Backpacker Magazine – January 2009

Bargain: Magellan Triton 200 GPS

Experience fewer lost signals with the Magellan Triton 200, a basic GPS for a bargain price.

by: Kris Wagner

Tags:
• Gear
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• GPS
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• Cameras
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• Digital cameras
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• Camcorders
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"This is the best GPS under $150," says our map editor. A multi-directional antenna and enhanced GPS sensor mean fast acquisition times and fewer signal drops when you're under trees and in canyons. The Triton 200 records the usual route details (waypoints and tracks) and displays elevation profiles and trip stats using the same GPS chip as units three times the cost. A go-to option helps with advanced point-to-point navigation. The 2.2-inch color screen has an adjustable backlight that prevents glare except in the brightest alpine sun. It even has a full-screen electronic compass. The tradeoffs? You don't get extras like a barometric altimeter or preloaded topo maps (the included base maps only show major roads). And the 10MB internal memory limits storage of tracklogs and waypoints–though capacity is still sufficient for any weekend trip. There's no external memory slot to back up data or add maps, and the cable required for downloading data to your computer costs an extra $30. Reader service #103

• Street price $115
• Weight 6.4 oz.
• Battery 2 AAs
• Expandable memory No
• Info magellangps.com

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