Jon Sullivan
What To Look For
Whether you enjoy a high-mountain trail or a path through a meadow, knowing where you're is paramount to your safety and peace of mind. The introduction of hand-held GPS units has made it easy to navigate the trails, but the price can be out of range for many hikers. But recent technologies and price drops have made available hand-held GPS units that are not only affordable but functional. Some of the things you'll want on a hand-held unit are long batter life, the ability to upload and enough memory to store topo maps and 12 channels for a better likelihood of picking up a signal in a wooded area. Also, look for models that are lightweight and waterproof.
Common Pitfalls
Buying the cheapest or even the most expensive unit won't be worth it if it doesn't have the features for your individual needs. Do an inventory of your hiking habits to determine what is best for you. Also, don't try to use your car GPS unit for hiking.
Where To Buy
Because hand-held units are something of a specialty item, many discount stores don't carry them. National sporting goods stores carry a good supply. If you can't find what you want locally, Amazon.com carries dozens of models for less than $200 as of September 2009, and specialty sites such as GPSfortheOutdoors.com will give you reviews as well as products.
Cost
A hand-held GPS unit can cost more than $500, but there are plenty of units for less than $200 that will give most hikers the quality and features they want. Many of the manufacturers that make the pricier units also have devices for less than $100, but most have very few features. If all you want to do with your GPS is find your way home, this might be an affordable option.
Comparison Shopping
Garmin has several highly rated models, and the e-Trex H can be found for less than $100. Bushnell's Back Track is a stripped-down model that will get you back to the trail head for $65. And Magellan makes a line of hand-helds for around $150.
Accessories
Although some units attach directly to a belt, a carrying case is a nice feature to have to keep the GPS safe and at hand. It's always a good idea to have a car-charging cord so it will be fully charged when you start.
Insider Tips
Experts say to buy the best unit you can afford. Even though you might think the most basic model will be all that you will need, don't underestimate the handiness of these devices. Despite the initial outlay of cash, you'll find that a hand-held GPS might become very indispensable.
