GPS Recommended for Hiking and Occasional Geocaching . . . ??

[Bob W]

How long do batteries last
And how to recharge them?

Depends on the unit. Some have internal batteries, like a smartphone, that are charged by plugging in. Others have AA batteries.
Most of the outdoor units have battery life of 16-20 hours. Automotive units, which are meant to be used plugged in, might only last an hour or two. Specs for every model are found at the Garmin website. Of course battery life, just like any battery-powered appliance, can be altered by turning features on/off or changing certain settings.

Do you need maps in the GPS for UTM coordinates

No. The UTM coordinates can be displayed on the units' mapping page, or displayed in text.

Found this picture randomly online, it's not mine, a screenshot of a Garmin displaying latitude-longitude and UTM coordinates simultaneously. (my unit doesn't do this).

How do you transfer the UTM to your paper maps
Manually?

Modern USGS topo maps have the UTM and Long-Lat coordinates on the map edges.

Use a straight edge to plot yourself accurately on the physical map, or in the field just trace along with your fingers for a rough estimate.
There are also clear plastic mapping template aids available at survey and outdoor stores - some handheld compasses even have the map templates printed on the compass base.

Or take the GPS home and plug it in the computer. Transfer your saved waypoints into any modern mapping software and print out a paper copy.

--------------

Another shopping tip:
When you get serious about a particular model or two and want more complete information before spending money, you can freely download the manuals for any GPS unit from the Garmin website.

 

[ralphtt]

I have an older Garmin 62s. . . . I think the GPSMAP series is the way to go. Get the 64 and a topo card.

Thanks, guys for all the suggestions and helpful hints. Some solid recommendations here! :thumbup:

At this point, I'm inclined to wait a while for the GPSMAP 64 to become available and then add the 1:24000 map of the Southeast.

You folks with Garmin experience . . . any of you care to venture a guess as to when the just-announced GPSMAP 64 will actually be available?

 

[Bob W]

Blog at the Garmin website says this,

The new GPSMAP 64 series will be available in January 2014.

The Garmin store says,

Processing time is 3–5 weeks.

A major specialty store says this:

New Release!
Estimated in stock: February 10, 2014.
Pre-order now to ensure earliest delivery.

Some model variations are listed as Feb 3.

 

[Bob W]

A GPS-related computer software tip:
Check out ESRI Explorer Desktop. http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/explorer
It's a free GIS/mapping program that can interact directly with consumer GPS units. :thumbup:

 

[neeman]

....................... Of course battery life, just like any battery-powered appliance, can be altered by turning features on/off or changing certain settings.


No. The UTM coordinates can be displayed on the units' mapping page, or displayed in text.

Found this picture randomly online, it's not mine, a screenshot of a Garmin displaying latitude-longitude and UTM coordinates simultaneously. (my unit doesn't do this).

Modern USGS topo maps have the UTM and Long-Lat coordinates on the map edges.

Use a straight edge to plot yourself accurately on the physical map, or in the field just trace along with your fingers for a rough estimate.
There are also clear plastic mapping template aids available at survey and outdoor stores - some handheld compasses even have the map templates printed on the compass base.

Or take the GPS home and plug it in the computer. Transfer your saved waypoints into any modern mapping software and print out a paper copy.

--------------

Another shopping tip:
When you get serious about a particular model or two and want more complete information before spending money, you can freely download the manuals for any GPS unit from the Garmin website.

Thanks so far
So some more GPS newbie questions

I have a lot of experiance with Map and Compass
I use a Silva Ranger that I purchased 46 years ago..................

I see only needing the GPS as a self locator, to give me map coordinates only when I do not know where I am on the map
Mist in the mountains, white out in the snow

So the questions
What GPS would I need if all I want is map coordinates occasionally?
I would turn on the GPS only when I needed it so battery use would be minimal, correct?

 

[heresthedeal]

Garmin MapSource 2008 Topographical U.S. Map DVD-Rom $100.00
^^^^^^^^^^^^
has every USGS map of the US, and can be loaded onto all compatible garmin GPS



Topo US 24K Southeast $72.00
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

only has maps of the south east Fl. Ga. Al. Mi. La.



These are prices from amazon, the ones from garmin are a lot higher.

Have fun, geo caching is a great way to learn how to use the new GPS.

 

[Bob W]

I see only needing the GPS as a self locator, to give me map coordinates only when I do not know where I am on the map
Mist in the mountains, white out in the snow

Similarly, I use mine mostly to collect waypoints throughout a trip, so that after I get back home I can see where I've been.

So the questions
What GPS would I need if all I want is map coordinates occasionally?

