Update:

Bought a Garmin 64ST at Cabela's today on sale for $219 new in the box. As far as I can tell Garmin is fire selling these now that the updated 66ST is out. The new unit has a bigger screen and a couple of other improvements, but at $200 more I could not justify the price. Another thing I found while shopping, On X maps. Geared towards hunting, but they are SD cards that provide much more detailed topographical maps than what comes standard. Unfortunately they are single state specific and about $100 a piece. Once I get to know this unit I'll have to pick up two of them; one for Alaska and one for the Yukon Territory.

Consulting the all knowing oracle of knowledge that is SigForum. Looking to get a handheld GPS for hiking, fishing and hunting and adventures here in Alaska. Feeling a little overwhelmed at the options out there, trying to find a balance between what I truly need and whizmos to play with.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 2000Z-71,

Garmin GPS 64st. Has what you need and includes TOPO maps. My go to Vendor is GPS City. And dont be afraid to look at their Re-Furb models. They have a full Garmin warranty and are screaming deals.

Agreed.

Garmin 78 SC. I've used mine for years and on a very regular basis. Has all of the marine charts as well as features for hiking and so forth. It takes 2 AA batteries that last around 16 hours of use, is waterproof, floats, etc. I've dropped mine around 12' to the deck of the boat (slid off of the flybridge) and it works fine. West marine has it on sale right now for $199

https://www.westmarine.com/buy...11553609?recordNum=1

Garmin probably has the best customer service / tech support, so if I were looking, I would look for a model in the Garmin line-up.

They are certainly the leader in aviation units.

The thing you need to be concerned about with older refurb units is the availability of up to date charts. My Garmin 276C is a wonderful unit that works just fine but I can no longer get current charts for it.

If you are looking to stay connected to home base during your outings and having the ability to be tracked from home base (or anywhere) and have SOS capabilities, the Garmin Inreach devices are the way to go - satellite connected through a website, text messaging, tracking, etc. Used one on a sailing trip from GA to the BVI last fall, worked well and peace of mind that we could communicate with shore-side personnel.

I use Garmin Rinos when hunting. The Rino has a 5W FRS walkie talkie feature, which comes in handy if others in your party have it. It works with all FRS walkie talkies.

Update at top.