I'm researching and shopping for a GPS to be used for hiking, biking, boating, etc. Must have requirement is an altimeter. Unit must also be waterproof (up to 3 feet of water preferred). A built-in camera would be nice but not critical. Any and all suggestions welcomed and appreciated.
Here's one. You didn't specify a budget, but the requirements you're looking for aren't inexpensive to satisfy. A unit purchased locally would no doubt have maps appropriate for your area, and you can buy others for wherever you're going. Something else you might be interested in is a Panasonic TS3 camera. It's rugged, waterproof and likely takes far better pictures than the GPS unit.
$300 or less. Would like to hear some first hand experience. My main use for it will be for hiking, so trail maps are top priority.
There are a number of free maps available for Garmin mapping units. A Google search of "garmin free trail maps" turned up over 10 million hits, so that should keep you busy for a while. The maps vary in quality, from an individuals track of a single hike to extensive Soviet maps of the US.
Just ordered a Magellan Toughcase GPS for iPhone/iPod on Amazon ($21). It's waterproof and also acts as an extra battery charger. At this price, even if the GPS doesn't work I still can use it as a rugged case when hiking! I guess it'll depend on the mapping apps I can use with it. As long as the GPS reception is decent I think I will be happy.
