Navigation Tools

Recent Navigation Tool Reviews

Garmin Forerunner 645

A modest looking GPS, heart rate monitor, and smart watch that delivers reams of training information. Pairs with a mobile phone to deliver loads of other features and is fully customizable. A good choice for athletes engaged in systematic training, it also works well for more casual users that can put the smart watch features to use. I (almost) never would have bought this watch for myself. I’m not that serious or systematic about training. I just go out and run by feel, and these days that usually… Full review

Garmin GPSMAP 66i

The 66i is garbage. Don’t buy it. You can’t download maps onto it. I spent two hours trying to do so and gave up. The 66i, once plugged in, powers down so that the computer doesn’t recognize that it’s connected. The computer just searches endlessly for the 66i. It’s a fatal flaw that doesn’t let you download maps onto the 66i. What good is the 66i if you can’t download a topo?? I suppose the SOS feature has marginal value. But at the price point? Forget it. See above. Don’t buy this… Full review

Garmin Foretrex 401

Precision, but not accuracy. The ForeTrex 401 is useless for elevation. The AUTO CALIBRATION uses GPS to calibrate the Elevation (Calibration by GPS is accurate to +/-400 feet; Calibration by barometric pressure is accurate to +/-50 feet). I did both ways and put the ForeTrex 401 on the desk stationary for two hours, the elevation changed 500 feet. Everyone has the same issue. Full review

Cammenga Tritium Lensatic Compass 3H

Way too inaccurate. Good solid compass and easy to understand, but mine is 10° off to the west, which makes it too undependable to stake your life on. Cammenga says they'll repair it for $50??? Really? A new compass? Full review

Garmin GPSMAP 66i

Not for everyone, but uniquely wonderful for those who need it. The Garmin GPSMAP 66i introduced in June 2019 is the world’s first consumer handheld device that combines a full-featured GPS navigation tool and a satellite text message system in one half-pound, rugged, battery-efficient device. And it has a new feature, Expedition Mode, that greatly reduces power requirements. Its attributes are easy to describe to anyone familiar with past Garmin products: Take Garmin's best GPS receiver and combine… Full review

Casio 3202 Twin Sensor Watch

F-ed up instructions. Impossible to read the manual, and it does not make sense nor does the setup work. Total piece of sh*t. Full review

SPOT Personal Tracker

This company sucks. I have lost two trackers and they cannot trace them. Imagine that, a tracker that you cannot track Full review

Casio Pro Trek PRG-300CM

Casio Pro Trek PRG-300CM—For what it costs and the superb durability you get from it, it is a no-brainer for a beginner and casual user. First of all, I am not a professional trail runner nor an avid trekking or hiking goer. Overall I am an outdoor enthusiast and that has from time to time the chance to go to the beach, mountains, or project sites. For all these duties, and more, this watch is more than capable. In a world where the summit is for the SUUNTOs and TISSOT T-Time (in terms of technology… Full review

Purple Lizard Maps Rothrock State Forest Trail Map

A hardy map that can withstand punishment and inspire exploration. The Purple Lizard Rothrock State Forest map thoroughly covers the forest, as well as areas north and south of the forest boundaries. Best for folks living in or looking to explore Central Pennsylvania, or for people who really like maps, I suppose. Usage:I own other Purple Lizard maps, but this one gets the most use, as the Rothrock State Forest and surrounding areas are pretty easy to explore via hiking, camping, biking, hunting,… Full review