Here are five great GPS receivers I recommend for forestry and other outdoor use. Things to remember: (1) Unless you are absolutely certain your color screen is of the best quality for outdoor visibility, stick with black and white. (2) No GPS receiver will always perform well at all times under heavy tree cover or on steep terrain. (3) GPS receivers are designed to operate properly with a clear view of the sky. Less than a full sky view may compromise the reliability of your GPS data.
1. Garmin GPSMAP 60C Series
My pick for a full functioning GPS outdoor receiver is Garmin's GPSmap 60C series. I own one of these units.The 60C's excellent outside color screen resolution, long battery life, extra memory and map loading capability makes it a choice investment for forester, hiker or geocasher. It has great car/truck navigation features without giving up exceptional outside capability. GPSinformation.net says it is THE "GPS for all". You will be paying a slight premium for the product but it meets or exceeds specs of all units I've reviewed. This unit also fits all the criteria I demand in Buying an Outdoor GPS Receiver
2. Magellan eXplorist Series
My pick for a functioning GPS outdoor receiver with a great price is one in the Magellan eXplorist Series. My wife owns the eXplorist 200 and she has been completely satisfied. It is an excellent first unit.The first several units in the Magellan's eXplorist Series are built for the beginning navigator who just needs the essentials to enjoy hiking and the fun of geocaching. The eXplorist screen comes in both color and black and white plus is as large as some of the more expensive units of tht same size. I love the more than adequate base map - a great first buy.
3. Garmin eTrex Vista Color or BW
The Garmin eTrex Vista Color or BW GPS receiver is another "all purpose" unit that can be used for both auto travel and for outdoors. It is a great medium priced unit.The receiver is extremely compact (called pocket-sized), can extend battery life (with color screen management) to a very desirable 30 hours and is an easy unit to learn on. The eTrax Vista also has a horizontally operated compass and a barometer with enhanced screens. eTrex Vista fits all the criteria I demand in Buying an Outdoor GPS Receiver
4. Magellan SporTrak Pro
Magellan's SporTrak Pro GPS receiver is reported to be THE most accurate in tests under moderate tree cover when compared with most mid-priced units on the market. It is also one of the least expensive. SporTrak has an ample 23MB of free memory, enough storage for the largest mapping needs. The SporTrak has an abundance of features for the money. This is the unit for anyone on a budget. SporTrak Pro fits all the criteria I demand in Buying an Outdoor GPS Receiver5. Magellan Meridian Platinum
Magellan's Meridian Platinum GPS receiver is for the serious navigator who has an additional need for weather information. Platinum's main selling feature is it's 3-axis electronic compass that provides readings more forgiving of how you hold the unit. Most other GPS compasses have to be held in the horizontal position. Also included is a built in barometer / thermometer which some call a "mini-weather station". Platinum fits all the criteria I demand in Buying an Outdoor GPS Receiver