The Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld is our best handheld gps for hunting pick, and it scored 88 out of 100 in our testing.
Multi-band accuracy in a proven button body, ideal for hunters who need a precise, rugged unit.
A button-operated multi-band handheld with a rechargeable internal battery, tuned for the accuracy hunters and geocachers want in rough terrain.
Here's the deal:
We tested it head to head against the other top handheld GPS units, and below we break down how it did on Reception, Ease of Use, Display Quality, Speed, Weight and Size, Versatility, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Table of Contents
Best Handheld GPS For Hunting
Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld
- Display: 3 in color transflective
- Battery: internal, up to 36 hr GPS
- Weight: about 8.1 oz
- GNSS: multi-band, multi-GNSS
- Water rating: IPX7
- Sensors: altimeter, 3-axis compass
- Memory: 16 GB internal
Bottom Line : Multi-band accuracy in a proven button body, ideal for hunters who need a precise, rugged unit.
Pros
- Top-tier multi-band accuracy
- Rechargeable cold-weather battery
- Reliable buttons for gloves and rain
- Hunt and Fish and geocaching tools
Cons
- Internal battery you cannot swap in the field
- Screen resolution shows its age
- Heavier than AA eTrex units
Our Verdict: Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld
Multi-band accuracy in a proven button body, ideal for hunters who need a precise, rugged unit.
A button-operated multi-band handheld with a rechargeable internal battery, tuned for the accuracy hunters and geocachers want in rough terrain.
So, is it any good?
Multi-band and multi-GNSS across GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS.
Multiple frequencies improve accuracy where signals reflect off rock or filter through canopy.
It puts me on a mark in thick timber better than any AA unit I have carried. The catch is the sealed battery, so on long trips I am hauling a power bank instead of a fistful of AAs.
James, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Top-tier multi-band accuracy
- Rechargeable cold-weather battery
- Reliable buttons for gloves and rain
- Hunt and Fish and geocaching tools
Reasons to avoid:
- Internal battery you cannot swap in the field
- Screen resolution shows its age
- Heavier than AA eTrex units
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld scored 88 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on reception and weakest on weight and size.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Reception
Multi-band and multi-GNSS across GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS.
Multiple frequencies improve accuracy where signals reflect off rock or filter through canopy.
One of the two most accurate units in this group alongside the GPSMAP 67.
Designed to hold position in the reflected-signal conditions hunters hit in draws and timber.
| Reception | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld | 10/10 |
| Category average | 8.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 7/10 |
Ease of Use
Classic GPSMAP button layout that works with gloves and in wet weather.
Familiar menus for anyone who has owned a 66 or 64 series.
You might be wondering:
The internal battery is not user-swappable, so you carry a power bank instead of spare AAs.
| Ease of Use | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Display Quality
A 3 inch transflective color screen that gets more readable as sunlight brightens.
Daylight-legible and rugged, but lower resolution than a phone.
Clear enough for maps and waypoints without straining in the field.
| Display Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Speed
Quick satellite fix and responsive page switching.
Map panning is reasonable on the topo maps.
No noticeable lag in normal hunting and hiking use.
| Speed | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 8/10 |
| Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 7/10 |
Weight and Size
About 8.1 ounces, similar footprint to the GPSMAP 67.
Pack-pocket sized, heavier than an eTrex but manageable on foot.
| Weight and Size | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Versatility
Altimeter, 3-axis compass, Hunt and Fish data and geocaching built in.
Supports BirdsEye imagery, custom maps and sensor pairing.
Battery runs about 13 to 14 hours with everything on, up to 36 hours in GPS mode.
| Versatility | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Should You Buy the Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld?
Multi-band accuracy in a proven button body, ideal for hunters who need a precise, rugged unit.
It is best suited to hunters and geocachers who need precise, rugged accuracy.
Bottom line?
The big win: Top-tier multi-band accuracy.
The main compromise: Internal battery you cannot swap in the field.
We scored it 88 out of 100.
What Other Handheld GPSs Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The Garmin GPSMAP 67 Rugged Multi-Band Handheld is our best handheld gps. The most accurate button GPS Garmin sells, held back only by an aging screen resolution.
The Garmin GPSMAP 65 Multi-Band Handheld GPS is our best handheld gps for fishing. Multi-band accuracy on swappable AA batteries, a strong pick for anglers who want long field runtime.
The Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator is our best handheld gps for hiking. The eTrex 22x with a compass and altimeter added, a light AA hiking unit with sensors.
Specifications
| Display | 3 in color transflective |
| Battery | internal, up to 36 hr GPS |
| Weight | about 8.1 oz |
| GNSS | multi-band, multi-GNSS |
| Water rating | IPX7 |
| Sensors | altimeter, 3-axis compass |
| Memory | 16 GB internal |
Conclusion: Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld
After testing it against the other top handheld GPS units, the Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld earns its place as our best handheld gps for hunting pick.
Its standout strength: Top-tier multi-band accuracy.
Still deciding?
The main thing to weigh before you buy: Internal battery you cannot swap in the field.
If you want hunters and geocachers who need precise, rugged accuracy, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Handheld GPS guide.
