Overview 5 kinds of the best tourist navigators: how to choose which one to buy, the pros and cons, features, rating

Navigators are designed for use in travel, are compact units which are capable of routes and in a standalone mode to capture data about travel. Their work is based on the same principle as that of the automotive counterparts, but they are compact, impact-resistant case and designed to operate in harsh environments. Quality tourist navigator is able to save the life of the owner with unforeseen situations. For this reason, his choice should be approached thoroughly.

How to choose a tourist navigator

Most of the tourist navigation has small screen and low-power processor, but these devices for the principal is not the amount of RAM, and a detailed display area and a good reception of the satellite signal. When choosing a navigator for tourism recorded following features and functions.

positioning

The instrument is required to accurately determine its location. The speed and correctness of the process affects the number of satellites and the receiver sensitivity. Given that the GLONASS works better in the northern regions, and GPS - in the equatorial and temperate latitudes, versatile navigator provides support for both satellite systems.

enclosure protection

Adverse weather conditions often accompany hiking. For this reason, the navigator should have a reliable protection from the effects of low and high temperatures, humid environments continue to work even in case of a fall from a height.

autonomy

The device must operate for a long time on a single charge power source. It considered an ideal solution when the navigator provides battery power with rechargeable batteries and from the ordinary, which can always be replaced. Time of continuous operation must necessarily be greater than 10 hours. This setting affects not only the power supply capacity, but also the power of the computer system, so you should look for a compromise.

Control

distinguish push-button and touch-sensitive controls. The first option is preferred for extreme conditions. Buttons easier to use with gloves. The touch control also equipped multifunctional expensive models, with two types of sensors are distinguished:

• resistor can be used in gloves;
• Capacitive responds only to touch bare fingers.

Button operation works fine under any ambient temperature, even with a damaged screen, while the touch-sensitive model is preferable to take the summer hiking.

Characteristics

This aspect can not focus attention, as modern models have sufficient amount of RAM and CPU power, allowing to quickly scale and store cards data. The more computing power of the device, the faster it will plant battery.

Compatible with PC

For those tourists who go hiking on a prearranged routes, the ability to connect your device to the computer is required. The fact that all routes are being prepared on the PC and only then transferred to the device. For these purposes there Bluetooth and USB.

Cards

Modern devices with more features can be sold without pre-built maps, and therefore will have to upload their own. In this case, if the installation of custom cards or they will have to know in advance, possible buy from the hardware manufacturer for a fee, which ultimately will increase the cost of the device.

Manufacturer

The main difference browser from a similar application on smartphone - Reliability. Fragile phone performance and his short stint on a single charge can not be compared with a full-fledged navigation device. With specific regard to tourist navigators, the only company that manufactures them in large quantities, for a long time, is Garmin.

Best Tourist Navigator for forests

functional navigator Garmin Oregon 650 with powerful firmware - great for hiking over rough and forested area. The main advantage of this model is the high quality of the hardware filling, but the waterproof housing developers have thought enough: poor reliability and durability.

Oregon 650 - the top model in the line of touch navigation, at the same time being one of the most popular among tourists. Among the benefits: detection of satellite signals for a few seconds, a stable operation, integrated magnetic compass and barometer, 8 megapixel camera with flash. In addition, there is a function lantern, Strobe and available feed SOS signal. As the power supply unit performs a rechargeable battery or 2 AA batteries same. Functionality is complemented calculator, stopwatch, alarm clock and the possibility of calculating the operational area.

Characteristics

• Type - Portable Universal.
• Screen Parameters: type - LCD, diagonal - 3 inches, color - yes, resolution - 240 x 400 pixels.
• Memory - Built-in 3.5 GB.
• Antenna Parameters: type - the internal.
• Travel options: point - 4000 routes - 200, the route points - 10 000.
• Power Supply: type - AA, the number - 2, running time - up to 16 hours.
• Interfaces: USB, microSD slot.
• Dimensions: 61 * 114 * 33 mm.
• Weight - 210 g

pros

• The presence of the camera is 8 megapixels.
• Touch display support.
• Quality software.

Minuses

• Insufficient brightness.
• Insufficient strength of the hull.
• Cost.

Best Tourist Navigator for a hike

Compact navigator with advanced functionality Garmin GPSMAP 64 ST - an excellent choice for travelers who prefer hiking on rugged trails. It equipped with a clear display that does not glare, even in direct sunlight. The model is actually designed for hiking, as it has shockproof and a waterproof rubber body, easily copes with the work in the rain drop sensor withstands a relatively great height. Developers realized button operation. Navigator has all the necessary functionality, including the ability to upload your own maps, sensor connection via ANT +, support BirdsEye service. realized thanks to the integrated Bluetooth pairing with smartphones.

Working with models of satellites Garmin GPSMAP 64 ST possible by GLONASS and GPS modules with high sensitivity. To increase the latter, to connect an external antenna. In the event of a prolonged loss of communication with the satellite tourist can rely on the built-in reading the altimeter, barometer and compass that can compensate for the slope.

