I am only familiar with the Garmin E Trech GPS but it has many functions. First, you need to make sure the batteries are charged and carry spare ones in case you have battery failure.

Then, you need to get satellite readings so you can tell where you are on this earth. It is based on way points of latitude and longitude. Depending on the functions of your GPS, you can tell where you are, the elevation, how fast you are walking (or driving), and the direction to any way points you might have already listed in your device. It is especially great to find you way out of the woods, providing you can get satellite readings.

For this, it is best to get a reading near your car or at the trail head. Then, periodically on your hike, punch in the way point reading where you are at any given time, providing you can get enough tree clearance to get a reading of the satellites. This is especially helpful if you are not sure of your way back out of the woods. You can just follow the way points you have taken on the way in.

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