One advantage of living in the 21st century is that you can adapt an arsenal of military and aerospace technology to meet your recreational needs. While previous generations had to depend on detailed celestial charts to navigate the globe, modern humans can carry a palm-sized device that costs less than $200 and will tell their precise location. The North American Global Positioning System (GPS) consists of a network of 24 satellites that allows a GPS receiver to calculate its user’s precise location anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, regardless of weather.
Today’s GPS receivers are packed with a mind-numbing array of navigational features, some of which are highly useful, and some of which can be filed under “superfluous bells-and-whistles.” When choosing a portable GPS unit, most features are a matter of user preference, but be careful to keep in mind one abbreviation: WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System).
A WAAS-capable receiver is accurate to at least three meters (in North America), and any unit worth its weight in trail-mix should have it. Another key feature to look for when considering a portable GPS unit is data storage combined with advanced mapping software. The ability to store detailed base maps, routes and waypoints takes portable GPS technology into a whole new realm of personalized navigation.
Garmin eTrex Legend 60 C
Garmin’s eTrex Legend combines advanced routing capabilities with a color display and a compact, waterproof design. Until you’ve had to analyze detailed map information on a small screen while moving, you can’t really appreciate how much faster the brain processes information in color. Its 256-color screen, light weight and long battery life (30+ hours), make the Legend C a “best in class” unit and a great tool for every navigational application from backcountry mountain biking to urban driving.
The eTrex features Garmin’s “click stick” thumb-toggle and a mini-USB port for downloading data from Garmin’s entire library of MapSource software (PC only). The USB connection also powers the unit when it’s connected to a computer.
Other features include 24 MB memory; a waterproof casing; automatic route calculation; turn-by-turn directions with alert tones; 500 storable waypoints/routes/tracks; customizable color schemes; and a number of arcade games (OK, these are definitely bells and whistles).
The only significant grievance with the eTrex is that it only works with Garmin’s proprietary software. Though Garmin’s map software is not cheap, their exceptional detail and advanced routing functions make them worth the added cost. Suggested Retail: $374.99
Garmin Geko 301
Weighing a scant three-and-a-half ounces and smaller than your average cell phone, the Geko 301 is, gram-for-gram, one of the most powerful pieces of equipment you can put in your kit. Garmin’s Geko series packs an amazing number of functions into its amphibious frame, including high-contrast grayscale display; 500/20 waypoint/route storage; built-in electronic compass; an external port for PC connectivity and power; and a barometric altimeter for measuring elevation and weather changes – all in a waterproof casing that runs for up to nine hours on two AAA batteries.
On a comparative geocaching session involving four other units, the Geko dominated every category with the highest levels of accuracy and usability. My favorite aspect of the Geko is its stripped-down user interface. Five simple buttons facilitate easy one-handed operation. The Geko 201 has all the same functions as the 301, save the barometer and electronic compass, for $100 less.
The Geko doesn’t use base maps; but for basic navigation, or for finding locations and saving routes, this isn’t a significant flaw. It’s easy to download trip data to maps on your PC. The back is rubberized so you can lay it on a dashboard without it sliding around. And – like all amphibious creatures – it floats. Suggested Retail: $246.41 (301), $149.99 (201)
Magellan eXplorist 500
In the world of digital navigation, there is a long-running turf war between Garmin devotees and Magellan fans over which is the superior brand. Both manufacturers make solid equipment and, for the most part, I find satisfaction in that alone.
One advantage Magellan has is its highly intuitive user interface. I found the menus and buttons on all of Magellan’s products easy to operate without even looking at any manuals. Consequently, the eXplorist 500 is an excellent device for first-time GPS users. It features a color high-resolution screen with good directional viewing and 8MB of built-in North American or European maps. A big plus for the eXplorist is its unlimited SD memory card expandability for maximum storage of additional maps and routes.
The eXplorist also has its own built-in geocache software that allows for PC-like file management of all your geocaching data. Another perk is that it runs on a rechargeable lithium ion battery that runs for up to 14 hours, and recharges directly through the receiver. Suggested Retail: $399.99
Magellan SporTrak Topo
Magellan’s SporTrak Topo is unique in that it comes preloaded with 108 MB of built-in topographic and basic road maps providing contour, elevation and major landmark data for the entire continental U.S., Hawaii, and 80 percent of Alaska.
The full version of MapSend Topo software comes with the unit, and there is an additional 16 MB of storage for downloading more customized detail information from the disc, including streets, lakes, rivers and numerous outdoor “points of interest.”
MapSend’s topography is derived from the U.S. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and provides elevation details for every location on the map. As with Magellan’s other models, the buttons are highly functional and the data fields are all customizable for user preference.
The unit does not provide auto-routing functions without requiring an investment in additional mapping software, and the screen is high-contrast grayscale. It’s not something I would use for driving, but for backcountry navigators who want geographic information presented in a rugged, user-friendly interface, there is probably not a more cost-effective option. Suggested Retail: $399.99
Johnathon Allen is a Portland-based freelance writer/photographer and adventurer.
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