I'd say the more features it has the more you need to know to operate it. I bought my dad a magellin 310 a few years ago for $99.00. I think its simple to operate but he still can't use it. I used it today to mark new stand sites. Choose a model that allows for quick and easy use of landmarks(camp, road, stand etc). Thats what your buying it for. To go from here to there, and marking spots. Make sure the LMKS are not easily deleted. It must have a night light, battery meter, solid and secure battery compartment, distance read out is very helpful, routes with legA, B, C etc, for those crooked routes to difficult stands(may not need) and lastly the rest of the optional stuff you really don't need IMO, clock, speedometer, elevation, etc. A gps is very much worth the cost, you'll be glad you did it. Edit: make sure it has enough landmarks as your using it for fishing too. I think my dads has 100.