After doing a search, the best information members posted was about two years old, thus the new discussion.

I'm thinking about buying a GPS for hunting and general use.

After an intial look at what is out there, it is a little overwhelming with all of the equipment and options.

So, if you want to spend $400 or less, which GPS unit is the best, from deep, dark Bumf--k Africa to down town Washington, DC? Which options are the best? Which ones are not needed?

Thanks for any help you may provide.

I have been using the Garmin Etrex VISTA C for the past couple of years, and love it.

It is very small, and fits in one's pockets.

I found that I use it all the time.

As soon as we stop the truck, I set a waypoinmt before we follow buffalo. It makes going back so much easier.

I`ll second Saeed on that one. I have also used the Vista C the last couple of years - easy to use and fits in the pocket..

I've really enjoyed my Garmin 76C. It's easy to use, the color screen is really nice, and the software to update road maps when you're at home is very convenient.

I have had a Magellan, Garmen Etrex and a Brunton. The Garmen is the easiest to use. Like Saeed said, it fits in your pocket.

quote:

The Garmen is the easiest to use.

Yup. That is about right. I purchased mine for like $89.00. A good deal and simple to use. It doesn't do all that fancy stuff, but it will tell you where you are, where you been, where you need to go and how to get there. What more do you really need?

Brian

The garmin 60csx is a very good handheld GPS. With color screen and map capablety , it is very good, it does the same as the 76 but is a little smaller, but the screen size is the same . The other end is garmin fortrex 101, it has no map and is very light and you carry it on your wrist. (the Geko 201 has the same software but is a handheld (no wrist strap). Then there are the e-trex series the in the middle. But I own the fortrex and if I because I use it to run with and hikeing and hunting. If I would want a bigger one I would choose the 60csx not the e-trex because there are more gadgets (is has also baromat and electric compass)

The Garmin eTrex is on sale foe 199.00 right now.

garmen etrex

as is the etrex legend.

etrex legend

I have the etrex and it is pocket size to say the least..like older cell phones...To complicated and you will forget how to use it..

Mike

I got the etrax legend with street maps. I does everything I need and I can calculate distances. It is small and very handy. The 60 series is very nice with more functions, it is just that little bit to big for me to have in the bush.

Walter is never more than 10 yards from the truck, but, he likes to have his GPS with him.

One day in Zimabwe, I borrowed his while he was asleep, and changed the waypoints names. I swapped all the names of his waypoints in Zimbabwe to those he had from Dubai.

He had his GPS with him as usual, and was fast asleep on top of the truck as we arrived back from following some elephants. It was lunch time.

Walter "So, I see you miserable lot were not succesfull, otherwise not all of you would have come back."

Me "Listen, we are tired and we are hungry, so be useful for a change tell us which way is the shortes route to the camp"

He got his GPS out, saying "Alright Mr. Vincent, I will tell you EXACTLY which way to go"

The GPS acquired the satelites, and Walter had a sort of frown on his face.

Me "What is the matter, you do not know how to operate that GPS?"

Walter "I don't know. THis is telling me the camp is that-a-way, wich is probably correct, but, it says it is 4871 kilometers away!"

Me "Typical! Did you adjust your GPS for crossing the Equator?"

Walter "No, why?"

Me "Because you set it up in Dubai, which is ABOVE the Equator. And now you are in Zimbabwe, which is BELOW the Equator. That is why you have to set it up!"

Walter "Hump! I will have to do that back at camp, because I do not have the book here with me"

Roy "I suppose if we had to rely on you to get us back to camp we would never make it ha? I will just have to rely on my old sense of direction then"

At the camp Walter loooong time trying to set his GPS to work properly BELOW the Equator.

I am really hoping that some day there will be a book called "Walter and Me". These stories are classics.....

Paul,
The etrex is a good one...I have used mine from Alaska to Africa and have never had any problems. I think the Vista has all that anyone needs in a GPS. I don't believe any new advances have been made to GPS in the last 3 or 4 years that make it worth spending the extra money on the new models....that is unless you would like to have a better screen.

Whatever you get make sure that it has a digital compass and not one that requires you to travel at a certain speed before it can calculate the proper heading. I have found myself walking in circles many times...

I'd suggest the Garmin Vista Cx...it's right in your price range and has some nice features, like color and long battery life

I too am considering an upgrade. I have the original E-Trex. I would like one with the maps on it. Are the maps any real help in the back country? I like a quad map but I am not sure the GPS maps give you any detail like a Quad. Anyone got one, and can give me feedback? Thanks. D

So most of the post recomend e-trex, well I disagrea. If you want a map in GPS, take the 60csx or 60cx because of the bigger screen instead than the e-trex to fully enjo the map. If you dont need a map then take Foretrex or the Geko, the are about 80grams with battery and all that you need to navigate. Here in Iceland we use GPS very much in driving 4x4 on 38" to 44" weels in snow and on glaciers and that is vhere the GPS with maps shines. When I am hunting birds in the mountains or Caribo I use the GPS to mark my car and track my route. Then later it is fun to transfer the track into programs like "mapsource" to keep.

When you have lost the satalite signal, how long does it take for the unit to shut down on its own?

I sat down under a very thick canopy of trees and my unit shut off after several minutes.

When I stepped out from the cover and turned on the unit the track was still ok, marked the waypoint (great place for a nap) and continued on. Is this normal operation?