I've used a III+ in my truck, for that purpose it's great. The basemap is pretty useless for hiking and backpacking unless you stick with roadbound areas, and its redundant anyway if you learn how to read UTM. You'll need a hard copy topo anyway - Solar flares, dead batteries, water ingress, the list of possible GPS functions is endless. Here in the West, I have yet to see map software, even 1:24,000, that didn't scrub off lots of trails and paths from my older USGS paper topo maps.

For hiking, the big disadvantage of the III+ are bulk, weight & battery life. Loaded with AAs it weighs nearly a pound. When unplugged, I get about 12-14 hours per 4 AAs before I have problems with low batts. That's about 7 hours per pair, which Garmin says is normal. OK with me since I just use the 12v cord most of the time. But for hiking, a standard eTrex (not the Summit) in batt-save mode (without the inaccurate electronic compass to suck power) will do 20-22 hours or better on a single pair of alkalines - no comparison. ALL GPS receivers with map display and compass functions suck more power than simpler non-map models - indisputable facts. Garmin themselves point out that the III+ is an older design with older hardware & more elaborate (& power-hungry) displays, so less battery life is inevitable with this model. Check their website for the facts.

Also, you can't really hang it on your belt or shoulder strap like the new hiker model receivers on the market. When I hike I like my GPS available for use without taking the pack off. Garmin expressly designed the eTrex line for backpackers, hikers and climbers, making them as compact as possible and correcting some previous faults, like power and backlight buttons that engaged all too easily.

The guys that want you to bring along extra rechargeable batteries (even less life than alkaline) and solar chargers crack me up. The III+ is a good unit for vehicles, but you'll never get a lightweight pack with vehicle-size GPS units, spare rechargeable NiMh batts and battery chargers. Don't forget the frying pan and two-burner stove!

If you're buying this model new, look for sales, this model is due to be replaced soon by Garmin.

Customer Service

Garmin responds fairly quickly to e-mails. No experience with their customer service.

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Since I own an eTrex Summit as well I think I can do a fair comparison of this unit. First off I think this is a GREAT little unit and if I had to choose another unit today I would purchase it again.

To address the battery life issue: I get 14-15 hours on mine and that is using re-chargable 1600ma Nickle Metal Hydride batteries... and alkalines last even longer. Why the guy below is getting only 9 hours is a mystery to me. Maybe he is using a lot of the functions/illumination more than the average user.

To compare, I get 9-10 hours with my eTrex Summit, that's with the compas on, which uses a bit more power.

As for the weight issue, of course the III Plus weighs more, it has TWO more batteries... but also lasts almost TWICE as long. The GPS III weighs 9.6 oz. the eTrex weighs 5.8 oz.

Oh, 9.8 oz is 2/3 of a pound, not 3/4.

Performance: As far as reception, the III Plus wins hands down. With it's larger external antenne it out performs the eTrex, especially in canyons or heavily wooded areas. I have also lost the "tracks" a couple of times using the eTrex if it gets turned in an undesireable position inside your pack, or gets burried the least little bit.

Function: Both units are great. I think the III Plus is easier to navigate through the various screens, although the eTrex can be operated with one hand a bit easier. The III Plus has more elaborate functions, better screen resolution and map scrolling (a BIG plus). In all the III Plus beats the eTrex Summit in my book, but when I do need the absolute minimum, I do switch to my eTrex.

One thing on both units, illumination REALLY drains the batteries. You are better off I think using a flashlight if you are in dire straights battery wise.

I use the power cord when in my car. When I back pack or camp I carry a small solar re-charger and set of batteries. Works great.

I do wish the memory was bigger... that's my only gripe...

Over all this unit is AWESOME and has yet to let me down. Anyone who has given this less than 4 stars has not used any other units out there in this price range.

Customer Service

I have not had any issues with this unit that required customer service, but I have chatted with them via email about their software and they have always responded in a day or so with the needed information.

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OLD Megellen unit

My first purchase of a GPS. I spent much time researching the product before deciding on the Garmin III+. I have found it to be a wonderfull bit of technology. I've dropped it, run the batteries to nothing, lugged it through soggy Vermont woods and dry California deserts, dropped it, left it sit ont he dash of a car in 90 degree heat....no complaints. The ability to upload topo maps (usually the 1.44 Mb memory will hold at least 3 USGS map sections) is of imeasurable value. It is a tad on the heavy side, and battery life is so-so (buy a AA solar recharger and some ni-cad batteries to solve this problem). I recently had a friends wife ask me to research which GPS she should buy for her husband as a birthday gift and I was surprised to learn that the III+ was still one of the better units out there and still in the $300 price range, even three years after my purchase.... quality, value, and reliability.... I like it a lot.

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Excellent piece of equipment. Have actually used it more often on my two motorcycles. Quite popular with distance/touring motorcyclists as well as off-roaders. Some riding partners have scoffed at it, but when you are in unfamiliar areas just follow your predesignated route or routes already programed into it and you are on your way.

I have both the topo and US Highways CDs. From a backcountry standpoint, you have to be a thru-hiker to go outside the on-board memory for downloadable information. Its terrific in a snow environment as obviously there are no longer any trails to follow.

So many features you can't go wrong with any application. Takes a little while to get through the instructions and working with it you will become an expert.

Customer Service

N/A

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All the comments are OK.

I use the Unit with NICD, And the display of the battery power is highly inaccurate even in NICD setup mode.

The memory is good for non-us residents.

But the lack of our favourite European vacation site: Latin and South America is simply horrible!!!-

(This is a MUST for non US-residents). DO NOT purchase a Route GPS if you do not live in US. There is NO accurate detail for US-outside countries (With Canada exception).

Try this unit, is well balanced and it is not a waste of money. Considering this.

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I was reasonably pleased with my GPS III (the earlier model with similar physical attributes) until I discovered how poorly the unit works river running. The battery compartment door doesn't seal reliably and the compartment flooded with just momentary wave submersion. Fortunately, the main compartment is better sealed, so I just had to remove the batteries and then wait several hours while the compartment completely dried out. Attempts to accellerate the process didn't work - invisible residual moisture prevented the unit from initializing at all. Also, the antenna contacts lose it when they get wet. The removable antenna is nice if you need a high gain external antenna, but a wet coax connector means no satelite acquisition whatsoever.

From what I've read other Garmin units have battery compartment sealing issues. Garmin's choice to make the battery compartment latch the tether point for the nylon leash is just dumb. This design appears to be on the way out - the III+ is now at the REI outlet at discount. I hope the replacement has more thoughtful waterproofing.

Customer Service

Garmin support never returned my email question about battery compartment seals. I had to install three firmware updates over the life of the unit.

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