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Backpacker Magazine – January 2009

All-Around Champ: Garmin Oregon 400t

The Garmin Oregon 400t GPS is a fast, simple and full-featured GPS device well worth the extra bucks

by: Kris Wagner

Garmin Oregon 400t
Garmin Oregon 400t

Read More GPS Reviews
Electronic Convergence: Multitasking GPS Units
This unit justifies its highest-in-test price with best-in-test performance. What makes the touch-screen unit so outstanding is a rare blend of cutting-edge technology and ease of use. Exhibit A: It beat all others in satellite acquisition speed, helped by HotFix technology–a GPS function that predicts the Oregon's location before you even turn it on. And the menus? "If you can withdraw cash from an ATM, you can operate this unit," said one tester. Of course, the Oregon is not just fast and easy. Advanced GPS users have plenty to play with: Pan and zoom preloaded, seamless topo maps on the 3-inch color screen; minimize the size and labels of waypoints on the map screen (a nice option when navigating tricky terrain); and use the 3D view (think low-resolution Google Earth for your GPS) to identify peaks and passes. Other features include a barometric altimeter, electronic compass, and the ability to wirelessly share data with other hikers who use Garmin's Oregon or Colorado units. Reader service #106

  • Street price $599
  • Weight 6.9 oz.
  • Battery 2AAs
  • Expandable memory Yes, micro SD
  • Info garmin.com


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Reader Rating: -

READERS COMMENTS

Spend as much as you did on the case and get a compass and a REAL topo map you pansy asses. Hiking has sure lost its sense of adventure when you need a computer to tell you where to go. You must get lost in Safeway without your wives.
Posted: Sep 24, 2010 Eric

Had both the Colorado and Oregon 300's.....Oregon is the best by far!! Not even a contest between them. Now have 2 Oregon's that I use for Geocaching......
Posted: Apr 20, 2010 Wooly...

screw the oregon, go buy a colorado, it isn't a touch screen, but you can actually see the screen in sunlight. Great GPS.
Posted: Apr 11, 2010 adventureman

Technophobe, interested in gps, which do you suggest? I like the idea of shaded topos,I'm used to the real thing .Thanks
Posted: Apr 01, 2010 Bruce Gillers

I have the Oregon 400t, which I purchased after researching all GPS units. I'm very happy with my unit and have had no problem with visualizing the screen.
Posted: Feb 23, 2010 Susiew

No one under any circumstance should buy a Delorme PN-40 until they fix the battery life and make the device route trails. YES, a hiking GPS should be able to route trails on the device; otherwise it's a paperweight. The PN-40 doesn't with nearly every owner asking for it in Delorme's user forums. Forget it, do the research and go with another company.
Posted: Jan 23, 2010 Les

I would love to have a quick sheet for the Oregon 400T.
Posted: Sep 12, 2009 Jim Anderson

I do not see what everyone else sees in the Oregon . I am new to GPS hiking . I can not seem to mark my track, keep my track or see my track later on . I also can not see the screen in daylight. This is the worst $400 bucks I ever spent !!! AND I too bought it because of BackPackers review . Maybe it needs another review from you
Posted: Aug 10, 2009 joc

I'm very disappointed in the Oregon 400t. The map screen cannot be seen out of doors: not in sunlight, not in shade, not even inside my shirt! Changing the backlighting up or down makes no difference. What good are all the bells and whistles if you can't see the thing to use it? Since buying it (mostly on the basis of Backpacker's glowing recommendation),I have read the same complaint from many people online and heard it, personally, from others. Mine is going back!
Posted: May 28, 2009 H.M.

Buyer beware! The topos which come on the unit can NOT be uploaded to your computer. So if you want to plan out routes and trips on your computer its cheaper to buy the 300 and Topo 2008.
Otherwise the Oregon is an awesome system.
Posted: Apr 16, 2009 Doug in Louisville

The DeLorme looks great--particularly the access to the USGS Quads. My main objection seems to be that the 8-10 hour battery life is significantly less than the comparable Garmin models!
Posted: Feb 07, 2009 jason

I've been using an Oregon 400t for several months now. It absolutely rocks! Quickest, simplest, easiest GPS I've ever used, and the computer interface is seamless. The Garmin maps are now just great. That was always Garmin's biggest weakness before. Battery compartment and carrying clip is superb. With the wireless cadence sensors, it also makes an excellent bike gps. Very fast to set up and use. It actually saves a lot of time on the trail.
Posted: Feb 07, 2009 Bob

I too am surprised they didn't include the DeLorme. After using Garmins and Magellans, I love the Delorme. The actual unit is good (would be great if the screen was bigger) but the fact that you can download and overlay satellite imagery and USGS Topos, and Topo 7 is light years ahead of the software provided by the others, made me purchase it over the tested units. Plus, the customer service at DeLorme has blown me away in my first three weeks of ownership.
Posted: Feb 05, 2009 Paul

Yes, I agree. Where is the review on the PN-40
Last year you did one for the PN-20. I believe it was the backpacker pick. Wasn't it?
Posted: Feb 05, 2009 Ted Adams

Where is the review for DeLorme's Earthmate PN-40? I am blown away with DeLorme's mapping and navigational downloads. Did you know you can download USGS 1:24K topo maps? The resolution is amazing, map has multi-layering capabilities, technical support is great, price was very reasonable. PN-40 is a great GPS. Where is it's review Backpacker?????
Posted: Feb 05, 2009 frugal sewer

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