Gear Review: Magellan eXplorist 310 North America GPS

The Magellan eXplorist 310 North America GPS is a rugged and reliable handheld GPS device designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Whether you're hiking, camping, geocaching, or simply exploring the great outdoors, this GPS unit is a valuable tool for navigation and exploration.

One of the standout features of the Magellan eXplorist 310 is its pre-loaded North America map, which includes detailed road networks, water features, urban and rural land use, and more. This comprehensive map coverage provides users with a reliable and accurate reference for their outdoor adventures, allowing them to confidently navigate through various terrains and environments.

The device itself is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, with a rugged and durable construction that can handle bumps, drops, and exposure to the elements. Its IPX7 waterproof rating means that it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, making it suitable for use in wet and rainy conditions. Additionally, the device is also designed to operate in extreme temperatures, ensuring that it can be used in a wide range of environmental conditions.

The eXplorist 310 features a 2.2-inch color transflective screen that is easy to read in both bright sunlight and low-light conditions. The intuitive interface and simple menu system make it easy to navigate through the device's various features and functions, allowing users to quickly access the information they need without any unnecessary hassle.

In terms of navigation capabilities, the Magellan eXplorist 310 offers a range of useful tools and features to help users find their way in the wilderness. The device includes a high-sensitivity SiRFstarIII GPS receiver, which provides fast and accurate position fixes even in challenging environments such as deep canyons or dense forests. This ensures that users can rely on the device to accurately track their location and provide accurate navigation guidance.

The eXplorist 310 also includes a built-in digital compass and barometric altimeter, which provide additional tools for navigation and outdoor exploration. The digital compass allows users to determine their heading and direction of travel, while the barometric altimeter provides accurate altitude readings, allowing users to track their elevation and monitor changes in air pressure.

Another key feature of the Magellan eXplorist 310 is its support for geocaching, a popular outdoor activity that involves using GPS coordinates to find hidden containers or "caches" in the wilderness. The device includes a dedicated geocaching mode, which allows users to input and navigate to specific geocaches with ease. Additionally, the eXplorist 310 is compatible with paperless geocaching, allowing users to download geocache details directly to the device and access them in the field without the need for printed materials.

The device also supports custom waypoint and route creation, allowing users to mark and navigate to specific points of interest or plan and follow their own custom routes. This flexibility and customization make the eXplorist 310 a versatile tool for outdoor navigation and exploration, allowing users to tailor their experience to their specific needs and preferences.

In terms of battery life, the Magellan eXplorist 310 provides up to 18 hours of continuous use on two AA batteries, ensuring that users can rely on the device for extended outdoor excursions without the need for frequent recharging. This long battery life is a valuable feature for outdoor enthusiasts who may not have access to power sources for extended periods of time.

Overall, the Magellan eXplorist 310 North America GPS is a reliable and feature-rich handheld GPS device that is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Its rugged construction, comprehensive map coverage, accurate navigation capabilities, and support for geocaching make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors with confidence and peace of mind. Whether you're embarking on a hiking trip, camping adventure, or geocaching excursion, the eXplorist 310 is a dependable companion that will help you navigate and explore with ease.