Characteristics

• Type - Universal Portable.
• Screen Parameters: type - LCD, diagonal - 2.6 inches, color - yes, the resolution - 160h240 pixels.
• Memory - Built-in volume - 8 GB.
• Antenna Parameters: type - the outer, the ability to connect more.
• Travel Options: point - 5000 routes - 200 points in the route - 10 thousand.
• Power Supply: type - AA, the number - 2, running time - up to 16 hours.
• Interfaces: Bluetooth, USB, microSD slot.
• Dimensions: 61 * 160 * 36 mm.
• Weight - 230 g

pros

• Quality firmware.
• A slot for microSD memory cards.
• Protected from humidity cabinet.
• Efficient processor.
• Versatility.

Minuses

• Screen resolution.
• Cost.

Best Tourist Navigator for Android

ViewRanger - one of the best applications navigators for Android and iOS with impressive functionality. In the absence of a full-fledged navigation allows visitors to find and record routes, using a variety of topographic maps and route guides. When you purchase the premium package are available to users Skyline technologies (augmented reality) Flyover (Aerotour in three-dimensional mode), an unlimited number of cards available for download different types. The application is a standalone navigation service with the possibility of constructing routes.

among the advantages of ViewRanger over similar applications is the ability to save cards work at the mobile network is not available, record routes, statistics from the display of the distance traveled and the speed of movement, integration with social networks. Active guests can enjoy surround magazine route, drawn both by tourists and travel magazines. Software is suitable for all, it has been hiking and loves to travel on any transport, including bicyclesMotorcycles. Useful application is for balloonists, hang gliders and paragliders.

Characteristics

• Type - application for smartphones running Android and iOS device.
• Distribution: free with integrated shopping.
• Language: multilingual support for Russian language.
• The presence of the autonomous regime - yes.
• Occupied memory - 18.1 MB for version 9.0.6.
• Platform Android: 4.1+.
• Update: periodic.

pros

• Russification.
• Augmented reality Skyline.
• A large number of topographic maps.
• Precise navigation.
• Work in the absence of the mobile network coverage.
• Sending location data.
• An energy-saving mode.
• Synchronization with other devices.

Minuses

• No synchronization between the devices of points of interest.
• Limited functionality without the premium package.

Best inexpensive tourist navigator

practical navigator Garmin eTrex 10 with its low cost has all the necessary features for tourism. Remarkable high sensitivity and compact, and has a simple monochrome display diagonal of 2.2 inches. The model is not suitable for use in the cold season, for example, ski trips, as it has a high sensitivity to low temperatures. The main user dissatisfaction lies in the control joystick, which is located above the monitor. Since the manufacturer has not provided a lock against accidental operation, after carrying in a pocket on the map will necessarily new points. The problem solved by purchasing a special protective sheath.

As an auxiliary power source for a model Garmin eTrex 10 act two AA batteries. Included with the device is a USB-cable and instruction manual. The developers have implemented support for WAAS and GLONASS added Track-Back function. The stock has built map.

Characteristics

• Type - Universal Portable.
• Screen Parameters: type - LCD-monochrome, diagonal - 2.2 inches, resolution - 128 * 240 pixels.
• Antenna Parameters: type - the internal.
• Travel options: point - 1 000 routes - 50, the magazine - 10 thousand. points.
• Power Parameters: type - AA quantity - 2 pcs, battery life - up to 30 hours.
• Interfaces: USB.
• Dimensions: 54 * 103 * 33 mm.
• Weight - 142 g

pros

• The duration of the work.
• Ease of controls.
• Russified menu.
• Possibility listening to music.

Minuses

• There are some problems with the firmware.
• The small size of the display.
• You can not insert a memory card.

Best car tourism Navigator

One of the best navigators for automobile tourism, in particular for off-road raids - Garmin GPSMAP 276Cx. Five-inch color display is protected by a durable glass. The model is designed in such a way as to easily withstand rough use. For uninterrupted power supply meets the lithium-ion battery, which provides work for 16 hours. Beneath it is a compartment for the battery installation. In addition, it supports power through the USB interface 12 V Built-in antenna provides excellent reception both on the road and on rough terrain, and functionality comparable to ERTF navigational systems. As evidence in favor of the fact that this browser uses to command support vehicles "KAMAZ-Master".

Among the advantages of the model Garmin GPSMAP 276Cx highlighted a list of functions, including audible alarms and voice messages, route calculation, the use of raster maps. Furthermore, the device supports the WAAS and EGNOS. Useful additions: tide tables, fishing and hunting calendars.

Characteristics

• Type - Portable Universal.
• Screen Parameters: type - LCD, color - yes, diagonal - 5 inches, resolution - 800 x 480 pixels.
• Memory - Built-in 8 GB.
• Antenna Parameters: type - the interior, there is a connector for external.
• Travel options: points - 10 000, routes - 250, the magazine - 20 thousand. points.
• Power Options: Type - Li-Ion battery, the amount - 1, work time - up to 16 hours.
• Interfaces: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, MicroSD slot, NMEA support
• Dimensions: 192 * 95 * 44 mm.
• Weight - 450 g

pros

• Casing strength and reliability of the components.
• Functionality that rivals dedicated navigational systems.
• The ability to connect an additional power source.

Minuses

• Performance as the periphery, and the processor is limited.

When choosing a travel navigator problem it is important to understand that for functions such as thermometer, altimeter, barometer and compass even have to pay extra. In the majority of cases, all of the above - excesses that are unlikely to be used at all. Focus should be on how the instrument copes with its main task.