I'm a tech-geek and a gadget junky. Maybe that's why, despite its limitations, I think the Suunto X9 is one of the most fun and functional backcountry accessories available.

Imagine, a GPS receiver that is smaller than some of the basic altimeter watches on the market today. Add in the fact that this GPS receiver also incorporates a magnetic compass and a highly accurate barometric altimeter, and you have a complete backcountry navigation tool. One that fits on your wrist and weighs just 2.5 ounces.

The X9 boasts the same great altimeter/compass and time-keeping options as the company's existing Wristop computers. Because the power needs of the GPS are greater than the rest of the line, however, Suunto added a rechargeable battery. The charger dock also serves as a computer interface, allowing you to download waypoints and routes. The X9's 12-parallel-channel GPS boasts an integrated loop antenna, waypoint storage and route tracking, as well as displaying travel speed and distance.

On the downside, operation of the GPS is far from intuitive — it requires more than a little study and some significant practice to be able to navigate the GPS functions with ease. The price is another potential drawback. But figuring the combined cost — in dollars and weight — of a high-end altimeter watch and a stand-alone GPS receiver, the $699 price appears at least a little more reasonable.

On the other hand, new inexpensive alternatives are available. Magellan recently unveiled a new line of compact hand-held GPS receivers priced under $200, and some around $100. The Magellan eXplorist 100 offers basic 12-channel GPS functions in a compact 2-by-5-inch package weighing just 6 ounces. The eXplorist series lacks a computer interface, so you won't be able to download waypoints and routes from the unit into your computer mapping software. But you may manually enter up to 200 waypoints into the unit (either by inputting the coordinates — a time-consuming exercise — or by saving points as you reach them). The eXplorist 100 works wonderfully for folks who want an easy-to-use GPS with minimal features.

The Suunto X9 is an outstanding product for folks willing to invest some money and some time learning its operation. List price $699. Weighs 3 ounces. More information: www.suunto.com

For folks who prefer more intuitive products at a much lower price, and are willing to forego some functionality at a higher weight, the Magellan eXplorist 100 offers all the basic functions you'll need to get started in the world of GPS navigation. List price $132. 6 ounces. More information: www.magellangps.com

— Dan A. Nelson, special to The Seattle Times

For the purpose of review, gear manufacturers lend products to the Times' freelance reviewer, who returns products after a typical use of 4-6 weeks. There is no payment from manufacturers and they have no control over the content of reviews. Dan A. Nelson is a regular contributor to Backpacker magazine, and an author of outdoor guides with The Mountaineers Books. He lives in Puyallup.