First off I want to say I know having a GPS is good but I will also have a map and a compass with me at all times. But I am curious if anyone had any problems with getting signal and how dependable the GPS was. What is the best MAP to purchase and download for your GPS? Also what is the best maps to buy McKenzie or Fisher? I am looking for maps all around BWCA.

My Garmin etrex works perfectly.It's satellite so it better. I only use it to confirm my suspicions.

The three major map companies for BW maps - Voyageur, McKenzie, and Fisher - all have advantages/disadvantages. The scale differs, the size, and the color scheme. There are people who prefer each of the maps over the others. I have used all three; they all work.

Voyageur Maps covers the BW in the fewest maps (10).

No trouble with GPS reception, till you get deep in a canyon or very heavy forest cover. They are as dependable as carying enough batteries. Been using a GPS since they came out, dating back to Garmin GPS 12, without any trouble in the BWCA.

Lots of map choices none are "the best", I'm an oddball using home printed program generated maps customized for the trip.

I match the maps with GPS brand, Garmin BaseCamp currently, and Garmin BirdsEye. Have also used Delorme Topo, both used subscription map downloads including UGGS, NOAA, Satellite, Aerial Photo. Subscription run in the area of $30 a year for a years worth of downloading (once downloaded they are yours).

butthead

I have a Garmin 62st. I've never not had signal. I use Red Pine Mapping for my BWCA maps,

I studies all three of the map series mentioned by Boonie and came to the conclusion that the Voyageur maps provide the best information if you want to pair them with a GPS.

BearBurrito: "I have a Garmin 62st. I've never not had signal. I use Red Pine Mapping for my BWCA maps,"

Red Pine Mapping for GPS maps. I like McKenzie for paper maps.

Not for everyone, but here is some background as to how some of us have obtained campsite and portage data for free. I did this for my 64st and 62st and earlier map-capable units:
BWCA Maps

I also have the Garmin Lake Vu chip in my 64st for lake depths and more accurate shoreline drawings. This replaced my trusty Upper Midwest Fishing Guide chip which Garmin Support fried for me while helping me online. (At least they sent me the Lake Vu chip for free!) The only annoying thing about Lake Vu that it doesn't work with Garmin BaseCamp. Had to move everything over to Garmin HomePort.