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Getting Started in GPS
By an Amazon.com customer
Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS NavigatorGarmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator
Buy new: $277.00 / Used from: $329.99
Even though Garmin has introduced newer products, I still consider this the best receiver for outdoor use. It now comes with removable memory and a more sensitive receiver. Great color display. Also does highway navigation with optional City Navigator software.
Garmin Oregon 400T 3-Inch Touchscreen Handheld GPS Unit with Preloaded Topographic MapsGarmin Oregon 400T 3-Inch Touchscreen Handheld GPS Unit with Preloaded Topographic Maps
Buy new: $427.68 / Used from: $375.00
This touchscreen GPS from Garmin has several good features for outdoor users, including a high sensitivity receiver and ability to customize the profile. It doesn't have everything the 60CSx has, but does have a better geocaching mode.
Garmin Dakota 10 2.6-Inch Touchscreen Handheld GPS NavigatorGarmin Dakota 10 2.6-Inch Touchscreen Handheld GPS Navigator
Buy new: Too low to display
If you like the touchscreen products, this is a nice, compact GPS that is a smaller version of the Oregon. If you want the one with a compass and altimeter, go with the Dakota 20.
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPSGarmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS
Buy new: $224.99 / Used from: $247.99
Although branded as part of the eTrex series, its user interface makes it more of a baby version of the 60CSx. New HCx has the high-sensitivity receiver and removable memory like the 60CSx but is smaller and lighter weight.
Garmin Legend H Handheld GPS NavigatorGarmin Legend H Handheld GPS Navigator
Buy new: $122.36 / Used from: $113.99
Newly-updated eTrex Legend H now has a high sensitivity receiver and a long-overdue USB interface. My pick for a low-cost entry-level product.
Magellan Triton 2000 Handheld Navigation SystemMagellan Triton 2000 Handheld Navigation System
Buy new: Too low to display / Used from: $299.99
If you're a Magellan fan, this is the product to buy now that they have finally gotten the software bugs out. It's the only GPS that loads and displays National Geographic TOPO! maps. This is their top-of-the-line receiver, but there are also less expensive members of the family. (Note that most of the bad reviews were posted right after it came out. It's much better now.)
Outdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Backpacking, Mountain BikingOutdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Backpacking, Mountain Biking by Stephen W. Hinch
Buy new: $11.53 / Used from: $8.50
Once you've bought a GPS, you need to know how to use it. This is the best book for learning how to use GPS in the outdoors. (Said the author...) This all new second edition is now available. Updated examples using new receivers, plus new chapters on trail mapping and highway navigation. Also completely updated section on UTM.
Land Navigation Handbook: The Sierra Club Guide to Map, Compass and GPS (Sierra Club Outdoor Adventure Guide)Land Navigation Handbook: The Sierra Club Guide to Map, Compass and GPS (Sierra Club Outdoor Adventure Guide) by W. S. Kals
Buy new: $11.53 / Used from: $6.76
Finally updated after 20 years, this is still the best book on map and compass use. GPS info is not as detailed, but still very useful.
Garmin MapSource CD ROM (USA TOPO)Garmin MapSource CD ROM (USA TOPO)
Buy new: $103.57 / Used from: $51.95
A mapping receiver comes with a built-in basemap, but you'll want to load more detailed maps. This topo software is for Garmin receivers. Similar to a 1:100,000 USGS map.
Garmin MapSource City Navigator, North America DVD-ROM for Garmin StreetPilot GPS UnitsGarmin MapSource City Navigator, North America DVD-ROM for Garmin StreetPilot GPS Units
Buy new: $70.03
Now that City Select is obsolete, this is the software to load highway maps into your Garmin GPS. Unfortunately the file sizes are too large to work conveniently with the 60CS, you need the 60Cx.
TOPO! National Geographic USGS Topographic Maps (California)TOPO! National Geographic USGS Topographic Maps (California)
Buy new: $99.99 / Used from: $69.99
NG topo software is great, and the latest edition works with USB receivers. You can't load the maps to your GPS but you can transfer waypoints/tracks and print paper maps. Get the one for your area.
Garmin PC Interface Cable for Garmin GPS Units (010-10141-00)Garmin PC Interface Cable for Garmin GPS Units (010-10141-00)
Buy new: $25.42
The GPSMap 60CS comes with a USB cable, but with 3rd party software like National Geographic you need a serial cable. This is the one.
Lowepro SlipLock Pouch 10 (Black)Lowepro SlipLock Pouch 10 (Black)
Buy new: $18.33
I like this case for the 60CSx. It is large enough to easily hold the GPS, and nicely padded. Has a mesh front pocket I use to hold an external antenna (see above).
Brunton Classic CompassBrunton Classic Compass
Buy new: $11.99
Even with GPS, you'll still need a compass to find bearings. This Brunton model is inexpensive and has adjustable declination.
Leatherman 830040  New Wave Multi-Tool with Nylon SheathLeatherman 830040 New Wave Multi-Tool with Nylon Sheath
Buy new: Too low to display
Multipurpose tools have taken the place of the venerable Swiss Army Knife. Of the gazillion models by Leatherman, I like this one because of its locking blades. You may have a different choice.
Canon Powershot A1000IS 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Grey)Canon Powershot A1000IS 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Grey)
Buy new: $174.99 / Used from: $112.94
If you're going to go out into the wilderness, you want something to record your adventures. This is a nice, compact, low-cost 10 megapixel camera from Canon. Of course you shouldn't expect SLR image quality from a point-and-shoot camera.
Nikon Coolpix S600 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Zoom with Vibration Reduction (Slate Black)Nikon Coolpix S600 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Zoom with Vibration Reduction (Slate Black)
Buy new: $337.53 / Used from: $99.99
Here's a good 10 megapixel camera for Nikon fans.
MAGLITE SP2209H 2-AA Cell Mini LED Flashlight with Holster, GrayMAGLITE SP2209H 2-AA Cell Mini LED Flashlight with Holster, Gray
Buy new: $19.89 / Used from: $17.99
If you're out at night, this is a handy little flashlight to brighten your way. The LED light is very bright, with reasonably even illumination. Batteries last about 8 hours.