What's the best GPS?

[gummo]

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

[azbackpackr]

Thanks, guys. Here it is on Amazon, is this the right model? It's under $300.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Oregon-450 ... ikearizona

[beterarcher]

@azbackpackr
yup, that's the one.

[azbackpackr]

Thanks. I'll have to wait until August to get it, though.

[AZLumberjack]

@azbackpackr
The ad says that there are only 40 available at this price That price is less than I paid for a used one so I would jump on that one ASAP.

[azbackpackr]

Hmmm....I have the money, but bills are due!

Hmmm....

[azbackpackr]

Ok, I ordered it. Free shipping, will arrive at the end of the month, it said. After I receive it here is what I will do. First, I will try as best I can to familiarize myself with it, read the directions, and ask a few questions of you folks. (I am not good with these electronic things.) Then, to fine-tune my knowledge, I will ask that someone drive up here to go day-hiking or backpacking with me, who is willing to do some more advanced instruction. If day-hiking you can stay at my house (clean, but extremely lived-in, no hot water except in the shower, etc., just warning you!) It's a huge house and I have a guest room with a Coleman air mattress. Bring your significant other, there is plenty of room for lots of people here.

When I had my Garmin 60 CX I never had anyone to ask in person about the thing. I also never did get the proper software for it. Oh, well, I sold it to PLC with numbers, and I believe he is enjoying it.

Anyway, I do need in-person instruction, but I'll do the legwork getting familiar with it first. Is there software I need to buy, or can I download something? What about my laptop? Does it need to have a certain program on it? I am kind of a Neanderthalette when it comes to this stuff.

[paulhubbard]

I use BaseCamp to manage my tracks, it does a good job, but it's kinda slow and not very user friendly. The 450 is a great unit, it's what I have and I love it. Very easy to use. The only thing in my neighborhood, I have to make sure I've acquired a signal or it doesn't track the first 1/4 mile or so.

[azbackpackr]

Just realized I should have done more of a search, because I could have saved $65 from Cabela's! $199, free shipping!

[big_load]

I sold it to PLC with numbers, and I believe he is enjoying it.

I saw him enjoying it all last week in Grand Gulch.

[outdoor_lover]

I also never did get the proper software for it. Oh, well, I sold it to PLC with numbers, and I believe he is enjoying it.

So that's what happened.....We found an extra 4 miles on it.....

[SAMBA]

Kudos to azbackpkr for saving ME $65. I'll be receiving my new Garmin Oregon 450t circa (French for "about") 5/29/13.

[azbackpackr]

Great, John! I'll split the $65 with you!

[AZLumberjack]

@azbackpackr
Don't worry about any new software for the 450T, you have plenty of power in the maps that are already loaded on the device. Once you become more familiar with it, you may think about updating the topo to a higher resolution version. Garmin must be getting ready to introduce another new model if they're discounting the device by that much

[Jim]

Are there any changes in the last 7 years to the recommendations? I'm considering buying a GPS for going places like the kofa, and while I don't know what's available at all I'm also not likely to use much more than the ability to follow a downloaded track, and record and post my own route that I walked. Perhaps the ability to look at a topo map with routes on it, presumably downloaded from this website.

[DixieFlyer]

@Jim_H
I use a Garmin 64s. I use it for the same reasons that you mentioned: I download tracks, mostly from HAZ, for hikes that I am going on; and I record my own track on a hike that I save to my PC and upload to HAZ.

Here is a link to a webpage that shows the GPS flavors in the Garmin 64 series: https://www.gpsrchive.com/GPSMAP/GPSMAP%2064/index.htm

Mine is over 3 years old now, and I will probably replace it with another 64 series GPS at some point

[chumley]

@Jim_H
With the increase in technology each year, the need for a dedicated GPS becomes smaller and smaller. To me the only benefit a dedicated GPS has now is durability and battery life. Most phones have better screens, more downloadable maps, satellite photos, and a big choice of apps for loading and recording those tracks you want to follow.

But, if you're still sporting a flip phone, it might not be practical to use an app. For most people (especially day hikers) their phone serves as the best possible option both for functions and price.

Garmin recently purchased one of the satellite beacon companies because they recognize their own future is bleak unless they offer something that everybody doesn't already have in their pocket.

[DixieFlyer]

@Jim_H
But, if you're still sporting a flip phone, it might not be practical to use an app.

that would be me...lol

But you are correct -- something like Route Scout probably does everything that I use my GPS for, as long as you don't have battery issues with your phone

[azbackpackr]

@chumley @DixieFlyer
Phones are too fragile, in my experience. My Garmin Oregon 450t survived my near-drowning with pinned kayak in the spring-flooded San Juan river last June. I got out quickly, (or we wouldn't be chatting right now), but the boat was pinned for several hours. The GPS unit was still on and recording data when I got my boat back. It had been dangling by its carabiner tether in the flow. I have lost several phones to various kinds of damage over past few years. Plus, Jim has mentioned elsewhere that route scout quit on him halfway through a hike, using his smart phone.

[chumley]

Phones are too fragile

To me the only benefit a dedicated GPS has now is durability and battery life.

my near-drowning with pinned kayak in the spring-flooded San Juan river

For most people (especially day hikers) their phone serves as the best possible option both for functions and price.

So, in conclusion, we agree!

[azbackpackr]

@chumley
Well. Wonders will never cease. I'm sure you are equally happy I lived to chat with you again!