Managing a GPS Unit in the Field
Handheld GPS units, as a rule, are tough devices designed for outdoor use. Most units are water resistant and can stand a quick dunk in a creek or the occasional jolt when you lose your grip. The upscale MobileMapper from Thales is completely waterproof (in one meter of water) and designed to take a fall onto concrete from 4.9 feet. Even less expensive units, such as the Garmin Etrex, are waterproof in a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Regardless of what you paid or how rugged your GPS unit may be, it's wise to exercise basic caution.
Water
Basic models such as Magellan's eXplorist or Garmin's Etrex series can be used in a steady rain. Battery compartments form a waterproof gasket when closed. Rugged plastic bodies, tough shatter-resistant screens, and sealed controls do a great job of keeping out rain, sweat, and other sources of water.
A simple, relatively inexpensive method to further protect a GPS unit from water is to place it inside a sealed plastic bag. In a pinch, a sandwich bag will do, but a product such as the Aloksak will keep the GPS dry and allow you a clear view of the screen through the tough polymer plastic.
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