Garmin eTrex H GPS Receiver

What a great item these are, the advert does not do it justice at all . This product sells for a lot more anywhere else and it has all the functionality of some of the bigger and more expensive gps systems.
Crucially it is waterproof to ixp7 waterproofing standard; a pretty good standard that keeps the unit sound in the face of whatever a typical hike bike, run or other outing can throw at it. Puddle, stream, beer cooler and splash rated - Protected against water immersion - Immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.
This is a great small lightweight unit that fits neatly into most peoples hands without much effort and can easily be operated with the fingers of that hand even in gloves.
The interface is very easy and intuitive to use and when i say anyone can easily grasp it in no time then i mean anyone, I can train 13 year olds to use a unit like this in an evening.
The advert didnt state that the map units can also be changed for MGRS (military grid referance system) as well as british ordnance survey so you can keep track and follow your route on an OS map very easily. I also add others that are not listed that one may wish to use.
As a small practical unit and one for begginners and the old and bold alike I would rate these very highly.

This GPS is a fantastic little unit, in my mind it's the land rover defender of the GPS world. This model has been on the shelves for over 10 years without the design being changed. This is because garmin have found the secret to a perfect design.

This isn't some fancy gadget that will snap or crack when you drop it either. This thing is practically bullet proof, its waterproof, impact resistent, and the one-hand control scheme is perfect.

The luminescent yellow colour makes it great for hiking, because you can see it in the dark should you misplace it.

The unit has a sturdy feel to it and the battery cover has a turning lock to prevent it coming off on impact. What i like about this unit also is the backlight, which makes things much easier in dark conditions. Although designed for outdoor use, i managed to get a signal just by pointing it in the direction of my window.

Can tell you far more than you'll ever need to know while getting you from A to B. And back again, exactly the same way you came, if you need to using it's optional 'tracking' facility.

Garmin eTrex H is a more sensitive version of the (entry level) eTrex handheld. Either is the cheapest way not to get lost. Even in a parking lot.

Runs on universally available AA batteries. Needs clear skyline to pick up a minimum of 4 satellites. Hence heavy forest/jungle cover, or built up city streets produce no-cover or dropouts as you walk along. The more satellites (up to 12) it can read from, the more accurate your position and altitude readigs.

You DO NEED to move to keep direction of travel and North direction showing.

You can use Google maps to give you exact Latitude and Longitudes on any place you put the cursor on, to enter as waypoints. And use GO TO - to get there!

Or download entire courses you made up on your PC, using the serial-PC connection available. Large online following, and advice available. Plus top support site from Garmin with downloads, updates etc.

You want to SEE maps on screen there are much more expensive models available.

Highly recommended.

fantastic little device, i bought this as a replacement for the garmin gps 12, it has a longer battery life, and higher sensitivity, and of course a lot lighter and smaller than the old 12, the system layout works much the same, and is easy to navigate around the controls, so if you only need to pinpoint your position on a paper map, useful in bad weather, then this is just the job.
and why buy more, you should always carry a paper map and compass anyway, no matter how fantastic a gps you have.

If you are looking for a gps with a digital map then don't buy this. If you want to use a gps together with a paper map then buy it. You have to set to Ordinace Survey and BSGrid, then change from statue to kilometres. Once that's done you are on your way to find your position anywhere in the UK. If you want to go and pin point a location using the directional arrow then no probs. Remember, once you set a co-ordinate (national grid ref) you edit it and type in other co-ordinates. In the flag icon you can rename it to suit that co-ordinate. This is how your specific co-ordinates are added. The quick manual does what it says, so don't expect full details on how to do stuff. There is no serial usb cable so do a google search using this ref number. 010-10477-03. You will find a cheap one on ebay. Hope this helps... let me know