What's the best GPS?

[gummo]

I need a GPS. I need one that uploads routes and maps. Any recommendations would be helpful. Thanks.

[Grasshopper]

Today, I decided to upgrade my older Garmin GPSMap 60CSx technology to the newer (intro June-2010) GPSMap 62s technology. I spent some time today trying to decide between this GPSMap 62s vs the Oregon 450 (base unit). Fortunately, I already have the Garmin MapSource 1:100k USA & 1:24k SW map DVDs. After reviewing product features, technical details, various specs, customer reviews, my learning curve time, and pricing (on Amazon.com), I decided the best newer solution for me was this Garmin 62s upgrade. Time will tell if I made the right decision for this early Christmas $-present-$ for myself, but I have noticed that like the Garmin Oregon 450 series, a number of HAZ members also own and seem satisfied with their Garmin 62 series units.

[big_load]

I already have the Garmin MapSource 1:100k USA & 1:24k SW map DVDs.

Are the 1:24k DVDs tied to a particular unit? I know the 1:100k aren't (at least the older ones), but the City Navigator maps are, and the license can't be transferred to a new unit. I find that extremely frustrating.

[Grasshopper]

Are the 1:24k DVDs tied to a particular unit?

Thankfully.. No

[Grasshopper]

After reviewing product features, technical details, various specs, customer reviews, my learning curve time, and pricing (on Amazon.com), I decided the best newer solution for me was this Garmin 62s upgrade. Time will tell if I made the right decision

For anyone interested in making a similar GPS Receiver upgrade (from a 60CSx), I thought I would post an update to my above:
I received my new Garmin GPSMAP 62S on 10/9/12. The 62S technology is basically the same as the also popular Garmin Oregon 450 series with the 62S having push-button menu screens vs the Oregon 450 having the same touch screen menus. The 62S is the newer Garmin technology product introduction for the older, popular 60CSx unit which I own three of (a long story why..) For me, I incorrectly assumed that my learning curve for this newer 62S technology would be a quick transition from my previous four years of 60CSx usage and familiarity but my new 62S learning curve has actually proven so far to be quite frustrating and confusing

Some reasons why (for me):
.. The numerous push-button scrolling menus are just confusing to get use to even-though buried within are basically the same menus as in my 60CSx;
.. To manage (upload-download-edit) the tracks/routes/waypoints between the 62S unit and on my computer, Garmin's "MapSource" software (used for my 60CSx) will not work correctly with the newer 62S technology. I had to download the free Garmin "Base Camp" software manager.. this means learning a new Garmin tracks/routes/waypoints manager;
..I decided to save some $$ with this new 62S purchase and buy the available lowest retail priced unit from the various Amazon.com authorized sellers. I actually saved quite a bit of money, but my 62S unit was received from this Amazon seller with a very old (one of the beginning) software revisions. The numerous required software updates to reach the latest Garmin revision (now at 4.50) has still not completely updated correctly in my new unit, so I have a few "funky" things going on with the unit that is just not right. I am presently working with a Garmin Product Technical Support person to hopefully soon fix.. without me needing to send the unit back for replacement which is still TBD as of this writing

[imike]

@Grasshopper
Thanks... I've yet to master the ins/outs of my non-upgraded unit... I'll hold off on trying to get more and newer.

[SUN_HIKER]

I had to download the free Garmin "Base Camp" software manager.. this means learning a new Garmin tracks/routes/waypoints manager;

I found the Base Camp software at first quite frustrating to learn. After viewing several 'how-to' videos at various sites, I finally got it!
I also have a garmin Forerunner610 and for my mountain bike a Garmin Edge 800. I utilize Garmin-connect to load all my activities (hiking, running, biking) , love it and it's FREE!

Almost forgot, I added a 32gb micro SD card to my 62s so I can store many treks and not have to worry about running out of space,

Have fun with your new version Hank, you will like it once all the updates take place!

[Grasshopper]

by Grasshopper » Oct 21 2012 01:39 pm

Grasshopper wrote: After reviewing product features, technical details, various specs, customer reviews, my learning curve time, and pricing (on Amazon.com), I decided the best newer solution for me was this Garmin 62s upgrade. Time will tell if I made the right decision. I thought I would post an update to my above:
I received my new Garmin GPSMAP 62S on 10/9/12...

Update at 11/5/12: (I posted my GPSMAP 62s product review on Amazon.com) -
I have previously been a satisfied four+ year Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx user for all my Arizona, NM, and CO on & off-trail day hiking. I was looking forward to owning the newer Garmin technology replacement for the 60CSx, which is the GPSMAP 62s. I purchased my new 62s on 10/3/12 from an Amazon.com new seller whose pricing for a "new" 62s was the very lowest price offered on Amazon.com at that time. This new GPS receiver arrived ahead of schedule on 10/9. After familiarity with the user manual I proceeded to set up my 62s menus with my preferred pages order, and with all function adjustments to meet my Recreation Profile outdoor hiking needs. During this setup process I was surprised to learn that this new unit had come with such an old 2.40 software revision (the latest software revision for this 62s is presently 4.50 with numerous Garmin revision changes in-between 2.40 & 4.50). How many possible months/years had this unit been stocked prior-to shipping to me? Via Garmin's WebUpdater, I proceeded to update to the latest 4.50 software which showed successfully updating in my new 62s (but did it really update correctly??). I took my new GPSMAP 62s for its first and second day hike-test runs on 10/11 & 10/24/12. I had some unit functionality concerns on these first two day hike-test runs. Between 10/17 to 11/01/12 I worked through Garmin's Technical Customer Support group to help identify and hopefully find the correct fixes for my new 62s unit without me needing to return the unit for replacement/exchange. Unfortunately, Garmin Technical Support determined on 11/1 that my new unit was in fact defective and would need to be returned (at my expense) to Garmin against their to be issued Return Material Authorization number. After Garmin's receipt of my new but defective unit, they quoted 10-14 business days before I receive back a "repaired or replacement device".. Even though this new technology GPSMAP 62s may end up being the right choice for me, at the moment I'm not a very happy customer..

