If you are serious about your navigation than the Garmin GPSMAP, 76S is something that you may want to look into. The S in the 76 stand for sensors as this unit combines a GPS receiver with a barometric altimeter and an electronic compass to deliver you exact location, elevation, and bearing information as well. These extra features are what set it apart from the 76 model, which was a good model, but the added features make this one even better. In addition to the new sensors that were added, they increased the memory to 24MB, which is something, that was needed and I am glad they took care of that minor problem.

Mapping has become something that more and more of us would like to try and the Garmin GPSMAP 76S gives us that opportunity. Most people do not realize all the information that you can gather from doing this and until now, we really have not had a unit that could do what the 76S can. It will take you some time to get use to all this powerful unit can do. Garmin has upgraded this model and gave it some great new features so this is something that you will need to remember. For people who are new to GPS mapping than this could be something you need to look into, as this is a very affordable model.

The 76S biggest asset is the sensors that have been added. These are very powerful and do a very good job. For example, you will be able to compute the barometric pressure even when changing altitude, which is something that most receivers just cannot do. The display is also good size measuring 1.6 x 2.2 x 180 x 240 pixels, which is better than most units on the market today so reading it in most lighting conditions should not be a problem at all. A waterproof case and high alloy case means this thing is rugged and can take a pounding. In fact, it will even float in the water, which is a neat trick you can show all your friends as well.

With all these sensors you would think that is would hard to operate, but that is just not true. In fact, the opposite is true it’s straightforward and you will be surprised at how easy it is to operate. The electronic compass is activated when you begin moving Holding down the page tool will turn the compass off and on and in use, it is very accurate. The electronic barometer once properly calibrate which is a simple process works very well and is real accurate no matter where you’re at. Area calculation is something on the 76S that I like a lot. This function lets you go back over a path you went and get the data as long as you saved it on the unit. This is really beneficial if you need to go back and look over this information.

Some tips on your unit to get the most out of it. One drawback is you do have many screens you sometimes must go through, but once you get the hang of it you should have no problems whatsoever. Now battery life is said to last up to 16 hours and most of the time that is true. If you do use the electronic compass, a lot this time will be reduced, as it seems to take away from the battery quickly. The 76S reaches 12 satellites so you should be able to get plenty of information without a problem. You can store around 500 waypoints that you can name which is more than sufficient for most people.

Overall, the Garmin GPSMAP 76S is loaded with tons of features and the best part it is reasonably priced and powerful enough to face any challenge you through at it. It can handle rugged conditions and it is waterproof so if it gets wet it will still keep working. Our advice is grabbing yourself an external antenna just to make sure you always get a signal. Sometimes when you’re in rugged terrain you never know what kind of signal you will be getting. This is one tough and valuable unit that will give you plenty of information for your mapping needs. Most people will never use all the features on this model, but it is good to know that you have then available if you need them. If you need a durable mapping tool than go no further than the Garmin GPSMAP 76S for those needs.