Posted 2010-10-26 10:42 AM (#126270) Subject: GPS HELP
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I'd like to purchase a GPS unit designed for trail riders, for my wife. My knowledge of these is less than nothing. Do any of you folks have any favourite brands or models that you particularly like? Are there some I should avoid?
I would greatly appreciate any advice you could offer. Thank you. Gard
Posted 2010-10-26 12:54 PM (#126273 - in reply to #126270) Subject: RE: GPS HELP
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 330 Location: northeast Texas
I have had a Garmin Foretrex wrist mount for a couple of years. Last Christmas we were up on a mountainside in the snow and the trail branched off and we got turned around. The Track Back (bread crumb trail) feature got us back on trail towards camp in 27 degree weather and snow. It was a great ride. We wouldnt go out alot of places without the Garmin charged and on. It tracks our miles and is amazingly accurate. Tells us current, average and top speed, has a compass, the day-date-time and can set waypoints and build maps. Does all kinds of neat things and is simple to understand. I am not an electronics guru and I can operate it. I use it to track my milage for conditioning my horses but the mapping feature and track back is wonderful if you like to explore or ride where there arent alot of trail markings.
Posted 2010-10-26 1:26 PM (#126276 - in reply to #126270) Subject: RE: GPS HELP
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 500 Location: West TN
I have a Garmin Dakota and really have enjoyed using it. It is really user friendly and easy to navigate through. I did purchase the topo maps to add to it. At first, I was hesistant to buy them. However, after loading them onto the device, it has made tracking and navigation alot more useful.
Link to a thread I started a few weeks ago. Another poster suggested I try the mapmyhike app (it's a free app, too) for my iphone, and I am glad I did. It does just what I need it to do, and I don't have to bring along (or buy) another piece of apparatus (I am never without my cell). It might not be as full featured as the dedicated GPS units, but fits my needs perfectly. I have been able to record a ride and then print out trail maps later. Even in "no service" areas, I was able to track my ride and locate smaller roads and other landmarks. I was warned about battery life, but even after a 6 hour ride, I had plenty of juice left to make calls. I have no fear of getting lost now.
Posted 2010-10-26 3:24 PM (#126286 - in reply to #126282) Subject: RE: GPS HELP
Regular
Posts: 60 Location: Missouri
Yes..it worked even without service. I was very pleased. We camped & rode for 6 days and I have complete maps for 7 rides, complete with topography, road maps, terrain, etc. There were many areas that were complete dead zones, but the maps are complete. Two thumbs up!
The maps upload automatically to the mapmyhike site, so later you just go online and print them out. There is an upgrade that allows more features, but the freebie worked fine for my needs.
Posted 2010-10-26 9:00 PM (#126296 - in reply to #126270) Subject: RE: GPS HELP
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I bought my GPS back in 1999, So there are MANY better units available today.
I used mine to track the trails that I rode, When I got home, I uploaded those to my computer and the Topo program. From this I printed maps for CTR rides. I also use to see how far I am from various points and to mark spots. Like where I left the truck, where I tied the horses when I started hiking.
My advice, Find one that you consider easy to use. One that uploads to your computer so you can print out or view your rides. The new smart phone aps may do everything you want.
Posted 2010-10-27 4:47 PM (#126327 - in reply to #126270) Subject: RE: GPS HELP
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
Garmin Oregon 550T. It is expensive, but has such an easy to use 'face", and you can take a photo with it (one less thing to carry) and save the photo as a place you would like to go to again, complete with automatic waypoint (latitude and longitude) and photo attached to it, they are just great!!! Look em up. So easy to use and get signals great., as well..........
Posted 2010-10-29 6:33 AM (#126396 - in reply to #126270) Subject: RE: GPS HELP
Regular
Posts: 69 Location: Tennessee
Take a look at the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 Handheld GPS. Very easy to use. Usually 299.00 at Walmart and other stores. I have owned 6-7 units, like this one the best for trail use
Posted 2010-11-01 10:15 PM (#126540 - in reply to #126270) Subject: RE: GPS HELP
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
I got the Garmin 550T last Christmas.. It is very easy to use and has lots of space for memory.. As FlyingH says, you can even take a picture with it. I like that I can backtrack my steps if need be or can see how far I've traveled or what the size of the area is... Look at them on you-tube.. You can find out a lot of stuff about the different units on there.
GPS HELP
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