 to look for...
GPS units range from basic to complex, with a wide range of features, capabilities and prices from around $100 into the thousands of dollars, believe it or not. Me, I use fairly basic units, which do everything I need for Search & Rescue work and backcountry travel. I'll show you which units I use below.
But when it comes to choosing a GPS for yourself, think about what you want to use it for, where you'll be using it, and which features you really want and need, not to mention your budget. Features to consider might include:
- Weight and bulk--Where will you being carrying the unit? In a jacket pocket? A radio harness? In or on a backpack?
- Durability--Is it water-resistant or waterproof? It is dust-proof? How well can it handle extreme temperatures?
- Screen and text size--Can you see the text and numbers well enough?
- Data entry--Is it easy to enter information? How are the buttons laid out? Can it be used one-handed? How easy or difficult is it to move between menus and screens? And are those menus and screens set up logically?
- Battery type--What kind of batteries does it take, and do they match your other gadgets? (I prefer a GPS that takes AA batteries, because that's what my headlamp and flashlights take. That way, I don't have to carry multiple types for spares, and the batteries are interchangeable if necessary.)
- Mapping capabilities--Does the GPS take topo maps? Does it have computer download and upload capabilities? How much memory does it have, and is it enough?
You may also want to purchase a case and a strap to attach the unit to a belt or backpack.
A Basic But Good GPS - The Garmin eTrex series, beginning with the "10"
To me, the most important functions of a GPS for the average user are the abilities to set waypoints and do "go-to's" as well as to determine one's location at any given moment and plot that location on a map. And the Garmin eTrex 10 will certainly do that and more. This model is a dependable, easy-to-use unit, which now offers better accuracy in heavy cover and deep canyons with its new high-sensitivity receiver.
This GPS does everything I need for Search & Rescue work and backcountry travel but without a bunch of what I consider "bells and whistles" that would drive up the price. And Amazon often has really good deals on this unit and the next one I'll show you, lower than I usually see in local stores.
Storage space for 500 waypoints and 20 routes
Garmin exclusive TrackBack feature to find your way home
Runs for 25 hours on 2 AA batteries
Weight: 5 oz. with batteries
Waterproof to survive an accidental dunk
A Step Up From The Etrex 10 - The Garmin Legend
This device has more features and additional memory capacity than the Etrex above, but I still find it easy to use and the price in the very affordable range.
The Legend comes loaded with a full basemap of North and South America, with position accuracy to less than three meters. The basemap contains lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroads and coastlines.
Additional features include:
- Internal memory totaling 8 MB
- Stores up to 1000 waypoints with TrackBack and 20 routes
- Includes PC cable for downloading or uploading Mapsource maps
- Port for MicroSD card instead of built-in memory
- Runs for 18 hours on 2 AA batteries
- 1.1-inch x 2.1-inch display
- Weight: 5.3 oz. with batteries
Video: The Basics of the Garmin E-Trex Legend
This short video will show you how to access and read the satellite screen as well as several other navigation screens.
Common GPS Problems
- GPS units can break or the batteries can run out. Be sure to carry extra batteries ... and that map and compass.
- A satellite signal can bounce off of other objects before it reaches your GPS, which changes the timing and therefore makes the location fix inaccurate. This is called "multipathing." Move away from buildings, cliffs and other large objects as much as possible to minimize this problem.
- Using the unit while in 2D mode can be very inaccurate. The GPS will try to use the elevation of the last time it was t