Garmin GPSMAP 62St Handheld GPS Navigator

Did extensive research for years before purchasing a handheld GPS. Originally considered the Gpsmap 60 series long ago. For my money, the 62st was easily the best cost / performance combination. I have been using a Gpsmap 276C in car and boat. Really like the technical reporting features of it and similar features of the 62st. I know that the touchscreen units may seem more appealing, but the 62st is very easy to use and I really like the former factor and quad helix antenna. The unit cold starts quickly and gets to 6-10 foot accuracy in a snap. The included 100k topo map, while not routable, was only a small increase in the unit price. I will use the purchased 24k topo for my region and may also spring for the full North America street map for routing and POI info. In summary, this unit is rock solid and a good value. Great battery life and easy to use on the trail. Also great for downloading and locating Geocaches.

If you use lithium batteries and set for save battery. They last a long time. You can also install a Game and Fish map SD card for your state, that is very useful. Especially as it gives you landowner name and property lines. Also hunting areas. Works in the trees. You don't have to find a clear spot. Elevation map, distance, speed, average speed, and waypoints. Calendar, geo cache, best hunt and fish times. Has everything.

I previously had a MAGELLAN EXPLORIST 210 as my starter GPS. Though very basic, with a steep learning curve, and no longer in production, it got me started as to how these units work. Now I am planning some serious hiking in remote areas of the Nevada desert and wanted to upgrade my GPS unit. I compared them all online and finally decided on the Garmin GPSMAP 62St. I have been working with it on short hikes for 2 months each time I appreciate it more. First it has a well designed, conforms to the hand, comes with a handy carabiner for attaching to your hiking vest belt, and has a rubber-like covering that resists shock. Initial setup was easy. The menus and screens are intuitive, and one can do basic functions without even using the instruction booklet. Satellite fix is fast and accurate. Choice of screens is simple using the "page" button. The information screens can be tailored to your needs and the choices are infinite. Setting up waypoints, routes and tracks is easily performed. The screen is well lit, even in bright daylight. Accuracy in most instances is down to 10 feet. This is not a touch screen device, so no problems with cold finger tips not registering and no issues with inadvertently hitting the wrong icon. The buttons are responsive and soft. There are three varieties of this model, the base 62S, the St (topomaps) which I have, and the all in one Stc which has topo maps and a camera. If you purchase the base model and then decide that you want maps or satellite views, then this can be added later via the Garmin website. Special menus exist for geocaching, "Sight and Go", area calculation, photo viewer (photos can be downloaded for use in the field even without the camera model), and a host of other features. Routes and tracks can be downloaded for other sources and shared with others with similar devices. The included booklet is just for startup, a more detailed manual is found on the Garmin site as well as informative videos. However, more intricate information is provided by people online. Even though I am sure that the newer MAGELLAN GPS are comparable (I have not tried one yet), the high end ones are touch screen, and I prefer the use of the buttons. Finally, whether you are a beginner or more sophisticated GPS person, you will not be disappointed in this device.

Expensive, but works right out of the box. This one had the topo map, so didn't have to pay extra and get frustrated trying to download maps. Not really any instructions in the box, but after a couple of weeks of playing around was able to program it for what I needed and use most of the features that I wanted. Very nice to use in the field, actually gets coverage indoors, surprising since you always hear about reception problems with other gps's under trees or with clouds.

I did a lot of research before I purchased the Garmin 62st and could not be more pleased with my decision. I use it for backpacking and hunting and generally want to know "where am I, where am I going, and where have I been." The Garmin fits the bill to a T. It is easy to use and comes with very good owner's manual (download). The preloaded base maps are reliable and sufficiently accurate for all of my needs. When I called customer service with a question, the Garmin rep was courteous, helpful and knowledgeable.