Recommended GPS

Portable GPS navigation units have become synonymous with high-tech maps and directions for hapless drivers. And our GPS Ratings (available to subscribers) lists quite a few models that perform well-and others that don't. Still, it wasn't that long ago that handheld GPS units were designed for hikers, campers, and boating enthusiasts. If you're gift shopping for someone who enjoys the great outdoors, consider:

• Garmin eTrex Venture HC, $150

This GPS for hikers shows your location off-road, though it doesn't locate an address or give turn-by-turn directions. It has about 10 hours of battery life and uses replaceable AA cells, so you can carry spares. It's waterproof and slips easily into a pocket or day pack. Its 2.1-inch diagonal display doesn't wash out in bright sunlight. It includes hunting and fishing calendar, sun and moon cycles, and the ability to track travel distance and average speed.

If you're shopping for a more conventional GPS unit to give to those who stay on the beaten path, check out our latest report and our list of Recommended GPS units (available to subscribers).