Advice needed: GPS for hiking/camping

[scraca]

I need some help. I am looking for a gps for trailblazing, off the path camping and something to track where I have been and how many miles I have gone. For the past few days I have done a ton of research and for every 5 star rating there seems to be equal 1 star ratings. It is driving me nuts. I would like either a new unit or factory refurbished with a warranty. $200 is my limit. I would like to hear from people who own these devices and what they have to say about them. Thanks

 

[cncpro11]

I have used both a Garmin and a Tom Tom, but only on blazed trails.

My experience is that neither was able to receive a strong signal in heavy wilderness, so was no more useful than a brick.

They did work good above tree-line, however.

 

[ThriftyJoe]

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[ThriftyJoe]

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[Bob W]

I have a bit of experience with various Garmin units. Quite frankly, they all 'see' the same satellites and are equally accurate. You'll pay a lot more for extra features such as color screens, built-in sensors like barometers and compasses, cameras, and pre-loaded map packages. Given your stated needs and price budget, I'd say you don't need any of that stuff.

If your eyes are poor avoid the models with the smallest screens, like the eTrex.

If needing the GPS in dense vegetation or steep terrain, consider a model with an external antenna jack. I don't know an easy way to find out which models have this but my GPSMAP76S (long discontinued) does, and the lower-end eTrex models do not.

Some newer models have touch screens, which might be easier for kids and users accustomed to smartphones and tablets.

Not being familiar with current models, I've been browsing the Garmin website today looking at a small simple unit for my six-year-old. And in the same price range as you. After some brief research I've narrowed it to three units, the Dakota 10, Dakota 20, and eTrex 20. The Dakota 20 is just over $200 retail, and the others are well under. The Dakota units offer touch screens, which I think the boy will find easier to use, although the eTrex has a longer battery life and more memory. Big advantages of the Dakota20 over the Dakota10 are the electronic compass and Micro-SD card slot - worth paying $70 more?

The Garmin website allows side-by-side comparisons of discontinued models, which might be of use to you. (I see that NewEgg has many discontinued and refurbished Garmins at significant savings.)

 

[scraca]

Anyone use either the DeLorme PN60 or the Garmin 62s?

 

[taldesta]

eTrex30 here ... fairly new to using it but have been very pleased. Yes, menu's are a learning curve but become second nature with use.

For comparison of gps functions, here is a link to a Canadian source that may be helpful.
http://www.gpscentral.ca/products/handheldgpscomparison.htm

 

[pyro_1]

My buddy and I were using his Oregon last year when going off trail and it worked well. GPS city is clearing out the Oregon 450 models for 200 right now

 

[Hammer67]

My GPS needs are fairly basic, as it sounds like yours are. I've got an eTrex 'Venture HC' which does everything I need it to, and not a lot of stuff that I don't. Simple, reliable, decent battery life and it has a color screen. And I really like the way it interfaces with the free 'Basecamp' app for storing info, printing maps, etc.

 

[richard thurman]

what kind of cell phone do you have?? mine come with a gps with it. you might want to see if your has it. if so then you don't need to buy one.

 

[scraca]

I want a dedicated device for this instead of using my phone.

 

[richard thurman]

ok. I am sorry I was just trying to save you some money.

 

[fmajor007]

I want a dedicated device for this instead of using my phone.

I'm not wanting to throw richard thurman under the bus here. With that, I also prefer a separate device in a GPS. I use the GPS in my phone nearly every day for locating addresses and businesses in my area, but it's not something I would prefer to rely on as a navigational tool in the wilderness.

 

[shaymanx]

My buddy and I were using his Oregon last year when going off trail and it worked well. GPS city is clearing out the Oregon 450 models for 200 right now

+1 On the Oregon.

 

[Error 404]

I have one of the Garmin GPSMAP60 models. These are the full-featured, hiking units. Pricey, but great devices. I can also d/l custom maps so I don't have to buy the extra map packages. Garmin Basecamp software is eh, so-so. I post my tracks on Google Earth too. Bit of a learning curve, specially with custom maps. Fun stuff though...

 

[PGeo00]

I have used a Garmin Etrex Hcx for years now... have been perfectly happy with it and didn't really want any features that the unit did not have.

 

[redpoint]

I've had a Garmin 60CSx since 2006 - awesome unit: tough, accurate, great water resistance, full featured, big antenna, finds a fix fast etc. The successor is out of your price range, but you could easily find used - many people feel the 60 CSx is better than the new models. Other than that, Garmin is pretty solid. If you're in heavily forested areas, you'll what something with a big, powerful antenna like the 60 CSx. I used mine last weekend in a snow storm in the mountains ... took me exactly where I needed to be in a complete whiteout.

 

[richard thurman]

I'm not wanting to throw richard thurman under the bus here. With that, I also prefer a separate device in a GPS. I use the GPS in my phone nearly every day for locating addresses and businesses in my area, but it's not something I would prefer to rely on as a navigational tool in the wilderness.

I have never used my cell phone gps. I am going to have to try it just to see what it is like. I am on a fix income so the more money I can save is a blessing for me.

 

[cheesemaster]

Be careful using a cellphone. I learned that the hard way. Can you see the screen in direct sunlight? Will the touchscreen work with wet fingers in the rain? Most likely, they use "A-GPS,_or "Assisted-GPS" which partially relies on the network to calculate your position. Make sure you've got a compass and paper map too and know how to use them.

 

[wildmanh]

I have never used my cell phone gps. I am going to have to try it just to see what it is like. I am on a fix income so the more money I can save is a blessing for me.

Be careful using a cellphone. I learned that the hard way. Can you see the screen in direct sunlight? Will the touchscreen work with wet fingers in the rain? Most likely, they use "A-GPS,_or "Assisted-GPS" which partially relies on the network to calculate your position. Make sure you've got a compass and paper map too and know how to use them.

Cheesemaster is correct. Last summer, I considered getting a smart phone so that I could use it as a GPS in the woods. Most of the programs out there are either designed for street use, or at least require internet access to figure out your location. Before getting a map program, make sure that it works off the cell grid and that it works off the grid with your phone. Not all older GPS enabled phones will work with map programs off the grid.

With my plan, to upgrade to a smart phone, it will cost me an extra $30 a month. That's $360 a year. My contract is up, if I want a smart phone, a pre-paid plan might be the way to go. Assuming that I can get a GPS map app that works off grid for it. . . . .