How To Buy The Right Handheld GPS
* Weight and bulk--Where will you being carrying the unit? In a jacket pocket? A radio harness? In or will you be storing it in a backpack?* Durability--Is the handheld GPS unit water-resistant or waterproof? It is dust-proof? How well can it handle extreme temperatures?
* Screen and text size--Can you see the text and numbers well enough in low light conditions.
* Data entry--Is it easy to enter information into the GPS? How are the buttons laid out and can your fingers used them properly? Can it be used one-handed? How easy or difficult is it to move between menus and screens? And are those menus and screens set up logically?
* Battery type--What kind of batteries does it take, and do they match your other gadgets? (I prefer a GPS that takes AA batteries, because that"s what my headlamp and flashlights take. That way, I don"t have to carry multiple types for spares, and the batteries are interchangeable if necessary.)
* Mapping capabilities--Does the GPS take topo maps? Does it have computer download and upload capabilities? How much memory does it have, and is it enough?
You may also want to purchase a GPS case and a strap to attach the unit to a belt or backpack as this allows you to free up your hands to do other things while on the move.