard water protection, shock resistance and compatibility with current topographic maps. Also look for support for multiple satellite systems such as GPS, GLONASS and Galileo – this ensures that you can navigate precisely at all times, even in demanding terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What is a handheld GPS and what is it used for?▾

A handheld GPS is a portable navigation device specifically designed for outdoor use. It is used for hiking, trekking, geocaching, mountain tours, hunting, forestry work and all activities where reliable positioning off paved roads is required.

Which features are particularly important when buying a handheld GPS?▾

Crucial are a robust, waterproof housing, long battery life, a display that is easy to read even in direct sunlight, support for satellite systems such as GPS, GLONASS and Galileo, compatibility with topographic maps, as well as practical additional functions such as barometric altimeter and electronic compass.

Which manufacturer offers the best handheld GPS devices for outdoor use?▾

Garmin is the leader in the handheld GPS sector and offers proven models for different requirements with series such as GPSMAP, eTrex and Montana. Magellan, Lowrance and Satmap also have powerful devices in their range, which represent a real alternative depending on the application and personal preference.

How accurate are handheld GPS devices compared to a smartphone?▾

Modern handheld GPS devices achieve an accuracy of about three to five meters under open skies and are therefore often more precise than smartphones. They receive multiple satellite systems simultaneously and work with special antennas that provide reliable position data even in difficult terrain such as narrow valleys or under dense tree canopy.

Which maps are available on handheld GPS devices?▾

Depending on the device and manufacturer, topographic maps, road maps and special outdoor maps are available. In Switzerland, Swiss Topo maps from swisstopo are particularly popular and can be used on many Garmin devices. Many models also allow the downloading of free OpenStreetMap maps.

How long does the battery of a typical handheld GPS last?▾

Battery life varies greatly depending on the model and usage. Simple devices with AA batteries often achieve twenty to thirty hours, while more powerful models with integrated lithium-ion batteries last between ten and twenty hours depending on display brightness and activated functions. Many devices can also be operated with standard batteries, which is a great advantage on multi-day tours.

Are handheld GPS devices also suitable for geocaching?▾

Yes, many handheld GPS devices are excellently suited for geocaching. They support GPX files, display cache descriptions and hints directly on the display and offer a paperless geocaching function. Models from Garmin and Magellan often have special geocaching modes that simplify searching for and logging caches in the field.

Do I need a subscription to use maps on a handheld GPS?▾

As a rule, no. Most handheld GPS devices come with pre-installed base maps. Detailed topographic maps such as Swiss Topo maps or regional hiking maps are purchased once and stored permanently on the device. Unlike many smartphone apps, there are no ongoing subscription costs.