GPS has many special applications ranging from simple navigation to need-specific tracking facilities that provide great support while hiking, running, or riding on an adventurous journey.
Many people are passionate about making adventurous journeys, even to unknown places. They often prefer traveling by car or bike or trekking through unusual routes. At the same time, they are also concerned about not getting lost or diverted from desired routes. They also try to ensure their safety by remaining in contact with family members who can track their location and movements. GPS technology offers unique solutions in this regard. It works on a satellite-based navigation system and provides accurate information to guide you in selecting proper routes that save time and energy. GPS has many special applications ranging from simple navigation to need-specific tracking facilities that provide great support while hiking, running, or riding on an adventurous journey.
Why do you need GPS trackers
You may be planning to enjoy your summer holidays by going on an adventurous trip through bike, car, or boat rides or making cross-country trips to hiking and camping in the wilderness. Then you must include a GPS tracker in the list of accessories to be taken. You may find it thrilling to explore new routes and places, but you must also consider not being trapped in any danger or uncertain conditions. The GPS trackers help you to follow your defined course, avoid potential risks, and also allow you to send alerts whenever required.
Applications of GPS trackers in a summer adventure
GPS trackers chosen by travelers are generally of two types, either a portable handheld device or a GPS-enabled smartwatch. Handheld devices are easier to handle, but a smartwatch offers more flexibility by keeping your hands free. Some devices also have additional features like built-in cameras, weather tracking, and zone selection facilities.
The devices generally have long battery life, are waterproof, and are impact-resistant, making them robust and reliable for use in various conditions.
The devices retain facilities for uploading a predefined route and receive turn-by-turn directions as you move. The application of GPS is not just limited to finding ways to your destination but also directs you to get emergency responses or roadside assistance in the proximity of your location. The tools work well even in places with limited or no network signal. Another significant feature is the geofencing facility that generates indications when entering or leaving a predefined zone. Some devices have an SOS button facility to raise alarms in any potential risk or emergency.
The criteria for the selection of GPS trackers
You need to look for specific features in the tracking devices that best suit your requirements. Some of the desired features that a tracker anticipates possessing are as follows:
- A productive and reliable navigation system with an accurate route tracking facility.
- Lightweight and compact so that it can be handled conveniently or used as wearable.
- The display should be large enough to read and view directions.
- Long battery life as there may be constraints regarding the availability of a recharging facility.
- Able to track speed, altitude, and distance to decide on changes as required on the go.
- Advanced features like compass, barometric altimeter, and weather tracker.
- Impact-resistant and waterproof to withstand the unfavorable conditions of the outdoors.
- Instant messaging and SOS alert facilities to get in contact with a reliable source for assistance.
There are diverse ways of using a GPS unit while on an adventure trip. It can be used as an electronic map that gives step-by-step directions as you navigate, or you can take advantage of its built-in facilities for planning the journey. Some GPS units also guide you to find your defined route on your way back. Some come with a fitness tracker that updates and alerts you about your physical well-being while making the trip.
Five best GPS trackers suitable for summer adventures
There are different models of GPS trackers that have features to match with distinct requirements of people. Here we will mention 6 GPS trackers and their essential qualities for exploring roads and trails and give adequate support in maintaining safety.
1. Amcrest GPS GL300 tracker
It makes your adventure trip convenient by accurate tracking with 4G support. It sends intelligent alerts to notify you about low battery power so that you can take necessary precautions during your journey. It allows the selection of up to 20 geofencing regions with defined boundaries for movement and guides you to the desired destination. It has an in-built accelerometer that gives feedback on motion and keeps you updated. The weather-resistant robust structure keeps the device safe from adverse climatic conditions.
Product highlights
- Compact size – smaller than a matchbox
- Intelligent Battery Alerts
- Motion and SOS Alarm
- Weather-resistant
- Supports up to 20 geofences
Battery and specs
- Size: 3” x 1.5” x 1”
- Weight: 3.52 Oz
- Battery: Li-Polymer, 2600 mAh
- Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 10-12 days of active battery life for one minute's updates
2. Family1st portable GPS tracker
Family1st small and portable device can be kept easily in your bag while you hike, ride or run on an unknown route and ensures simple and effective tracking facilities using 4G LTE technology. It provides a customized geofencing facility with up to 10 zone selections and generates instant alerts whenever you enter or exit the defined boundaries to keep you safe. The battery backup of 2 weeks can be quite useful and makes your journey enjoyable.
Product highlights
- Size: 3” x 1.5” x 1”
- Weight: 3.52 Oz
- Battery: Li-Polymer, 2600 mAh
- Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 10-12 days of active battery life for one minute's updates
- 2 weeks battery life on sleep mode (no activity)
Battery and specs
- Size: 2.8” x 1.8” x 1.1”
- Weight: 3.60 Oz
- Battery: 2400 mAh Li-Polymer
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 2 weeks active battery life with 1-minute update
- 6 months sleep mode battery life at one update per day
3. Americaloc GL300 GPS tracker
The compact and portable design makes it suitable to carry during your adventurous journey. It provides automatic tracking facilities on 10, 20, 30 seconds frequencies which is very much helpful during challenging travel conditions. It also detects speed to provide feedback on motion control. The geofencing zone selection with an immediate alerts facility prevents you from getting deviated from specified routes.
Product highlights
- Keeps a track record history up to 1 year
- Can be converted to a Wired device if required
- No Contract
- No activation or cancellation fee
Battery and specs
- Size: 7” x 1.51” x 0.92”
- Weight:24 oz
- Battery: Lithium-ion battery
- Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 10-14 days of active battery life with one-minute updates
4. Geozilla GPS location tracker
It is small, lightweight, and easy to handle as you drive or trek on your routes. It provides an SOS button to generate quick alerts along with location details that help others to track your location in case of any danger. You can set up geofence areas with custom alerts when entry or exit happens in the specified areas which ensure safety. It has a battery backup of 5 days on a full charge which is very reliable support for any traveler.
Product highlights
- Compact real-time GPS tracker
- SOS button
- Best for tracking Elderly, Kids, and Pets
- Global Coverage
Battery and specs
- Size: 8″ x 1.6″ x 1″
- Weight: 1.05 Oz
- Battery: Li-ion 520mAh
- Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 2-3 days active battery life for 1-minute updates
- 6 days in sleep mode (no activity)
5. Invoxia cellular GPS tracker
It provides standalone GPS tracking with unlimited range and works anywhere without Bluetooth support which is very much helpful in tracking someone driving or hiking in adverse conditions. It can also maintain the journey history for future reference. It generates alerts on crossing defined geofencing boundaries so there are fewer chances of getting lost or diverted. It is supported by a battery life of up to 4 months depending on usage which is really exceptional and extremely useful when you are on an adventurous trip.
Product highlights
- Small size
- Motion Alerts
- Coverage in over 190 countries
- Custom contacts alert for emergencies
Battery and specs
- Size: 1.75″ x 1.6″ x 0.6″
- Weight: 1.26 Oz
- Battery: 3,5000 mAh
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 2-3 active battery life with 1-5 updates every minute
- 3 months battery with one update per day
Conclusion
Whether you are on a cross-country trip or any adventure camping, GPS trackers are beneficial as you can track everyone in your group and find out the routes to your next destination. These trackers ensure that everyone is safe and within reach. A GPS tool makes the journey enjoyable as it helps you explore new locations by displaying their coordinates. It also tracks your position and guides you safely on the direction and distance to reach the desired location.
Browse for more such in-depth GPS tracker reviews on gpstracker247.com.
Photo by Samuel Foster on Unsplash
