Have you been looking for an easy to use GPS for everyday and backcountry use? Bushnell has developed the BackTrack D-TOUR, a very easy to use GPS that is a great option for hikers.
I’ve been testing this on hikes in the mountains, jogs around town, and even walks in the neighborhood. Is the D-TOUR as simple to use as Bushnell claims? The resounding answer – yes!
Pros:
- Easy to Use. The D-TOUR is a basic, no frills GPS, which is great because it is easy for anyone to use. The Quick Start Guide is a mere 8 steps, shown in the picture to the right.
- Great features. What do I want in a GPS? Everything that the D-TOUR has!
- An easy to read, large font display.
- Time. The D-TOUR has the time listed in the upper left of every menu page.
- Ability to store locations (home, car, trailhead, etc.). The D-TOUR can store up to 5 locations.
- A compass with detailed longitude and latitude reading.
- A backlit display that makes it easy to read at night.
- Distance and speed info.
- Temperature and altitude data.
D-TOUR Manual 
The display is very easy to read. - Lightweight. The D-TOUR weighs under 6 ounces!
- Price. Since the D-TOUR is a no-frills GPS, it is priced well below higher end models that can be $300+. The D-TOUR’s MSRP is $119. That’s a great deal given it’s functionality.
- Easy to use software. I really enjoyed uploading trip data and looking at the path of my journeys, average speed, elevation profiles, temperature readings at various points along the trip, and more. The software is simple and easy to use.
- Battery power. The D-TOUR runs on 3 AAA batteries (not included) that I found lasted for about 20 hours, which is great for day hike use.
- Buttons unlikely to depress accidentally. The D-TOUR is well designed so as it rests in your pocket or backpack, it is unlikely you’ll mistakenly hit a button. The buttons require you to press and hold them.
Cons:
- Only 48 hours of trip data can be stored. This is definitely enough memory for day hikers, joggers, and even an overnight backpacking trip. But for those of you who like multi-day hiking or camping trips, you’ll find this feature frustrating.
Specs:
- Compatible computer systems: Runs on Windows (XP SP1 or later) and MAC (10.4.9 or later) It worked great on my iMac!
- Water resistant construction: It can be rained on, but don’t drop it in the water!
- Batteries: Requires 3AAA, not included. I recommend using Lithium batteries. They are lighter weight than regular batteries and last a lot longer.
- Weight: 6 ounces.
- Total dimensions: 4.125″(H) x 2.75″(W) x .875″(D)
- Screen dimensions: 1.625″ x 1.625″. Display is very easy to read – it’s grayscale, not color.
- Price: MSRP $119.
- Colors available: Red and green.
- Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty
Overall the Backtrack D-Tour is a great option for day hikers and distance trail runners looking for an easy to use, no fuss, reliable GPS. For multiday backpacking trips, a device that can store more trail data would be preferred. Up in the mountains, after your cell phone reception has faded and the battery died, the Bushnell D-Tour is a reliable little device that will help you find your way home!
I have a Bushnell Fish BackTrack D-TOUR it worked great, But about 02/10/2018 I no longer get maps . Some of the maps were 3 to 4 months old and I no longer can see them .
Glad to hear it Donna! Stay tuned… there’s gonna be a Hiking Lady contest starting tomorrow where one lucky Hiking Lady reader will win a D-TOUR GPS!
I don’t have anything like this but after reading your review I’m going to get one. It’s really a great idea and worth the $$ in my opinion. I must admit that even though I’m a day hiker (so far) I do sometimes worry about getting lost on the trail.