I am trying to determine what a good all around gps system might be. I am tentatively planning to hike the AT next year and would like to carry a GPS with me. I have been looking specifically at the Garmin 60 CSx or a DeLorme Earthmate PN 40. I have been doing most of my hiking on the Ozark Trail in Missouri and have recently began hiking some of the Buffalo River trail in Arkansas. So the GPS will be handy there also.
Martin
Someone will probably note shortly that you don’t “need” a gps for the AT. But you’ll “want” one if you’re a gear head, like me. Besides, you can load every shelter’s datum to one. And the whole trail. I have a Map60CSX and love it.
Bushwhack
You still need one just to make sure some of the hikers still get lost in the trail specially if you will go alone so keeping one will help a lot if you need it… :smokin
KenZen
Hey Martin, We live in Arkansas and have started thinking about doing some of the trails in NW Ark. this fall. Any of them you especially like? Do you have a journal descriping your hikes? Thanks
Janet
The DeLorme PN20 is a great value. It comes with fairly detailed topographic maps of the entire US. The AT is marked on all the maps, as well as some other secondary trails. The one big drawback of the PN20 is that is pretty slow though I do not find this to be a problem for hiking use. You can get a pretty good price on a PN20 package (the unit, the TopoUSA map discs, and a couple of other accessories). The PN40 I believe solves some of the speed shortcomings of the PN20. With the Garmins you are probably talking considerably greater expense because all the map software is sold separately.
XCskiNYC
I have looked at the different systems and have been leaning towards the Delorme 40 as opposed to the Garmin. I believe that having multiple sources for maps is more important to me than speed. If I’m hiking speed is a relative term anyway.
Martin
The newer Garmin Oregon system comes loaded with all the topo maps so it winds up being the same price as the 60csx+ mapping software. Still fairly costly at 499 but an incredibly accurate unit that is really easy to use. The 60csx is also sweet and has travelled with me the entire PCT. I have just upgraded to the oregon 400t and have been extremely impressed by it. Happy Trails! I’m not very familiar with the delorme 40. how or where does it contain multiple sources for maps and how does that compare with garmin software? Garmin offers various map software in different map scales from 1:100,000- 1:24,000. Is the Delorne an online mapping application?
Canyonman