Okay, I don't really "need" one so much as I want one. But I think they'd be cool gadgets to take along on hunts and hiking trips. There's just something neat about being able to instantly know your precise Lat/Lon to within a few feet. I've been toying with getting one of these for years, but always kept putting off buying one. But now the time seems right.

That said, as with all cool gadgets, there seems to be an almost endless amount of choices. I probably don't need one of the really fancy units with color screen and mapping software. All I desire is something that gives an accurate position fix (even when in thick forests) and shows me the time/distance/direction to navigate from Point A to Point B when I set up routes and such.

So what models should I be taking a look at?

Here's one I was looking at...  $228 at Amazon

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS

Etrex.  Getting a signal in a forest can be a pain in the ass but that's life.



http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-eTrex-Handheld-GPS-Navigator/dp/B000PDV0CE/ref=pd_cp_e_1

This thread is relevant to my interests

Garmin eTrex Venture

Yep, and Garmin seems to do the best in that regard.



I'd suggest hitting up the geocache communities and check their reviews, since they are off the beaten path more than most.



From the little browsing I've done, Garmin is the hands down favorite.



 

Garmin 60csx is the best. Do you research and you will find out.

get the new models (like i linked to). better antenna. if you put on the WAAS and let it cook for awhile they can get pretty accurate. I was within 10' accuracy when compared to a $10k Trimble unit when I used them in the woods.

 

I have a Garmin Rino 530Hcx . I used these deployed and bought 2 when I got back, works AWESOME!! Even works well in inclement weather, includes the weather radio.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=8523

Hmmm. That one does look very tempting. It seems to have all the features I want and the price looks fantastic.

How is the battery life on those ones with color maps?
 

The eTrex Venture HC looks like it does about 14 hours on a set of batteries. Other models will get longer run times, but 14 hours seems acceptable to me, considering it isn't something I'll be using all that much.

Watch for sales at Cabela's.  I picked one up with Topo for $219 this summer.  REI had them for $200 without Topo.

haven't used mine all that much. alkaline batteries seemed to go bad fairly fast. put in lithiums and its been going strong with intermittent use for around a year.