Customer Reviews

Magellan Triton 400 Waterproof Hiking GPS

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

I only gave this product one star because zero stars wasn't an option!

Do yourself a favor. Do a quick online search and find all of the bad reviews for this product. They are all accurate.

These are just some of the bugs I have personally experienced:
- frequent lock ups, operating system crashes. See "Fatal error OutdoorNav.exe".
- cannot store more than 100 geocaches/waypoints without seizing up.
- odometer indicates 180% of actual mileage logged.

I can only think of a few pros for this product:
- satellite acquisition is good, even indoors.
- color screens are nice.
- it's inexpensive compared to other brands with similar features (although these advertised features don't actually work).

You are on your own if you buy this product and experience difficulties. Magellan has extremely poor customer support. Telephone support is outsourced and ignorant of the product's features. Online support is vague and slow to respond.

Retailers (including REI) have pulled the Triton line from their shelves.

Save yourself the hassle and check out other GPS units, such as Magellan's eXplorist line or Garmin's units. I did, and exchanged the Triton 400 for a Garmin eTrex Legend HCx. The evidence is overwhelming -- look elsewhere.

After reviewing various GPS systems, I decided to purchase the Triton 400. I must say the majority of the reviews I read must have come prior to the firmware update currently available on the Magellan website. Once updated this unit has performed better than any GPS system previously owned (Non Magellan). I could not believe the sat. lock time. It was literally seconds inside my home. While traveling outdoors it seemed to lock as soon as I booted up the system. As for the manual, dont bother with what came inside the box. Just go to Magellan site and you will find a 60+ page well documented manual. Like any other technical device, it took a couple outings to determine the most efficent manner of performing the expected task. As for the previous reviews - I would recommend looking at current reviews (post firmware update)and discount the older ones. If you are a Geocacher than this device will suit your needs + some. It actually has a menu area just for Geocaching (Gives basically all the data fields you would find on the actual Geocache site. Again, I gave this device a 5 due to functionality, quality, and price.

I probably wouldn't have purchased this unit, but I had an Explorist 500 that wasn't working right and even though it was out of warranty, Magellan gave me the Triton 400 as a replacement. I also got the National Geographic Weekend 3D map for my area. I got the map to load, although it was slow. It's a neat map topographically, but I use the Triton on my bicycle and the map doesn't list all the street names. Also, it was last updated in 1981 for portions of the covered area, so it's woefully out of date. However, I found on Magellan's website step by step instructions for loading the Mapsend TOPO 3D disks that I got with the Explorist. I tried that it it worked great. So I now have good street maps loaded and the unit seems to be working just fine. Picks up satellites quickly. I'm still waiting for the firmware update to allow you to turn tracks into trails but found that any trails I try to create still turn up as blue paths on the map. The firmware update promises to allow different options for creating these things, but it would have been nice if they got all this together before releasing the product. So, far, so good, though. I haven't experienced the lockup that's been talked about.

Luckily I love a challenge or I would have given up on the Magellan Triton right out of the box. First, there are no written instructions (the included CD links you to PDF instructions). Typically I am the ultimate avoider of instructions... I pride myself in my ability to figure out nearly anything without them (so what if I occasionally have to unscrew a board and flip it around to make it work?!?) However, I wasn't so lucky with this little GPS. For some reason I was unable to figure out how to hook it up to my computer and download geocaches. (Typically there are "Quick Setup" directions in electronic boxes that include how to hook it up to a PC. (Hint: See this portion of the Magellan website for good info: http://www.magellangps.com/assets/faq/How+do+you+connect+a+Triton+GPS+to+a+PC.pdf ). After perusing Magellan's PDF file, I actually found Triton blogs/forums set up by random people to be more helpful than Magellan's site. After I figured out how to connect the GPS and download geocaches to it I wanted to download my free map from Magellan's website. This process took quite a bit of Googling (as Magellan's customer service was closed at 5pm... and I am super determined) but I eventually found the cure (click on "Comments" below for a solution if you receive the message "ERROR: There has been an Internet Connection Problem: Your map `Topo USA' can not be downloaded.").

