Will be used on & off road, hiking, hunting, fishing. Don't really know anything about them so I'd appreciate your input.
Time 2 buy a GPS, suggestions
- Thread starter gafferq2xl
- Start date
Re: Time 2 buy a GPS, suggestions
Do you need turn by turn directions? As far as backpacking/hiking/geocaching GPS go, I am partial to the Garmin Dakota 20 or Garmin Oregon 450.
Do you need turn by turn directions? As far as backpacking/hiking/geocaching GPS go, I am partial to the Garmin Dakota 20 or Garmin Oregon 450.
Re: Time 2 buy a GPS, suggestions
Especially if you're sometimes in really remote places, I'd recommend this, which will allow you to get help if you need it:
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?item=30786§ion=10560
Plus it comes with topo maps of the entire U.S., which you can download to the GPS.
Especially if you're sometimes in really remote places, I'd recommend this, which will allow you to get help if you need it:
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?item=30786§ion=10560
Plus it comes with topo maps of the entire U.S., which you can download to the GPS.
Re: Time 2 buy a GPS, suggestions
MY favorite so far is the Oregon line. You can choose whichever one you want, with whatever tools you need on it. I thought that the touch screen would be too easy to break, but I was completely wrong. My lovely wife didn't check my pockets and sent it through the washer AND dryer yesterday. Still works.
MY favorite so far is the Oregon line. You can choose whichever one you want, with whatever tools you need on it. I thought that the touch screen would be too easy to break, but I was completely wrong. My lovely wife didn't check my pockets and sent it through the washer AND dryer yesterday. Still works.
Re: Time 2 buy a GPS, suggestions
SPOT is nice, but I wouldn't let it necessarily sway your choice of a GPS unit, since there's standalone SPOT devices that have the same functionality (or most of it).
It's important to note that SPOT does require an annual subscription as well.
All of the Garmin GPS also have subscription based satellite imagery and 100k & 24k topo map packs you can buy as well.
SPOT is nice, but I wouldn't let it necessarily sway your choice of a GPS unit, since there's standalone SPOT devices that have the same functionality (or most of it).
It's important to note that SPOT does require an annual subscription as well.
All of the Garmin GPS also have subscription based satellite imagery and 100k & 24k topo map packs you can buy as well.
Re: Time 2 buy a GPS, suggestions
I use topographical maps and GPS units on a daily basis in my profession. Of the more popular brands, Garmin has been a mainstay and works really well. My only complaint is the proprietary software/data.
I have been using Delorme products for more than 10 years. The ability to run USGS 7.5 minute quadrangles, aerial photos, GIS data, etc. all at the same time and track your location on a laptop is invaluable for me. Since the PN-series of stand alone GPS units have come out, I have not used anything else. They keep getting better with each iteration and you can cut any maps you want out of the software program and load it on the GPS unit.
This is the short version of what you can do, but if you go with any of the TopoUSA or Xmap versions your options are almost limitless.
Good luck,
RB
I use topographical maps and GPS units on a daily basis in my profession. Of the more popular brands, Garmin has been a mainstay and works really well. My only complaint is the proprietary software/data.
I have been using Delorme products for more than 10 years. The ability to run USGS 7.5 minute quadrangles, aerial photos, GIS data, etc. all at the same time and track your location on a laptop is invaluable for me. Since the PN-series of stand alone GPS units have come out, I have not used anything else. They keep getting better with each iteration and you can cut any maps you want out of the software program and load it on the GPS unit.
This is the short version of what you can do, but if you go with any of the TopoUSA or Xmap versions your options are almost limitless.
Good luck,
RB
Re: Time 2 buy a GPS, suggestions
I like my Magellin XL which I don't know if they make anymore but it has a big color screen with topo maps and endless downloads. Thing has been spot on.
I like my Magellin XL which I don't know if they make anymore but it has a big color screen with topo maps and endless downloads. Thing has been spot on.
Re: Time 2 buy a GPS, suggestions
Go with a Garmin. There are multitudes of free maps out there you can download. There are GPS geeks just like there are gun geeks who make their own topo maps and make them available for free download.
Here is where I get most of mine through: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/
Go with a Garmin. There are multitudes of free maps out there you can download. There are GPS geeks just like there are gun geeks who make their own topo maps and make them available for free download.
Here is where I get most of mine through: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/
Re: Time 2 buy a GPS, suggestions
I'm with lindy, the delorme units can do quite a bit. We have two guys using them elk hunting and they are very handy. The downloads cover roads, footpaths,water tanks,springs,and a multitude of others we have yet to use. Also the system seems to be user friendly. good luck Rthur
I'm with lindy, the delorme units can do quite a bit. We have two guys using them elk hunting and they are very handy. The downloads cover roads, footpaths,water tanks,springs,and a multitude of others we have yet to use. Also the system seems to be user friendly. good luck Rthur
Re: Time 2 buy a GPS, suggestions
I wouldn't bother and would recommend a smartphone with the Backcountry mapping software.
Before anyone steps on their dick....you can download maps PRIOR to entering BFE and they will be available when you are off the grid. Work great for hunting and they can download USGS maps or TOPOUSA maps. You can tailor your phone to shut off the phone function so it will only act as a GPS unit, greatly increasing battery time.
If you want something to put on the dashboard for car break in bait get a Garmin, their new Oregon stuff looks good.
I wouldn't bother and would recommend a smartphone with the Backcountry mapping software.
Before anyone steps on their dick....you can download maps PRIOR to entering BFE and they will be available when you are off the grid. Work great for hunting and they can download USGS maps or TOPOUSA maps. You can tailor your phone to shut off the phone function so it will only act as a GPS unit, greatly increasing battery time.
If you want something to put on the dashboard for car break in bait get a Garmin, their new Oregon stuff looks good.
