A few years ago getting lost in the woods would only require a bad decision, a brief moment of disorientation, or a variation in the trail. Now, with a GPS, you can find your way from the beginning to the end or anywhere in the middle. If you're an outdoors lover in search of some extra backup, look for these forest friendly features.

• Lightweight:

  While most personal GPS devices are moderately light weight, when you're purchasing one for hiking, hunting, or camping, look for one that is extremely light weight and can readily fit in your pants or jacket pocket. You want it to be a welcome addition to your outdoor activities, no a bulky hindrance.

• Visibility:

  The ability to actually see the screen is something we often take for granted while researching GPS's. To get the most use out of your GPS, find one that will be visible in the dark as well as in various degrees of light. While general daylight may not present a problem, during several points of the day the sun may cause an intense glare rendering your system useless. It's also important to find one that you that is visually effective at dusk and well after into the night. Your system is useless if you can't see it.

• Weather/Environment Resistant:

  A GPS made for rugged outdoor activities is built different than a GPS that remains in the shelter or an automobile. An environment full of hazards like rocks, gravel, water, and shrubbery can be tough on a GPS. Outdoor activities often entail walking or crawling through areas heavily populated with masses that can potentially can cause harm to your GPS. Outdoor activities also put your device at risk for water damage. A sudden rain storm or a brief dip in a puddle can wreak havoc on your system. It's not beyond the realms of possibilities to assume that even with the uttermost care, accidents can and will happen, therefore look for GPS that is scratch resistant and water proof.

• Training/Timing:

  Hiking and other related activities can be a great way to train and test your endurance. If you're a full time outdoor type who likes to do athletic training outdoors, or keep track of how long it take to reach certain destinations then a GPS can be a great way of timing your progress. Track your performance and watch your progress continue to build with each adventure your find yourself on. The amount and type of training features you're GPS has is really up to you, however, know how long it takes you to get from point A to point B can be a very handy reference tool.

• Reception:

  Look for something that has offers the optimal amount of channels that you can receive. Having more channels will allow you a better reception more often. While automotive systems generally work to guide through well charted areas, when you're in the woods, you are often in dense forests and therefore in uncharted areas. If you do happen to get lost or need to refresh your directions, having multi channel parallel receiver will give you a better chance at getting reception, finding your location, and making your way to your destination.