GPS Devices on the trail

[Rob]

How many of you are using GPS devices on the trail ? What type/brand do you find to be most effective for this type of use?

[Cuffs]

I dont use to to navigate the trails but I do carry one.  I mainly use it to get an accurate track of the trails to generate topo maps for later use.  I have also used to to map existing, but not marked trails so that "real" trails can be established (Oxford area). 

Garmin 60CSX.  I highly recommend Garmin (I have owned 3 prior models) and any of theirs with and 'X' in the model name.  There are new features that give better reception even under tree cover!

Ive been in the canyons in Sipsey in summer (dont ask!) and never lost a signal!

[Magic City Matt]

Has anyone tried any of the Data logger style gps devices? I was thinking about getting one just to show me where I have been. I like the battery life and light weight of these type of devices but haven't heard many people making much noise about them. All I really want them to do is tell me where I have been and how long it took me to get there.

[Rob]

Garmin does seem to be the forerunner. Interesting choice of uses. It would be a cool way to record acurate data of trails that you have visited, especially if you were keeping a journal. Thanks for the feedback.

[Cuffs]

For those of you in the Anniston/Oxford area, there are some trails being mapped right now that will be opened to hikers in the very near future!  If you have a gps and want to geocache, this same area will be stocked well in the next couple months! 

(I am currently mapping the existing old road beds and placing caches!)

[Cuffs]

Matt, most gps'rs do tracking... for about 100 bucks you could be set up with a regular gps that would have more functionality than just a logger style

[Joshua Szulecki]

I've carried two different GPS units over the past few years. The first was a Garmin E-Trex without any basemaps. The second is a Magellan. I've used both as a backup method for returning to my car or a trailhead, but I've been burned enough times by GPS to not use them as a primary navigation method. Both units lack a compass, so at low speeds (like walking in the woods...) you cannot tell direction, only location. Makes waypoints basically useless when bushwhacking. What tends to happen to me is that rather than having no signal, or getting bad location information, I get turned around by the GPS. I'll be walking too slow for a directional indication, and end up walking in circles. I finally decided to only use the gps to find my proximity to locations, rather than as a directional aid when I got to walking in circles for nearly 5 minutes, and was "found" by beeping my car door locks. I was "lost" within 50yrds of my car in heavy brush. I've probably told that story a few times now...

I probably wouldn't hike far without mine, just for the comfort of having it, but I don't really use it that beyond marking waterfall and trailhead locations. I actually use it more for finding trailheads IN THE CAR, than when hiking.

[Cuffs]

That story is exactly why I always carry a small magnetic compass!  I have not had any problems with a CS model Garmin since the sensors are built in, you dont have to be 'in motion' to get a reading.  Also I find the base maps useless, so the need to buy the Mapsource software is almost mandatory.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Cuffs,

I actually was carrying a magnetic compass, but since I already knew I was within a short distance of my car, I didn't bother getting it out. My new car's keyfob works at like, a 1/8mi distance, so today I'd probably have just tried finding my car with the darn thing in the first place!

[Cuffs]

I've used that same tactic, but I wasnt in the woods, but at the mall parking lot! 

[Magic City Matt]

Soi since I really don't see much use for replacing a good ole map and compass but wanted to track my time and location of photos as they were taken I have decided to go with this device

http://www.semsons.com/i747bldalogp.html

It has all of the functionality of a lot of the really expensive GPS units just no screen. It Gets great battery life not having to power that screen as well.

[SteveO]

 I have a Garmin Etrex that I use alot. While it doesnt have many features, it does give me all the info I could use in the backcountry.

It has a track logger, gps guided compass, shows altitude, speed, average speed, lat/lon, sunrise/sunset, mileage, and about 20 other things. Im very happy with it.

And its pretty rugged. Ive dropped it from high spots and its never failed me. Plus, its one of the cheaper ones, so if something does happen to it, it isnt a huge loss.

It does lose some accuracy in thick foliage and deep canyons, but it still gives you basic location info.

However, it is no substitute for a compass, topo map, and the knowledge to use them.

[lawnmowwer]

I  have come not to trust a GPS and stopped useing them. It does sound like they are much better now. I always found that when I needed it I couldn't get the info I needed. I always ended up with a map and compass. I also teach my scouts map and compass skills first. I don't allow GPS devices on a scout trip.

I may start looking at some newer units. Sounds like the map and direction capabilitys are getting much much better than the ones I started with. My first one ( I can't tell you where or what ) was junk. I think it lost signal in the shadow of a tree. Second and last one was a little better, but you still needed a clearing to get a reading. If you can't tell it was new tech. when I had one. I am good at map reading so I really don't need one, but sometimes it would be a nice backup if it worked.

I know, I know I am old, decrepid, over the hill, and anti tech. I like horses and buggys. The world was better off, and so on and so forth.

You can just poke sticks at Me and make fun. Just don't be suprised if I poke back.










Ha HA HA HA.

[LESTER]

I'm with you on this one.  Once I went out with someone who had GPS.  It was great till the batterys went dead.  I was kicking myself for not paying close attention, as she was the one with the GPS.  I have to keep reminding myself to pay attention, no matter who is "leading"  cause I just might have to get us out of there.  Maps and compass are great until our poles reverse!  Hope I'm not on the trails then, it would be interesting...

[lawnmowwer]

 Cool Jaybird I like the 3-D feature.

[Richard]

I have a DeLorme PN-20. Works quite well in a "hole" or under large trees. Much better than my Garmin eTrex. Never tried to navigate with the PN-20 but if I were to I'd make sure I also had a map, compass and spare batteries. Mainly use it for making trail maps at Lurleen and Sokol. Great for checking speedometers for accuracy too.