GPS units are an ideal way to keep yourself on the right track if you're camping, hiking, biking or doing anything that requires you to know where you're headed. A growing number of manufacturers make units designed specifically for the outdoors. Keep an eye out for a few different features to ensure that you pick the right one for you.
Size
Because you'll be outdoors, weight and overall bulk is one of the most important elements of your new GPS system. When making your comparisons, strike a balance between portability and sturdiness of the device. If you get to a retail store, pick up the devices you're comparing and estimate whether the benefits of having a GPS for navigation are outweighed by the heaviness or awkwardness of carrying the device itself.
Features -- Battery Life
If you're planning to go on long trips, the last thing you want is for your GPS unit battery to die. Compare the types of batteries the device uses. Some use AA batteries, which are more readily available, although devices that use Lithium-ion batteries tend to last longer between charges.
Other Features
Additional features to watch for include the number of waypoints or points of interest allowed on the device (the more the better), the number of channels the device has access to, whether it has text-to-speech capability, audible navigation -- and whether it has Bluetooth capability, which allows you to sync the GPS device with your cellular phone. Some units also offer built-in MP3 players.
Considerations
Prices for outdoor GPS units start at less than $100 and run into the thousands. Refurbished models are popular with buyers looking to save a little more money. When purchasing a GPS, be sure to check both the warranty (which is usually shorter with a refurbished device) and the manufacturer's map update policy. Most manufacturers offer one free map update, but some charge for this service -- the cost of which often runs as much as some cheaper GPS units.
Tags: