Garmin Foretrex 201 Review

The Garmin Foretrex 201 GPS is similar to the Forerunner 201 in form, but whereas the Forerunner is designed to track athletic performance, the Foretrex's forte is navigation. For example, the Foretrex holds 500 waypoints versus the Forerunner's 100. But that is only the start of the difference in navigation features.

Twelve readers at Amazon gave the Foretrex 201 a 4 out of 5 star rating, while the editors there had this to say:

"The Foretrex 201 is a wearable Personal Navigator, perfect for outdoor and marine enthusiasts who desire hands-free GPS navigation in a lightweight, affordable package. At a mere 2.75 ounces, this waterproof wonder is lighter than most watches, and its wrist-top mount frees up hands for outdoor activities and sports an ergonomic wristband. The 201 model comes with a recharging unit so you never have to stock up on batteries for all your daily adventures, but consider the Foretrex 101 that runs on 2 AAA batteries if you're wandering away from the power outlet for a while..."

Here's what others are saying about the Foretrex 201:

• Digital Grove offers this Foretrex 201 review, along with an interesting mounting method for hikers!
• Laptop Magazine gives a four out of five star rating in their Garmin Foretrex 201 review.

Here are some other resources that may prove useful:

• A PDF version of the Foretrex 201 owners manual.
• Want to see how the Foretrex line stacks up against Forerunners? Use this handy Garmin GPS comparison tool.
• There is even a Yahoo discussion group dedicated to the Foretrex, Forerunner and Edge product lines.

Compare prices on the Garmin Foretrex 201 at these merchants:

• Check the current Foretrex 201 price at Amazon.com.
• Search for the best prices on the web for GPS devices at Shopping.com.
• Find a great deal on the Garmin Foretrex 201 at eBay.

From the official Garmin Foretrex 201 web page:

The Foretrex™ 201 is a wearable Personal Navigator™, perfect for outdoor and marine enthusiasts who desire hands-free GPS navigation in a lightweight, affordable package. At a mere 2.75 ounces, this waterproof wonder is lighter than most watches, and its wrist-top mount frees up hands for outdoor activities. Sporting an ergonomic wristband, the Foretrex 201 is similar in design to the Forerunner 201, yet is chocked full of GPS navigation features found in Garmin's popular Geko 201 unit.

With  a user-friendly interface, the rugged Foretrex 201 simplifies navigation, making it ideal for the backcountry or water. Its six dedicated buttons (GoTo, Page, Enter/Mark, Up, Down and Power) make it easy to operate. It offers the most essential navigation data — enhanced GPS accuracy, extensive storage for waypoints, and reversible routes and tracks — on an easy-to-read display. Don't worry about packing extra batteries, because the Foretrex 201 runs on an internal lithium battery for 15 hours (typical use). Simply recharge and go. 

The Foretrex 201 also comes equipped with special features sure to please mariners and hikers alike. It includes a unique application for sailing and paragliding racers that allows them to configure the start sequence of a race. The countdown is displayed in a large-number format that audibly alerts the user at each phase of the start sequence. With the help of Garmin's exclusive TracBack® technology, hikers can mark a campsite, go trekking all day, and follow the electronic "breadcrumb trail" back to camp in time for dinner. 

Related posts:

• GPS for runners
• More GPS reviews
• Top ten GPS