While it was a beast to set up and get going, the reward was much greater than the pain to get started. First of all, if you have a child you must geocache at least once. This is something I had never done before getting the Magellan but had heard about it off and on over the last few years (typically from geeky outdoorsy types that made me shrug and not want to pursue it). Let me tell you, I have a boy who loves video games (I limit it to just a few times per month) and doesn't seem to have a great desire to be outdoors unless he is playing team sports (he doesn't see much of an entertainment value since all of his toys are inside). However, geocaching seems to be the ultimate combination that works for kids 5-10 (maybe older or younger). It mixes electronics with adventure seeking, treasure (albeit toys from vending machines or just a log and a pen to jot your name), some primal desire of exploration, the great outdoors, hide and seek, and a bit of "fear" of being caught by some outsider who is not supposed to know about the treasure.

While the Magellan was my first dedicated GPS device, I do have other GPS devices. I have a Magellan RoadMate for the car and an iPhone for everything else and then some. However, I would never take the iPhone out on a hike with me (I have dropped the Magellan several times, once down a nice steep cliff-like wall and it lived to tell about it) and I wouldn't trust the iPhone around water (the Magellan is water resistant and rubbery-rugged). Also, the iPhone needs access to a tower to download the maps (they are pre-stored on the Magellan). So, while the iPhone has geocaching apps, it's not coming with me on a bike ride, hike, and tree climbing. Of course the RoadMate isn't designed for anything other than finding restaurants, getting to addresses, and making sure I don't get in the wrong lane in LA.

As for accuracy (a must with a GPS device and especially for geocaching) I can state that we have found every geocache thus far (you need to be in a VERY precise location to find a tiny treasure) and it hasn't led us astray once. Additionally, it is able to pick up my location indoors with great accuracy as well. (So precise in fact that I will occasionally hide a snack or a toy in the backyard or house and store its latitude and longitude and send my child to find it.)

Downside:

- Eats batteries quickly so pack extra when going on a hike.
- Hard to set up with a PC if you are looking for something that makes sense out of the box
- Customer service is open limited hours (if you work 8-5)
- Hard to download Magellan maps if you get the "Error"
- Without a paid map (or at least a downloaded free map from various websites online) the loaded map is very basic and renders it nearly useless for most people. There are promotions occasionally that offer a free map so be on the lookout!
- Internal memory small and SD card (which can be bought inexpensively on Amazon such as: Kingston 2 GB SD Flash Memory Card SD/2GBET [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]) is needed if you are to download and install other maps

Positives:

- Orangey color easy to see when dropped on a hike
- Rugged and well made
- Precise/Accurate
- Can load/store GPX files which include hints and other data that can help find a geocache (not available in many models in this price range)
- Easy to load maps from included software (if you choose to purchase them from Magellan or download for free from other entities). This is different then actually downloading them from Magellan's website which was a nightmare (I understand it is due to my firewall but is common... again click on "Comments" to see the fix)
- You don't need a screwdriver to replace the batteries (so nice when you are out on a hike)
- SD slot to store additional maps
- My GPS was loaded with the most recent firmware and came with the most recent software and has not had a single problem (and I have been using it nonstop!) It seems as if those old problems have been corrected with the latest firmware/software based on the most recent reviews from both Viners and non-Viners.
- Clear color display which is a fine size for my young eyes but may be a factor for those who need a larger screen due to vision concerns

I have owned over a hundred different handheld GPS receivers, buying and selling them on Ebay (after playing with them). There are really good ones and really bad ones out there. The T400 has the POTENTIAL to be one of the really good ones. It is in a slow process of maturing as a receiver.
The secret to success with this model is to update it's software from the Magellan site before you EVER use it. Most, if not all the stated problems of freeze-up and non-PC interface have been remedied by the latest firmware. At least, I haven't had any of these problems.
Next, go to the free website [...]. It is a wealth of information for Triton users. [...] is another website with tutorials and helpful instructions.
Finally, learn how to make your own maps and upload them on your Triton! This is where I think the Triton really shines. With a little study, I learned how to make clear, accurate aerial, satellite, topographical, and street maps and upload them to the GPS. Oh yeah, the software to do this is FREE!! The programs gmapmaker and tritonrmp are a little difficult to learn, but well worth the effort.
In summary, buy it on sale, read the manual, view the websites, and update the firmware. Then you will be happy with the receiver. If you go one step further and learn how to build and upload free maps, you will be THRILLED with this GPS receiver.

