Summary
The Garmin GPSMAP 62s is one of the advanced handheld GPS models in Garmin’s popular GPSMAP 60 series. This handy navigator has a 3-axis tilt-compensated compass and a barometric altimeter. The ruggedly designed GPSMAP 62s is waterproof and sturdy enough to bring along most outdoor adventures. I have also used it when exploring new places — in the car, bike or when walking through unfamiliar streets.
This handheld device gets great GPS reception. With HotFix satellite prediction, position is located quickly and precisely—even in deep canyons or in the middle of skyscraper dense cities.
The GPSMAPS 62s is able to wirelessly connect to many other compatible Garmin handhelds. As a result, this model has become a popular choice for hikers and climbers who are into geocaching. Geocachers no longer need to manually enter coordinates and make printouts if they have the Garmin GPSMAPS 62s. This handheld can use Custom Maps—a free software that allows you to download paper and electronic maps onto the device itself.
Post adventure, this handy GPS will let you store and analyze your outdoor activities. Connect it to your computer then go to Garmin Connect online and you’ll be able to see where you’ve been using Google Earth. You can even connect with other GPS users and share your adventures via Twitter and Facebook.
Product Snapshot
Amazon Price: $349.00
Amazon Ranking: 
Sample Customer Reviews
Some quotes from the reviews of the Garmin GPSMAPS 62s on Amazon:
“I used the 62s while hunting and found that I could always get a solid signal regardless of how dense the forest was.”
“I absolutely love this GPS. I’ve used a Garmin Oregon 300, Garmin Etrex and vista, Garmin gpsmap 60Csx and a Garmin Rino 530 and this GPS is better than all of them.”
“It was excellent driving in Stockholm and around Heathrow airport, and walking in Prague. It lacks the detailed database of Points of Interest (POIs) that one finds in Google Maps, but then Gmaps is internet-based and therefore has more space available.”
Features
The GPSMAP 62s is a big upgrade from the earlier Garmin 60 series and 62 model handheld navigators. The 62s model adds a tilt-compensated, 3-axis electronic compass; a barometric altimeter; expandable storage and a highs-speed USB connection.
This handheld navigator uses a quad helix antenna and a high-sensitive WAAS-enabled receiver for fast and reliable GPS reception. HotFix satellite prediction allows quick and precise location data—even in areas where signal can be a problem.
Because the 62s allows wireless transfers with other Garmin devices, geocache enthusiasts will be able to share routes, tracks and waypoints wirelessly with other Garmin handheld users.
While still quite similar to the GPSMAP 62, the 62s also includes more maps — 100k continental U.S. topographic data and a worldwide base map with shaded relief. Many other maps, including printed maps, can be downloaded onto the device itself. This handy GPS also lets your download Garmin Connect photos for easy picture navigation.
A hefty 1.7G onboard memory and microSD slot lets users add even more maps, marine and topographic data into the GPS device.
Other technical specifications for the Garmin GPSMAP 62s:
- The unit measures 2.4″ x 6.3″ x 1.4″ (6.1 x 16.0 x 3.6 cm)
- Display size is 1.43″ x 2.15″ (3.6 x 5.5 cm); 2.6″ diagonal (6.6 cm)
- Display type is 65-K color TFT
- Weighs 9.2 oz. with batteries
- Runs on 2 AA batteries for an average 20 hours
- Waterproof rated IPX7
Each GPSMAP 62s unit comes with a carabiner clip, USB cable and manual. Batteries and accessories are sold separately.
Tips for Using the Garmin GPSMAP 62s
Be prepared to pay for additional maps to get maximum use out of this powerful handheld GPS. The base maps that come loaded into the unit are not enough to optimize use of this handheld navigator; you will be a lot more satisfied with the optional topographical maps.
Remember to backup original common files using a file manager when installing new maps or Points of Interest (POIs). As good practice, always back-up whenever new maps are added. Maps are what make this device come alive, so it would be such a waste if you lost any of them.
