GPS's

[Trail Bug]

Anyone use a GPS on the trail? If so do you have a preference? I have been reading up on the Delorme Earthmate PN-20, but there are so many models to choose from. Anything out there that has exceptionally good map details of the A.T. and easy to use?

[Awol]

I have the Garmin 60csx. I've not loaded maps, since I'm most interested in creating a track log. The image below is a track log I acquired on a walk up Katahdin. The device has great reception, even in areas with tree cover.

AT Troll has a Delorme, he'll probably chime in soon.

http://appalachianpages.com/gallery/data/552/thumbs/Katahdin_Stream_Campground_to_Baxter_Peak.jpg (http://appalachianpages.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=318)

[attroll]

I have a Delorme Earthmate PN-20 and I like it but it is a little slow at responding when maps are loaded in it. However Delorme just came out with a GPS that replaces the Delorme Earthmate PN-20 that is suppose to elevated that problem. They now have the Delorme Earthmate PN-40.

[trippclark]

Anyone use a GPS on the trail? If so do you have a preference? I have been reading up on the Delorme Earthmate PN-20, but there are so many models to choose from. Anything out there that has exceptionally good map details of the A.T. and easy to use?

Trail Bug,

Presently I have the Garmin Geko 201. It is a low cost, basic "no frills" GPS that does not have maps, but is appealing in many ways because of its size and weight (only 3 oz), waterproof and rugged construction, and good battery life. If you need mapping, this one is not for you, but for waypoints and finding preloaded points like shelters, streams, roads, etc. it works fine. Mine is an order model (5 years old or so) and is a bit slow at getting a satellite fix and less than stellar at holding that "fix" in tree cover, but I suspect that Garmin has improved that in recent years.

For a model that is designed for the trail that does have maps, you might look at the eTrex Vista HCx. In my opinion, this is probably the best Garmin model currently offered for backpackers, excluding the crazy expensive models in the new Colorado or Oregon lines (which are really nice but quite pricy). I have not used this model, but am strictly judging based on specs and reviews. Some things that make it appealing for backpacking and tracking waypoints on the trail would be . . . great battery life (25 hours), High Sensitivity chipset (that is what the H stands for) that reportedly gets very good "locks" on satellites even under thick cover, barometric altimeter, digital compass (so direction is accurate even when you are not moving), only 5.5 ounces, uses readily available AA batteries, accepts microSD card, and, also important, it is waterproof. Personally, this seems to be the best bang for the buck Garmin GPS for backpackers. This seems like a good buy too with a street price of right at $200 (Amazon.com @ $198). I'd also add that while I own a TomTom device for my car, I think that Garmin is the way to go for outdoor handheld devices. Magellan seems to be the only one that is close to Garmin in this market, but Garmin clearly has the edge.

You are probably already aware, but a GPS is NOT a necessity on the AT. Sometimes I carry my Geko, other times I do not, but I find (and most seem to agree) that a GPS on the AT is really more of an interesting and convenient toy/tool . . . interesting and nice to have, but not required.

You might have also read that the 2009 edition of "Appalachian Pages" will have lots more GPS info in it than the 2008 edition, including coordinates for towns and parking areas. For those hikers who do carry GPS, or section hikers looking to find trailheads to start their hikes, this should be a handy feature.

[attroll]

If you going to spend the money for what the eTrex Vista HCx cost I would recommend getting the 60csx like Awol has.

[trippclark]

If you going to spend the money for what the eTrex Vista HCx cost I would recommend getting the 60csx like Awol has.

The 60csx is nice, but it is worth noting that it is about $100 more (street price of right at $300 compared to $200) and it weighs 35% more (7.5 oz compared to 5.5). Battery life is less also (18 hours compared to 25) -- probably because of the larger screen (which I am sure is nice). But you are right, it is a great unit, with a few more bells and whistles, and certainly worth considering if you have the extra bucks. I don't think you'd go wrong with either one.

[Trail Bug]

Thanks for all the imput. I went to Garmin and checked out the Vista HCX. It seemed to have great features, but no preloaded maps. To buy the map CD costs as much as the unit. Their maps were nice though. Showed the trail and shelters, but expensive. I have an old Garmin that was given to me that I use on my car trips. It is heavy, no maps and is slow to pick up signals. I have used it on several trips into Yellowstone and it got me out of the back country ok. I know they are not necessary on the trail, but helpful when going off trail in unfamiliar areas. I just like seeing how far I have come as you can walk a long time in the mountains and feel like you are not making much progress.

[trippclark]

Thanks for all the imput. I went to Garmin and checked out the Vista HCX. It seemed to have great features, but no preloaded maps. To buy the map CD costs as much as the unit. Their maps were nice though. Showed the trail and shelters, but expensive. I have an old Garmin that was given to me that I use on my car trips. It is heavy, no maps and is slow to pick up signals. I have used it on several trips into Yellowstone and it got me out of the back country ok. I know they are not necessary on the trail, but helpful when going off trail in unfamiliar areas. I just like seeing how far I have come as you can walk a long time in the mountains and feel like you are not making much progress.

Yeah, maps are way overpriced (in my opinion). I believe that both models discussed above have base maps installed. If my understanding is correct, the basemaps are fine for road travel and such, but to get trails, topo, etc. you have to buy the maps at about $100.

[attroll]

From personal experience, I have really never used anything other then the base maps. I only use the GPS for tracking of geocaching myself.

I use it for snowmobiling more then I do hiking. At the end of the long day of snowmobiling I can come home and download my track onto Topo program and see where I have been.

I can nto speak for the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx. My old Gramin that I still have is a eTrex Ledgend and that is a downgrade from the HCx. The eTrex Ledgend took a while to recieve a signal but it work good for geoaching doing normal GPS functions. I just wanted something better.

As for Garmins Topo program. I have not looked at it in a few years but I was very unimpressed. The Topo program that impresses me is Delorme Topo and I use it religiously.

Keep in mind these are just my opinions.

[trippclark]

As for Garmins Topo program. I have not looked at it in a few years but I was very unimpressed. The Topo program that impresses me is Delorme Topo and I use it religiously.

Attroll,

I too have no first hand knowledge of Garmin maps. I have a very old Delorme map set -- TopoUSA 2.0. I expect that both have improved greatly in recent years.

Tripp

[attroll]

O Yeah, a lot had changed since 2.0. They are now at 7.0 now. I have my original copy of 5.0 and the box it came in Tripp. If you want it let me know?

[trippclark]

O Yeah, a lot had changed since 2.0. They are now at 7.0 now. I have my original copy of 5.0 and the box it came in Tripp. If you want it let me know?

Sure! If you are not using it, that would be super.

[attroll]

It has been here collecting dust for well over a year now. I have version 7.0. I no longer need 5.0. Send me your mailing address in a PM.

[Trail Bug]

O Yeah, a lot had changed since 2.0. They are now at 7.0 now. I have my original copy of 5.0 and the box it came in Tripp. If you want it let me know?
Hi Attroll

How is the map quality in version 7.0 compared to USGS 7.5-Minute Quads?
I used the 7.5 quads long time ago when looking for caves. Not familiar with how the new map set looks except for a few advertising pics I have seen on the web.
Do you feel there would be any need to get the 7.5 quads?

[attroll]

I have never used USGS 7.5-Minute Quads. Is that a program or are you referring to the actual maps?

[Trail Bug]

I have never used USGS 7.5-Minute Quads. Is that a program or are you referring to the actual maps?
The actual maps. I used to carry them when ridge walking. I noticed Delorme had them listed under their map deal. How do you like the version 7.0? Is there a lot of detail?
Thanks for the imput.