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What GPS device for hiking?
- Thread starter Hawk45
- Start date
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
Garmin Rino two-way radios are great. The GPS is fast and accurate. The Rinos also have the ability to link to other Rino radios so base camp will always know your GPS location and/or bread crumb trail.
Garmin Foretrex wrist GPS's work well also.
Good luck, there are a ton of good choices out there. Those are the only two I have extensive experience with.
Garmin Rino two-way radios are great. The GPS is fast and accurate. The Rinos also have the ability to link to other Rino radios so base camp will always know your GPS location and/or bread crumb trail.
Garmin Foretrex wrist GPS's work well also.
Good luck, there are a ton of good choices out there. Those are the only two I have extensive experience with.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
comes down to how much do you want to spend and what functions you want it to have. Garmin has treated me very well. Would recomend you jump on their site and read up a bit.
comes down to how much do you want to spend and what functions you want it to have. Garmin has treated me very well. Would recomend you jump on their site and read up a bit.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
Like Chiller said it depends on many things, especially budget. My idea of nice is a Garmin Vista, but I like compact devices and typically only use it for occasional reference.
I'm really eyeballing the new Delorme offerings. The imagery ability and SPOT tracker addition is the reason why, but I still like the free map availability for the Garmin units that just aren't available for the Delorme.
Like Chiller said it depends on many things, especially budget. My idea of nice is a Garmin Vista, but I like compact devices and typically only use it for occasional reference.
I'm really eyeballing the new Delorme offerings. The imagery ability and SPOT tracker addition is the reason why, but I still like the free map availability for the Garmin units that just aren't available for the Delorme.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I'm a big fan of my Garmin Dakota 20. Great features in a small package.
I'm a big fan of my Garmin Dakota 20. Great features in a small package.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I use a Garmin Oregon series and it is very easy to use and has more features than I will ever need.
I use a Garmin Oregon series and it is very easy to use and has more features than I will ever need.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I can find coupons to get around 20% off most places, and have time to find a deal.. so price isn't a big deal if I get a good unit. I want something upgradeable for future use, but don't want to drop $350 on a unit, then have to drop $100-$200 on maps either.
I can find coupons to get around 20% off most places, and have time to find a deal.. so price isn't a big deal if I get a good unit. I want something upgradeable for future use, but don't want to drop $350 on a unit, then have to drop $100-$200 on maps either.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I have used the Garmin 60 series, The 60, 60CSX, and now the 62st the 62 has a topo base map of the US, but I have read that its scale does not accurately portray some of the terrain. I would buy specific topo or now use the Birdseye satellite images to get accurate maps from the GPS. Also carry a map of the area and don't forget the Silva compass as a back up.
These GPS devices have been used overseas in some of the worst conditions and with the updates by garmin have not failed me.
I have used the Garmin 60 series, The 60, 60CSX, and now the 62st the 62 has a topo base map of the US, but I have read that its scale does not accurately portray some of the terrain. I would buy specific topo or now use the Birdseye satellite images to get accurate maps from the GPS. Also carry a map of the area and don't forget the Silva compass as a back up.
These GPS devices have been used overseas in some of the worst conditions and with the updates by garmin have not failed me.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
Ditto on Garmin. years ago I dropped a good budget on a etrex vista (black and white display). It still works great and I'm considering to upgrade to a Rino only because my hunting friends use them. I can see the benefit of not carrying a radio and gps plus the locate feature is great.
A good basic etrex can be had for less than a hundred if you want only to find your way back to car, get north, have waypoints to return to etc.
Just add budget for features.
fwiw, I can see my vista being useful for years to come.
Ditto on Garmin. years ago I dropped a good budget on a etrex vista (black and white display). It still works great and I'm considering to upgrade to a Rino only because my hunting friends use them. I can see the benefit of not carrying a radio and gps plus the locate feature is great.
A good basic etrex can be had for less than a hundred if you want only to find your way back to car, get north, have waypoints to return to etc.
