What GPS unit would you recommend?

[sharrack]

I'm thinking I'd like to have a Nuve style GPS unit that can go from my car to my pack with a nice sized screen.
I enjoy using topomaps on my iphone but reception is always the issue.

Is there a unit that is clearly superior to the others in mapping, map quality and price?
I do a lot of driving backroads while using maps to look for mines.
Sorry........my one and only gps is a little yellow Garmin gecko!
It's time to slip into the 21st century.

Thanks ,kennyS>

[Grasshopper]

@kingsnake
If one for the front pocket is that important then: Garmin eTrex Vista HCx- http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-eTrex-Vist ... 639&sr=1-1 (also check Cosco and Wal-Mart pricing. Nonot, tibber, and johnr1 have this unit and I believe they like it).

If the pocket is not that important, then a better deal with a larger screen and faster movement of screens back and forth is the: Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx- http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-GPSMAP-60C ... 127&sr=1-1 (you may still be able to purch this one from Costco and/or Wal-Mart at the special ~199).

[Sredfield]

I was going to suggest Costco's deal on Garmin 60 CSX but looks like it's gone now.

[Tough_Boots]

I was going to suggest Costco's deal on Garmin 60 CSX but looks like it's gone now.

It looks like Amazon upped the price as well-- it's still a good deal, though. I'm glad I got mine a few weeks while they were still cheap.

[AZLumberjack]

Hey Kingsnake,

If I got a GPS, I would get it for two purposes: 1) to create new tracks to upload here, or 2) get myself back on course if I happen to wander off

On my recent hike with Hank and Shawn on the Robbers Roost trip, all three of us has GPS units that proved extremely useful along the hard-to-find trail segments. Hank and Shawn had Garmin units downloaded with HAZ trail overlays for the TOPO maps, while I had my Lowrance unit with waypoints inserted at key points along the trail.

At some points along the trip, we lost sight of all Cairns and were bushwhacking our way along the side of the mountain when Shawn would pull out his Garmin and say that the trail should be slightly higher up. As we changed course, we came upon the trail where it should be. Often what appeared to be the preffered route (visually) turned out to be the harder route.

Since my hike with you, I found a small padded belt-type carrier that I fit on my back-pack sholder straps. I mounted it high enough that it receives the signals well enough and is accessible to grab it when I want to look at it (and now I don't have to carry it all the time).

It was a very interesting day as we all kept reviewing our respective GPS units and comparing notes on trip distance, altitude and finding the trail. Once again, technology wins out. :worthy:

[kingsnake]

Thanx, I am doing a comparison on the REI site now. I could afford a top-of-the-line model, I just don't want to commit the bucks to something I'm not yet entirely sure about. One thing I noticed is it does not seem like any of the Garmin models (maybe others?) have a USB-rechargeable battery. Makes a huge difference for recharging my camera or bike headlight.

Jack, that's a great experiment. Sounds kind of like our hike.

[joebartels]

If answers you seek then nothing out there beats an Oregon 450t or higher model in my opinion. Those that haven't used it can not possibly understand the benefits. When you first get it, it will frustrate you trying to figure it out. Unlike the light-saber this thing is for real and only takes a little guidance(reading the manual). Once you figure it out your world changes.

[paulhubbard]

Joe, I have Garmin's Base Camp software for the southwest region. Will that work on the Oregon units?

[joebartels]

I've never used that software.

No software needed for the Oregon models, downloaded/uploaded directly to HAZ. If needed you can edit in TrailDEX Map > Route MGR too.

I got sick of changing computers and losing my old data, so I save everything on Route MGR now.

[DarthStiller]

If answers you seek then nothing out there beats an Oregon 450t or higher model in my opinion. Those that haven't used it can not possibly understand the benefits. When you first get it, it will frustrate you trying to figure it out. Unlike the light-saber this thing is for real and only takes a little guidance(reading the manual). Once you figure it out your world changes.

I can pretty much second this, although figuring it out at first didn't really seem to be much of an issue to me.

[nonot]

Just about all GPS's will now work in your pocket and through trees, as long as it was made after...say 2005. I like my Garmin etrex HCx, and the 60csx has a big following. The Garmin oregon models come with topos pre-loaded, but are hard on batteries, I think, not everyone was happy with them. I haven't done research in a year so there may be some even newer, fancier ones on the market now, but the etrex Vista and Venture are still good, even if a little dated.

[joebartels]

I think the battery issue was isolated to the older 400t models

[tdefrane]

Garmin 60CSX with 10GB MicroSD... Why 10Gb? No idea, i had an extra laying around. Don't think i'll ever utilize the space as it doesnt' really support it.

I use some 24k maps I found on another site. The ones here made it run too slow. I might try them again some day. Plus the load for them was crashing my machine and GPS.

[kingsnake]

Okay, so I got my 60CSx a few days ago, and have been meandering about the menu. I'd like to load a topographic map, so I can see on the GPS what I am seeing with my eyes. I guess there are some free topos that work with it, but I am curious how, as it would seem to be a more complex matter than simply showing a picture, as the picture would need to pan to wherever the GPS actually happened to be. Or do I have to pay for a topo CD from Garmin? Do I even need a topo to download the tracks from here?

[kingsnake]

Bueller?

[big_load]

Do I even need a topo to download the tracks from here?

No, you don't, although viewing them will be dull without one.