Dogboy........there are an overwhelming number of GPS's out there........and you can spend from $100 to $500 .......from simple to so complex that you may become frustrated to the point of putting back in the box and never use it.
Here's what I suggest.....first, learn map and compass. This is a must. GPS's are great.......until the battery goes dead..or it malfunctions. Then it's no better than a rock. Always carry a compass.
Get a unit that will do just what you need..........if you want to leave camp........go out and return, having a unit that anounces a turn coming up, or has an electronic compass is more than you need......in expense and complexity.
$100 units are just as accurate as $500 units.......and don't let anyone tell you different.
One thing that you might want to consider is screen size. When it's raining or snowing.........that screen that looked good in the store, may not be so legible. Also, larger units tend to be a bit more sensitive, due to the fact that their antennas are larger.........a consideration in forest canopy.
And lastly, if there is a GPS class offered in your area, take a look at attending.........even before you buy a unit..........it may help you make up your mind and expose you as to what is available.

 

Im looking into getting a gps unit for riding. How do they work when you in woods on the side of a mountain? I have a delorme for my laptop in the van and i loose signals on the mass pike or when you down inbetween two mountains or trees or what ever. Then it finds it again sometimes.

If you are in the woods under tree cover will these still pick up the signal? I ride alot in the state forests and want one to get one but dont want to have problems with loosing signals.

Thanks for the help

Bob

 

Now that you know where you are, you can check out this very popular game they call geocaching. Just go to geocaching.com Etrex is a very good unit but by reading the responses you got I would have been a minority here, Magellan Platinum owner.

 

Nothing wrong with Megallan. They are good units as well.

I do Geocaching as well. Fun Hobby! Of course almost got attacked by a cougar looking for one cache. :-) Not sure if my 9MM would've taken him but he would've been in a lot of pain.

 

Tyler711 has the right idea......a complete navigational message.....that is.....the information your GPS needs to effectively track satellites and compute time, position and velocity.....takes approximately 15 minutes. During this time, there is a 30 second download of information from each sat that must be done uninterupted.
So, before leaving base, or wherever, turn on the GPS, let it sit for 15 minutes or so (check to see that you have no less than 4 sats) and enter your waypoint.
You will stand a much better chance of maintaining sat lock having done this.