Just add budget for features.
fwiw, I can see my vista being useful for years to come.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can find coupons to get around 20% off most places, and have time to find a deal.. so price isn't a big deal if I get a good unit. I want something upgradeable for future use, but don't want to drop $350 on a unit, then have to drop $100-$200 on maps either. </div></div> At that price point I'd recommend either the Garmin Vista or 60 Series units, depending on how large of a screen you want vs. how compact you want the unit. The 60CSx is a very nice piece of gear and a good value, but I carry a Vista for its size.
As for maps, there's lots of maps available for my favorite price.... FREE! I never buy maps any more.
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/
Download and install into your unit's microSD card using Garmin Mapsource. Make sure you have at least a 2GB card as they fill up fast.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can find coupons to get around 20% off most places, and have time to find a deal.. so price isn't a big deal if I get a good unit. I want something upgradeable for future use, but don't want to drop $350 on a unit, then have to drop $100-$200 on maps either. </div></div> At that price point I'd recommend either the Garmin Vista or 60 Series units, depending on how large of a screen you want vs. how compact you want the unit. The 60CSx is a very nice piece of gear and a good value, but I carry a Vista for its size.
As for maps, there's lots of maps available for my favorite price.... FREE! I never buy maps any more.
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/
Download and install into your unit's microSD card using Garmin Mapsource. Make sure you have at least a 2GB card as they fill up fast.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I love my Garmin Colorado. I use it almost daily in the summer. As for my future purchase would be am Oregon. I like the 60 series but overall ease of use is awesome on the two former products.
Have a great one bud and good luck.
I love my Garmin Colorado. I use it almost daily in the summer. As for my future purchase would be am Oregon. I like the 60 series but overall ease of use is awesome on the two former products.
Have a great one bud and good luck.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I like the Garmin Rino as well. Very dependable and better than just a plain GPS
I like the Garmin Rino as well. Very dependable and better than just a plain GPS
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Redmanss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As for maps, there's lots of maps available for my favorite price.... FREE! I never buy maps any more.
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/ </div></div>
That's cool. I've been looking at the Garmins to be able to use with hunting maps: http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Redmanss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As for maps, there's lots of maps available for my favorite price.... FREE! I never buy maps any more.
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/ </div></div>
That's cool. I've been looking at the Garmins to be able to use with hunting maps: http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hamr56</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would go with the Garmin 60 CSx. I have used it for years and it has never let me down. </div></div>
+1
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hamr56</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would go with the Garmin 60 CSx. I have used it for years and it has never let me down. </div></div>
+1
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hamr56</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would go with the Garmin 60 CSx. I have used it for years and it has never let me down. </div></div>
That's what I have as well. It's been extremely reliable for me.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hamr56</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would go with the Garmin 60 CSx. I have used it for years and it has never let me down. </div></div>
That's what I have as well. It's been extremely reliable for me.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cluebat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a big fan of my Garmin Dakota 20. Great features in a small package. </div></div>
Have same. I use it ALL the time and keep finding new features.
Right price, good power consumption and I bought the public/private land chip. Highly recommended.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cluebat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a big fan of my Garmin Dakota 20. Great features in a small package. </div></div>
Have same. I use it ALL the time and keep finding new features.
Right price, good power consumption and I bought the public/private land chip. Highly recommended.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WunderDog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use a Garmin Oregon series and it is very easy to use and has more features than I will ever need.</div></div>
+1 Garmin Oregon great features and easy to use... like it better than the Vista or the 60 GSX, have both and yes the Oregon is worth the extra $
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WunderDog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use a Garmin Oregon series and it is very easy to use and has more features than I will ever need.</div></div>
+1 Garmin Oregon great features and easy to use... like it better than the Vista or the 60 GSX, have both and yes the Oregon is worth the extra $
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mt Al</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cluebat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a big fan of my Garmin Dakota 20. Great features in a small package. </div></div>
Have same. I use it ALL the time and keep finding new features.
