I have primarily used a GPS to fix the location of recently located archaeological sites. I found it best, with the technology available at that time, to write down the waypoint coordinates on the survey form, and then give the survey number of the site to the waypoint.

For hiking in good condition, in known territory, the GPS is mostly a diversion and a fun gadget. In dicey weather, it can be fabulous, and I think I would write the coordinates down and be sure they were in the machine properly.