Garmin Geko 101 Waterproof Hiking GPS (Yellow) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have this exact unit and have been using for GeoCaching for about 6 months.The guts of the unit are pretty much the same as the more expensive ones - you'll know where you are just fine.Much of the user interface is the same as the more expensive models.
The main pro for this unit (other than price) is size - it's smaller than the next products up the line and easier to just stick in your pocket.
The main con is battery life.The amount of time you get out of 2 AAAs is not so hot.You'll eat up a pair of batteries every time you go out.I counter this by only turning the unit on to get my bearings.With a device that uses AA batteries I would be able to leave it on and use the tracklog/backtrack features.I think about it...
Some other factors to consider;
Display - once you go up above the basic etrex yellow unit the garmin units have higher-res displays, which are nice.
Connectivity - you can do ok without it, but this model is the only one that does not allow waypoint download (not sure about the 201.)Experienced geocachers favor the higher-end models with more memory.They load large numbers of cache waypoints into memory and are ready to go no matter where they are in their home area.If you're a more casual hiker/cacher, then the cheaper models do just as good a job - even this one.
Mapping - the gekkos and the etrex yellow will show you where your waypoints are in relation to each other, but don't show any other features.The more expensive models can do natural features and even uploaded topo maps.
You can GeoCache with almost any GPS.The Etrex yellow is the standard, but this has served me well.Happy Caching!

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Product Description:
The lightest, most affordable Garmin GPS receiver, the Geko 101 offers basic GPS navigation functionality that's accurate and easy to use. With its sun-yellow case, the economical Geko 101 is perfect for navigational novices. Features such as one-touch waypoint marking make it a snap to use. Easily maneuver from one waypoint to the next using the Geko 101's 250-waypoint storage capacity with symbols, retrace your path with TracBack, and pan along your track with PanTrack.

Map page. View larger.
Mark waypoint. View larger.

The Garmin Geko 101 packs easy-to-use GPS navigation into an affordable handheld device. View larger. The Garmin Geko 101 has five keys located on the front of the unit for easy one-hand use that allow the user to quickly access all of the unit's functions. The Geko 101 has a 64 x 100 pixel, high-contrast display for easy viewing, and it can run for up to 12 hours on only two AA batteries (not included).
Designed with the user in mind, this Garmin GPS unit weighs a light 3.1 ounces with batteries and measures a pocket-size 1.9 by 0.96 by 3.9 inches (W by D by H). The Geko 101 is waterproof to IPX7 standards, meaning it can be submerged down to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, and is rugged enough to endure the most trying use. And the Geko 101 provides that most critical of benefits--peace of mind. With the Geko 201 you will always know where you are, where you have been, and where you are going. And since you will always know the way back home, you can concentrate on what you set out to do--explore the outdoors.
What is TracBack?
Garmin's exclusive TracBack feature allows you to return along a traveled path or route without marking any waypoints. The GPS unit will store a tracklog or "electronic breadcrumb trail" as you travel. When you are ready to return to where you started, the GPS unit will look at the hundreds or thousands of tracklog points, take the 30 most significant, and turn them into a route to lead you back to your starting point.
What is PanTrack?
Using the PanTrack feature, you can move the pointer and pan a track in either direction, then select a location along the track to start a TracBack or GoTo or to mark a waypoint.

What's in the Box
Geko 101 GPS receiver and manual.