I want to buy the best gps for under 400 dollars. I will be using it for backpacking and geocaching.?

Question

Right now im looking at the Brunton Atlas MNS. I really want ot get it just because the outfitter I go to only offers Brunton. I got all my backpacking gear from them and they have been real good to me so i would like to stick with them. I like the feature on the brunton that allows u to find your way back with out having to set waypoints on your way to where your going. the only down side to the gps is that the screen is not a color screen. its water proof and gives altimiter and beromiter and compass and speed and all that cool stuff. with all the researching ive done everyone seems to hype up the garmin models. I really dont care wich one i get i just want to get the most for my money. If anyone who understands my question and could answer me with a knowelgable answer i would greatly appreaciate it. Thank you once again.

Answer 1

There are so many GPS's which do what you're looking for for well under $400. I personally use a Garmin eTrex Legend. I use it for Geocaching, Amateur Radio APRS, aviation use and road travel. They're fairly cheap and you can upload street level maps to it for your region. I find that helpful for Geocaching in finding the best route to drive to the cache! It saves printing out a million maps ahead of time. What I'd suggest for you would be the Garmin Vista Cx. This little GPS has a colour screen, takes miniSD memory so you can store as many street level maps in it as you want, and interfaces with your computer via USB instead of serial. It also has speed, barometer, altimeter, etc. You can get this on Amazon for only $230. Take a look here and you can see the full stats:
http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVistacx/

Answer 2

I just purchased a Ruger P95 in 9mm for $299, which included two magazines, a loading tool and a lock, all packed in a plastic case, which I'll never use, but made it convenient to carry everything home. It's not fancy, but it functions perfectly with all of the ammo I have tried. It shoots right to the point of aim at 15 feet with 115-grain ball ammo, which is perfect. Firing as fast as possible I put 20 rounds into the x and 10 ring of a 25-yard rapid fire target using a center hold from 15 feet, with most of the shots going into a single ragged hole. Maybe more expensive guns would do better, but that's good enough for me. I chose it because the grip and the position of the slide release are very like a 1911, the gun with which I am most familiar. I'm very happy with my choice. As others have pointed out, it's a little thicker than some other guns. Some might not like the external hammer. None of that matters to me. Take a look. It's a great value. It's also made in the U.S., unlike many other guns in its price range.

Answer 3

I have both a Garmin and Magellan, but prefer the Garmin. Like others have said, if your budget is $400, you have a LOT of choices. You might look at the Garmin RINO series - they have built-in FRS radios. GPS and FRS in one gives you one less thing to carry and RINOS can transmit your location to other RINOS on the same channel (shows up on their map as a waypoint). The Brunton Atlas MNS has only a grayscale LED screen and 8mb internal memory. For $400, you might look at the Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx or 60CSx - color screens, 64+mb expandable memory. IMHO

Answer 4

I've used a few GPS units, and lots of different little geek toys for the woods.

I'm sure Brunton makes fine products, but I haven't had good luck with them.

My favorite is the Garmin Geko 201. It's a little over $100. It gets the job done, doesn't cost much, and the interface is decent. It's light enough and small enough to carry anytime, anywhere. No color, no mapping, but I don't personally see a need for those.

I'm not trying to talk you out of what floats your boat, just passing on my opinion.

Answer 5

For $400 you can have your pick. If this model suits your needs get it.