While much modern technology has turned to touch-screen operation, the Satmap Active 10 uses what must now be known as ‘old-fashioned’ buttons. On the hill with gloves on, those big buttons make this far easier to operate than any other device here, and as the buttons are spaced around the outside of the housing it’s easier to use than a keypad design too.
You also get a large screen, but this is not quite as sharp as other devices, which is a let-down. The feature set is stripped down to what walkers will actually really need, so it lacks cameras and dedicated geocaching features. As there is no touch-screen employed, you get a joystick to scroll around the onscreen mapping, and this works really well, with the mapping regenerating faster than some other units.
The price of the Satmap Active 10 is very appealing too compared to other devices, although you do have to add on the price of OS mapping, which could be around £200 for all of Britain at 1:50k. For hillwalking use though, this is about as good as it gets.
Software OS 1:50k GB mapping £200
Weight 232g
Size 13x7.5x3cm
Display 7x5cm colour touch-screen
Power 3 x AA batteries / lithium rechargeable
Battery life 16-24 hours
Electronic compass yes
Camera no
Website www.satmap.co.uk