Any GPS of any brand or price will perform that task - it's their basic function.

I would turn on the GPS only when I needed it so battery use would be minimal, correct?

Unless you're mapping a trail or creating a "track" route, there's no reason to leave it on all the time. Turn it on, collect a locational data point, and turn it off again... a set of AA batteries will last for a week or more.

 

[Mikel_24]

I see only needing the GPS as a self locator, to give me map coordinates only when I do not know where I am on the map
Mist in the mountains, white out in the snow

Wrong.

By no means I am suggesting you forget about how to use a compass and a map. Those skills should never be forgotten and a paper map is always Handy in the pack and weights barely nothing. However, as son as you start using the GPS you will find it much more useful than just the fastest way to get GPS coordinates.

It is, by far, the best insurance about getting lost and not being able to come back due to poor visibility, storms, snow, fog or whatever. If you switch it on on your way IN, you will be able to follow your steps back no matter what just looking at the screen of the GPS unit. This comes Handy when the storm has erased your footprints on the snow or you are going through rocky ground where you leave no footprints.

If you set you basecamp (for multiple alpine ascents, for example) or leave a fuel/food/gear deposit somewhere, you will be able to add a Waypoing and find it afterwards no matter what. Same goes for abseling stations high up in the mountains (finding them at night).

For me it is truly useful for finding the beginning of climbs I have never done before. Snow/Ice climbing starts early, sometimes long ways before the sun comes up. This means you will have to deal with the approach route while totally dark. If you don't know where are you going, you are pretty much screwed. And you may find yourself loosing precious hours during the approach that might compromiso the climb itself. This is specially true (in my case) for the Alps in spring/summer time. You usually start walking at 1am... there are plenty of hours to screw up before the sun comes up.

If you don't want to keep the unit plugged in at all times, at least you might be able to find the track of the route you want to do in Wikilock, download it, dump it in the GPS and only switch it on if something goes wrong. Just follow the previously loaded route and follow it back to the parking lot.

I would turn on the GPS only when I needed it so battery use would be minimal, correct?

My 60cx has a BATTERY SAVING function that allows one set of batteries to last a full weekend (switching it off at night). If you switch it on ocassionally, it will last forever. However, keep in mind that there is a delay between switching the unit on and getting precise GPS coordinates. Even those with hot fix features, take a while. Don't expect to push on the button and 10 seconds after be Reading precise coordinates.

Mikel

 

[neeman]

Bob,

What are waypoints?
Pre fixed coordiates before the trip or when you turn the GPS to 'find' yourself

 

[Mikel_24]

Bob,

What are waypoints?
Pre fixed coordiates before the trip or when you turn the GPS to 'find' yourself

Actually a Waypoint is just a set of coordinates that identify a point in physical space. You can pre-loade them at home (say you want to reach a certain spot outdoors, such a fountain, a cave, a crevasse, a peak, mountain hut or whatever) or just keep on saving them on the go. Let's say you are going to start hiking from a parking lot, well, right after switching on your GPS and allowing it to fix the location, you just sabe the current position (Waypoint) and call it PARKING_LOT. Or you go for a long trek and all of a sudden you want to double time it to a nearby peak. You drop your big pack behind a rock, save the current location (waypoint) as BACKPACK and go climbing. Then on your way back, if there is fog, snow or whatever, you will be able to find your goods easily.

When people talk about Geocaching they are just searching Waypoints. Someone posted them on the internet, they download it, and go find it.

You can have a look here if you want further clarification: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waypoint

The GPSMap60cx and I believe any of the 62 series, allow you to save waypoints with press of a button on the unit. No need to fumble through menus and such. Just press and save.

Mikel

 

[Bob W]

Bob,
What are waypoints?
Pre fixed coordiates before the trip or when you turn the GPS to 'find' yourself

Mikel explained it pretty well, it's just the set of coordinates to a particular spot. Specifically with GPSes it's a tiny computer file that you can edit, save, create, or transfer to other electronic devices.

You can make your own in the field with your GPS. You can download them from the internet. You can manually enter the coordinates into the GPS. You can get them from friends, Backpacker Magazine, or outdoor enthusiast websites. If you have a mapping program on your computer, that software can create waypoints that you can send to your GPS.

Once a waypoint is in your GPS, simply click "Go To" and the machine will point the way.

One example, you're sitting at the computer studying a map of your next hiking area. You see something that looks like it might be interesting - an old mine ruin, pond, or geographical feature perhaps. Click on that spot on the map and "Mark Waypoint." Send the waypoint to your GPS. When you get out in the wilderness, tell the GPS "GoTo" that waypoint. While walking there the GPS can tell you certain things like your speed, distance to go, estimated time of arrival. It'll even start beeping when you get close.

