Bushnell has upgraded their Backtrack Personal GPS with the release of their new Point>5. This new GPS system is great because it has so many features and it’s very simple to use. You basically just push a button when you’re in a location you need to remember and then when you want to return the Point>5 will direct you back with a big easy to read arrow and distance.
The obvious uses for this are camping and hiking. Maybe you want to go off trail and do some exploring, I like to pretend that I’m Bear Grylls whenever I’m camping. With this cool gadget you can set a marker at your campsite and your set to play man vs wild for as long as you’d like, or until your wife makes you come back to start the fire.
Hunters can use this to mark their tree stands or favorite hunting spots to easily return. Fisherman can find their way back to that hot spot where the fish were just jumping out of the water and into their boat. Tailgaters can use this to mark where their party is in case they have a little to much pre-game fun and can’t remember where they’re at.
Now for the technical stuff, this uses the latest digital technology: High sensitivity uBLOX GPS receiver, Self calibrating digital compass. It is water resistant, comes in a compact size that easily fits into a pocket, purse or camelbak and also has a fastening ring to attach to your belt or pack if you want. It runs on 2 AAA batteries and also gives you time and temperature.
Some of the drawbacks to this are the fact that you can’t enter in a position and have it take you there. It will only take you to places you have already been to and marked. So if you’re into geocaching this is not the personal GPS for you. It also doesn’t take you back following the exact path you took while leaving the starting point so if you’re trekking off trail in the back-country it may tell you the correct heading but it’s not going to help you cross that river or get across that gorge.
All in all it’s a great little tool for around a hundred bucks and if you’re looking for something that is simple to use it’s a great option.
