Hiking is a great sport for someone who wants to be in the outdoors, and experience a sense of complete freedom and satisfaction. But it is an activity that requires all the precautionary measures to be considered before participating. In the past, a person was accompanied by a local tracker on a hiking trip. This tracker was experienced and familiar with the particular location.

These days, the GPS (global positioning system) is replacing some of the functions of the local trekker. The GPS allows you to perform the trip on your own without the help of another person. In order to figure out which GPS would work for you, the GPS should be examined further.

The GPS system shows you where you are, and shows you the route you are following and what routes are possible. If you are traveling in an area that hasn't been mapped out yet, you would have to install the map into your GPS before your hiking trip.

When you buy a GPS system for hiking you must take into account the conditions you will be in. Unlike a GPS system in cars or planes or sea vehicles, you will be holding it throughout the entire trip. It has to be durable, water and shock resistant and keep updating areas and locations you as you move along. You should also consider what type of hiker you are, whether you are a serious hiker, or just a person who goes out on the weekends. This knowledge would give you a better understanding about the features you need. The most well known brands for hikers are Garmin and Magellan.

The main thing to remember is that you need a system which is more functional and has the most detailed mapping capabilities in the area you are going to hike. Things like shape, size, or color are not as necessary, make sure you consider what you need.