Garmin makes some of the toughest handheld GPS devices on the market. The Montana, eTrex, GPSMAP, and inReach series go places where phones do not — deep backcountry, offshore, ATV trails, hunting land, and remote expedition routes where satellite coverage is the only connection to the outside world. Getting one of these units properly mounted, whether on a handlebar, a dash, a boat console, or a tripod arm, is a different challenge than mounting an automotive GPS. There is no universal ball standard here. Instead, Garmin uses a spine clip system and most serious aftermarket options are built around the RAM Mounts 1-inch ball ecosystem.
This guide covers the best mounts for Garmin handheld GPS devices across three use cases: motorcycle and ATV handlebar mounting, marine and vehicle surface mounting, and universal heavy-duty installations. Whether you have a current-generation Montana 700 series, a GPSMAP 67, an eTrex 32x, or an inReach, there is a mounting solution here for you.
The photo above is an older handheld Garmin eTrex from awhile ago. It was my handheld go-to. Replaced now by my Samsung phone.
Garmin Handheld GPS Mount Comparison
| Mount | Best For | Mount Location |
|---|---|---|
| TUSITA Motorcycle/ATV Claw Clamp Mount | Motorcycle and ATV handlebar mounting | Handlebar or roll bar |
| TUSITA Marine and Car Adjustable Mount | Boat console, dash, or flat surface | Any flat surface |
| RAM Mounts Finger-Grip Universal Holder | Heavy-duty universal install, any RAM base | Requires separate RAM base and arm |
Garmin Handheld GPS Models This Guide Covers
Garmin’s handheld GPS lineup covers a wide range of use cases, but the spine clip mounting interface is consistent across most current and recent models. Here is a quick overview of the main lines and who they are for.
The Montana series (700, 700i, 710, 710i, 750i, 760i) is Garmin’s flagship handheld, built around a large 5-inch touchscreen that works with gloves on. It is the choice for ATV riders, overlanders, and serious backcountry users who want the largest display available in a handheld. The Montana 700i and 750i add inReach satellite communication for two-way messaging and SOS from anywhere on earth.
The eTrex series (22x, 32x, SE, Touch 35) is the compact workhorse of the Garmin handheld line. Small, lightweight, and extremely durable, the eTrex runs on AA batteries and is popular with hikers, geocachers, and hunters who want a device that disappears into a pack and never needs charging. The small footprint makes mounting more of a consideration since standard cradles can dwarf the unit.
The GPSMAP series (65, 65s, 67, 67i) represents Garmin’s professional-grade handheld navigation line. Multi-band GNSS support, expanded satellite systems, and the ability to pair with sensors and dog tracking collars make these the choice for search and rescue teams, hunters running dogs, and serious expedition navigators. The GPSMAP 67i adds inReach satellite communication to the mix.
The inReach series (Mini 2) is not a full-featured navigation GPS but a satellite communicator with basic tracking capability. The mounting interface is compatible with the same spine clip system but the small form factor means some cradles require an adapter.
The Best Mounts for Garmin Handheld GPS Devices
1. TUSITA Motorcycle and ATV Claw Clamp Mount — Best for Handlebars
The TUSITA claw clamp mount is the go-to for riders who need their Garmin handheld on a motorcycle handlebar, ATV bar, or UTV roll cage. The claw base clamps around the bar and locks down with a single bolt, eliminating the vibration and wobble that cheaper rubber-band style mounts suffer from on rough terrain. A medium arm connects the base to a spine clip holder that accepts Garmin handheld devices directly.
The full 360-degree rotation at the ball joint lets you dial in portrait or landscape orientation and find the exact angle that keeps glare off the screen. The hardware is high-strength composite with stainless steel fasteners, which matters when you are bouncing through a trail or hitting ATV tracks at speed. Compatible with Montana, eTrex, GPSMAP, inReach, and other Garmin handheld units using the spine clip interface.
2. TUSITA Marine and Car Adjustable Mount — Best for Flat Surfaces
The TUSITA Marine and Car Adjustable Mount is built for drivers and boaters who want their Garmin handheld mounted to a flat surface — a boat console, a dashboard, a center console lid, or any stable horizontal or vertical panel. It bolts directly to the surface using the included hardware and holds the GPS at a multi-angle adjustable position so you can tilt it toward the driver’s position without fighting a stiff arm.
