Which Brand Would You Go With?

Qweetzy · 02-12-2011, 08:28 PM

I've almost got myself convinced to buy a GPS system. It would probably extend my range of hiking a considerable amount. I have always stayed to pretty well marked trails or to areas I am sure I know where I am.

So what would you recommend?

steves · 02-12-2011, 09:43 PM

I have had good experiences with 2 Garmins, I started with the E-Trex Ventura then upgraded to the Dakota 20. If you can swing it go for the upgrade 1st the added features are well worth it.

oldsarge · 02-13-2011, 11:30 AM

I have used Magellan's ( 315, 320, sportrack map, & Explorist 200, 400 & 500LE which I still have) and Garmins (eTrex legend & Colorado 300 which I use primarily), I opt for the Garmin now due to poor customer service from Magellan. I have also been exposed to DeLorme GPS's (PN40 & 60). The DeLorme PN60 is a great unit and will be my next purchase. I would stick to one of these three. I also would consider going to one of the higher end units if your financial situation will allow. There's nothing wrong with a low cost GPS other than the loss of some nice features you may wish you had later one. All in all, at least make sure your GPS has the ability to load maps.

Navigator · 02-13-2011, 02:16 PM

I use a Garmin Foretrex 301, it provides all the basic GPS functions on a small wrist mount. Personally, I DON'T think it is necessary to be able to load maps on a GPS, I feel that a GPS should always be an ACCESSORY to a map and compass. I use it with a Roamer/UTM corner ruler (MapTools.com) to pinpoint my position on the map.

Garmin's Mapsource software is OK, but I prefer the 1:24K maps I can print from National Geographic's TOPO! software because you can add a UTM grid overlay.

Final word, first learn how to use a map and compass. Learn how to plot a UTM coordinate. Then see how a GPS can make all that easier.

oldsarge · 02-13-2011, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navigator

I use a Garmin Foretrex 301, it provides all the basic GPS functions on a small wrist mount. Personally, I DON'T think it is necessary to be able to load maps on a GPS, I feel that a GPS should always be an ACCESSORY to a map and compass. I use it with a Roamer/UTM corner ruler (MapTools.com) to pinpoint my position on the map.

Garmin's Mapsource software is OK, but I prefer the 1:24K maps I can print from National Geographic's TOPO! software because you can add a UTM grid overlay.

Final word, first learn how to use a map and compass. Learn how to plot a UTM coordinate. Then see how a GPS can make all that easier.

I agree, a GPS should be a accessory, but I'd still prefer a higher end GPS over a Foretrex model. I used them and they aren't worth the money, lost signals constantly. I get your point though, having something to get a coordinates on and be able to apply it to map is all one should need. There are far to many folks out there with weak map skills let alone using a compass. A GPS can and will help in teaching. Still you make a good point!

Refrigerator · 02-13-2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldsarge

I agree, a GPS should be a accessory, but I'd still prefer a higher end GPS over a Foretrex model. I used them and they aren't worth the money, lost signals constantly. I get your point though, having something to get a coordinates on and be able to apply it to map is all one should need. There are far to many folks out there with weak map skills let alone using a compass. A GPS can and will help in teaching. Still you make a good point!

agree with you on that oldsarge.

Navigator · 02-13-2011, 05:29 PM

good to go. Just my two cents worth.

IndianaHiker · 02-13-2011, 07:13 PM

Don't think that you could go wrong with any Garmin or Magellan products. The product you gets just depends on the bells and whistles you are willing to pay for.

oldsarge · 02-15-2011, 05:48 AM

It seems that now a days the bells and whistles are becoming more and more. Technoligy is getting cheap to produce, you find way more options on a GPS than I'd ever use. Take a Garmin Coloradop 300 for examlpe, it's a great unit, but if you upgrade to a 350, it's pretty much the same thing except it got all the maps loaded into it already. Some Magellan models may add a camera or digital recorder.

Qweetzy · 02-20-2011, 07:00 PM

Thanks guys. I appreciate the advice. I honestly don't know that much about a compass but we have used maps but of course it's been on well marked trails. But my wife and I are wanting to get into hiking off of the beaten track and see what we can see. Of course we hike on our own land but that's not a big surprise as to what is there.