GPS for occasional users

I recommend the 2-3 oz Garmin 101 Foretrex (or one of the other Foretrexes, but be sure to choose one that uses disposable batteries).

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=144&pID=260#specsTab

We used it on the JMT this year (not to avoid getting lost on the trail, but to pinpoint where the lead hiker should stop, to await slower hikers who might be up to 2 hours behind them). Minimal weight, minimal battery changes, very intuitive to use.

ps – do the compare of the 3 units that use AA batteries, on second thought the two new ones look very tempting if I was getting one today (they did not exist when I got mine).

pps – as with the poster beneath this posting, you'd need to get some Garmin software to easily make trail routes, etc., and transfer them to your Garmin. The 401 unit requires a serial port, the newer two use USB (which is one of the reasons I'd go for a newer unit but I do have a serial port so for now, I'm fine).

The lightest handheld unit I know of is the Geko. It doesn't display maps though, so to use it for your purposes you need to upload waypoints to it from your computer using NG TOPO! or the Topo software from Garmin. I upload waypoints for trail junctions, points of interest like lakes, summits, etc, and a few random points along my intended route. It works quite well but requires a little planning prior to a trip. Optionally some people print a UTM grid on their map out of NG TOPO! and then use the UTM grid on their Geko to estimate their position. I haven't used this method so I can't comment on its effectiveness.
For a bit more weight you can get a unit that displays maps. You wouldn't necessarily need to upload waypoints to a mapping unit. The Garmin 60CSx is a favorite among hikers but other, smaller units work well too. You'll need to buy separate map software and upload the maps to your GPS unit but you can upload a large area. For Garmin models, look for mapping units that have an "x" in the model name. These are newer units with much improved satellite reception under tree cover which is problematic with older models like the Geko.

G

I have been having the same thoughts. Don't really need/want a full blown GPS just a way to record tracks and get a current location incase I get off trail somehow. I have been thinking about the Holux M-241 at 2.25 oz. with battery it will give you current location (which you then will have to find yourself on the paper map) and records lots of other info for later down loading.

http://www.holux.com/JCore/en/products/products_content.jsp?pno=341

Here a good review of it
http://scilib.typepad.com/techreviews/2008/01/holux-m-241-gps.html

Im in the same boat and would like a gps to complement a map and compass to get an idea where Im at on or off the trail when all I can see is trees. Also in case of an emergency have a way-point to the trailhead. Im considering the etrex H since it has the high-sensitivity GPS receiver and 17hr battery life. Which should be plenty since its not going to be on saving tracks but only when I need it or would like to save a waypoint.

I like the Foretrexes and Gekos, especially the older 101 and 201, they can be had on Ebay for less than $100. They weigh a couple ounces and output UTM which is great for land nav.

They need to be used with a topo map since the built in mapping is basically just waypoints and routes. But I find a topo to be far more useful than even the biggest color GPS screen: you can easily see the whole area and triangulate landmarks with a compass (the old fashioned way.) And the map and compass still work if the GPS batteries die.

I have used the Foretrex 201 and find that the built in battery lasts quite a long time (several day trip) if you turn it on only occasionally to get a fix. If you leave it on the entire time you're hiking, it will only run a at most a couple days.

BTW, here is a trick for getting easy waypoints:
Use maps.google.com to find the location you're interested in. Center and zoom in as much as you can. Then hit the link button and copy the text and paste it somewhere like this: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=36.772752,-118.339663&spn=0.004125,0.012864&t=h&z=17

The part of the link that says "ll=36.772752,-118.339663" is the lat-long of the center of the map in WGS84 datum. YOu can then put the coords into your gps. Nice thing is that this doesn't require special software so it works on a hotel lobby computer for example.

Besides weight why do you choose the geko over etrex H? I must be missing something I guess because even Garmin has the geko series priced higher then the etrex H. I compared them and the geko 201 only has outdoor gps games over the etrex H and the geko 301 only has compass & altimeter over the etrex H.

I understand the appeal to the foretrex but why is the Geko more preferred as well?

Here is the site comparing.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=144&compareProduct=8705&compareProduct=220&compareProduct=221

The only advantage is that they’re lighter than the Etrex H. You get the 17hr life in the Etrex with AA batteries, but you get nearly as much from the LiOn in the 201 at almost half the weight. But get the Etrex if you want the HiSens receiver and the 4 gray level display.

Comparison of Geko201, Foretrex201, Etrex H