[Tough_Boots]

bummer... I love my 60csx. Its too bad you had trouble with the 62. I bought my 60csx last year because I wanted to upgrade from my etrex series before my only options were touch-screen. I couldn't be happier with it.

[big_load]

I'll stick doggedly to my 60CSx until I suddenly change my mind.

[Sredfield]

I'll stick doggedly to my 60CSx until I suddenly change my mind.

Same here, except mine are 76csx. I say "are" because someone referred me to an ad on Craigslist and I bought a second one that had never been used. So I'm good for forever, or until there is no support what so ever for this model. That said, the only service I've needed was a replacement gasket for the USB outlet.

[oliverr99]

Ok so most of you use the Garmin 450t Oregon? I like to use it for when I am on the AZT, so I know where the heck I am going!! lol I have never used a GPS and have no idea what to get.

[azbackpackr]

Ok so most of you use the Garmin 450t Oregon? I like to use it for when I am on the AZT, so I know where the heck I am going!! lol I have never used a GPS and have no idea what to get.

I had a Garmin 60CX for several years but sold it because I needed money, to another HAZ member, who loves it. I'm glad about that. He also figured it out right away.

I have decided I will never be able to figure out anything but the really basic stuff on a GPS without direct help (not online help) in person, from someone kind of patient. Right now I don't have a GPS (other than a Garmin 12 dinosaur) so I won't worry too much about it. The thing I used my GPS for the most was to see how many miles I'd hiked. I can find where I am on a paper map. And I really love paper maps, and have a big cabinet full of them.

There are a lot of classes out there for various outdoor skills, but I have never seen a really full-featured class about using a GPS, what to do with the routes, how to deal with them on the computer, etc. Putting routes on them, taking them off, doing something with them on HAZ, etc. It is not something I can figure out myself. I simply won't try any more. The reason I won't try any more is because back when I was brave and patient, and I did try a lot of things with it, most of them would not work for me as described (on the internet) by others. Just could not get them to work no matter what, and I lost my self-esteem, my patience, and just gave up. It seems silly for me to try to learn something off the internet when it's the technology, the internet, the computer, etc. that I have the problem with. It would be far better to have someone right there helping with each step.

[joebartels]

A lot of that is because with the old stuff you needed proprietary software that was buggy to connect via serial.
Most did not have file systems on the units, rather raw binary code.

The mid generation had USB but lacked simple file systems with universal .gpx files or still needed proprietary software to access.
Well and that ridiculous ACTIVE LOG 500 limit made them more of a pain than a useful tool. (the key was to not save anything)

Hence why the Garmin Oregon, new generation eTrex or probably anything on the market now is so popular.
They have USB, you plug them in and the file system pops up like a browser and .gpx files are universally compatible.
You don't need software anymore. Just plug in and load the .gpx files into Route MGR and save on the HAZ Cloud to use on any internet enabled desktop computer you may access.

The Oregon is very popular cause it's small, has long battery life and the screen is large enough to read without stopping for the vision challenged.

Until they make a waterproof non proprietary smartphone with 4x battery life Garmins and such are preferred for serious journeys.

[azbackpackr]

Do they come with maps or do you have to spend another bundle to add the maps?

[joebartels]

They come with vector maps now. The vector maps are smoothed and easier to read. I like them, some don't in which case you can find free detailed topos too.

father dave says the next generation Garmins will have satellite view

[oliverr99]

Thanks Joe for the information. I am planning to backpack sections of the AZT this summer, and wanted to make sure I don't get lost. But I will still keep a paper map handy, just in case!

[azbackpackr]

What's the cheapest model Garmin I can buy which can have topo maps on the screen, can upload and download routes onto HAZ? Is one of the eTrex models going to work for me? I have a very old Garmin 12 (I sold my 60 CX) but it's next-to useless--it won't even keep track of the miles I hike with any accuracy, and keeps shutting off in the middle of a hike.

[AZLumberjack]

@azbackpackr
Sure one of the Etrex models will do what you want to, but by the time you get it all configured, you might as well have bought a good one. The Rtrex has a small screen (too small to see the detail on topo maps) and too many buttons. Navigating the menu's is is a pain too.

I once had a Garmin 12 and it consumed battery's so fast that I referred to it as a hand warmer and not good for much else. The Garmin Oregon series is a proven device that can do all you need and then some. I purchased the model 4ooT by shopping Craigs List and found a guy who used it for Geocaching and lost interest in the sport. Cost $250 with the box, manuals and caribiner clip.

[azbackpackr]

Yes, maybe I just ought to hold out for one of those Oregon models. So many people do speak highly of them. Thanks very much for your input!!!

[beterarcher]

@azbackpackr
Hold out for the Oregon. it's screen is bigger, It's a color, touchscreen. It has an expandable memory, it will hold the entire state with out having to dump sections to use the area you want to see. That's my next one. If you want to hold out a little longer, there is the Rino which has a pretty good camera and a two way radio which will work with just about any two way hand held radio out there.