Gps recommendations

[jekirby]

Hey folks, I was just asking for a starting point in my research. My sister is an avid xcountry skier and hiker. She skiis with folks that use gps' but they all use the wrist watch types that just give heading, speed and distance. She wants one of the smaller units that show maps (topo). I am lookin for a belated Christmas and birthday present--yes I know, I'm a lout. Have any of you ever used these things and do you have any personal recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

 

[bramfrank]

I'm a Garmin fan and if it is for hiking, consider the following (in decreasing price order):

Colorado 300

GPSMAP 60

GPSMAP 76

Etrex Summit

You'll need the detail maps that go along with the units - I have both topo and street mapping on my Colorado 400t.

Check out the variants at the Garmin web site before plunking down your money. They have a side-by-side comparison available.

 

[OhioFJR1300]

I have a Garmin Etrex and an Etrex Vista. We use them for backpacking, canoeing and geocashing. We love 'em.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Garmin 120 RINO.

Truly rugged, somewhat waterproof, fairly simple. Has a basic road map. Get one with at least the basic roadmap, as you will end up wanting it. The RINO series also have a built-in radio and can detect where similar units are, if you turn on that feature.

 

[jekirby]

Thanks guys. Sure helps to have personal reccomendations over the sales weasel's esponse of "This one costs more......."