GPS Mapping, Loggers, Software

[Magic City Matt]

So I am looking at taking the plunge into a GPS device. Does anybody have any suggestions. I really only need something that will keep track of where I have been. I don't plan on relying on it to keep me on course. I have pretty must decided that either a basic handheld or a logger would be fine. I was hoping to get something that would at least let me geotag photos and map my course so I can post it for others.

[McDowra]

I have a   magellan explorist 500 and love it.  I would recommend a garmin 60cx if you want something more top of the line. Having a gps means you always know where you are at instantly, and where you have been.

[Woody]

I have a Magellan (I think). Just the basic model. I only use it when I am strictly exploring unknown terrain without trails. I usually just mark the place I entered or left my car then use my map (if I have one) and compass to navigate. I have rarely needed the GPS but it is cheap insurance in case I make a bad reading on the compass or a bad representation on the patrol map. I am fair with electronics but it took me a while just to learn to use this one function on my gps.

[astepatatime]

Such a simple question..but so many options.   We purchased our GPSr (a Garmin 60CSX) about 18 months ago when we got into geocaching.  It's been great for many other things too, including hiking, routing in the car, and just general playing around.  It's considered the top of the line, or was until they came out with their Colorado series (haven't used one personally).

If all you want is a simple track of where you've been, both for safety purposes (Trackback functions) and to enter waypoints to find something, keep it simple with a low end device like the Garmin eTrex.  About $100.   Depending on the phone you have, another option would be to add a gps receiver to the phone and not have another device to carry around.

My experience has been that once someone gets a basic GPSr, that its not long before they start lusting after one with more capabilities, like a map display, or routing capabilities.  So they have to buy another one.   It's mostly a question of budget and how much to spend now vs. later.

The Garmins come with software called Mapsource that allow you to do some crude logging of your tracks.  You have to buy map data from them (topography or road maps) if you want a decent basemap to underly your tracks.

[McDowra]

yep i followed one of bearleaders67  maps to get to upper ugly creek falls. With a gps you can follow trails that only it can see, gets you off the beaten path.

[MoBill122]

 I use a Magellan Meridian Gold with MapSend Topo... its find for what I do with a GPS. 

Anyone use Trails.com ?