Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging)

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

I bought this product in an effort to find an inexpensive GPS device so that my son and I could get off trail in a local park. I bought a map of the park that had Lat/Long coords to accompany this device. However, this device does not give you Lat/Long coords. What it does in essence is let you mark a spot and then find that spot again. That's it. And, when you are out in the woods and have gone quite a ways from your campsite and you whip out this device and it tells you that you are 0.7 miles from your campsite, you easily get a false sense of security if you don't keep in mind that the 0.7 miles is not counting all the curves and up's and downs, but merely the distance as a crow flies. We are not crows and without coordinates, the 'arrow' that you would follow could easily lead you off a cliff, since it points you in a straight line. Now, that being said, we tried to use it for what it was designed for when we were going to drop our packs at the base of a steep bluff so that we could climb the bluff w/o our packs and have the GPS device lead us back to our packs when we were coming back down, but alas, as we walked away from our packs, this device was not accurately giving us directions back to our spot, so we had to scrap that plan and our climb to the top of the bluff. Thus, I was forced to return that product as it had no practical use for us as per our intentions for it. Bright Side: super-user friendly. Not complicated to work at all.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

Not nearly as accurate as needed. If you are trying to find the right farmhouse in Illinois ok but finding your way back to the car is just a close guess, which is not that helpful. Would not recommend this to anyone.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

WHILE HUNTING, THE BACKTRACK BRINGS YOU BACK TO YOUR STARTING POINT. WHAT A GREAT DEVICE. EVERYONE I SHOW IT TO WANTS ME TO GET THEM ONE. AS OF NOW I HAVE PURCHASED SEVERAL.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

This product is a simple to use when out on a hunt and there is no time to fumble with those high price gps units. Bushnell got it right for the serious hunter and not just for the gizo guy.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

I use this product for racoon hunting. Just last night i was sure of my location and took off walking toward the direction of my truck. After walking a few minutes i realized i was not going the right way. I turned to my backtrack and it took me directly to my truck, saving me several steps. Thanks for such a realiable product!

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

Simple to operate. Easy to read in the field. Saves time and energy finding your way out of the woods.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

Using this BackTracker for night hunting. Very simple to use and having 3 locations make it perfect for setting points for a main road, where you leave the vehicle, etc. Like the size, the lanyard makes it secure for walking, and easy to operate.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

My Dad and I have been wanting a simple to use location, finder, GPS like this for a while. Great size, a thousand uses, water proof, you just can't beat it for shopping, fishing, hunting, the fair, flea-market, I could go on and on!

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

Purchased for a compass but it didn't work well. The GPS only synched up in 1 of the 3 locations we tried it, the compass arrow only points north instead of the direction you are facing so you always have to use the degree indicator, and it is almost impossible to remove the back cover to change batteries. It might be the greatest back tracker in the world but it doesn't matter if it can't help you get to where you are going in the first place.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

The Back-Track has an intuitive interface that anyone can use. It is sufficiently accurate to my intended use of back country hiking and horseback riding.

It's comcact size allows it to drop into a shirt pocket.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

I gave this item as a gift to my father-in-law. I've read a few mixed reviews about being 30 yards or so off, so I was a little worried when I purchased. Although I haven't used this product myself, so far my father-in-law has no complaints and it's been spot-on every time. He uses it for everything from finding his car in a parking lot to when he goes camping and hiking. He's VERY happy with it and my brother-in-law has since purchased one as well for off-road racing and finding his way back when they go off trail.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

this is what I have been looking for,this is the 3rd gps I have bought,I am a hunter and now feel good about heading out for parts unknown. A little slow on start-up,but I could not be happier.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

This Back Track is the Best GPS Invented. It is SSOOO easy to use, pack and care for. Every Hiker, Hunter, Boater, even mall shopper should have one. ONLY 2 Buttons and you on your way!!!!

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

Everything one needs to not get lost. No frills or unneeded features. Easy to operate.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

I've bought this device as a backup for my main GPS phone with maps and actually used it on a sightseeing trip several times not only when the main unit was not working.

Precision of distance metering was not bad as well as sensitivity. An enclosed advertising recommends to buy lithium batteries but I find it not really needed because the Back-Track always switches off after several minutes with no button clicks and seems to remember target points even when changing batteries. In my opinion, it is hard to drain good alkalines for most people in a short time.

Back cover has an O-ring so some water resistance is definitely present. Build quality seems to be fine.

I would like buttons to be more recessed for more protection against accidental switching on and potentially replacing a target point but this should not be a real problem if you keep Back-Track in compass mode. Anyway, there is a delay protection for the on/off button.

Notes:
1. There _is_ backlight. It is dim blue but definitely usable.
2. You should always hold the unit horizontally when getting direction obviously because of some the electronic compass specifics.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

I have no sense of direction, travel frequently and run in strange towns. The Back-Track sounded like the perfect tool for me. Was I wrong. I've taken it on several test outings and IT IS TERRIBLE! It consistently instructed me to go between 90° and 180° away from my original starting point when trying get back to the beginning of my trip. It was not until I was within 300 yards that it actually pointed in the general direction of where I started. Even then, it would jump between having me turn 90° left or right or simply turn around and head away from my starting point. Yes, I made sure I followed the directions and yes I made sure I didn't accidentally reset my starting point. Even took it to various locations. All had a clear view of the sky on a sunny day and all had the same results. Thankfully I made the test runs before going to an unknown area. So, unless you plan to go no further than 300 yards from your starting point or have a great sense of direction (in which case you wouldn't need one of these), do not waste your time or money on this product. It is junk. Thank goodness for B&H's return policy. This thing is going back today, three days after I got it.

Comments about Bushnell BackTrack GPS-Based Digital Compass (Gray/Orange, Clamshell Packaging):

I bought this for quick hike and shorter outings where a conventional GPS unit is not really needed. It does the job well and the price was right. Also makes a great back up to your full size GPS, in case it goes down. My only complaint is it is a little bigger than I anticipated.