So now you know some of the features to look for in a GPS for geocaching, but you just don’t want to have to click on every device to see how each measures up.  Isn’t there a simpler way?  Can’t someone just tell you what you need to know?  Well, yes, and that person is me.  Check out the devices listed below at three different price levels to find the perfect geocaching GPS device for you.

Budget Recommendations

Garmin eTrex H – The consensus on the internet is that this is the best option for a person new to geocaching. The pricing is currently around $100 and it has a very readable monochrome screen with the basic features to help you find the cache. This unit does not come with any maps included, so you will be following an arrow “as the crow flies” to the destination, but that's moer fun anyway. This unit also does not come with a cable to transfer waypoints from your computer. You must buy it separately or enter waypoint coordinates manually, which creates plenty of opportunities for error. I highly recommend the purchase of a cable if you go with the eTrex H (note that if you do not have a serial port on your computer then you will need to buy the device cable and the adaptor cable so that you can hook it up).  However, this is a great little device and the perfect way to get started in geocaching without breaking the bank. 

Garmin eTrex Venture HC – This is very similar to the Garmin eTrex H, but it adds a PC cable for downloading waypoints and it also has topographic maps and sunlight-readable color screen.  It’s a few more dollars, but may be worth it if you plan to do much geocaching.

Mid Range Recommendations

Garmin eTrex Legend HCx – This is a solid mid-range device.  It comes with a high sensitivity receiver, is water resistant, and has a bright color screen.  Another plus is that this device also supports turn-by-turn routing so that you can use it for city navigation as well as geocaching.  It also comes with a cable so that you can connect it to your PC and upload all of your finds.  As of this post, the Legend HCx is available for under $200

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx – This device improves on the Legend HCx by adding a barometric altimeter and electronic compass.

High End Recommendations

Garmin GPSMAP 60SCx  – This top fo the line device from Garmin has a large color screen, and features the SiRFstar III chipset for pinpoint locations.  It comes with tons of goodies like a barometric altimeter and electronic compass, as well as turn-by-turn routing for city navigation.  It has an incredibly long battery life, ios super rugged, and has  tons of memory for waypoints.  But, leaving all of that aside, you want this one because it looks really cool. 

Garmin GPSMAP 60 Cx – If you’re looking for the same great GPS technology of the GPSMAP 6-CSx, but want a slightly more economical version, then check out this device.  You get the same SiRFstar III chipset, but don’t have to pay for the altimeter and compass.

Magellan eXplorist XL – This super rugged GPS device has WAAS technology to keep you on target, and also features a large color display.  It comes with a lot of memory for waypoints and maps, and also has turn-by-turn directions for city navigation.  This device also comes with a computer software application specifically for geocaching. 

So there you have it, several great devices that will help you get started in geocaching or take you to the next level.  There are certainly other devices out there that are great, and you should find the one that’s right for you.  However, you can’t go wrong with one of these nifty gadgets.  So now that you know what it’s all about, get out there and find some caches!

Travel Long and Prosper,

Will