Garmin Handheld GPS receivers are a great asset to anyone that loves to hike in unfamiliar territory. By using a Garmin Handheld GPS receiver a hiker can explore new territory without fear of becoming lost or venturing into dangerous areas. Using a gps receiver gives the user the advantage of exploring uncharted territory and returning safely to where they began.

You can select a Garmin Handheld GPS with the data storage and mapping capabilities you desire for your GPS needs. All Garmin Handheld GPS units are powered by batteries that can be replaced easily and economically. Most units use two or three AA batteries and usually are good for at least one days usage before needing replacing.

There are twenty four satellites circling the earth at an altitude of 12,000 miles that transmit GPS signals to earth for GPS receivers to calculate position, altitude and speed. At least three of these Navstar satellites are necessary for position calculations and four are needed for altitude calculations. Garmin Handheld GPS receivers are technologically advanced and are excellent at picking up and locking in on these signals.

Garmin Handheld GPS receivers like other GPS receivers can be hampered by anything that obstructs a clear view of the GPS satellites orbiting the earth. Things such as tall buildings, dense cover like tree canopies or canyon walls can be an impediment to receiving clear GPS satellite signals.

Waypoints or locations can be downloaded or saved in a Garmin Handheld GPS receiver with ease. If you link waypoints together you have a map or trail. When you are on an outdoor adventure you want to be able to not only see where you are going but also where you started.

Garmin Handheld GPS receivers allow you to download or upload data from your PC. You can save data for future use or share data with others. Geocaching is one sport that requires sharing data to participate. Garmin Handheld GPS receivers vary in total memory and mapping capabilities but are very versatile.

Garmin Handheld GPS receivers feature trackBac technology which is exclusive to Garmin. With Garmin receivers you can retrace your previous route by following the trail on the screen. You also can share your data with other Garmin users wirelessly in the field.

Garmin Handheld GPS receivers ability to set waypoints, routes and tracks and then upload them to your PC allows you to save all the data you gather for future use. It also allows you to share this data with others for their enjoyment. Many outdoor activities can be enhanced by shared data. The sport of Geocaching depends on shared waypoints for the location of the treasure.