I have used several handheld GPS units. Garmins are definitely the easiest brand to learn how to use - very user friendly.
I have a garmin e-trex vista. i bought it 6 years ago for $300
I just bought a Garmin Rhino 530 and really had a chance to use it this weekend. I would buy this one again. Very happy with the features and battery life. Now I don't have to carry both radio and gps.
5 watt radio, gps - dowloaded map, compass, altimeter and with the new 530 HCx you can buy mini-sd cards with the topo maps, so their is no downloading.
Walmart as much as I hate them had them for sale for $375 with a $50 mail in rebate to Garmin for a grand total of $325.
best of luck