Magellan came out with this series of Triton's with the great idea that they were the only GPS handheld manufacturer that could download USGS maps at 1:24,000 scale to a SD Disk in the unit (only models 400 and up). Their website states all the software they are compatible with. It has been a miserable failure. Thousands of these handhelds have been returned due to software and connectivity problems, which is a real shame. I personally have gone through four Triton's and have the same problem every time. It simply will not connect to my PC. The satellite signals work great even in my home and I can easily move about any region and can even take Magellan's software (called VantagePoint) and incorporate waypoints, trails, geocache's, etc. with no problem. But this is only on my PC. After literally hours (probably over ten) with support in the Philippines and Florida, I could not get anyone to resolve my connectivity problem. The computer recognized new hardware through my USB port, but when I tried to connect it, it got stuck on, "waiting to connect". My drivers were fine, so I knew it was not my PC.

This is a real tragedy for Magellan, as the idea to download USGS at a finer scale is fantastic, but it just isn't working out. The other features are fine - as good as Garmin or most manufacturers. However, I just cannot recommend this product after all the time, money and hassle I went through. Go with Garmin. You might have to settle for the pre-loaded map SD chips at a larger scale ratio, but at least you'll know where you are coming and going.

Magellan came out with this series of Triton's with the great idea that they were the only GPS handheld manufacturer that could download USGS maps at 1:24,000 scale to a SD Disk in the unit (only models 400 and up). Their website states all the software they are compatible with. It has been a miserable failure. Thousands of these handhelds have been returned due to software and connectivity problems, which is a real shame. I personally have gone through four Triton's and have the same problem every time. It simply will not connect to my PC. The satellite signals work great even in my home and I can easily move about any region and can even take Magellan's software (called VantagePoint) and incorporate waypoints, trails, geocache's, etc. with no problem. But this is only on my PC. After literally hours (probably over ten) with support in the Philippines and Florida, I could not get anyone to resolve my connectivity problem. The computer recognized new hardware through my USB port, but when I tried to connect it, it got stuck on, "waiting to connect". My drivers were fine, so I knew it was not my PC.

This is a real tragedy for Magellan, as the idea to download USGS at a finer scale is fantastic, but it just isn't working out. The other features are fine - as good as Garmin or most manufacturers. However, I just cannot recommend this product after all the time, money and hassle I went through. Go with Garmin. You might have to settle for the pre-loaded map SD chips at a larger scale ratio, but at least you'll know where you are coming and going.

Magellan came out with this series of Triton's with the great idea that they were the only GPS handheld manufacturer that could download USGS maps at 1:24,000 scale to a SD Disk in the unit (only models 400 and up). Their website states all the software they are compatible with. It has been a miserable failure. Thousands of these handhelds have been returned due to software and connectivity problems, which is a real shame. I personally have gone through four Triton's and have the same problem every time. It simply will not connect to my PC. The satellite signals work great even in my home and I can easily move about any region and can even take Magellan's software (called VantagePoint) and incorporate waypoints, trails, geocache's, etc. with no problem. But this is only on my PC. After literally hours (probably over ten) with support in the Philippines and Florida, I could not get anyone to resolve my connectivity problem. The computer recognized new hardware through my USB port, but when I tried to connect it, it got stuck on, "waiting to connect". My drivers were fine, so I knew it was not my PC.

This is a real tragedy for Magellan, as the idea to download USGS at a finer scale is fantastic, but it just isn't working out. The other features are fine - as good as Garmin or most manufacturers. However, I just cannot recommend this product after all the time, money and hassle I went through. Go with Garmin. You might have to settle for the pre-loaded map SD chips at a larger scale ratio, but at least you'll know where you are coming and going.

First off, this model is actually not the one I bought, but is the one I wound up with. At the time I ordered the 300, it was backordered, so they sent me a more expensive 400 for no charge. No matter how much a person hates a company's customer support, you have to admit that's beyond fair. But I would definitely recommend buying this 400 over the 300, knowing what I know now.

There isn't that much difference in the two. The 400 won't give you more accuracy, better base-maps, or anything like that. However, the few differences are VERY significant....mainly being that the 400 can use SD Cards....VERY important for replacement high-quality maps. (The other reviewers have told the truth that the included base-map isn't very good at all.)

Accuracy is right up there with the best of the Garmins. I geocache, a sport in which 1 foot can make a BIG difference. Of course no GPS is accurate to 1 foot, but you can see why I gave that example. And yes, I own Garmins also.

