You want a stripped down GPS w/ the current technology but not the extra fluff. I get that. My personal opinion is stay away from Delorme PN40. I have one, I love it but its a high end model and has a steep learning curve.

Conversely I have a decade old Garmin eTrex Vista and it is as basic as it gets. Monochrome, not a lot of whistles.

I would say this. The iPhone has spoiled me. Using its provided Google Map, and adding things like Around Me and Geocache app, it shows how much dedicated backcountry GPS units need to compromise for the chipset and battery power. I am not recommending an iPhone as a back country GPS.

I think Garmin can fit your bill. Like mentioned above the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx gets strong reviews from hikers and government users. Don't dismiss having full color maps preloaded or being able to do that. looking at silly monochrome screens and funky triangles gets tired.