Originally Posted by spinnaker
Or you need to get a new GPS. Mine can even get a 2-3D fix in my upstairs bedroom. Readings tend to flucuate a bit but I do get regular fixes. I would consider the fixes I get from my bedroom TERRIBLE but then again I know where I am.
I have never had problems in the woods or under a sailboat bimini.
I didn't say it wouldn't work in the woods. I said it will work POORLY.
So it all depends on what you want it for. If you want a "ballpark estimate" of your location so you can find yourself on a national park map, than it's an EXCELLENT tool. If you want to use it to calculate your distance, than it's not nearly as good as a $50 cyclometer.
For a fairly straight trail on a VERY, VERY large property (like on national parkland) GPS can be a great mapping tool that will give you an excellent approximation. If you are dealing with a much smaller park where the trail tends to be twistier to fit more in, a standard GPS receiver really isn't very useful beyond getting a "starting point".
MINIMUM error for a GPS (unaided by WAAS) is 3m. Add foliage and that error starts shooting up.