Right price, good power consumption and I bought the public/private land chip. Highly recommended. </div></div>
yup... use it guiding, my own hunting, etc.
this is a great addition too !!
http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/
if it applies to your state or a state you are heading to, it is SO worth the money !!! Highly recommend !!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mt Al</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cluebat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a big fan of my Garmin Dakota 20. Great features in a small package. </div></div>
Have same. I use it ALL the time and keep finding new features.
Right price, good power consumption and I bought the public/private land chip. Highly recommended. </div></div>
yup... use it guiding, my own hunting, etc.
this is a great addition too !!
http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/
if it applies to your state or a state you are heading to, it is SO worth the money !!! Highly recommend !!
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
As others have said, Garmin makes a great product. I have have used them for years (recently gave away my 12XL) and I still take my Geko wherever I go in the world. I will be truly bummed the day it dies since they stopped making it. The Map 62 (I use it regularly) is a good unit. A friend is truly in love with his Oregon model and takes it everywhere with him. He has used it in the deserts of Iraq and will upload maps of place he is going to vacation so he can hike or jump in a car. I see they now have the Montana which has a larger screen and more memory.
For a small map GPS, the Map 62 is great and you can't go wrong with either the Oregon or Montana models.
As others have said, Garmin makes a great product. I have have used them for years (recently gave away my 12XL) and I still take my Geko wherever I go in the world. I will be truly bummed the day it dies since they stopped making it. The Map 62 (I use it regularly) is a good unit. A friend is truly in love with his Oregon model and takes it everywhere with him. He has used it in the deserts of Iraq and will upload maps of place he is going to vacation so he can hike or jump in a car. I see they now have the Montana which has a larger screen and more memory.
For a small map GPS, the Map 62 is great and you can't go wrong with either the Oregon or Montana models.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hamr56</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would go with the Garmin 60 CSx. I have used it for years and it has never let me down. </div></div>
Same, great hand held GPS unit.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hamr56</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would go with the Garmin 60 CSx. I have used it for years and it has never let me down. </div></div>
Same, great hand held GPS unit.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I perfer a more basic gps,[using an etrex now] and I make sure it at least has the option to turn off the back light.
Your gps wont do much good if it burns thru the batteries in the 1st 4 hours.
I perfer a more basic gps,[using an etrex now] and I make sure it at least has the option to turn off the back light.
Your gps wont do much good if it burns thru the batteries in the 1st 4 hours.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AnthonyL</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hamr56</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would go with the Garmin 60 CSx. I have used it for years and it has never let me down. </div></div>
Same, great hand held GPS unit. </div></div>
Jumping on the band wagon. Great features at an affordable price. Are there better units out there for more money..sure. But this does everything I want it to.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AnthonyL</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hamr56</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would go with the Garmin 60 CSx. I have used it for years and it has never let me down. </div></div>
Same, great hand held GPS unit. </div></div>
Jumping on the band wagon. Great features at an affordable price. Are there better units out there for more money..sure. But this does everything I want it to.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Outback</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Compass and map </div></div>
^^^^THIS FOR THE WIN^^^^^
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Outback</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Compass and map </div></div>
^^^^THIS FOR THE WIN^^^^^
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
Ditto on the Rhino. Used a Vista for years. Still have it somewhere. great piece of gear.
Ditto on the Rhino. Used a Vista for years. Still have it somewhere. great piece of gear.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I've had my Garmin Foretrex 301 for about a year now, and it's quite a piece of gear. It's sturdy, very water resistant, and most of all, easy to use with tons of programmable features. You can even sync it with your pc and overlay your waypoints and paths to 3d mapping software like Google Earth. It's a different type of system than most people are used to, but it's quick to get into and the unit as a whole is pretty impressive. Money well spent, in my opinion.
