GPS

[TroutMan93]

So I'm looking into buying a GPS unit for hiking and I was wondering which one to buy. I've looked at Garmin and Magellan but can't decide. Does anybody have a different brand that they recommend?
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[doggonefishin]

It depends on what you are doing and the bells and whistles you would like. I just have an older model garmin, and it is fine for my needs.

This link to geocaching.com has reviews on all of the models. It may be worth looking at. (You may need to register to view though)

http://www.geocaching.com/reviews/gps
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[Charina]

A good smart phone, an extended life battery, and the right app, and you have a very good and useful GPS. I won't convert back to standard GPS unit, and only carry one as a backup if I go way off the beaten path.
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[Fishrmn]

I've been a fan of Lowrance. I hate the way every Garmin has buttons in weird places. I won't use a smart phone as a primary GPS. Some of them won't work without cell service, and I don't want a dead battery when I want to make a phone call. I have a flashlight app, but I don't use it as my main flashlight.
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[kentd71]

I have used an older garman and did not like the buttons and that each new model worked diferently. I am now on my third magellan and love a color map. My 5 year old explorist500 had amap cd that covered the whole U.S. that is pretty good. Now you buy the maps by state or region. Magellan web site list all the diferent modles and features
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[BearLakeFishGuy]

I've had and used Magellan, Garmin, and a handheld Lowrance. Don't walk, but RUN away from Magellan. The Lowrance wasn't bad, but the Garmins have been awesome. I've used at least 5 different models of Garmins now and all have been pretty easy to use and accurate. Plus there is a lot of free software out there for Garmins that allows you dump the points/maps to your computer if you are so inclined.
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[submoa]

We use Rino's. love the radio feature and that we can tell where others in our party are at by simply hitting the radio button. Very nice when we are doing deer drives. Always know that we're on line. My Dad is older, it's nice to know where he is at all times as well.
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[TroutMan93]

I'm just looking for a GPS that I can use when I'm hiking in the back country and I want to get from one lake or stream to the next. With way points would be preferred.
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[doggonefishin]

It isn't what I have, but a lot of geocachers and sportsmen have told me good things about the etrex series by Garmin. Very reasonably priced and should do everything you'd need. My gpsmap76 by Garmin is pretty tough. I've dropped it a hundred times and it keeps working fine. It is a bit bulkier than the etrex, which sometimes is a pain.
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[riverdog]

Almost any GPS will do that. I have an old Garmin foretrex that can be strapped on the wrist that I got for a gift at least 12 years ago. As long as I put in waypoints it'll get me there. I used it in the Everglades where everything looks a like as well as bushwhacking to lakes off trail in the Uintas. I have a Delorme Earthmate that I got used for $30. It was already preloading with the intermountain west maps from the previous owner. I only break out a GPS about 2-3 times a year even though I have it with me a lot more just in case. If you're just going to use it occasionally for basic functions there are plenty of models in the $100-$200 range that are more than adequate. You can spend a whole lot less on used ones on KSL classifieds, ebay or shopgoodwill.
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[TroutMan93]

Thanks for the info everyone. I really appreciate it.
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