GPS questions from low tech guy

David, you may find that there are two classes of GPS receiver for a backpacker. One is an older and simpler type, and it is called a non-mapping receiver. Alternatively, a mapping receiver has the digital topo map inside and can show some parts of it on a screen.

Now, you will find that the non-mapping receiver can display a position in the form of GPS coordinates, either latitude/longitude, or UTM, or other systems. You can take those numbers and look them up along the numbers in the margins of your paper map, and you can put your own X on the map. The advantage of the non-mapping receiver is that they are generally lighter in weight and often use less battery power. They tend to be less expensive. The ancient example of this is the Garmin GPS12XL.

The mapping receiver either has its own built-in map database, or else you have purchased some add-on map database. The initial price is higher (than a non-mapping) and you may pay extra for map updates. The advantage, of course, is that they show you a small piece of the map right on the screen. The disadvantages are that they show you a rather small piece of the map, plus they tend to draw more battery power. Also, it has been my experience that the map database is not nearly as detailed as what I get from a good printed topo map. One example is the Garmin Colorado.

Now, I will admit that I own both mapping type and non-mapping type. However, when I am backpacking I always have a custom printed topo map with me. So, would you care to guess which one I choose to carry?
[the old non-mapping type]
Why? The battery power lasts a lot longer.
–B.G.–

I would want a Garmin Foretrex 301, a non-mapping gps, that I could turn on, get my UTM coordinates and see where I am on my UTM-gridded map. You need gridded maps, but you don't need to buy anything else except lithium batteries.

If the GPS is a supplement to the map, and the map shows lat-lon, no need to buy internal maps. It's also possible to load way-points into the Garmin with free software.

Update: I have an older monochrome Legend. It's served me very well. I should get it repaired now for a short – but that's after many handlebar mounted mountain bike crashes.

I found that the map on my Garmin 60CSx to be better than the paper map I bought (Topo from REI).

To answer your question, any GPS will probably handle your needs. If you use a smart phone with build in GPS you can get an app that will give you long/lat.