handheld GPS

whats a good handheld gps that works for kayakers? im gonna put it on my xmas list

I have a Garmin 60csx.  https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=310#gpsmap60csx
I'm a newb and have only been OTW 3 times, so decide for yourself how much weight to give my limited opinion of it.  Color screen gives it really good contrast regardless of conditions, and it's been helpful to mark waypoints and launch sites (in case I get lost in fog).  The compass function is nice to have as a backup.  I've also used it in the car.  pretty nice, and it's going for around $275 now.

I have a Magellan Meridian Gold Handheld GPS which I like very much.

http://gpsinformation.net/mgoldreview/mag-gold.htm

i got the garmin 400c for a gift last xmas, like the fact it comes with all the marine charts installed, not an expert on these things, but think it might be a bit much for what i do, pretty much just going off shore between 200 yrds and 1 mile, usually in line of sight distance, got the basics of use down, but still trying to figure all the functions out, the manual that came with it is very vauge, cameron

I got this one for Christmas last year:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=8705

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-eTrex-Handheld-GPS-Navigator/dp/B000PDV0CE/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_0

Not super fancy, but works for me!!!

Sincerely,

Jim

I have a Garmin Rino, the Rino series is up a 500 or something or other in color with a lot of extra features.  The Rino is unique in that it has two way radio built in, radio is line of sight, not much there.  But, I can track other Rino users I have put into it.  so if you and a buddy get separated, I can track you down, a useful feature with kids.  Of course it means having the radio and GPS on at the same time which can use a lot of energy faster than using it in one mode vs the other. 

I have had a Garmin handheld for about 3 years now, and it has worked great and saved my bacon a few times in thick fog. I don't recall the # (I'm not much of a gear guy) but it's a straighforward unit, non-color, and has survived multiple dunkings and rattling around in my plano box.

 Garmin 60csx rocks!!!! I highly recommend it!!!! Get it from REI or Cabelas where you can return it if not thrilled with it!!!!

I've been using the garmin etrex vista hcx ($185 at walmart). I've been very happy with it. The computer software you get with a garmin rocks too; you can view your route stats, plot routes, measure distance.

The Garmin Dakota 20 has been working well for me from the kayak.  One thing to note is that the newer Garmins (Dakota, Oregon, Colorado) can now display raster maps (aerial photos, scanned topo maps, etc.).

http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/onthetrail/custommaps

I have thee Magellan Meridian and I like it. Now if I could only remember it all the time.

Lowrance iFinder h2o. Inexpensive, serves its purpose, basic unit with no problems. Made it through its first RF season with flying colors.

Yeah Andy the 60 csx is a good buy but dont float< so tie it down!

Go somewhere that has a variety & check them out.  Go for teh one that is most "intuitive" for you.  If it takes a lot of learning then you might not use it's full potential

Still selling my Garmin Map60 if you're interested!
Andrew