Choosing the best handheld hiking GPS for holidays
Dec 9, 2009 8:00 AM
Handheld hiking GPS devices combine technology, treasure hunting, and outdoor exploration, and therefore can be great gifts for adventurous people. We have recently added the Delorme Earthmate PN-30 and Garmin Dakota 10 devices to our hiking GPS ratings, providing a wide range of tested units for consideration.
Choosing the right device for yourself can be fun, as the features and performance hint at exciting wilderness applications. However, picking a device for a gift can seem a bit more daunting.
On the gift trail
In buying for someone else, the first thing to consider is how serious their interest may be. Dedicated geocachers and explorers will appreciate the large touch screen on the Oregon 400t, as well as its ease of use and included topographic maps. But it isn’t cheap.
A more casual user may find appeal in the similar, though smaller Dakota series. These devices are roughly ¾-scale versions of the Oregon line. We found the Dakota 10 to be easy to use, with an appealing display and intuitive menu structure. It can also be expanded with additional maps.
Choosing the right device for yourself can be fun, as the features and performance hint at exciting wilderness applications. However, picking a device for a gift can seem a bit more daunting.
On the gift trail
In buying for someone else, the first thing to consider is how serious their interest may be. Dedicated geocachers and explorers will appreciate the large touch screen on the Oregon 400t, as well as its ease of use and included topographic maps. But it isn’t cheap.
A more casual user may find appeal in the similar, though smaller Dakota series. These devices are roughly ¾-scale versions of the Oregon line. We found the Dakota 10 to be easy to use, with an appealing display and intuitive menu structure. It can also be expanded with additional maps.
If the gift is a real chance selection – meaning you have no idea how it will be received—then a low price is paramount. Garmin has an older eTrex line that can be found for around $100. While these have a rather dated interface, the models with a high-sensitivity receiver are effective for tracking trails and finding geocaches. The eTrex Venture HC we tested worked quite well.
The Delorme and Magellan Triton 2000 also performed well in our tests, though neither is as intuitive or inviting to use as the newer Garmins. These effective devices may have special appeal to cartographic enthusiasts due to their maps and customization features. The Earthmate PN-30 includes topographic maps and allows access to other detailed maps, including satellite view, for a $30 annual subscription. The Magellan devices come with VantagePoint software that enables the user to manipulate maps on a PC, then upload to the device. Further, the Triton 2000 has a built-in digital camera and audio recorder.
Given the spectrum of available devices, there is one for every budding explorer and budget. Dig into the buying advice and ratings to learn more about the tested units.
—Jeff Bartlett
The Delorme and Magellan Triton 2000 also performed well in our tests, though neither is as intuitive or inviting to use as the newer Garmins. These effective devices may have special appeal to cartographic enthusiasts due to their maps and customization features. The Earthmate PN-30 includes topographic maps and allows access to other detailed maps, including satellite view, for a $30 annual subscription. The Magellan devices come with VantagePoint software that enables the user to manipulate maps on a PC, then upload to the device. Further, the Triton 2000 has a built-in digital camera and audio recorder.
Given the spectrum of available devices, there is one for every budding explorer and budget. Dig into the buying advice and ratings to learn more about the tested units.
—Jeff Bartlett
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