How many of you guys go out with a GPS??

Pritch said:
I use it a lot in the woods, for locating/orienting myself when under heavy timber and for marking locations. Of course I still carry a compass (+ backup) and topo map.

I also use it when bicycling for speed, direction, distance & overall ride time. I also use it in the car when heading somewhere new.
Click to expand...

Same here. I also use it when boating and canoeing for the same functions (time/speed/direction/distance). I'm using the Etrex Vista from Garmin.
 
I almost always take one, along with spare batteries. I also carry a cell phone (usually turned off). To me, technology can be a great thing as long as you don't rely too heavily on it, and know how to use a map and compass, etc.

I use it to mark where I parked as well as points of interest along the way. It's a nice gadget (I love gadgets) with practical uses. If I got lost, it could help me find my way back, and if I got injured, I could use it to provide my exact location.

I haven't done any geocaching in quite a while, but it really is a lot of fun.
 
I always have at least two on me counting my iphone. I've even taken 3 with me before including a backtrack when I was going off trail and didn't have topo maps. Using them to record your hikes or paddling trips, then loading the tracks into google earth later is allot of fun. MotionX for iphone is awesome. You can load up topo and aerial maps ahead of time, so you have them on the phone even with no cell signal. Like some others, I don't mind integrating tech into my woods time, although I can understand both sides of it.
 
hushnel said:
Yeah, I use them and have for almost 15 years now. They are great for boating, and out in the back waters where all land marks vanish in a labyrinth of mangroves. I always have a compass, charts and topo maps too. I use them when I know exactly where I am, like you say, short walks and on the bicycle to learn their systems and track my miles. I have two of them.
Click to expand...

Same here. Especially when the river system is high and you can get a boat into the backwater. No landmarks, paths, etc. Everything looks the same. I can get in and out with a compass, but a GPS can get me exactly where I want to be.
 
I always take one, not so much for navigation but to record my path to show friends later and to see the elevation chart. Unless I'm geocaching, then it's the main piece of equipment.
 
They are great because some times i like to just wander and then it can just guide me back to my site or the trail.
 
No, I don't have one. I'm interested, though, and hope the people who do will list what they use, and how they like it.
wachulax said:
They are great because some times i like to just wander and then it can just guide me back to my site or the trail.
Click to expand...
That's why I'm thinking of getting one. I have a habit of wandering off-trail.
 
I have a Garmin Vista HCx and love that thing. I use it all the time. I can go to a new area and get anywhere I want. I put the topo map on mine and really like that because I can see the terrain. It is so thick in our woods here in the coast range you can't see your feet half the time, so it's good for picking a path.
 
OwenM said:
No, I don't have one. I'm interested, though, and hope the people who do will list what they use, and how they like it.
Click to expand...

I have a Garmin eTrex. It's a very basic model (no street or topo maps), but suits my needs just fine. It doesn't eat up batteries too fast, but I always carry a couple of spares.
 
I have a little add on pouch on my pack, that holds my GPS. It does not get a lot of use though.
I know my area well enough, having hiked, hunted and camped in it for the past 50 + years. ;)

Another factor here in Florida is the dense canopy in many cases, keeps the GPS from acquiring enough of a signal to be of much value. Often, to get a 'fix', you have to find a clear spot, and wait, and wait..........
 
I carry my GPS (eTrex) on hunts, but not for day hikes. If I make a kill, I like to save a way point so I can be sure to find it again.

If I'm just out walking around I usually just carry a compass in my pocket. And forget to look at it.
 
I take mine hunting. Before I got it I lost my truck a time or two. Down here the terrain is flat and covered in swamps and pine forrest. Everything looks the same so terrain association really doesnt work.A map and compass help, but there are very few ways to tell where you are without a lot of walking.

Lord help you if you make a kill and have to first get to the truck and then back to the kill site without a GPS. I know it can be done, but its damn sure not easy.
 
sadiejane said:
use em in unfamiliar territory. use em when i know where i am too, just to make sure im know how everything works. like to set "tracks" when im not sure of the landscape, so i can get myself back in case i get lost. as much as id like to think i know how to use a compass and read maps, i like having the gps for a backup. also good for setting coordinates when hunting on foot. mark the elk or deer and bring hunting partners back to help dress out and haul back. mark the vehicle when hunting too. good for marking fav hunting spots, whether animal mineral relics whatever. canoeing on unfamiliar lakes they can help ya find yr way home. if someone in yr party(or yrself) gets injured the gps can give rescuers coordinates for finding them. have one in my cell also which is simply for giving coordinates in an emergency. yeah i like the technology but it doesnt replace compass, maps and the know how to use em. at least not for me
Click to expand...

yes, i do that backtracking as well since the place i go to have no "path" at all. and i also store the location in my gps to remind me where i can find water or any edible stuffs....

Maps and compass are always good to have since GPS might be out of juice if you stay too long in the wilds. i usually turn it one every half an hour (or whenever i find sth interesting)and mark my location with it so later on i can tell where i am.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top