Handheld GPS units are still one of the most reliable ways to find your way off-grid, and YouTube has no shortage of walkthroughs for them. We’ve rounded up the ten most-viewed videos on navigating with a handheld GPS, ranked by actual view count.
Across the list you’ll find a mix of quick, single-task clips and longer, in-depth tutorials. Garmin’s eTrex line dominates, but there are also videos covering the GPSMAP 64 and Dakota series, plus one that digs into the bigger question of waypoints versus routes versus tracks. Whether you want a two-minute answer or a half-hour deep-dive, there’s something here for you.
1. Hand held GPS for beginners
Dirty Harry000 · 505.4K views · 11:47 · 2017
The most-watched video on this list, with over 500,000 views, Dirty Harry000's beginner-friendly walkthrough runs just under twelve minutes and focuses on marking a waypoint and navigating back to it. A good first watch if you've never touched a handheld GPS before.
2. Garmin eTrex GPS Basics
wild4tech11 · 393.3K views · 8:21 · 2011
This 2011 video from wild4tech11 is a short, basic introduction to the Garmin eTrex, covering general use and finding waypoints in about eight minutes. Suited to someone who just picked up an older eTrex unit and wants a quick orientation.
3. Waypoints, Routes, Tracks: When to Use Each (Garmin GPS)
HikingGuy.com · 324.8K views · 23:43 · 2021
HikingGuy.com takes a longer, more thoughtful approach in this 24-minute video, comparing waypoints, routes, and tracks and explaining when each makes sense on the trail. Best for viewers who already know the basics and want to understand how to actually plan their navigation.
4. How to use a Garmin eTrex 10 GPS receiver
Hendricks County Parks & Recreation · 273.2K views · 7:49 · 2020
Created by Hendricks County Parks & Recreation for their geocaching events, this sub-eight-minute video walks through the basic functions of the Garmin eTrex 10. Clear and classroom-like in tone, it suits beginners and anyone borrowing or renting a unit.
5. Garmin eTrex Handheld Outdoor GPS demonstration
Joseph Harradine · 228.6K views · 9:32 · 2010
Joseph Harradine's 2010 demonstration is a literal walk-through, filmed in the field, showing waypoint creation and navigating back on a Garmin eTrex. At about nine and a half minutes, it's a solid pick if you prefer watching a real demonstration over a menu tour.
6. GARMIN eTrex 10 GPS User Guide
geojibby · 210.9K views · 10:10 · 2020
Geojibby's user guide for the eTrex 10 covers all the main features in about ten minutes, with timestamps for jumping straight to waypoints, tracks, the map, the compass, routes, or geocaching. Ideal for new owners who want one video that covers the whole device.
7. How to Enter Coordinates in a Garmin GPS : GPS Tutorials
eHowTech · 190K views · 1:25 · 2012
At just 85 seconds, this eHowTech clip is the fastest option on the list, focusing on the single task of entering coordinates into a Garmin GPS. Watch this if you have one specific question and don't want to sit through a full tutorial.
8. Garmin GPSMAP 64 Series: Marking & Managing Waypoints with GPS City
GPSCity · 188.6K views · 4:20 · 2014
GPSCity, a GPS retailer, demonstrates marking and managing waypoints on the Garmin GPSMAP 64 series in about four minutes. A focused, product-specific video best for owners of that particular unit.
9. TSR – Garmin GPS 64s Tutorial – Part 1
Mitch Scheuerman · 144.2K views · 33:11 · 2020
Mitch Scheuerman's tutorial on the Garmin GPS 64s runs over 33 minutes, making it the longest video here by far, and it's labeled as part one of a series. Choose this one if you want a thorough, slow-paced walkthrough rather than a quick answer.
10. Garmin Dakota GPS Tutorial 1–Basic Operation
Take a Hike GPS · 123.4K views · 2:47 · 2011
Take a Hike GPS covers basic operation of the touchscreen Garmin Dakota 10 and 20 in under three minutes. A quick, older video that suits Dakota owners looking for a fast orientation to their unit.
Ranked by YouTube view count as of November 7, 2026. View counts move around, so the order here reflects the day this list was compiled. All videos belong to their respective creators – watching them here plays them directly from YouTube, so views and any ad revenue still go to the channel.
