Favorite handhelds for recon and gathering waypoints

* bump *

(because I've been slacking in my moderation duties)

An ipad with Avenza.  Use an external antenna (connected by bluetooth) if you want, but not necessary for recon.

Record your tracks, geotag photos, etc. 

I just use the functionality in my controller - I find the TDC600 works best for me in this role

I use a Garmin eTrex 20.  It's small, light and relatively inexpensive. 

And no longer available, apparently.  The eTrex 10, at about $100, might be the current equivalent, but I haven't done a detailed comparison of specs.

Garmin handheld, preference Map76Csx (GPS/WAAS/GLONASS) with Garmin Topo map data for your region combined with free DNRGPS.  Download csv or shapefile from NGS, or any favorite software (in UTM, Lat/Long), and this beast will work for days on two AA batteries.  Older Garmins are simpler, and with buttons work in all weather, latest models are silly (recreationally bent and not worth the cost).  I ran a GPS campaign last year with all the trucks with mounted Map76CSx's on dash and several surveyors with me were astounded at the GOTO functionality (after calibrating inside a vehicle).   Ebay, under 200$.   You'll get +/- 2 meters with well handled data (Garmin only understands WGS84).  

Not a surveyor, but work with them.   Post from awhile back - https://rpls.com/community/surveying-geomatics/handheld-gps-2/paged/3/#post-486995