3D GPS coverage (or lack of it!) under tree cover is a difficulty I think youll just have to bare. Which is why I always recommend people to have a good map and compass!



I have a Garmin 12map and a Garmin 176C (a bigger unit with a larger screen, that can also be used as a handheld), and use one or the other depending on what I'm doing and where I am. The 176C was bought for use in our Land Rover for driving thru africa, and is now used in our forest where I have a detailed map loaded into it. It does get better sat cover probably due to the external "flip up" antenna, but it is twice as bulky as the 12map...



I,ve also used a Garmin Etrex and to be honost, I don't think you'll gain a worthwhile differance to justify the cost of buying something newer/bigger.



Erik D.

I have an older Garmin with the flip up antenna and I've had little trouble getting readings under realtively thick canopies. It even works if you sit by a window on a commercial airplane. I also took it up with me in a samller ummm.."government jet" and it worked great. The ones with integrated antennas definetly do not work as well under the same conditions. jorge

Jim,

I have an Garmin 76C - I have read in a test that it would work better due to the helix antenna on top, but I cannot really compare it to the eTrex (with the antenna integrated in the body...). Nevertheless the 76C also has problems to get a good, three-dimensional signal in the forest, so I'm not sure if a switch to a different model would really help you!

Best regards,

Erik