1. DOES IT ALL
After it helps you make it to the trailhead, GARMIN's NüVI 500 detaches from your dash and joins you on the trek. With both street and topo maps, this waterproof world traveler (with extras like a currency converter) offers four modes: drive, hike, bike, and boat. $400; garmin.com

2. GPS 101
No, it's not for serious trail­blazers. But BUSHNELL's simple BACKTRACK GPS/compass can help you mark up to three waypoints and navigate your way back to them. And at this price, it makes quick off-piste forays more affordable. $70; bushnell.com

3. LITTLE HELPER
HIGHGEAR's ATF8 gives quick, precise altitude, temperature, and compass readings, and features a barometer, stopwatch, and vertical-feet counter. Better yet, at 1.5 ounces, the tough, water-resistant unit will dangle from your pack like so many feathers. $170; highgear.com

4. ONBOARD COMPUTER
A road-tripper's dream device, the MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4350 nav system has six million pre-programmed destinations, onboard AAA reviews, and pinpoint directions, accessed through its fast One­Touch route finder, that will guide you into any strange city. Then, once unplugged, it will accompany you on foot. $400; magellangps.com

5. SPEED MACHINE
DELORME's EARTHMATE PN-40 has access to the same USGS topo maps and hi-res aerial photos that made its predecessor, the PN-20, a favorite among hardcore backcountry users and GPS geeks. But its new dual processor crunches all that data much faster. $400; delorme.com