GPS
Can anyone recommend a good handheld GPS unit?
My trusty Garmin eTrex finally gave up the ghost this weekend and died. It was my fault, not anything wrong with it. I dropped it down a bluff when I was climbing down to get it, a rock I kicked up fell on it and crushed the screen. I hate to admit it, but I have really come to depend on it more than I care to think about. I was about 12 miles down a forrestry service road and hadn't been paying attention to my turns, after quite a few wrong turns and dead ends, I finally made it back to the main road. I really liked it but was wondering if anyone else had one they would recommend. I primarily use it for FS roads, hiking, camping, duck hunting, fishing, skiing etc. so my primary requirements are that it be very rugged able to handle lots of abuse, long battery life, waterproof, a compass, waypoints, breadcrumbs, etc. Regular roads driving directions features would be nice but are secondary importance. Anyone have one they use that they would recommend? And almost forgot, it must have a port for an external attenna.
Public Comments
- I like the Garmin Etrex series. I'm on my second one now too. I broke the screen on my first one as well. I use mine on my ATV and buggy though. They are tough units. I know some swear on the Megellan (SP?) ones too. I personally haven't used one though.
- Personally I would forget Magellan.I had a few to try out, and they just didn't perform like my Garmin's have in the past. Check out the New Garmin Etrex "Venture" HC Portable model. My other Garmin met an untimely death in my SUV Door frame 2 months ago when my "Puppy" knocked it off the seat and I crushed it closing the truck door....lol I have had the Venture for about a month now and I love it.It wasn't pretty......Anyway, It has all the features you are looking for and if memory serves me I spent around $150 for it from Compu-plus.com Check it out if you get a chance......
- I just got the Garmin 60Csx on recommendations and reviews from others, and have not been disappointed yet. With SiRF and WAAS-enabled technology, this thing locks in locations where others I have had do not. Have not tested it for battery life myself, but the claims say up to 30 hours on two AA batteries. Ratings are 4.5 out of 5 on Basspro.com and 4.7 out of 5 on Cabelas. Good reviews there too!
