Garmin eTrex Venture

Advantages: Lightweight, robust and easy to use
Disadvantages: No interface to the computer.

...many reviews on Ciao). After advice from assistants and internet research, I decided on the Garmin eTrex Summit. Of course the eTrex Summit can be used for more than just geocaching. It is intended for long distance walkers of hilly or mountainous terrain. It incorporates an electronic compass to aid navigation and an in-built barometric altimeter. It can store up to 20 routes and up to 500 waypoints. The eTrex Summit weighs just 5.3 ounces - definitely light in weight. It is shaped rather like a mobile phone and comes with a wrist strap making it very easy to carry. It is waterproof. Garmin claim that the unit can be safely submersed to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Now, I haven't actually put that to the test but my eTrex Summit has withstood heavy rain and snow and has emerged unscathed (unlike me). The eTrex Summit requires 2 AA... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: rugged, waterproof, reliable, accurate
Disadvantages: none

...My wife and i have a hobby called Geocaching and our Garmin Geko 201 is invaluable to us. Our hobby involves downloading co-ordinates to the PC, which we can then transfer to the Garmin via a serial cable. You can of course input them manually. My advice is to read the manual carefully as it may not be the most obvious piece of kit to use. (isn't that what manuals are for? ) Once you get used to it it is a very simple unit to use. It is rugged, waterproof and has a good battery life. I believe it is even possible to link to some mobile phones such as Smartphones but i have not tried? It has a breadcrumb feature so that you can retrace your step, current speed, average speed, distance covered and many more useful features that you will find handy, but; The most important thing is that it is accurate. We have to find objects... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good Size, Brilliant Value, High Quality, Sturdy, Easy to Erect
Disadvantages: None that I can think of!

...I purchased my Vango Venture 500 towards the end of 2006. For the bargain price of £85.00 and I haven't looked back since! Numourus camping trips have bee happily spent in this tent and it will see many more! The frame consists of 2 large poles crossing over to make the main dome, and a 3rd smaller pole creating a loop for the porch area. Once erect, with all pegs and guide ropes in place the tent is extremely strong and stable. We have camped in strong winds and strong rain and it has stood strong throughout. As long as there are two of you, erecting the tent is a swift and easy process. Funnily enough you tend to erect it faster when its raining! And packing it back into the bag is an art the first time but you tend to remember how to do it from then onwards and it's easy enough. When packaged, the tent is relatively heavy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful