GPS vs Backtrackers

[akashasdaddy]

I am in the market for an inexpensive GPS unit. I do not need or really even want topo or anything, I just want something that will get me back to the truck after a days hunt and maybe have the ability to set a few different way points. I been looking at the Bushnell Backtracker and the Garmin etrex H. They are both very economical. Right now I am leaning toward the Backtracker but i am concerned about its ability to hook up with a satellite if I am out in the thick stuff. I do hunt the westside so I need a unit that can link up even when I am in the brush.

Does/has anyone have/had either of these units? Which would you recommend?

Thanks

[toothfangclaw]

If you want a basic GPS, there are many phone apps that cover that. Many are free.

[ghosthunter]

Etrex

[bobcat]

Get the etrex and make sure it is one that has the high sensitivity receiver.

[doyourtime89]

I have the Bushnell Backtracker and it works great for what you are talking about.  Getting you back to where you started, being able to set a few way points and I have never had any problems with not being able to pick up satelites.

[Alchase]

I definitely would not count on your call phone app to get you home. If you loose cell signal you phone GPS is useless.

[Houndhunter]

I definitely would not count on your call phone app to get you home. If you loose cell signal you phone GPS is useless.

You know its wierd, my GPS on my phone has always worked even when I had no service. Kind of creepy really, but I do agree a smart phone is not the best choice.

[buckfvr]

I definitely would not count on your call phone app to get you home. If you loose cell signal you phone GPS is useless.

You know its wierd, my GPS on my phone has always worked even when I had no service. Kind of creepy really, but I do agree a smart phone is not the best choice.

I believe the GPS application would be sattelite, and there for unaffected by loss of cell phone service, but if you have a sattelite phone and loose service, you are done with the GPS also.

[toothfangclaw]

I've been in areas without cell coverage and my basic GPS app that I was using worked. If you have a app that uses a map like google maps, then you would loose gps if you go out of the already loaded map. The app I was using was "GPS status". It had basic info that showed your exact location by coordinits(sp?), heading, altitude, feet away from way point, speed and a bunch more. It worked ok enough. But I haven't used a dedicated GPS only device, so I can't compare, so maybe phone as a backup. But it's definitely worth having on your phone, just in case!

[Alchase]

The GPS chips in most phones are not that strong, yes they can show your track if your mapping is cashed locally on your phone. I have a ten year old meridian color that is substantially more accurate then a iPhone 4s or android phone. The problem is they are just not strong enough to trust your life with.
I would get an etrex at the least.
To me A good GPS, is a must have when going back country. The phone GPSs have not advanced past the intown hike novelty stage yet.

[300rum]

I have the Etrex and use it exactly for what you want it for, just enough to get me back to the pickup.  I have also marked waypoints a few times (it is very easy).

I have used it once for my intended reason, to get myself out of the woods.  It was pitch black in the woods and I was in a big thick North Slope with lots of blow downs.  I was more than a few miles from the truck and it was one of those "should I stay the night or try to get out?" things.  My head lamp went dead and the only light I had was from the Etrex.  The Etrex gave off just enough light to get me out.  I didn't really need the GPS as I knew basically where I was at and basically where I needed to go but there is nothing better than knowing 100% for sure.

The batteries last a long time. 
I turn it on and put it in the dash of the truck on the way to where I park.   When I get out of the truck, I mark the truck then turn it off.
I don't carry a watch so the GPS is my only way to keep track of time.
The light that comes off the GPS might come in handy.  Not great, but handy.   

[akashasdaddy]

Thanks guys, i know I can always depend on the people here to give me good advice. I think I will go with the etrex they are on sale right now at cabelas and since my wife is unemployed and my daughter is very young I will buy the device myself but give it to my wife so her and my daughter can wrap it or whatever and give it to me for fathers day. That way my daughter has something to give her dad.