Tracks are the most important feature in any Off_Road GPS IMO, But not only record your track but will allow you to save it, Share it, download it etc.
It is fun to share tracks, some great Track Files can be downloaded from many GPS shared track sites.
Garmin 60cx and 76cx are good units that do tracks. but in the Garmin line stay away from the NUVI, Quest( also sold as the JEEP unit) , and Street Pilots as they do not do tracks the way a 60/76 series will do. The new Oregon and Colorado will do tracks also.
The Lowrance XOG, H20c, Expedition and the new Endura line will do tracks, both saved and imported
The Magellan line has some that do tracks also, but I have not played with them, so I do not know if they are any good.
Just stay away from the STREET Orientated GPS's

 

I've got the Magellan Crossover. It does everything you've asked about, track, road, & great battery life ( a real 8 hours).

I also use it on my boat & bike.

Its route choices on road are not as good as the Nuvi, but most Nuvis don't leave tracks.

 

This has been alot of help fella's. now i know what models to look at. if anyone else has any input of the Units that do tracks.

 

now the Lowrance Baja is one bad ass GPS.

 

This thread has been very interesting to me as I'm considering asking my DH for a GPS for Christmas. I was thinking of a Nuvi but now I'm not sure. Of course I want it to track as we do lots of exploring in the mountains and I want to be able to find my way back out. I also would like to know the altitude. A larger easy to read screen for my "mature" eyes would be nice. Please advise me so I too can make a wise choice. I would like a portable unit to move from vehicle to vehicle. I don't do a lot of serious hiking so that isn't an issue for me.

Thank you all for your help.