Magellan SporTrak Water Resistant Hiking GPS Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I use my unit to log traces of my hikes and runs; so good, continuous reception is my most important criterion for judging this unit.
I originally bought a Garmin eTrek GPS unit, but I had to return it. Reception was fine when properly oriented, but the small size and antenna design caused it to lose the satellite signal even under clear skies while I carried it in my hand. I could get good reception only if the unit was held horizontally. This makes it worthless for logging runs and hikes.
The user interface on this Magellan is OK: it's easy to use on the run and somewhat customizable. It's also not too hard to learn to use. But some simple data isn't displayed, like time elapsed since start of trip, or average pace (though average speed is available.)
Map quality is good, and the CD to download detailed maps is included, unlike the Garmin. Also, topographical data of most of the US is preloaded. But this I've been disappointed with, since it seems far less accurate than the USGS maps available in electronic form from National Geographic. Often, a steep uphill appears on the Garmin map as a downhill, while the data loaded into the USGS maps shows the altitude change correctly.
But again, this is all secondary to the good quality reception of the unit in different orientations. Since this is good, it gives good traces of my runs and hikes, and so I'm happy with it.

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Product Description:
A powerful navigation tool, the Magellan SporTrak Topo offers a built-in 108 MB nationwide topographic map database. This 12-channel GPS receiver is also WAAS-enabled for three-meter accuracy--even in difficult environments such as mountains or dense foliage. The SporTrak Topo also include a 16 MB memory for additional map and points of interest downloads from Magellan MapSend CD-ROMs.

Map screen with cursor mode.
Compass screen.
The Magellan SporTrak Topo packs GPS navigation and topographic maps into a single handheld device. View larger. The pocket-size, lightweight, rugged SporTrak Topo is a great choice for hunters, hikers, mountain bikers, freshwater fishermen, off-road enthusiasts, and other outdoor adventurers. The 108 MB built-in topography database--derived from the U.S. Government Digital Elevation Model (DEM)--features contouring and elevation, as well as highways, major roads, waterways, and coastlines. The SporTrak Topo uses WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) and the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) to provide excellent GPS accuracy and reliability, tracking up to 12 satellites to locate your position to within three meters.
Nine customizable graphic navigation screens include a map, compass, and speedometer with text readouts of heading, bearing, speed, direction, ETA, and more. Choose from 12 built-in coordinate systems and 76 datums, including latitude/longitude, universal transverse mercator, and military grid reference system. Plus you can store up to 20 routes, 500 waypoints, and 2,000 track points. The save track-to-route feature allows you to convert complicated track files into easy-to-follow routes. You can expand beyond the capacity of the SporTrak and save hundreds of routes by transferring them to a PC using optional Magellan MapSend software. Other great features include the NorthFinder technology, which shows your direction even when you're standing still. You can even monitor the GPS satellites in view and get information about their status.
Magellan has designed the SporTrak for the outdoors. The large, high-contract backlit display is easy to read, day or night, and the rubber-armored, impact-resistant plastic helps protect the internal components during accidental drops. This device is also meets IEC-529 IPX7 waterproof specifications, and it even floats.
What's in the Box
SporTrak Topo GPS receiver, MapSend Topo CD-ROM, PC cable, 2 AA batteries, and user's manual (English/French).