Going backpacking to Colorado and I need a good reliable GPS that won't brake the bank

Go to e-bay and type in Garmin Handheld GPS, pick the model you can afford.

I have the 62Csx I believe.  It comes with a computer program called Mapsource.  You can go back and forth from computer to GPS storing points.  I have a file for each area I hunt.  When I am going to one, I just download the current one and upload that file.

Just saw the Garmin Summit HC online for $154. I have one, and it works great. Can't go wrong with a Garmin.

It depends on what you want. For me the simple Yellow Etrex works just fine. I mark my truck location and head in. If there is something in the woods I want to get back to I mark that. When it's time to leave I find the truck on the GPS and head to it. Works everytime.

My good friend has the slickest thing though. It's a GPS phone AP that uses Google Earth as the bacground.Very cool!

Garmin GPS 62s. I used it in Colorado last year. Downloaded a free topo map of CO off the internet. Worked an absolute treat.I downloaded the map from here  http://gps-software-hub.com/2008/07/free-colorado-topo-maps-for-garmin-download-now.html

Excel, You just made my day.

Which is the the latest version?

I'll second the $99 etrex IF ALL YOU WANT IS TO GET FROM POINT A TO POINT B.  It will get you from one place to another, but I like the Mapsource abilities of the other series.

Brian,
Check your email...

I agree with misfire---I go with the Garmin Etrex.  It is at the bottom of the list in terms of "neet stuff", but it will get you back to where you started and allow you to mark way points along your route for return to wallows or other locations you want to visit again.

DB

Ditto on the Garmin Etrex H. Gets you there and back. Easy to use...DaveP

How long is the battery life on the yellow Etrex?  Do you need to keep it turned on at all times?

I would like to get one to, but technology and I don't get along to well.

Check the Delorme PN-40. Very accurate and comes with all the maps you will need.

I like my Garmin too.

I've got a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx.  They've been around a while so you can get them for a pretty good price.  More bells and whistles than I need, but a great unit.

Whatever you get, make sure it has an electronic compass.  Some GPS units you must be moving at a decent walking speed for the compass to work.  It's a real pain in thick cover or if you are trying to move slowly and/or quietly.  The 60CSx has both.

60CSx here.  It's a bit pricey, but buying the right unit once beats buying several trying to find one that's dependable and does what you want.

           for the 60CSx. Gets great reception in heavy overhead canopy, battery life good, topo program is great, easy to use.

I've also been using the 99 dollar etrex for years, never a problem, simple to use and always gets me back to where I started! DK.

I have the Garmin 60CSX and the Delorme PN-40 They both work great. the Delorme is waterproof to an extent.

I like the Garmin 60CSx. It does everything I need and a lot more than I use. Don't see myself buying another one anytime soon unless this one croaks.

Garmin 60csx. Great unit. I do a lot of bush whacking based old 1890-1940 topo maps. have found a lot of relics and never gotten lost.

What ever unit you end up getting practice with it while still in familiar territory.