Presently using an old Garmin 12 CX. Was looking for a new one with the color topo maps, and better signal retention in continuous hardwood canopy tree cover. Ordered a Garmin e10, was on sale at a reduced price, and it arrived today. I misread the description of the e10, and the map it comes with is very similar to the 12CX, e.g. a single line showing your route on a background screen. So planning on sending the e10 back and get a ????. The lowest model that Garmin has for what I want is the e20. It has downloadable maps (additional fee if needed). They also have similar touch screen models, but touch screen doesn't work well with gloves. Only will be using the GPS while horseback riding in various heavily forested areas, and/or state parks. Mainly for finding the easiest way back to camp, or trying an alternate trail that we cross or like the looks of, so handheld unit that fits it shirt pocket or coat pocket. Plus want to keep the cost as low as possible! Thoughts, ideas, experiences, recommendations!!!
Handheld GPS ?
- Thread starter walkinghorse
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I don't know that any newer ones recieve through obstructions any better.
It's still the same physical barriers that affect reception.
More money will buy more features and maybe better antennas, but I think there is a point of diminishing returns.
You will pay more for more colors.
I have an older Garmin gps72 that is black&white and pocket size that gets good reception in most places.
It's still the same physical barriers that affect reception.
More money will buy more features and maybe better antennas, but I think there is a point of diminishing returns.
You will pay more for more colors.
I have an older Garmin gps72 that is black&white and pocket size that gets good reception in most places.
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bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
Used your question to get reacquainted with the current state of GPS technology.
For your stated needs, I'd recommend the GPSMAP 64st. It includes the topo maps, and adds the GLONASS antenna for additional satellite reception. The 3-axis compass and barometer ought to help fix your location and vector as well.
GPSMAP(R) 64st | Garmin
That one looks good if a bit pricey. I have the e10, and it's just this side of useless. I didn't actually purchase the e10. My employer sent me a list of longevity awards to choose from, and it looked like the most interesting choice.
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
It's a bit more up front, but his specifying the topo maps, makes the 64st look like a bargain, with it's pre-loaded topo of the whole country.
Garmin markets the USA add-on topo map for $100 dollars. The next step up from the e20 he's considering, the e30, gets the upgraded compass for $100 more, but still needs to add the topo maps.
There is also the added benefit of the topo map built into the base map memory, instead of having to enable it from an SD card or download. I have added maps onto SD for my automotive Garmin when driving in Europe, and it occasionally drops communication with the card, and needs to reboot.
Also, the eTrex models are more compact units than the 64st listed. As a result, they have slightly less antenna gain (on the order of perhaps 2db less) from their Patch Antenna than the physically larger model's Quad-Helix Antenna and thus will have slightly less sensitivity which may be important under forest canopy. Also, the Quad-Helix antenna scans much more sky, because it is better at getting satellite reception at low earth angles of 5 to 10 degrees, while a patch antenna likes an angle of 10 to 15 degrees or more.
A comparison of the 3 (e20,e30,64st):
Garmin | Compare
There's a bunch of video on the 64st. This was a brief overview.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU8dwLykR-w[/ame]
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I'm definitely the wrong guy to ask on this one. I've used one before...still have it in fact, but for some reason, it almost seemed like more bother than it was worth.
All three of my sons use them...then one of them had a bad experience with his handheld GPS. I can't remember all of the details, but, as I recall, it wasn't pretty. I think it had something to do with the satellite or something. Anyway, he was wandering all over the place. Definitely not the shortest way back to camp.
As a result, he asked his old dad to show him how to use a compass. I always have one in my pocket when I'm in the back country, as well as one in the saddle bags. Yep, I know, I know...I'm way behind the times, but, so far, I've always seemed to be able to find my way back to camp.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
All three of my sons use them...then one of them had a bad experience with his handheld GPS. I can't remember all of the details, but, as I recall, it wasn't pretty. I think it had something to do with the satellite or something. Anyway, he was wandering all over the place. Definitely not the shortest way back to camp.
As a result, he asked his old dad to show him how to use a compass. I always have one in my pocket when I'm in the back country, as well as one in the saddle bags. Yep, I know, I know...I'm way behind the times, but, so far, I've always seemed to be able to find my way back to camp.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
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vonn
US Veteran
Even with gps I monitor my map when in real big country where having the gps fail might be a problem. Army taught me and gave me a lot of practice on compasses and maps so I trust them more than my gadgets.
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
I sent this to you as an IM, but I thought I'd put it here for the folks on the forum, since its a pretty good deal and the free shipping expires in a few hours.
From Cabela's:
The Garmin 64st for $269.99 with a $25 store credit for in-store purchase and $5 shipping till midnight tonight (EST).
From Cabela's:
The Garmin 64st for $269.99 with a $25 store credit for in-store purchase and $5 shipping till midnight tonight (EST).
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OP
Thanks everyone but some unexpected expenses have come up putting aside any frivolous spending for a while. Darned home ownership!
Tyrod
Member
Learn dead rekoning! Learn the landmarks, study the topo maps, pay attention to the mossy sides of trees or rocks or fence posts etc. We don't need no stinkin' GPS. Don't even need a compass. It is handy to have a candle to see a map at night. I learned to navigate using these methods and old gas station maps that my dad used to give away at his single pump gas station. The really hard part is getting the map folded back correctly.
