Garmin Fortrex 201 Review

The Garmin Fortrex 201 GPS is, in overall size, the smallest GPS unit we've reviewed. The Foretrex is designed to be worn like a wristwatch and comes equipped with a hook and loop fastening wristband for this purpose.

The case is a tad over 3-inches wide, under 2-inches high, and just over a half inch thick. Weight is only 2.75 ounces.

It is equipped with a small screen on landscape layout that measures 1.4-inches wide and 1-inch high. Resolution is 100 x 60 pixels. Like all the really small screens we tested small font or curved line depictions are somewhat jagged in appearance.

Garmin Foretrex 201 Hands-Free GPS Navigation with Rechargable Lithium Ion Battery

In darkness, with backlight selected on the Fortrex is easy to read though no buttons are backlit. During daylight conditions we found viewability Good in both sun and shade.

Six buttons on the bottom of the unit operate all functions. Labels are marked on the unit's front face above each pushbutton.

The Garmin Fortrex 201 has six main pages six main pages to give the user access. The Satellite page shows the number of tracked satellites and their signal strength.

Map shows a present position icon with range displayed in the lower left and current heading in the upper right. User waypoints or tracks are also displayed. In our opinion, the small screen size makes the Map page of little use.

The Trip Computer page is far more useful as a navigation tool. In the Fortrex this page can display one, two, three, or four data boxes and all are user selectable.

Other main pages include Menu, Timer, and Navigation. The Timer page functions like a stopwatch. This Garmin handheld GPS has a TracBack feature so you can easily reverse course and follow your outbound track back home.

The Fortrex can store 500 waypoints and 20 routes.

There is no battery compartment on the Fortrex as it contains a internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Data port access is on the back of the case.

This Garmin portable GPS is rated waterproof to IPX7 standards meaning it can be submerged to 1 meter for 30 minutes without suffering any damage. It passed our dunk test without a hitch. The unit carries a one-year warranty.

The Garmin Fortrex 201 may be perfect for outdoor and marine enthusiasts who desire hands-free GPS navigation in a lightweight, affordable package.

(you may have found this page by the alternate spelling garmin foretrex 201)

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