I am concidering buying a handheld GPS unit. I want to use it for hiking trails that aren’t so well marked. Also I would like it to track my milage when I run long distances. Does anyone know of a unit that has popular trails on the software and a good battery life.
Peace Dutch
Dutch
I have an older Garmin GPSMap 76 which I really like but for topo map data you would need the models with a good bit of memory such as the Garmin GPSMAP 76C or 76CS or the new GPSMAP 60C or 60CS both look great. None of these models is inexpensive but they would do the job. I do believe that the Mapsource topo maps that are used with Garmin GPS units have trails posted on them. Happy GPSing
Rockhound
I have used a hand held Garmin Legend ( mid price range)for 4 years now. It has worked very well with the exception of a couple of times when there was a heavy rain coupled with dense tree foliage. The Legend will accept mapsource and maptech software.I can usually get about 22 hours of life when I use the LIth Batteries (2 AA). Hope this helps.
Billygoatbritt
My Garmin Legend has given me years of good service, but I recently had a chance to try the new Garmin GPSMAP 60, which has a hi-rez color screen and 56 MB of memory. With WAAS (wide area augmentation system, which was designed for aviation use and increases accuracy), it’ll get you 10-foot accuracy. It accepts all of Garmin’s maping software, and the 60CS model includes an electronic compass and barometer. I got much better battery life with the 60 than I did with my Legend. The only drawback is that it’s a bit pricey, $480 for the 60c and $535 for the 60CS, but I’m saving my pennies for the 60C. For all the details, visit: http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap60c/
Scott
If all units were created equal there would have been no reason for Garmin to ditch the patch antenna of their Geko and other handheld units in favor of the quad-helix antenna in thier newer (more expensive) units. They provide better reception in the conditions experienced by most outdoor enthusiasts.
For weight size, the GEKO wins. For reception reliability it does not.
crypto