Satmap's Active 10 Trek GPS

If you're looking for an all-in-one handheld GPS that includes the quality of National Geographic maps, check out the Active 10 Trek GPS from Satmaps by reading our review here:

http://online.jpfreek.com/2011/06/12/satmaps-active-10-trek-gps

I have been using a SatMap active 10 for a few months now and am finding it hard to imagine life without one now! I would always take a proper OS map out on the hills with me but it is nice having a gadget that is so easy to use and has so much functionality. I am a triathlete and so wanted something that I could mount on my bike as well as being able to use as a handheld GPS. Not only is the Active 10 navigation side of things really useful for my ling distance cycles, but it also has basic cycling computer functionality as well so I can track my speed and distance as well as a few other stats.

I tend to get about a 6 hour battery life using the supplied battery pack and was wondering if anyone has had any better results with different batteries. Is it worth me getting hold of some Lithium high powered batteries do you think?


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2011 Goals:
Sub 15 Hour IronMan UK
Three Peaks Challenge
Blog - SatMap Active 10 Review

Thanks for the feedback. I, too, enjoy cycling and adventure racing and this unit is extremely capable for my needs as well.

The one problem I've found with most any GPS unit is how much power they require to run. This isn't just with the Satmap units but also units I've used from other manufacturers. They have a tendency of sucking battery juice. You can try Lithium batteries but a better choice is rechargeable batteries (two sets) so that when you use up the juice from one set, you can drop the other set in and place the others back on a charger. Plus, there are a lot of solar options out there for charging various items so you can now power up your batteries with a lightweight solar option while the others are in use.

If you need some input on options for solar, let me know as I'm happy to help. Cheers!