I'd appreciate any recommendations for a GPS unit & any experiences with poor performing units. I am planning to hunt in new areas of the Allegheny Natl Forest and want to mark good spots and find my way back to the vehicle. Thanks in advance for any insights.
I would have recommended the Garmin Map 76 loaded with their "Topo" package which I have found exceeds the needs you have stated. I would have told you that it has higher resolution than the "Gazzateers". I would have told you that in the Topo s/w are features such as old logging triails that aren't on many maps, including some USGS topos. I would have told you I have found the less than one meter accuracy is waaaay more than most can resolve from the best topo maps. I would have told you that not only can you find your dead critter or favorite spot, but your back trail will be marked too. I would have told you that if you want to get back to camp, you can quickly find an alternate route...IN THE FRIGGIN DARK...But, last time I tried to assure someone the Map 76 GPS w/ Topo in it was very useful and I could recommend it, I got SOOOO blasted by one who is a professional cartogrpher who claimed in
no uncertain terms that highly detailed topo maps were the only way to go and the Garmin/Topo was essentially worthless unless, "...you only want to find the side of a mountain...".
But, apparently only highly detailed topo maps and a compass meet the criteria of some.

So, rather than tell ya how much I think of the Garmin Map 76 (WAAS enabled) and what a great navigational aid it has been...I'll defer to the cartographer(s) among us who might be of the opinion that only highly detailed topo maps and a compass is all that is needed - day or night - to navigate by.
All kidding asside... the Map 76/Topo is, IMO, an excellent tool for navigating a hunt, finding one's way around and back, downed game, etc. But, batteries die, trees and canyons obscure the satellites, so I would say a good (7.5 minute) USGS topo map(s) of the area AND a good compass are a must have. Put another way, the GPS is NICE to have, but especially in rough and unfamiliar country, it should not be your sole navigation instrument. In that regard, a good topo map and compass is still the best insurance to surviving in the wilderness. Having said that, I'll have my Garmin in my pocket and several fresh sets of batteries along too!
P.