Aside from other batteries, I’ve used Energizer Lithium on my Garmin GPSMAP 62s and it seems to provide the longest battery life. Enabling WAAS can suck power quicker so use this setting judiciously.
Speaking of WASS, this setting is great when you are under open skies. It definitely locks your location quickly and precisely. However, when in dense tree areas or if you are in the middle of a big city with lots of tall buildings, you might want to disable WAAS as it tends to bounce around the GPS signal. If you plan to use the WAAS setting, make sure you are diligent in updating the firmware via the Garmin website, otherwise there is little point in using the WAAS.
Pricing
I find that Amazon.com is the best place to begin looking for a product online. Amazon themselves have highly competitive prices, and somewhat amazingly, they link to competitors who sometimes have even lower prices. Amazon is a really quick way to find great deals online.
Amazon Best: $349.00
Garmin Direct: $449.99
Assessment
Pros
This handheld navigator picks up GPS signals quickly, even indoors—in the middle of the city. The same goes when you’re under dense tree cover. I’ve taken this GPS hiking in forest trails and in busy city streets and have had no problem with accuracy or picking up a signal. I would put the Garmin GPSMAP 62s accuracy at less than 9 feet. The antenna is indeed sensitive and is definitely quick with finding satellites.
It is also fast when it comes to USB transfers. In just seconds, you can upload a bunch of routes and POIs from your GPSMAP 62s onto your computer. The large memory and SD slot for an additional memory card is definitely a plus as it allows you to load up on maps and waypoints in the handheld device itself.
In case you need technical advice, Garmin support has been good in my experience. There is no problem contacting them and staff are knowledgeable and friendly.
This is a pretty sturdy handheld GPS. Mine has been dropped and dragged to different adventures and it’s still working pretty well.
Cons
Hardware and technical support are pretty good, but there’s definitely a learning curve to hurdle when using this GPS. The quick start manual was not comprehensive enough for me. The website was more helpful. I also had to make a few calls to Garmin support and also ask a more experienced GPS user for help. But once you get the hang of it, it should work pretty well.
A bigger con for me is the extra costs I had to shell out for additional maps. The base maps that came with the unit were just not enough. They were not even all that accurate. I think Garmin could have provided more free maps considering the price tag on this. To give you an idea, Garmin sells maps loaded onto SD cards for about $80.00 to $100.00 dollars each. BirdsEye Maps charges subscription rates too.
Alternatives
When it comes to GPS devices, I have come to rely on Garmin. They are still regarded as the leading manufacturer of the most accurate and reliable GPS devices. This is why my alternatives to the GPSMAP 62s would still be handheld units made by Garmin.
If the 62s is not within your budget, a good alternative would be its predecessor—the Garmin GPSMAP 62. This unit does not have a 3-axis tilt-compensated compass and a barometric altimeter like the 62s. Memory space for maps is also smaller than the upgraded model. However, it still has enough GPS capability to navigate you through most outdoor explorations and will only cost you $299.99 on Amazon. Note that the GPSMAP 62 is still widely used by geocachers despite the release of two higher models.
Closer in specifications to the GPSMAP 62s is the Garmin Oregon 450t which retails for $399.86 on Amazon. Like the 62s, the Oregon 450t has the compass, barometric altimeter and HotFix for enhanced reception. This one is slightly pricier, in part because it uses touch screen technology. In terms of accuracy, sensitivity and memory space the Oregon and 62s are comparable.
Conclusion
The Garmin GPSMAP 62s is a highly sensitive, quick and precise handheld navigator. It’s small and handy, but also tough enough to be brought along any adventure. You can load up a lot of maps and waypoints onto the device itself, making it a truly powerful GPS. However, you do have to pay extra for those maps and additional topographic data. Now if you don’t mind the extra costs, this is among the most accurate GPS handhelds out there. If you are into geocaching, you will especially like the paperless maps and the kind of computer interface and interactivity the Garmin GPSMAP 62s has to offer.