New handheld hiking GPS devices: Garmin Dakota and Foretrex

Continuing its state-based naming for its latest generation products, Garmin has introduced a new handheld hiking GPS line today called Dakota. Starting at $300, Dakota is a smaller, less-expensive alternative to the previously tested Colorado and Oregon lines.

The compact, waterproof navigator features a 2.6-inch touchscreen display—an interface we found made the Oregon among the most appealing hiking units. (For contrast, the Oregon screen measures 3 inches diagonally, and the more pocket-friendly eTrex Venture HC measures 2.1 inches.) The overall unit is smaller than even the eTrex units. Garmin claims it has 20 hours of battery life—significantly more than those other units. However, it weighs as much as the larger Oregon.

Where the Venture HC and Oregon 200 each have just 24 MB of internal memory, the Dakota boasts 850 MB. It can store up to 1,000 waypoints and 50 routes. It comes preloaded with a worldwide basemap and is compatible with Garmin City Navigator NT for turn-by-turn directions on city streets. Other maps can be added, as well, including Blue Chart g2 for marine charting, and TOPO U.S. 24K and 100K map software.

The Dakota devices enable geocaching—GPS-based treasure hunting. By connecting via USB to a computer, the Dakota can receive information such as location, terrain, difficulty, hints and description through geocaching.com. (A premium membership is needed to download enough information to be truly paperless.)

This new handheld will be initially in two models, the Dakota 10 and uplevel Dakota 20. (A Dakota 10 will be offered with a "hike and bike" bundle that includes City Navigator and a bike mount kit for $370.) The $350 Dakota 20 adds a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, a microSD card slot for increased mapping and memory storage, and wireless unit-to-unit connectivity for sharing your waypoints with compatible Garmin devices.

The Dakota 10 and 20 promise to effectively replace the older eTrex and possibly GPSMap lines that feel dated compared to the more recent devices. (For the true Garmin state-of the-art, check out the Oregon 550 handheld with a built-in digital camera.)

Earlier this month, Garmin introduced the Foretrex 301 and Foretrex 401 navigators. These are more basic units that are light enough to be worn on the wrist. With an LCD display, these Foretrex units can provide information on your current location, as well as track up to 500 waypoints or 20 routes. They are useful for guidance to specific coordinates, including returning to a campsite. The 401 has an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter, and it can wirelessly transfer data with some new Garmin units.

See our handheld hiking GPS buying advice and Ratings.

—Jeff Bartlett

Also, see our portable automotive GPS navigation systems Ratings and buying advice, watch our video guide, and browse our GPS First Looks. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.