For bushwacking and off trail

http://www.bushnell.com/gps/gps_backtrack.cfm

Looks pretty cool to me what do ya think?

and only about $60

If I may. This is a VERY entry level GPS. Its ok if all you want to know is where you have been. Thats really about it. The best ratings that I could even find on it is a 3 out of 5 stars. I know its a differnt price range but your much better off with a Garmin eTracks Vista H model. At the least you can save your tracks and even down load more tracks from other sites for places you have never been. In my personal opion (and we all know what they are) the bushnell is just enough to make you mad.

Ed,

Looks good but I admit to knowing zero about GPS systems. The only thing I would do is read all of the reviews that I could find before I would purchase it.

OH

Ed, I have been lookin for a GPS too. The only time I have been around them, the people didn't know how to use them, so I never really too an interest in them. I just sold a hammock that I never used, so I have $100-$200, that Amanda may let me get a GPS with.

What are the good units in the $100-$200 price range, and are they available where I could get it tomorrow in a place like Fayetteville?

Well, I don't care anything about having a GPS I just couldn't justify the expence. I can read a map. I just thought that if you were going off trail in an unknown area you could find your way back if you lost your baring. That is if the thing does what it advertises.

I will also add that it is much, smaller and lighter than a GPS plus if tumbled down the hill side you wouldn't be out much money.

I use a Garmin Vista Cx with the topo map when we go hiking. It's more expensive than the Bushnell in the link but it is very versatile. I was suprised to see that the Bushnell had a SiRF Star III receiver which is pretty good and the digital compass (always points where you need to go whether your moving or not) is pretty neat.
If you use map and compass then this would make a good "backup" or a useful tool if you were injured while bushwhacking and your partner couldn't use the map.

You are bushwakin and have no map. You follow a stream down, pass a confluence, explore the bluffs some. You know which direction you should head out. You know you will find the road you parked on if you go that direction. But which ridge will bring you closest to your transport? When you find that road, are you parked right or left of where you came out?

This kinda thing is why I started wanting one. That and more and more when I asked where a point of interest or access to a river was, friends would send me coordinates. Instead of making these units cheaper, they add more features. They are a bit more accurate now. But do you need a radio in your gps or being able to locate your friends?

A bud recently pointed me to these units while I was helping some folks look..."If "somewhat budgeted", e-Trex Legend HCx; if on a tight budget, e-Trex Venture HC." Do a search and you find them for between 1 and 200. The ability to display topos is a big help in our kinda wandering. Often the topos must be bought on a disc and transfered to your unit.

"cachin" is fun too. Geocache that is.

I love all my GPSs. Though the reasons I use them are more for where I have been and what kind of milage I have gone and land speeds. I also love the elevation profiles. I too know how to use a map an comp. but sooooooooooo perfer the GPS TOPOS. I like the fact that I can download most trails to my computer and then load them in Google Earth and in 3D mode get a much better perspective of the assents and dessents. This with the elevation profile that is on my GPS helps me plan out a day on the trail. Where I may want to stop for water or camp. All this can be done on topos yes but I find the GPS much easier to use, and mine are usually within 15 to 20 feet. Also the odometer and altimeters are more accurate than anything else thats on the market as well as speedometer.