Need some info and opinions

[Meskel]

I am currently in the market for a GPS unit to use when Fishing andd hiking. You know mark locations along a few rivers, find my way home. I have just started my search and thought that it would be helpful if I started here first.

What type of features should I look for?
What features could I live with out?

Right now im looking at a price range just around $400.

I appreciate any and all input

Thanks
Meskel

[OwyheeKIller]

I've heard good things about Garmin, as long as you stay away from the Etrex models. You get what you pay for.

[Oncorhynchus]

Don't buy anything but a garmin, I have nothing but good things to say about the extrex series. We use the summit for work, and I own the legend. They are awesome. The digital compass is very handy as you don't have to be moving for the compass to work, both models also have a barometer, interesting to track for fishing. I wouldn't be to concerned about base maps unless you intend to use them for traveling, ie exits, resteraunts, gas stations, etc...
Some buddies in our hunting party have some of the Rhino models, they are very nice too as they have a radio built in. You can send your waypoint to other rhinos in your party. For ease of operation you cannot beat garmin, I tried to help someone in camp with a Magallen and after 15 minutes gave up. Just my .o2, good luck!

[Steve L.]

What type of terrain will you be in ? If you're going to be in steep canyons or heavy forrest you may want to stick with the good old analog compass. My gps is useful in open country, but when I hunt the coast range it only works on ridgelines and in clear cuts high up.
I have a garmin eTrex Vista which just died after three hunting seasons. maybe I just got one of the less robust units, but Garmin wants $125 to fix it. Haven't decided what to do yet.

[Dragfreedrift]

I own an ETREX....I think they are great! I dont know what kind of problems they could have. Mine is very good.

I do agree that reception in heavy trees or steep terrain is difficult...(this is where a compass comes in handy in combo w/ the GPS).


DFD

[Troutinator]

I've been using an eTrex Summit for 4 years now. it has all of my favorite spots marked. I can hike into a honey hole using the track back feature. I really like that rather than "shortest distance" which may take you through horrible terrain.
So I would say... look for lots of waypoints storage AND a track saver in whatever you decide.
And yes, reception on north faces or under heavy trees can be difficult. I have found if I stop for a few minutes there is usually enough signal that with lots of samples and averaging I can get a good distance/bearing reading.