Garmin has announced two new “GPS watch” offerings, the Foretrex 401 and Foretrex 301 GPS navigators for mountain climbers, canoeists and all those who need to keep their hands free while on the move.

These two devices integrate a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and USB interface into a lightweight, waterproof device for adventurers to wear on their wrists just like a conventional watch. Weighing in at around 87 g, they are powered by two AAA batteries, meaning a battery life of approximately 18 hours (301) and 17 hours (401).

“Whether you’re on a leisurely hike or in the toughest conditions imaginable, you need navigation that’s simple to use and easy to access,” said Walter Mech, Sales and Marketing Director at Garmin’s official Southern Africa distributor, Avnic Trading. “Our new Foretrex models help you keep your hands free and your focus on the path ahead, all while ensuring you make it to your destination as easily as possible.”

Skydivers will be able to make use of the Jumpmaster function during high opening (HAHO) and low opening (HALO) jumps, enabling them to set information points for guidance to the landing zone. The Foretrex devices will work out your high altitude release point (HARP) to deliver the best results for your jump every time.

Both devices have dual-position readout that allows you to view your current location in a number of formats and also include a trip computer, sunrise/sunset, hunting and fishing information and can connect via USB to your PC or Mac. Adding to these the Foretrex 401 offers an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. It also allows you to wirelessly share routes, tracks and waypoints between certain other Foretrex devices and is compatible with Garmin heart-rate monitors and cadence sensors.

The Garmin Foretrex 401 and Foretrex 301 can be purchased from the Outdoor Warehouse, Cape Union Mart or Trappers and they retail for R2 999 and R2 500 respectively.