An update to my earlier post (#9): I finally chose the Magellan Meridian Color. Mainly because there was a good deal to be had on it with Finnish charts included. I have now used it for a couple of months, including a combined bike-kayak trip with 600 kms of cycling and 200 kms of paddling. Some observations:

The display is too small and difficult to read to be used actively when kayaking. I ended up keeping the device powered up in the front deck dry bag. It would log the route and distance, and I used it as a backup when in doubt about directions.

Towards the end of the trip I paddled an additional day leg that was not in my original route plan and for which I did not have any maps. With a little practice I found a way to keep the dry bag open (the weather was barely good enough for this) with the GPS still inside to allow a quick look into map info. I suspect a color display is pretty much required for this, for clarity. I also had to keep the display zoomed in to the details, so getting an overview of the route ahead consisted of finding a sheltered place to stop and zoom out, then return to the more detailed zooming and continue. This is one of the reasons why I don't see GPS replacing my maps in the kayak any time soon.

To summarize my kayaking experiences: GPS does a good job as a data recorder and a backup navigational device, but it does not replace map and compass, and the battery drain is considerable. My next purchase will be a solar charger.

I haven't used it much on bike. It has a nice stats display mode that could well replace my bike comp and probably be easier to read too. And with a suitable handlebar mount I could imagine getting used to reading the display for directions. It is of course bulky and heavy compared to bike comp, so I mostly take it with me on longer trips and usually keep it switched on inside the handlebar bag.

--J