GPS comparisons

[snag]

I ran into this chart and thought I'd pass it along. Gives battery life, etc. for some popular GPS units.

 http://www.backcountrymapping.com/main/GPS_Compare.htm

Thanks for that--it's really useful.

[Bowwild]

Thanks for the information. I'd advise the following to some folks.  In 2006 I bought a Garmin with more bells and whistles, color screens, etc. It cost 1/3rd the price of a decked out Silvertip. This is typical behavior for me unfortunately.  The thing was so decked out I didn't master use of it.

Unless you are a committed manual reader, have friends who can moderate your learning curve, or are just a gifted techno-wizard, I'd get a top brand, great battery, with few bells and whistles. Get me there and back without reruns of Andy Griffith.

[snag]

Agreed Bowwild. Seems like they always offer a few extras on the model I want though. Just don't use those features! haha

[Pete McMiller]

I will add to this discussion a bit of my own experience.  A GPS is useful for giving you your location and altitude (once calibrated).  Use that data along with your compass AND a topo map and you won't have to wonder where you really are or where you are going next.  

Personally, I set my GPS on UTM units and have my map grid lines drawn in as UTM - why?, because I find it much easier to use and I even bought a little plastic scale that goes with a 40 ft. contour topo and the UTM units.  

Remember, except for the new map capable GPS's, a GPS can't tell you what is over the next ridge like a good map can.  Even if it can, it doesn't have the 'big picture' like a topo map.  Learn to read a map and your GPS will be a great addition.

[snag]

I'll second that Pete.

[Michael Pfander]

What I find most useful is logging what I find/see/hear when I scout.  Back at camp in the afternoon or evening I can use the data to get a feel for how things are moving over the area I'm hunting in.  More than once this has allowed me to get ahead of a herd that I hadn't seen but had tracked.
MAP

[Mike Vines]

Thank you.  I was thinking about getting one for geocashing and had no clue where to begin.  I think you just showed me the starting point.  It is probably good to have it as a standby to my compass.

[Steertalker]

I would like to add one other thing if I may.  A GPS unit is an extremely helpful and useful piece of equipment.  However, it is no substitute for old fashioned navigational skills.  I personally do not recommend a GPS to anyone unless they are competent with a topo and compass.  Without a solid foundation in map/compass usage a GPS could get you in over your head.  GPS's can be glitchy at times and can give erroneous readings. Always carry a compass and map with you to verify what the GPS is telling you.

[snag]

I use mine mostly to mark places of interest, i.e. wallows, scrapes, etc. Then when going back to them it is easy.
A GPS is electronic, so carry extra batteries too.
So I guess if you know their limitations and how to use them....there's a comparison chart to help finding info on them!    

[Wheels2]

I still have one of the high end Garmins that I bought a year and a half ago.  It has more features and options than I can understand or use.  I wish I would have done more research.  Now I'm stuck with it.  It sits in the original packaging waiting for me to learn how to use it.  Something like this would have been very useful in choosing a better suited unit.

[Elkchaser]

Originally posted by snag:
I use mine mostly to mark places of interest, i.e. wallows, scrapes, etc. Then when going back to them it is easy.

This is exactly how I use mine Snag. I might mark my pickup in the morning and when I sit down for lunch, take a look and see how far "as the crow flies" I am from my rig. If I find a good saddle or wallow, I'll usually mark that so I can find my way back in. I have had my GPS take me on some walks that I knew full well I was not going the right way, but just followed it to see where I would end up. I always have a topo along and reconcile the two to determine where I actually am. To me it can be a lot of entertainment, just checking things out.

[snag]

[Bowwild]

Oh, and don't leave that fanny pack with map, compass,and GPS unit at the carcass when you are packing out a quarter or in camp for a quick sneak on a morning herd.

I've done that twice -- paid for it both times.

[Chuck Wyatt]

I was reading the other day that Garmin is coming out with a few more models.  A new 62 with a 5mp camera and also revamping the Etrex with three new models (10-plain-BW screen,20-color,30-color and all the bells and whistles) this fall.

  http://garmin.blogs.com/my_weblog/2011/05/the-new-etrex-garmins-best-selling-gps-handheld-just-got-better.html  

These got my attention when I read they get 25 hours out of a set of batteries.  That is better than my beloved 60csx.  

Mike Vines,

Two of those new Etrex's will do full paperless geocaching.

[NoCams]

Chuck,
Get yerself a set of them lithium batteries for your 60csx. I kept a set in mine for a year and they were still at half charge ! Lithiums are well worth the $$$, that is for sure. JMHO

[Bjorn]

We bought the 60csx's too. Great product and nothing could be easier than a GPS to find the truck, the camp, the carcass etc.
Bring a really good map- the compass too.
I still carried the slide rule for a while even after my first calculator.