The user interface is pretty decent. It tickles me that some claim to be computer engineers & it took them 3 days to learn how to perform 1 action with this GPS. Well, I'm NOT a computer engineer, nor a rocket scientist, & I had the ENTIRE thing figured out in under 1 day. So maybe it's just not made for engineers....dunno.

Battery life is decent...not good, not bad. As already stated, the display is hard to see when UNLIGHTED, which tends to happen after a minute or so. With the light ON, it's about as good as any out there.

I'm not sure why people have had trouble loading maps, connecting to VantagePoint, etc. These things were figured out by me within hours & haven't failed yet. I even figured out how to take my OWN maps, run them through a 3rd-party program, & import them into the unit....PRESTO, free map upgrades, and decent ones also. But this was very time-consuming when it got down to the really close-up scale maps. So I just searched around, found the best price on the AccuTerra set, & bought them for around $40-$50. Haven't regretted it yet.

The unit isn't all sherry & giggles however. This unit will NOT sync up wth most of the 3rd-party software which works with Garmins. Magellan hasn't released their proprietary commo-code yet, which is going to cost them customers soon. Basically, you'll HAVE to use the free VantagePoint to do any type of adding files, maps, etc. to this unit....other than adding points manually. (Which actually isn't very hard either, again contrary to what some have said) VantagePoint works well enough, but it does need a serious overhaul. Last I checked, if you have a 64-bit Vista or Win7 OS...you're pretty much out of luck. 64-bit WinXP & 32-bit Vista is fine however. I think that there are some workarounds for that Vista problem however. That whole issue SHOULD be a NON-event however. Magellan should stay on top of all current OS's immediately, or release the required code so that 3rd-party programs can do it for them. That's the biggest boo-boo about this whole Triton line, & it's a significant one. You also have to remember to have the .Net Framework installed on Windows or VP won't work at all.

Bottom-line, if you want a GPS which is a skill level zero to operate....the Tritons aren't for you. If you don't mind experimenting a bit (which has turned out to be kinda fun for myself), then you'll get a very decent GPS, which can run ircles around any other one IN THE SAME PRICE-RANGE!! You simply will not find another GPS that offers the same advanced features that these units do, for as cheap of a price.

But that price comes at the cost of a bit of convienience & simplicity of use. So if that's what you are looking for, then just cough up an extra 75 bucks or so for a comparable Garmin, because in that case, you'll not be happy with a Triton.

The Magellan Triton 400 is a very easy to use GPS with most of the features and functionality you would expect to find on higher priced units. My needs in a handheld GPS are fairly basic since we are casual hikers, however we do live very close to the Appalachian Trail in an area that has a lot of side trails, some of which are poorly marked. On two recent occasions my son and I have lost the main trail and have traversed some very heavy forest heading in what we considered to be the general direction of our entry point. With the Triton 400, this would not have happened as the unit's auto trail clearly shows where you have been.

Here are my observations on the device:

Likes -
* Very fast satellite acquisition
* Accurate speed and distance readings (as measured in my car)
* Very nice color screen
* Basic menu functions are easy to navigate
* Uses standard AA batteries
* Includes USB cable for connecting to PC
* Good companion PC program (VantagePoint)
* Supports GeoCaching

Dislikes -
* Preinstalled map is VERY basic (better maps are available for sale)
* No written manual (on included CD, but it doesn't do much good in the field)
* Small internal memory (but does support SD cards)

The VantagePoint software installed fine on my 64 bit Vista PC and it provided an easy to use interface to the GPS. It was handy to have the PC show my Waypoints that I set on the GPS. Since a lot of the other reviewers mentioned that their firmware needed to be updated due to stability issues (which I did not experience), I used the VantagePoint's "Magellan Update" feature to confirm that both the VanatagePoint software and the GPS firmware were already at the most current levels.

As noted above, my main concern with the Triton 400 is very basic preinstalled map. It only shows the most major roads (Interstates) and not much else. The Magellan website has plenty of maps for sale, but they do tend to be somewhat pricy. A related issue is the small internal memory that is only large enough to hold the default map, so you will likely need to install an SD card. It should be noted that some of the maps can be ordered preloaded on an SD card so all you would need to do is insert the card and enter the GPS configuration menu to tell it to use the new map.

This is a very solid GPS, both physically and functionally, that meets my needs. If you need more detailed maps or topo maps, you need to consider the cost of adding them at a later time.

Recommended, with the above caveats.