HikeArizona.COM

I am finally going to break down and by my 1st GPS device and would appreciate any likes and dislikes on different models out there in the (100.00-200.00 dollar range) I'm leaning towards the Garmin Etrex.

Matt Gilbert on this site works at an REI in the valley and I think that he works in the GPS department. You might want to see if he may be able to help you out.

Sorry, I just moved into a new house and we just got the internet online today or I would have posted sooner.



Which etrex model do you want? There are something like eight of them. Are you refering to the original etrex (which was, is, and always will be nothing more than a toy)? If so, I would shoot more towards something like the venture or the even the vista. Both have tremendously more function than the original etrex, not to mention increased range, better accuracy, and some actual navigation features.

The only thing I would caution you on is this; if you don't know how to navigate with a map and compass DO NOT get a GPS because you think you can navigate with it. If you don't have M&C skills then you shouldn't even think about buying a GPS.

In response to matt gilbert's reply: Thanks for the info. I like the Legend and the Vista. I am pretty good with a map and compass. Besides I teach it to Cub Scouts. I am a gadget freak and getting lazy In my older years. My kids are getting to the age wear I can take them to places that I only dreamed of as a kid. Being this will be my 1st, I want aGPSthat is entry level, with good functionality that is not a "toy". I know that there are cell phone manufactures that are designing a all in one device. (still in testing stage)

PS. thanks for the input on Squaw Peak, it's great to hear from other Arizonans about keeping are State the way that people from the outside are moving here to experience.

I don't think you took it this way, but I want to be clear, I didn't mean any offence in saying that you might not have map and compass skills. (I just re-read what I said and it sounds a little harsh to me, I just hate to see people lost on the trail with a perfectly good GPS).


I've been using the vista for a year or so now and I really like it. I got it cause it was an entry level unit ($140 at REI, although you could probably find it cheaper elsewhere) and I haven't felt the need to upgrade, even knowing what I know now about the other units (what I've all learned at work). The original etrex really was a joke, or at least it is today with all the advances they've made. I hate to see people waste their money on it, it's just so limited in function.

If you want to stop in at either REI there are always people who know about the various units and could probably give you some good advice. Also the Vista C is on sale right now at REI plus there is a mail in rebate through garmin. It comes to a little under 300 bucks (that's down from something like 400).

In response to matt gilbert's reply: Thanks for the info, I was leaning that way. (I wasn't offended about the "don't know how to read a map or use a compass" hell I feel the same way about people looking at firearms. ( its amazing how many people form their opinions on a firearm based on a movie they saw. Like I saw a guy on lethal Weapon shoot all a smilely face on a paper target, those berretta 9mm must be the best...) Sorry to get off on a tangent there. I do appreciate the info. See ya on the trail.

I picked up a Garmin Foretrex 201 recently and It rocks! Very small.(Think Large Watch) So far its been very acurate, even in dense vegitation when compared to registered benchmarks. Also its fully water proof. It's pretty minamalist on functions, but all I really want is a grid and a place to store waypoints, so it works great for me.

is the Foretrex an improvement of the GEKO? or is it a different animal?

They are a little different. At the very least, the fortrex and the forerunner are really meant more for runners and adventure racers. They are fantastic units though, if you want a good solid unit (that fits on your wrist) and only need/want minimal function either of those would be a good way to go.

I don't know too much about GPS devices but I was given one as a gift and I love it. I have a Magellan Meridian Gold and it does more than I would ever need. I also purchased the MapSend Topo software which I'm not too crazy about, the quality of the map from the program seems poor compared to other programs I've seen. All in all, the Magellan GPS is a great tool for me to track where I've been and much more. The screens can be customized to display only what information you need on a particular trip. It gives you the time, elevation, speed, avg. speed, ETA, bearing, heading, and has a compass. topo map, and will also tell when and where tha sun or moon will rise or set (good for the nighthikes where you forget a flashlight). It also does more that I have yet to find a need for. As said before, it does not replace a map and compass (trust me, I know from experience) but can be helpful when hiking a trail you've already tracked and built routes for. The Magellan Meridian Gold is not good for driving, the screen is too hard to see while trying too watch the road, but the backlight display makes it a little bit easier when it's dark out.

Here's another question, does anyone know what software is good for building detailed trail maps with GPS info?

Will it carry your pack?

In response to Filterman's reply:


National Geographic TOPO series is great. Avoid DeLorme TOPO like the plague!