Hand held Garmin GPS battery life varies from model to model. All Garmins do not take the same kind of batteries. Some require common AA and AAA batteries in varying numbers. Just because two models use the exact same number and type of batteries doesn’t mean that they will operate for the same length of time. Other Garmins call for integrated rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
If you’re planning on using your portable for extended trips into the backcountry for backpacking or climbing, you’ll want Garmin GPS batteries that not only last long but can easily be replaced with the spares you bring along. You might want to think about that for hunting too (check out A Review of the Best GPS Devices for Hunting.
Day hikes and geocaching will be covered by almost any of the models because the majority last more than 12 hours. It’s important to note that most models don’t come with batteries included, so don’t buy one and head out to remote areas without making sure you have batteries.
The following is a list of the most popular Garmin hand held GPS units with the battery type and the operational life you can expect to facilitate your decision making process: