I already have a screen based GPS on my iPHONE and am actually kind of curious how that would do in the back-country. Motion X is an app I have seen recommended. I am reluctant to spend a bunch of money on another piece of equipment which is basically similar to my iPHONE and then of course my car GPS. Plus, I kind of liked the idea of having a heart rate monitor to use this for tracking excercise stuff as well. Thanks for that review - it was great and highlights a need for a good quality watch product for the backcountry. I'm leaning towards a good handheld unit now. I want good battery power too. I've been lost before in the sierras, lost my 7.5 minute map somewhow and I love the idea of the security that these devices provide.
Don't iPhone GPS apps require cell reception in order to work?
No, not all of them. They use both, but can be used without reception. However, the big flaw with the iPhone as a GPS is battery life. You're looking at 4-5 hours battery life with an iPhone in GPS mode.
Many of the handheld units have heart rate monitors that you can team them up with. I use a heart rate strap with my Oregon 550 when I bike and jog that transmits the info to the GPS wirelessly. It's pretty nice.
