GearTools & Tech
Q:

Will more expensive GPS units perform better in dense forest?

You've never let me down, Gear Guy, and I know you won't this time either. My entry-level GPS (Garmin eTrex) seems unable to see the sky if there is a tree within 50 feet. On a recent Sierra backpack it did well above timberline but not in forest, even with big clear gaps in the canopy. Would a more expensive GPS do better? Help me, I need my waypoints! Frank Sacrento, California

Douglas Gantenbein
Aug 24, 2005
A: Well, in theory the eTrex ($106; www.garmin.com) can lock on to as many as 12 GPS satellites, and it's billed as capable of receiving signals even in dense forest. So I'm a little surprised it didn't work in the Sierras—I've used the eTrex and found it to be pretty good at receiving signals. It's possible you were also getting some interference from surrounding peaks, which can indeed block signals—and very easily.

Garmin GPS 60


Still, it's true that more money will buy you better reception. Garmin's GPS 60, for example, costs a still-reasonable $193 but comes with what Garmin calls a quad-helix antenna, providing better reception than the antenna in the eTrex. The GPS 60 can also take a plug-in external antenna, although I wouldn't think you'd want to fool with that. It's also waterproof and very compact, with one megabyte of memory for a ton of waypoints. Where you can receive a signal, the GPS 60 is also WAAS-enabled, allowing you to tap into the Wide Area Augmentation System for GPS, which improves accuracy.

Magellan's eXplorist 300 ($200; www.magellangps.com) also claims to have better-than-budget-model reception. It's also a mapping model with eight megs of memory—pretty impressive for the price. And it has barometric elevation (more accurate than satellite-based readings) and a digital compass. A good choice for your needs, I would think...

Hope this helps you stay on course!

For more expert reviews of GPS units and other great navigational gizmos, check out Outside Online's all-new GPS Buying Guide.

Our mission to inspire readers to get outside has never been more critical. In recent years, Outside Online has reported on groundbreaking research linking time in nature to improved mental and physical health, and we’ve kept you informed about the unprecedented threats to America’s public lands. Our rigorous coverage helps spark important debates about wellness and travel and adventure, and it provides readers an accessible gateway to new outdoor passions. Time outside is essential—and we can help you make the most of it. Making a financial contribution to Outside Online only takes a few minutes and will ensure we can continue supplying the trailblazing, informative journalism that readers like you depend on. We hope you’ll support us. Thank you.
Contribute to Outside →
Filed To: GPS Devices
Lead Photo: courtesy, REI
More Gear