Review on Bushnell 360401 Back Track Original: Your Ultimate Personal GPS Locator by Paul Williams

I already have a sophisticated and versatile GPS with topographic maps and advanced features. However, I bought the Backtrack G2 precisely because it doesn't have all of these features. When traveling (especially abroad) I usually just need to know how to get back to my hotel or car after hours of strolling through the winding streets of foreign cities. The Backtrack G2 allows you to mark up to three locations (you must do this while in that location - you cannot enter coordinates or addresses). It then works like a simple compass, pointing you in the right direction. It doesn't show any routes or paths - it just shows you where to go when you're hopelessly turning back. It's everything I wanted from the Backtrack G2 and it does. I'll admit I have a lousy sense of direction and on more than one occasion I've struggled to find my hotel in Amsterdam or got temporarily lost as I've traveled through the hills and forests of Ireland and England. Yes, I have GPS apps on my iPhone, but abroad they require data roaming, which is extremely expensive without a data plan. Also, you cannot rely on cell phone coverage in the interior of the country. The G2 is lightweight, relatively compact, and tells me which direction to go and how far away my destination is. In most cases this is all I need. Complaints? Satellite acquisition takes longer than we'd like and acquisition is almost impossible on a narrow street surrounded by tall buildings. You want an unobstructed view of the sky, but of course that goes for any GPS. It can also be a little smaller. But these are not deal breakers. For its low cost, ease of use, and relatively good battery life (I use rechargeable AAA batteries), I'll be happy if that keeps me from losing it.