James, I use a Garmin Vista CX, for my hikes. You can upload your tracks to Google Earth, and generate topographic maps easily once you learn how. Very useful, and you can mark waypoints easily. I use it every hike and ski tour. They make even more elaborate ones, but this basic older unit serves me well.

Recomend ability to upload extra maps, in particular Topo's, ie extra storage card. The best antennae you can afford, the newer ones lose the signal less and are more accurate. Large color screen, And a well read instruction book.