I have a Garmin Dakota 20 GPS unit. It is compact with a 4 inch length. Compared to the eTrex, it has a larger 2.6� screen, a 3-axis compass, and a touch capability instead of buttons. With a topographical map DVD, USB cable, lanyard and case, the Dakota 20 �Topo Bundle� retails between $300 and $400.
I used my Dakota for the first time last fall for a snowshoe trek to a 10th Mountain Division Hut near Vail Pass. Waypoints can be entered directly into the Dakota or via a computer download. I entered the coordinates for the hut via the Dakota�s touch screen. Using my computer and the supplied DVD, I defined additional waypoints along the trail. The topographical map of the Vail Pass area with waypoints was then downloaded to the Dakota. The standard USB cable supplies power to the Dakota during the downloading process. The Garmin software was intuitive. Pointing and clicking were all that were needed to define the additional waypoints and to download the map.
My daughter and I were nervous about this trek because we attempted the same trek the previous spring when a snowstorm forced us back. While the storm was relatively mild, the lack of visibility kept us from finding our way. This time, I was confident that with a GPS unit, we can reach our destination despite the weather.
During the trek, the neck lanyard held the Dakota within easy reach and allowed me to view the GPS unit periodically as we progressed to the hut. The Dakota�s touch screen could be operated through the plastic window of the case. Although the weather was cold, the two AA lithium batteries that I inserted into the Dakota never faltered. The battery life is supposed to be 20 hours.
Predictions of inclement weather preceded our trek. The Dakota kept us on the trail. Of nine persons who purchased reservations for the hut, only 3 reached the destination, including my daughter and me. If you are looking for a compact hiking GPS unit with the latest features, I highly recommend the Garmin Dakota 20.
For those leery of touchscreens being scratched, transparent protective films made by Zagg may provide the solution. I've just installed a Zagg "Invisible Shield" (
http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield...reen-protectors-covers-skins-shields.php) over the touchscreen of my Dakota 20. The film comes cut-to-fit and does not appear to dull the sensitivity of the touchscreen.
To protect the Dakota from a fall, I added a Garmin "Silicone Skin" (
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=38256#productTab) and discarded the slip case. Everything fits together securely and tastefully.
