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Recent Navigation Tool Reviews

MyTopo Waterproof Topo Map Tapoco

Lacking details that most other maps have. Low quality printing. I bought this thinking I could get a customized topo printed on a good quality material. When I received it, I was very disappointed. 1. many features shown on other maps were missing. Water bodies, roads, trails, etc. 2. Coloring was not very good for contrast. 3. Print quality was low For the very high price mytopo.com charged ($42) this was unacceptable. Luckily they offer a money back guarantee. So I sent it back (at my expense). Full review

Suunto Ambit2

I have both the Ambit and Ambit2. The first got a cracked cover eventually—user abuse, so no bad on Suunto on that. The second's battery quit after three years (just outside warranty) of similarly intensive use, and the recharge cable also wore out (contacts snap off, fyi). I'd be disappointed if not for the fact that Suunto replaced the entire watch with a new Ambit 3, despite the fact that the warranty had expired. They probably took one look, saw the gouged bezel, scratched cover, and decided… Full review

Silva Ranger CL

It failed out of the blue and could have got me killed. Warranty is dependent on the merchant. Not impressed. Could have bought cheap Chinese and had same experience. Used it for about a year and it was fine. Then one day I was out in the bush and it seemed off and then I tested it and it had no accuracy at all. Good thing my partner found me or I would have been in big trouble because of it.   The warranty is a joke—totally dependent on the merchant. Not impressed with their product.  Full review

Purple Lizard Maps Rothrock State Forest Trail Map

Not all maps are created equal. This map does everything you need and more. It encourages exploration to a degree that is impressive. I buy this map every time it is updated and would encourage anyone who spends any time in Central Pennsylvania to grab a copy. While no product is ever perfect, Purple Lizard Maps has created a map that is close as you can get. The Rothrock State Forest map is a fabulous bundle of knowledge that includes information related to hiking and biking trails, fishing holes,… Full review

Garmin Foretrex 101

Good basic wrist GPS available for £xx on Ebay and actually more useful than many GPS devices at £xxx So why would I bother reviewing a bit of kit that is so old it was probably the second backup nav system for Noah after the dove and the olive branch and probably guesswork? Simply put, I am a fan of writing down what you need then finding the cheapest but most bomb proof way of getting it. I understand the attraction of easy link wifi enabled blue-tooth watches, but in the end so few people even… Full review

Garmin eTrex 30x

Not the biggest screen and most functionality, but sufficient for even the toughest backcountry use. I agree that it could use a strap and battery in the package. SD card is personal. I bought a 32MB and it works fine. I kind of agree with other review person, but I do my research and found a site to use free Open Source maps that can be converted to Garmin maps. I knew beforehand I wasn't going to buy those expensive Garmin maps, but for the general public this could be a real downer. Full review

Garmin eTrex 10

Supurb basic GPS I use for all my ultra running mountain events and mountain leadership, mainly to save tracks and also follow GPX routes I have designed on Strava and downloaded. Works as a USB stick in essence, so no need for Garmin software except to update firmware. You can use maps on it, but its a hack involving replacing the basemap, YouTube shows you how!! This is a basic GPS that you need to go and learn how to use. IF you do you get a cheap but effective receiver you can design routes… Full review

Garmin inReach Explorer+

Best option on the market for a cross between a locator beacon and a cell phone when cell coverage is not available. GPS features aren't great for typical Garmin products, but still serves its purpose. Overall it's a great product and I feel it will serve its purpose well for my upcoming solo backpacking trip in Alaska where cell coverage is non-existent. I don't really need the mapping ability, but it was a nice plus. The primary reason I bought it was for the SOS capability, secondary was to… Full review

Garmin Foretrex 301

Tough little device, handy for hiking and other active sports. I use this device for hunting, jogging, canoeing, and hiking for about three years. While it’s too small to have detailed maps and other niceties, its “breadcrumbs” mean I can always find my way back to the start, and I can focus on looking for game, instead of looking for markers to backtrack. The “AAA” batteries make it a little bulky, but it means you can change to fresh batteries while you are out for extended periods. … Full review