GPS unit for hiking

[KillerCharlie]

I need a handheld GPS unit for hiking. The most important feature is being able to track satellites through dense trees. I'm thinking $220 is my limit on this. Any suggestions? I'll mostly be hiking in the Cascades/Olympics.

I'm so confused by the reviews out there...

My GPS says this thread got lost. I'll safely escort it over to gadgets, gear, and phones for you. Anandtech Moderator DrP

 

[adairusmc]

I love my Garmin GPSMap 60CSx. Very slick unit, takes microSD memory cards for maps, but it is out of your price range.

If you can afford $239, Newegg has a Garmin Etrex Legend CX on sale right now, which is a great unit as well - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16858108029

 

[GeekDrew]

Originally posted by: adairusmc
I love my Garmin GPSMap 60CSx. Very slick unit, takes microSD memory cards for maps, but it is out of your price range.

If you can afford $239, Newegg has a Garmin Etrex Legend CX on sale right now, which is a great unit as well - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16858108029

I completely agree on the GPSMap 60CSx. And no, not just because I have one for sale (way out of your price range, unfortunately) -- it's a great product, and gets great reviews.

I've not personally used the Etrex Legend, but I've heard some good things about it, and it *is* part of the Garmin family, so it can't be that bad.

 

[Dirigible]

I've got the 60CSx as wel; and love it. Good for mountain biking, good for driving, although not the best at either. Does fine in dense forest (redwood) cover. Check what receiver chip (SIRF II?) the 60CSx has and make sure the one you get has it or better and you should be good to go.

 

[kitkat22]

When looking at Garmin stuff check the letters at the end. "H" stands for their high-powered antenna. "C" is obviously color. "x" indicates SD micro slot. I believe the "S" has to do with battery life?

Anyway, this one is probably right up your alley:
http://www.anchorexpress.com/p...ct_detail.cfm?pid=8372
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8701

 

[KillerCharlie]

Originally posted by: cscpianoman
When looking at Garmin stuff check the letters at the end. "H" stands for their high-powered antenna. "C" is obviously color. "x" indicates SD micro slot. I believe the "S" has to do with battery life?

Anyway, this one is probably right up your alley:
http://www.anchorexpress.com/p...ct_detail.cfm?pid=8372
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8701">https://buy.garmin.com/shop/sh...o?cID=145&pID=8701</a>

Nice find - that's exactly what I wanted. I saw the Cx and H but didn't know they had both. The price is pretty good too.

 

[joe360]

Originally posted by: adairusmc
I love my Garmin GPSMap 60CSx. Very slick unit, takes microSD memory cards for maps, but it is out of your price range.

If you can afford $239, Newegg has a Garmin Etrex Legend CX on sale right now, which is a great unit as well - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16858108029

How does it work with the memory cards and putting maps on it? Or does it come with maps? Would it work in Europe?

Would this model still be a good choice for traveling purposes rather than hiking?

 

[JoPh]

i got the garmin legend cx and its perfect. its all you need. i can only reccomend it for hiking. not traveling. or driving...

 

[KillerCharlie]

Originally posted by: JoPh
i got the garmin legend cx and its perfect. its all you need. i can only reccomend it for hiking. not traveling. or driving...

How's the reception in thick forests?