Author Topic: Best GPS for hiking  (Read 1016 times)

lone_gunman

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Best GPS for hiking
« on: June 30, 2009, 11:07:26 AM »
I have always just used maps and compass, but am thinking about giving a GPS a try.  Does anyone have experience with these?  I am looking at the Garmin Oregon 400t.

mgdavis

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Re: Best GPS for hiking
« Reply #1 on: June 30, 2009, 11:34:17 AM »
I use a Garmin Vista Cx(?) that I picked up a few years ago. One of these days I might get around to buying topo maps for it. I've had one hike where I was glad I brought it, we got into snow pack and the trail disappeared, was able to match the gps track with the trail on the paper topo map and figure out pretty much where we were. Mostly I just use it as a fancy odometer.

MillCreek

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Re: Best GPS for hiking
« Reply #2 on: June 30, 2009, 12:23:39 PM »
Although I don't have one yet, the Magellan Triton series looks pretty interesting.  The fact that you can download TOPO maps directly to the unit is a great feature.  I have an older Magellan color GPS, and the ability to download topo maps to the unit is far more useful than using the installed basemaps.  The downloaded topo maps are to a much closer scale so you can actually use them for navigation.  I have a set of the TOPO maps for the Pacific NW and they come in very handy.
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Jamisjockey

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Re: Best GPS for hiking
« Reply #3 on: June 30, 2009, 01:31:35 PM »


I've got one of the higher models of the Vista.  HCX with barometer and some other goodies.  Waterproof to boot.
Remember, if you pick out a mapper, you'll usually have to pay extra for the topo software, so figure that into the cost.
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Re: Best GPS for hiking
« Reply #4 on: June 30, 2009, 10:00:06 PM »
If you want to go with the reference standard I suggest the Garmin GPSMap 60CSX. It is slightly older technology but it is proven technology, occasionally you will even see pics of soldiers who are deployed with them strapped on their gear. It is a tough dependable unit.

You will have to buy topo software for it and it isn't cheap. Garmin now offers 24k topos for every state. The maps generally run $100 msrp for two state bundles.

I bought the above mentioned (Millcreek) Magellan Triton 500 just recently for three reasons. I received an employee discount, it was on sale and I own a lot of National Geographic TOPO! disks for areas I regularly backpack. The Triton series allows you to upload the USGS maps from TOPO! right into the handheld unit. This also includes any information (waypoints, routes etc...) you've added on your PC. I saved a lot of money not having to buy software.

This is my first GPS and I'm reasonably satisfied so far. The Vista HCX was the frontrunner before I realized how cheaply I could get into the Triton.
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