Almost a decade ago, I was in a canoe in fog so thick that visibility was less than the length of the canoe. However, I had a brand-new handheld GPS device, so we were able to just backtrack on the dotted line that marked our trip out. We arrived at the portage, right on time. GPS units have advanced even more since then, and I was able to test three Magellan units in the last few months. To say I’m impressed is an understatement.

Tip 1: Make a List, Then Shop.
Ten years ago picking a GPS unit was pretty easy – there weren’t that many choices. Today there are general units, or units specialized for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and geocaching. As with any purchase you make, determine what is most important for you, and then decide what to buy. Will you be the only user, and will you use it only for hunting? That makes it easy. But if your family will fish or geocache all over the state all summer, and hunt for just two weekends a year on land that’s been in your family for decades, then perhaps the hunting unit will be your second choice.

Tip 2: Explore The Choices.
Magellan offers a wide variety of models in their “eXplorist” line of GPS units. All are designed for active outdoors activities, sealed against weather, and able to be connected to your computer. I tested the geocaching eXplorist GC model ($149.99), the eXplorist 510, designed for anglers ($279.99), and the new eXplorist 350H model ($249.99), which is a dream unit for hunters for whom the journey is as important as the destination.

Tip 3: Assumptions May Be Wrong.
Sometimes looking for features that you think you do not need can help you make your decision. However, be careful with your assumptions. The eXplorist 510 is designed for anglers, has a camera and audio recorder built in, and uses a touchscreen to operate. The geocaching and hunting units use joysticks and buttons for navigation. I thought the touchscreen would be ideal, but I found the button and joystick designs to be much easier to use with gloves. The camera and recorder were add-ons that I discovered were great features.

Tip 4: Prepare to Get Hooked.
When I started using these GPS units, I thought I knew what the outcome would be – I’d like the hunting model the best. And I do. Buuuut … the fishing unit became part of my mandatory fishing gear after using it for just an hour out on a lake. I also had some friends who geocache regularly take the GC unit for a spin one weekend, they kept it for a month. I had to go get it from them, and they bought one of their own shortly after. The special features for each activity are sooo useful it’s hard to give them up.

Tip 5: Universal Truths.
No matter what unit you use, there are some points that are universal: 1) Without batteries these things are useless. Take spare batteries with you, every time! 2) GPS units are remarkably well-sealed against moisture, but I still have zip-top bags along in case of heavy rain or very wet conditions. 3) Tethers are your friend – use them. Each model has a large attachment point built in to connect with a lanyard (Magellan sells a nice lanyard), a retractable tether, or even a chunk of zip cord. 4) Heavy cloud cover, bad weather, steep terrain, or heavy overhead (tree) cover can interfere with the GPS signal. Have a paper map or chart and analog compass available in case of signal failure or dead batteries.

Tip 6: Do Your Homework.
Whichever unit you choose, read the manual. The features are amazing; every time I picked one of them up, I found new things that it could do. There is a wide range in price, but whichever one you purchase, get the most you can from it.

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