Rent a Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx

You can stay a map-and-compass purist if you want, but looking down at a GPS unit, and within a few seconds knowing exactly where you are, how far it is to the next camp or landmark, how much elevation change you have left, and how much longer it will take is pretty nifty to me. The 60cx is a high-quality, well-reviewed product from one of the world’s top manufacturers of GPS units.

This is an advanced version of our more basic eTrex gps unit; the eTrex is the one we recommend for group outings.

The additional features of this model include:
More sensitive receiver chip (Sirf III) for faster satellite pickup, even in tree-covered areas.
Larger display screen
Built in base maps with major roads and landmarks
Turn by turn guidance
Accepts mini SD cards for more detailed map options and data storage
More powerful tools and options

So what can you do with a GPS on your next trip? As with a lot of gadgets, the more you know about it, the more things you can find for it to do. But some of the basics: 1) let it track your route going one direction away from your car, then let the GPS guide you back out to where you started; 2) Before your hike, select some “waypoints” along your trail, such as intended camp sites, trail intersections etc, and using print or online maps with degree/minute/second guides, input the waypoints into the GPS unit to use as guideposts along the way; 3) you’ll always know how far you’ve gone and how far you’ve got to go so you can pace yourself – avoid that creepy nighttime hiking making up for lost time; 4) you can see what elevation you’re at to compare to the elevation of where you’re headed – thus knowing whether the worst is over, or yet to come; and 5) if you want to wander off trail and not get lost – a GPS unit is the way to go.

Because of its compact size, we don't recommend this unit for auto travel. Instead, try out our Magellan Maestro 3200 or other comparable domestic or international model. See our full selection of gps models.

There’s more of course – as much as you can think to use it for - this GPS unit is one of the best out there for the money. What it won’t do is replace common sense, print maps and a compass; it won’t do you a bit of good if you run the batteries down and have no backups; and like any electronic device or golf club, sometimes you’ll feel like throwing it away. But that would be a user problem, not the GPS unit’s. We ship the GPS with working batteries, but we have no way of testing/knowing whether they have hardly been used or are just getting ready to die. So, always carry backups – the 60Cx use 2 AA batteries.

We rent these units very inexpensively, so rental is definitely the way to go if you just want to check one out to see how you like it. Comes with a friendly instruction manual. For more information on GPS units in general, we’ve put together some helpful GPS hints and usage ideas.