Magellan Meridian Platinum

Pros: Acquires satellites well, largely intuitive functions

Cons: "Waterproof" is a misnomer/base maps + add-on software leaves more to be desired

Summary: The Good:

Heard from outdoor gear head friends that Garmin had the lock on GPS' but found my Magellan surprisingly easy to use and containing the rudimentary functions I needed: way points, backtracking and compass.

I primarily used my Magellan for hunting. When scouting, I would mark potential tree stands locations in the woods and include a short note (e.g. deer tracks) as well as track rub-lines.

I could then take a look at the whole property by scrolling out and/or uploading it to my computer. This is extrememly beneficial for a large hunting camp (15+ members over 800+ acres) in that you did not have to mark your stand spots with telltale ribbon or reflector tacts (and then find one of your friends already in the tree you picked out).

The backlit function enabled me to get there at o'dark:30 without spooking the entire world with a flashlight/running my night vision.

The Bad:

The base maps and even the topo software does not exactly provide the details one would like when out in the deep woods.

Batteries? Buy them by the pound.

The Ugly:

Waterproofing? I wouldn't take it out in a heavy rain much less alone believe that the unit can withstand 1/2 hour of water immersion. I took my Magellan kayaking to chart the rapids on a new river - being careful to install new batteries prior to the trip (a must for each use) and that the battery door was completely shut.

I barely got wet, but the unit promptly 'fogged up' and died on me.

As a GPS is meant to be used outdoors and outdoors often means "wet", I would look for something more reliable in the waterproofing department - or something cheaper to replace.

Needless to say, the deer will probably be a lot safer this fall as I will have to re-scout many a tree stand location and invaribaly miss a few.