The exact instructions for performing these basic tasks varies by GPS unit.

------------

Unlike Mikel, I've rarely used the track feature or kept the GPS always on. Collecting a few waypoints along the way works well enough for me.
If I find something interesting I save a waypoint at that spot so I can later plot it on a map. And as long as the spot where I left the truck is saved as a waypoint, the GPS can take me to it; I'd have no reason to walk the exact same route coming as going.

I have used the track feature occasionally though, so I'm familiar with the function; I just don't have the same need for route precision that a rockclimber does. I've used GPS tracks to map the boundary of archaeological sites, map the route while motorcycling back roads, and creating maps of new hiking trails.

 

[neeman]

All this is great information

This weekend I was walking the Israel Trail (goes North to South)
And I was in fairly rural countryside
And the trail goes along dirt tracks, but from the map it is very difficult to know which are just tracks round the fields and which specfic one is the trail
I can see waypoints being very useful
This rural walking is not critical navigation but I can see waypoints being a time saver

When I backpack in the English Hills, where navigation is critical, I can see a GPS being a real bonus
As long as I do not loose my map and compass skills

Thanks for all the replies

 

[LG&M]

I have a Garmin 60. It old & not color but has found many geocaches. I would like a newer one but it work fine. I would suggest the eTrex 20. All you should not not too expensive.

 

[Switchblade61]

I can recommend the Garmin eTrex 20 or 30 models. They are small and light, have button/"joystick" controls. They are capable to track Russian satellite signals as well and very light on the batteries. Also, they take an external memory card.
I use one of the eTrex 30 models for more than a year now and I like it.

 

[scraca]

I'm selling a brand new Garmin eTrex 30.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-BNIB-Garmin-eTrex-30?p=13132000#post13132000

 

[Jelf]

Anyone out there using a Garmin handheld with good results? Especially the Oregon 600 or even the GPSMAP 62.

I bought a Garmin Oregon 600 GPS for two reasons.

First, it can get data both from the USA satellites and the Russian GLONASS satellites.

When you use a GPS that only gets data from USA sats and you lose a lock on the WAAS satellite that covers your area, then the location reported by your GPS becomes less accurate. The 3 WAAS satellites covering the USA are stationary in the sky. You might lose (or never obtain) lock on a WAAS sat due to heavy tree cover and/or terrain if that sat is low in the sky and you are in a valley or on the wrong side of a mountain. The additional data from the GLONASS sats can make up the accuracy lost when your GPS loses lock on a WAAS sat.

The 3 WAAS sats covering the USA are:
ID #46, Bearing 98°W, East coast USA
ID #48, Bearing 133°W, West coast USA
ID #51, Bearing 107.3°W, Middle of USA

Second, the Oregon 600 lets you load multiple custom maps in the form of KMZ files and then easily switch between those custom maps.

Also, there is discussion in this thread about coordinates and particularly UTM. I happen to be a software developer. One way to help learn about coordinates is to play with Gmap4 which is an enhanced Google map viewer that I developed. For example, here is how to start Gmap4 in your browser and search on a UTM (or latitude longitude) coordinate:

1. Start Gmap4 and display the default map of the world: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php.
2. Click/Touch Menu ==> Search
3. Enter a proper UTM coordinate in the search box at the top of the screen.
4. Click/Touch one of the buttons to the right of the search box

Note! The only letter in a proper UTM coordinate is N or S which denotes the hemisphere.

To toggle a UTM grid on/off click/touch Menu ==> UTM - LatLng - Off.

If you right click the map then a window appears with coordinates in various formats (including UTM) for the spot you clicked.

To see high resolution topo maps for almost anywhere in the USA, change the basemap to “t4 Topo High”.

The Gmap4 homepage has a FAQ, examples, quick start info (in the Help file) and more to quickly get you up to speed:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy
Redmond, WA

 

[fz1boxer]

garmin map 60scx user here,also have 2 etrex hcx.
we hike geocache all over ga,sc,nc and tenn.
never had any issues with the garmin.
we also use garmin basecamp to go along with it and when we are out geocaching we use the national geographic maps of the southeast,which we get from REI.
garmin base camp will have trails the nat geo maps dont and vise verssa.
we use garmin base camp to log trails/old logging roads that dont show on either mapping system.
spare batteries a must and we use the lithiums.
post up your geohandle if you want
look up "Boxerlady" thats the online handle we use but sign logs boxerlady and crew