The high-strength composite construction handles marine environments well, and the adjustable angle lets you compensate for surfaces that are not perfectly flat or vertical. This is a cleaner and more permanent solution than a friction beanbag for boat use, and it keeps the GPS exactly where you need it through chop and wakes. Note that mounting screws are not included — pick up M5 screws at the appropriate length for your surface thickness.
3. RAM Mounts Finger-Grip Universal Holder — Best Heavy-Duty Option
The RAM-HOL-UN4U Finger-Grip is the most versatile holder on this list, and also the most involved to set up. It is a holder only and not a complete mount. You will need to pair it with a separate RAM ball base and arm to create a full mounting system. If that sounds like extra work, it is, but the payoff is a mount that can go virtually anywhere and handle virtually anything.
The holder itself uses three sets of flexible rubber-coated fingers that squeeze open and close around the device, with optional top and bottom support plates for added retention. The back plate has the standard AMPS four-hole pattern, which connects to any RAM component using the included hardware. Pick a suction cup base for windshield or dash use, a handlebar ball base for bikes and motorcycles, a RAM track system for boats, or a gooseneck for seat rail mounting — the holder works with all of them. Swap bases without buying a new holder each time.
This mount has held my Garmin GPSMAP and a HAM radio with equal confidence. It is legitimately rock solid once assembled, but be prepared for a bit of an arts and crafts project as there are multiple parts, multiple sets of fingers to configure, and a few minutes of trial and error before everything clicks into place the way you want it. Once it is set up, you will not touch it again.
How to Choose the Right Mount for Your Use Case
Garmin handheld GPS devices get used in a wider variety of environments than automotive GPS units, which means the mount choice depends heavily on where and how you use the device.
For motorcycle and ATV riders, the handlebar claw clamp is almost always the right answer. It keeps the display in your line of sight, survives vibration and trail abuse, and gets the GPS off the tank bag or pack where you would otherwise have to stop to check it. The TUSITA claw mount covers this use case well for most Garmin handheld models.
For boat owners, the surface mount is the practical choice. A GPS rattling around on a console or sitting in a cupholder on open water is a liability. Bolting it down to the console with the TUSITA marine mount takes five minutes and eliminates the problem permanently. Most boaters who make this switch wonder why they waited.
For drivers who want their handheld GPS in the car particularly overlanders and off-road drivers who use a Montana or GPSMAP as their primary navigation even on the road, the RAM Finger-Grip paired with a suction cup or adhesive base gives the most flexibility. You can move it between vehicles, swap it to the boat on weekends, and still have a rock-solid hold in any position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mounts for Garmin handheld GPS the same as mounts for Garmin automotive GPS?
No. Garmin automotive GPS units (Nuvi, DriveSmart, Drive) use a 17mm ball interface called the G-Ball. Garmin handheld GPS units use a spine clip system on the back of the device. The two systems are not interchangeable. If you need an automotive Garmin mount, see our Garmin GPS car mount guide.
Does the Montana 700 use the same mount as older Montana models?
Not always. The Montana 700 series has a different body size and spine clip configuration than the Montana 600 series. Some older mounts are listed as compatible with the 600 but not the 700. Always confirm compatibility with your specific Montana model number before ordering. The TUSITA mounts in this guide are designed for current-generation Garmin handheld devices.
Can I mount a Garmin inReach Mini 2 with these mounts?
The inReach Mini 2 uses the spine clip interface but its small form factor means some cradles require a spine mount adapter to fit correctly. The TUSITA claw and surface mounts are compatible with inReach devices; check the product listing for your specific model. The RAM Finger-Grip is also compatible but configure the finger spacing carefully for the smaller body of the Mini 2.
What is the RAM Mounts B-size ball system?
RAM Mounts uses a modular ball-and-socket system where all components with matching ball sizes are interchangeable. The B-size ball is 1 inch in diameter and is the most common size for GPS and phone mounting applications. If you buy the RAM Finger-Grip holder, any RAM B-size ball base or arm will pair with it. This is what makes the system so flexible — one holder can work with dozens of different bases.
Will these mounts work for the Garmin GPSMAP 86 marine GPS?
The GPSMAP 86 series is a marine-specific handheld that uses the same spine clip interface as other Garmin handhelds. The TUSITA mounts and RAM Finger-Grip are compatible. For dedicated marine installations on a boat, the TUSITA Marine and Car mount is the most practical option since it bolts directly to the console.
