Cycling GPS computer
An excellent gift for avid cyclists, offering detailed ride data and turn-by-turn navigation on bike routes.
Tech & Gadgets
Handheld & outdoor GPS navigation devices
5 kinds worth knowing, 10 picks, and what to check before you buy.
This category mostly suits people who spend time on the road, the trail or the water and like knowing where they are without fuss. The gifts that get used most are the ones that fit a habit the person already has. A rider who logs weekend kilometres will use a cycling GPS computer every outing. Someone who drives a lot will use a magnetic phone mount every day. Before choosing, think about where the person actually goes: paved roads, back roads, lakes or bush trails. Then match the device to that. A dedicated unit makes sense for someone who is often out of cell range. For everyday driving, a good mount for the phone they already carry is often the better gift.
Kind 1 of 5
Cycling GPS computers for regular riders
A cycling GPS computer mounts on the handlebars and shows speed, distance, route and time, and often turn-by-turn directions. It suits road riders, gravel riders and commuters who track their rides or follow planned routes. Before buying, check that it works with the bars on their bike and the sensors or apps they already use. Also check how long the battery lasts on a full day's ride and whether the screen is easy to read in bright sun. A multi-sport watch is another option for someone who also runs or swims and would rather wear one device for everything.
Multi sport gps watch
Perfect for athletes and adventurers, this wearable tracks performance and provides navigation during various activities.
Kind 2 of 5
Magnetic phone mounts for everyday navigation
A magnetic phone mount holds a phone with a magnet, so it snaps on and off in one motion. Most people already navigate with their phone, which makes this a useful, low-fuss gift for nearly any driver or rider. Check whether their phone and case work with a magnetic mount or need a thin metal plate added. Also check where the mount attaches (vent, dash or windshield) and whether that suits their vehicle. Make sure the phone will sit where they can see it without blocking any controls.
Kind 3 of 5
Car mounts that suit their vehicle
A magnetic car mount is made for the vehicle specifically. It clips to a vent, sticks to the dash or attaches to the windshield. It suits commuters, road-trippers and anyone who follows map directions on the phone while driving. Before buying, look at their car's interior. Some vents are round or flimsy, and some dashboards are textured and won't hold an adhesive base well. If they switch between vehicles, a clip-style mount moves more easily than one with a permanent base.
Kind 4 of 5
Off-road and backcountry GPS units
An off-road GPS is a dedicated unit that shows trails, terrain and waypoints where phone maps fall short. This covers rugged handhelds, units built for ATVs and trucks, marine handhelds, hunting and tracking units, and satellite communicators that can send messages outside cell coverage. It suits hunters, anglers, paddlers, overlanders and backcountry hikers. Before buying, check which maps come loaded or are available for their region of Canada or the US. Also check whether it runs on replaceable or rechargeable batteries, and whether any satellite messaging features need a subscription plan.
Off-road vehicle GPS navigator
Perfect for ATV, UTV, and overland enthusiasts, offering rugged navigation and tracking for challenging terrain.
Rugged handheld GPS navigator
This device is ideal for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable navigation in challenging environments.
Hunting and tracking GPS unit
Designed for hunters and outdoor explorers, this unit helps navigate wilderness areas and track companions or dogs.
Marine handheld GPS
Ideal for boaters and anglers, this device helps navigate waterways and mark fishing spots with precision.
Satellite communicator with GPS
Essential for remote adventurers, this device provides two-way messaging and emergency SOS capabilities beyond cell service.
Golf course GPS device
A practical tool for golfers, providing accurate distances to greens, hazards, and doglegs on thousands of courses.
Kind 5 of 5
Heavy-duty mounts for rough roads
A heavy-duty magnetic phone mount uses stronger magnets and a sturdier base so the phone stays put on gravel roads, job sites and bumpy trails. It suits people who drive trucks, work vehicles or side-by-sides, and anyone with a large phone in a thick case. Before buying, check that the magnet can hold through their case. Also check whether the base screws, bolts or clamps on, and whether it will fit the rail, bar or dash surface in their vehicle.
How to choose handheld & outdoor gps navigation devices as a gift
- Start with where they go most often, whether that's paved roads, trails, lakes or backcountry, and pick the device built for that.
- Check what they already use, like their phone model, case, bike sensors or apps, so the gift works with it right away.
- For backcountry gifts, confirm that maps for their region are included or easy to add.
- Ask whether any features need an ongoing subscription so the gift doesn't come with a surprise bill.
- For mounts, look at their actual vehicle or handlebars first, because fit matters more than features.
Usually safe to skip
- A dedicated car GPS for someone who already navigates happily with their phone usually ends up sitting in the glovebox.
- Feature-packed outdoor units for casual walkers tend to go unused, since phone maps already cover their routes.
- Generic universal mounts often don't fit thick cases, unusual vents or textured dashboards, and end up returned.
Questions people ask about handheld & outdoor gps navigation devices
- Is a cycling GPS computer better than using a phone on the handlebars?
- For regular riders, often yes. A dedicated computer usually has longer battery life, a screen that's easier to read in sunlight, and a sturdier mount. It also keeps their phone free for calls. For occasional short rides, a phone mount may be all they need.
- Will a magnetic phone mount work with a phone case?
- Many will, but it depends on the case. Thin cases usually work fine. Thick or rugged cases may need a stronger magnet or a metal plate stuck inside or outside the case. Check the case before buying.
- What should I look for in a GPS for hunting or backcountry trips?
- Look for maps that cover their area, a screen they can read outdoors, and batteries that suit long trips. Also look at waypoint and tracking features. If they often go out of cell range, a satellite communicator with GPS adds messaging, but check whether it needs a plan.
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Everything else
All handheld & outdoor gps navigation devices picks
Showing 1–10 of 10
Bluetooth OBD2 Car Scanner
Plugs in under the dash and tells his phone what the car is complaining about.
