Hiking GPS Reviews 2011

It is no secret that adventurous outdoor activities are becoming a craze with people. Even though man has destroyed nature in abundance, it is the only real place left on this planet where man goes to seek adventure. Out of so many natural sport activities, one of the most popular outdoor adventurous activities is hiking. Hiking is an outdoor activity in which people walk or run in natural environment which often consists of hilly areas. Over the years the activity has become such a craze that people have started joining different hiking groups and clubs which go out every weekend to a new place for exploration.

Before you head out for hiking, there are many things which you need to make sure that you carry. This includes list of things like backpacks, water bottles, food, extra clothes, binoculars and the most important, GPS for hiking. A GPS device is very necessary to ensure that the hiker does not lose his/her way and is on the right path. Here are some hiking GPS reviews for 2011 which will help you buy the right product.

Hiking GPS Reviews

There's no fun in hiking if you lose your way and can't find it back, and it would be quite boring if you just go to the same places for hiking trips every now and then. Modern adventurers need a good portable GPS while they set off to an unknown destination. People need to make sure that they are on the right track, and for that a handheld GPS is the best thing, it can direct travelers from A to B and adds that extra measure of safety.

Magellan eXplorist® GC
The eXplorist® GC is one of the best handheld GPS devices out there. It's stylish, attractive and waterproof, which makes it a great choice for all the seasons. Here are its specifications which will help you understand the product a little better.

Magellan eXplorist® GC
Manufacturer	Magellan
Hot acquisition time	20 sec
Warm acquisition time	60 sec
Cold acquisition time	120 sec
Recommended Use	Hiking
Receiver	SiRFstarIII
Connectivity	USB
GPS Function	Electronic Compass
Antenna	Built In
Maps	Worldwide
Battery Required	2
Estimated Battery Life	18 hours
Max operating temperature	140°F
Min operating temperature	14°F
Price	$150.00

Apisphere Geomate.jr®
The Apisphere Geomate.jr® is easy to use but comes with a pretty high database memory. It's water resistant and shockproof which means a little splash or a fall won't harm it. Travelers can also enjoy the benefit of the Home location, which means no more getting lost in the woods.

Apisphere Geomate.jr®
Manufacturer	Apisphere
Hot acquisition time	30 sec
Warm acquisition time	45 sec
Cold acquisition time	42 sec
Recommended Use	Hiking
Receiver	SiRFstarIII
Connectivity	NA
GPS Function	Electronic Compass, Distance, Elevation
Antenna	Built In
Maps	Worldwide
Battery Required	2
Estimated Battery Life	12 hours
Max operating temperature	NA
Min operating temperature	NA
Price	$90.00

DeLorme Earthmate® GPS PN-60
This amazing GPS device from DeLorme is lightweight, has sharp features and has loads of memory for storage. Here are its specifications.

DeLorme Earthmate GPS® PN-60
Manufacturer	DeLorme
Hot acquisition time	6 sec
Warm acquisition time	45 sec
Cold acquisition time	60 sec
Recommended Use	Hiking
Receiver	32 Channel
Connectivity	Hi-Speed USB
GPS Function	Electronic compass
Antenna	Built In
Maps	USA and Canada
Battery Required	2
Estimated Battery Life	25 hours
Max operating temperature	167°F
Min operating temperature	- 4°F
Price	$400.00

Garmin eTrex Venture® HC
It's worth every penny spent. The eTrex Venture® HC from Garmin is a great portable GPS unit with amazing features and a great battery life. It makes sure that the hiker never takes a wrong turn and helps him/her to reach the preferred destination.

Garmin eTrex Venture® HC
Manufacturer	Garmin
Hot acquisition time	3 sec
Warm acquisition time	33 sec
Cold acquisition time	39 sec
Recommended Use	Hiking
Receiver	12 Channel
Connectivity	USB
GPS Function	MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager, Garmin Americas Highway Basemap
Antenna	Built In
Maps	World Maps
Battery Required	2
Estimated Battery Life	14 hours
Max operating temperature	158°F
Min operating temperature	5°F
Price	$125.00

The above given handheld GPS devices can be used for a wide range of activities. Apart from hiking people can also use them if they are going to destinations which are unfamiliar. Most of these products are not highly priced but if you still are looking out for cheap deals, it's always good to shop online.