I've had my Garmin Foretrex 301 for about a year now, and it's quite a piece of gear. It's sturdy, very water resistant, and most of all, easy to use with tons of programmable features. You can even sync it with your pc and overlay your waypoints and paths to 3d mapping software like Google Earth. It's a different type of system than most people are used to, but it's quick to get into and the unit as a whole is pretty impressive. Money well spent, in my opinion.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I have a Rhino and love it. Specially if you have some buddies you are with that have them. Doubles as a walkie talkie and shows where your buddies are on your gps display. Pretty smooth and has always functioned flawlessly
I have a Rhino and love it. Specially if you have some buddies you are with that have them. Doubles as a walkie talkie and shows where your buddies are on your gps display. Pretty smooth and has always functioned flawlessly
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I have a Lowrance Ihunt color. Yeah, its a few years older, but with the topo mapping software and combined with the pc, its powerful! I just used it this past weekend on a small hike with the wife, she ensisted we go off the main trail and take a unmarked path... Now, in my brain I "THOUGHT" she was putting the moves on me...
NOPE!!! she wanted to see where the trail led to! anyhow, I was able to show her where we were going to come out and exactly how far in yards from the trail head we went in on it was...
My only complaint with it, they give you a speaker and the option to voice record notes on it, but the speaker SUX!!! you cant hear anything or the alarms... 3 of my buddies have the exact same unit as we all hunt together and have our drives plotted on each unit, and all the speakers suck...
Other than that, very easy to use and worth the money.
I have a Lowrance Ihunt color. Yeah, its a few years older, but with the topo mapping software and combined with the pc, its powerful! I just used it this past weekend on a small hike with the wife, she ensisted we go off the main trail and take a unmarked path... Now, in my brain I "THOUGHT" she was putting the moves on me...
NOPE!!! she wanted to see where the trail led to! anyhow, I was able to show her where we were going to come out and exactly how far in yards from the trail head we went in on it was...
My only complaint with it, they give you a speaker and the option to voice record notes on it, but the speaker SUX!!! you cant hear anything or the alarms... 3 of my buddies have the exact same unit as we all hunt together and have our drives plotted on each unit, and all the speakers suck...
Other than that, very easy to use and worth the money.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I have a Rihno 500 series. Anyone heard anything about the new touch screeen Rhino? Looks pretty sweet
I have a Rihno 500 series. Anyone heard anything about the new touch screeen Rhino? Looks pretty sweet
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rmyers2213</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a Rihno 500 series. Anyone heard anything about the new touch screeen Rhino? Looks pretty sweet </div></div>
You guys with newer Rino's: how is the GPS receiver sensitivity? I have a Rino-130 from about 5 years ago and it sucks. It loses GPS aquistion clipped externally on my backpack straps under mild tree canopies.
Newer GPS engines should easily retain a fix under those conditions.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rmyers2213</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a Rihno 500 series. Anyone heard anything about the new touch screeen Rhino? Looks pretty sweet </div></div>
You guys with newer Rino's: how is the GPS receiver sensitivity? I have a Rino-130 from about 5 years ago and it sucks. It loses GPS aquistion clipped externally on my backpack straps under mild tree canopies.
Newer GPS engines should easily retain a fix under those conditions.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I have the Rhino. But get one that has a high sensitivity reciever. It will keep a batt. charge better. It will not keep searching for satalites. It should keep up with your hike.
I really like my Rhino.
I have the Rhino. But get one that has a high sensitivity reciever. It will keep a batt. charge better. It will not keep searching for satalites. It should keep up with your hike.
I really like my Rhino.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I love mine. My brother in law has one of the older 100 series ones and it doesn;t work nearly as good as mine but he loves mine and is looking for one like it.
I love mine. My brother in law has one of the older 100 series ones and it doesn;t work nearly as good as mine but he loves mine and is looking for one like it.
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I have the Rino 530.... It's great! Pricey, but then again... You get what you pay for!
I have the Rino 530.... It's great! Pricey, but then again... You get what you pay for!
Re: What GPS device for hiking?
I also have the Garmin Rino 530 HCX and I absolutely love it. The two way radio is nice but the functionality of the GPS and the detail goes unmatched!!
I also have the Garmin Rino 530 HCX and I absolutely love it. The two way radio is nice but the functionality of the GPS and the detail goes unmatched!!
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