Gps Hiking
Does any GPS work well in the woods for hiking?
In addition to the question, if you are in the woods for days how do you charge the thing?
You might be surprised to learn that many GPS’s don’t perform well in the woods. Overhead foliage and deep canyons can block reception on older/cheaper units, so pay close attention to specifications (SIRF star III or other high sensitivity GPS chipset) and user reviews.
You will probably want a separate hand-held GPS when hiking, as these are smaller, lighter and usually water resistant. Most hand-held GPS’s run off regular AA batteries, and 24+ hours from a single pair of disposable alkaline batteries is not unusual (longer run-times available using LSD rechargeables such as Sanyo Enelop or disposable Lithium such as Eveready Ultimate Lithium).
A hand-held, entry-level, mapping GPS will cost between $120 and $299, depending on the store and features desired. Amazon.com is generally the most competitive on price. TheGPSStore.com is a few bucks higher than Amazon but is actually knowledgeable and experienced with the products they sell.
I would recommend the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx or eTrex Vista HCx, at about $190 and $210, respectively. Both are fine, entry-level systems with built-in base maps, color LCD’s and 24+ hour battery life on AA’s. The Vista adds an electronic compass and barometric altimeter. You will probably want to add a 2GB microSD card to your purchase. And, because the base maps have little detail, you might consider purchasing more detailed topo or street maps from Garmin or searching for free (legally-free, not pirated) GPS maps.
A closing word of warning: A GPS is a wonderful navigation aid and is well worth the additional weight and bulk when backpacking or hiking. However, like any electronic device, it is susceptible to failure due to damage, defect or dead batteries. You should also carry a good compass and appropriate maps of your area, and occasionally compare your GPS location with your maps. This way, if something should happen to the GPS you would still be able to easily navigate your way to safety.
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