What To Look For
The Global Positioning System (GPS) calculates your location within 50 to 100 feet by using 24 Navigation Satellite Timing and Ranging (NAVSTAR) satellites. Shoppers looking for a hiking GPS unit might want a waterproof or water-resistant model. Check the number of routes that can be stored in the unit. The normal amount is 20, but some models are able to store up to 50 routes. Consider a model that will store at least 500 user-entered waypoints. Also, ensure that the model has a waypoint-to-waypoint guidance feature. To get the best reception in wooded areas, look for a hiking GPS model that has a 12-channel parallel receiver system.
Common Pitfalls
Handheld GPS units are designed to be portable and more compact than car models and consequently have smaller screens and fewer road maps. Although more smart phones are including GPS capabilities, they may not be as accurate and are not actually designed for the rigors of hiking and camping. Avoid high-end GPS handheld units that may be equipped with unnecessary features such as an electronic compass, a barometric altimeter or a heart-rate monitor.
Where To Buy
Outdoor outfitters and sporting goods stores stock a variety of good hiking GPS units. Department and discount stores are another option for purchasing a handheld GPS unit. Purchasing online allows you to comparison shop easily and take advantage of lower prices for higher-end models.
Cost
According to the website Smart Hiking and Camping Tips, the Garmin eTrex H priced at approximately $100 is a good model for beginners. It rated the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 at an estimated $350 as the best unit for the money. The Magellan Triton 2000, although priced higher at approximately $600, has a number of features great for hikers. Another higher-end model, the Garmin Oregon 400T, costing over $600, is rated the best GPS hiking unit, according to smart-hiking-and-camping-tips.com.
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