Anyone use the little GPS gizmos?

[zrock]

Hi

Just wondering which ones you guys like the best.
I have no clue about them. Plus there are so many to pick from.
Anything good for less than $200??? $100???

 

[bdann]

Several GPS topics here: http://www.bigbendchat.com/viewforum.php?f=36

I have a Garmin 60Csx...and it rocks.

[zrock]

Thanks

 :oops:

I should have searched first.

Wow !!!

Those things can be expensive..........

[badknees]

Garmin 60CSX - Everthing you could ask for.

[gatorbred]

since the less I carry the better, I have found my Motokrzr cell GPS works great.

[BigBendHiker]

Garmin 60CSx here.  Works great for both hiking and city nav.


BBH

[Drifter]

Hey, GPS units are very nice and are helpful but only, and I stress only after you have a very intimate relationship with map and compass.  It doesn't help to know your Lat. and Lon. if you don't know where you are.

[dryer]

I own a couple of GPS's, and almost never backpack with them.  A map and compass won't run out of batteries, doesn't weight as much as a GPS, and on known trails, a GPS is really only a novelty (to me....).  I use them in the car, on the kayak and boat, to map trails for future reference, and in my ham radio hobby.   In the pack they simply didn't earn their keep, so I don't carry them anymore.

[Undertaker]

Second the map and compass.  

[badknees]

I second (or third) the use of a compass  and a map. I always carry both to be used in conjunction with GPS.

[Roy]

Sony has one thast attaches to your camera, helps keep track of where you were when you shot your pics;  and I think CanoNikon may have them soon.

[Al]

Depends on how good you are with a map and compass and the visibility of landmarks.  A GPS doesn't weigh all that much and WILL help you spot yourself on a 7.5 or 15 minute map.  Just remember there are 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in a degree when interpolating between tick marks.  A ruler is desirable although the measurement is relative and a slide rule never hurts (just kidding).  We've argued more than once where we were on the map. We always eventually figure it out without using a GPS though, at least so far.

Al

[Undertaker]

I might have failed to mention GPS is great however; Murphy is my brother, if it can go wrong it will!!!! On second thought the reason I go to BB is to get lost from the rest of civilization :lol:

[RedBuffalo]

Actual "use" and "intention" is key to deciding what you need.  I used a Garmin 101 in March and loved it.  It was particulary useful in tracking my distance and average speed, which helped me predict trail times more accurately and help me manage my water intake.  I hiked Casa Grande and Mule Ears Peak and the little unit was invaluable.  Both trails are clearly marked so the GPS was mainly for information and not location.  I did drop a waypoint when leaving the trail to assend MEP and was able to navigate "to the boot print" when coming down.  Should you want to go off trail then more topo features would be appropriate with a better model.

I suggest either buying in low or borrowing to see how you like it.  I won't get on the trail without mine.

[PyramidBlaster]

I'll concur with what's been said before: GPS's are handy for saving waypoints or tracking progress, but there simply isn't a good substitute for map, Compass, and the best navigational aid of them all---That lump above yer shoulders....

I carry one, an old Eagle/Lowrance Expedition...On boot-up, it says, "Do not rely on this product as your primary source of navigation"...Couldn't agree more. I'm retiring it this year for a Lowrance iFinder H2OC, unless I find one I like better....Still consider it a luxury, however...More used on the car ride than the trail.