Bushnell Backtrack Gps Original G2

I already own a complicated and comprehensive GPS device, loaded with topo maps and advanced capabilities. I purchased the Backtrack G2, however, precisely because it doesn't have all those features. Most of the time when traveling (especially overseas), all I need to know is how to get back to my hotel or car after having wandered about for hours down winding streets in unfamiliar cities. The Backtrack G2 lets you mark a maximum of three locations (you must do so while at the location--you cannot enter coordinates or addresses). It then functions as a simple compass pointing you in the right direction. It will not show routes or paths--it will simply show you which way to go when you become hopelessly turned around.That is all I wanted from the Backtrack G2, and that is what it does. I admit to having a lousy sense of direction, and on more than one occasion I've struggled to find my hotel in Amsterdam or gotten temporarily lost while hiking the hills and forests of Ireland and England. Yes, I have GPS apps on my iPhone, but while overseas, those require using roaming data which, without a data plan, is extraordinarily expensive. Plus, you cannot depend upon cell phone coverage in the hinterlands. The G2 is lightweight, relatively compact, and tells me which direction to go and how far away my destination is. Most of the time, that's all I need.Complaints? Acquiring satellites takes longer than I would like, and acquisition is almost impossible in a narrow street hemmed in by tall buildings. You do need an open view of the sky, but of course, that can be said of any GPS. It could 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 AAAs), if it keeps me from getting lost, I'm happy.

It is too early to say for sure, but after just a few walks around town I am not convinced that this is going to be trustworthy enough to use in the back country. I saw videos on youtube where this thing got people back to the exact spot, however when I used it yesterday it was pointing me in exactly the wrong direction to get home. Then this morning it pointed correctly but had me still 148 yards away while I was standing on my own step.I am going to test it this weekend and then decide whether to open my second one or not.edit**** After taking this on an overnight trip into the back country I have no faith in this device working. It was not even pointing to true north when placed right next to an old fashioned compass. The next morning when we turned it on to start our hike back to the car, it had no recall of where that location was. This could be a great tool in a big city when you have trouble finding your way back to your car in a parking lot, or possibly helping you find your hotel again in New York. But if I am there......I will probably just rely on my cell phone.

I was honestly expecting to use this more as a toy, but after conducting some experiments it has proven surprisingly accurate!I will use this on my next solo adventure in the Tahoe National Forest to make sure that I don't get too disoriented.It's also much lighter than my other units, which is fantastic!I knocked off a star because I'm pretty sure the clip that holds the battery compartment closed will break before too long.

I must confess that I am accustomed to higher end Garmin handhelds costing much more so it's not a fair comparison. Still, I am disappointed. It's slow to start-up and lock on and when walking around it's wildly varying pointer does not instill confidence. I keep it clipped to my hunting backpack and use it as a plan B but I have never developed a confidence in it's ability to get me home. When I've used it it does work but it can sometimes lead you on a zig zag heading in the general direction and I soon learned to think of everything in "generalities". I just find it disconcerting to be walking in a straight line and have it suddenly point 45 degrees from it's previous indication. Eventually it will get you there and it's pretty good for the price but can not be compared to a high quality hand held GPS.

The product works great. I ordered it for my sons who were going to look for a hunting spot. This was just for my piece of mind that they could find their way back to camp if anything happened. They tested it and it works. It doesn't take you back the same path you took but does get you there. I bought 2 different styles of the Bushnell Back track and both worked the same.

I read all the reviews before purchasing this and ended up as disappointed as most others with this product. I purchased this for getting me back to the truck when bird hunting in Northern Michigan and it seemed to give me the correct distance I was from the vehicle but NEVER pointed me in the correct direction. I read directions and feel confident this is not "user error". I tried this countless times, in disblief, but even if I walked for, say 50 yards in one direction, the arrow would point in the wrong direction. I'm gonna ask for my money back. The concept is exactly what I am looking for; I just wanted something to get me back to the truck when hunting less-than-familiar terrain and chasing birds.

This is not the GPS for serious backpackers, deep in the outback. But...if you have routinely lost your car in big parking lots, or if you are visiting a new city and are trying to find your way back to your hotel, or even if you do some moderate hiking in unfamiliar areas, then this is just enough..All you get is a pointer telling you what direction, and how far to go, and in a lot of everyday cases that's all you need.

never could get it to work right. sent it back to bushnell they said it would cost $55 dollars to fix it.I think I will let them keep it and buy another one.