Garmin eTrex Summit - GPS/Altimeter
Reviewed by: Bill Ames
Where to buy: a number of spots online, high end outfitters
Cost: $99-$250 

 

I've always wanted some way to record statistics of my hikes, especially up-hill pace, so I could more accurately predict my speed on unfamiliar ground.

The eTrex summit is a small GPS, electronic compass and altimeter in a package smaller than your cell phone.

Don't need an altimeter? Get the original eTrex for under $100, or spend a little more for more advanced units with color displays, base maps, etc.

The GPS features are what you would expect, but it is the combination with the compass and barometric altimeter that really make this unit shine.

You can get just about any statistic you can think of--at least that can be derived from these three gizmos--including speed, ascent/descent rate, bearing, highest point, lowest point. max/min ascent, max/min descent, total land distance, plot over time, plot over distance . . . you name it. There is even a long term memory that can store individual journeys.

I was particularly impressed with the unit's ability to map altitude profiles as well as make maps of your trek. A number of different modes allow you to "track back" along a path, sight in an accurate bearing, travel to a spot, and more. You can set waypoints (with neat icons!) to help guide you back to where you were. You can go as the crow flies, or track back onto your exact pathway. A little arrow guides you.