The Best Value GPS Navigator: Garmin Foretrex 601, 701, and 801 - 2024 Review

Garmin Foretrex 601, 701, and 801 combines features of much more expensive models with the price of a dinner with drinks for 2. This is your wrist-mounted GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo navigation system.

One cool feature I haven't expected is smart notifications. I was able to receive texts, emails, and notifications (if a typhoon is coming, I want to know in advance)!

It is impact, heat, and water resistant and built to last (give it to your grandkids)! Also, it has cool features I can brag about but never use, like being compatible with night vision goggles. Do I need it? Nah, I can't justify leisurely buying a PVS-14. Is it cool? Hell yeah!

By the way, there is a built-in watch too. Sounds like a silly point, but it is not. Imagine wearing a wrist-mounted GPS unit and a wristwatch.

No need to look like a goofy guy (or a gal) from a goofy place with two wrist pieces. Unless you go for a marauder look, but who am I to judge?

Garmin Foretrex 601 runs on one lithium polymer battery.

Garmin Foretrex 701 Ballistic Edition - Additional features:

GPS ballistic calculator
One lithium polymer battery.

The Best Value GPS Hiking Navigators

Garmin Foretrex 601

Garmin Foretrex 601 is durable device, constructed to military standards and working with multi-satellite systems: GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellite systems to provide accurate positioning.

Advanced Sensors: 3-axis accelerometer, 3 axis compass, and barometric altimeter
Smart notifications: Allow to receive emails, texts and alerts
Durability: Withstand high temperatures, shocks, and water exposure
Extended Battery Life: Exceeds 48 hours

Garmin Foretrex 701

The updated device provides advanced calculations for precise aiming solutions in long-range shooting.

GPS ballistic calculator

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The Best Value GPS Upgrated Hiking Navigator: Garmin Foretrex 801

Garmin Foretrex 801 is wrist-mounted durable device, built to military standards. It works with multi-satellite systems: GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellite systems to provide accurate positioning.

Advanced Sensors: 3-axis accelerometer, 3 axis compass, and barometric altimeter
Smart notifications: Allow to receive emails, texts and alerts
InReach Compatibility:: Pairs with your compatible inReach satellite communicator
Jumpmaster Mode: Uses jumpmaster mode to calculate high-altitude release points
Durability: Withstand high temperatures, shocks, and water exposure
Extended Battery Life: Exceeds 100 hours

So here it is, our best affordable wrist-mounted GPS review.

If you are not sure what to get, buy Garmin Foretrex 801. It is the newest model with all the needed features, yet it only costs a bit over $200.

If you do long-range shooting, then definitely get Garmin Foretrex 701. It is more expensive than the other models, but a ballistic calculator justified the cost.

Garmin Foretrex 601 is an older model, but it is reliable, field-tested, and has served me for years. It will serve you just the same.