GPS for trails - reviews/recommendations wanted please

[DancingArabian]

I’ve tried using the search and it tells me no results found!

I’m looking for a GPS that will work on the trails. I will be riding in the MD/PA/VA areas. I think a handheld might be better. If there’s a way to later on hook it up to an equine heart monitor, that’s a bonus.

I’d like to be able to download maps, upload trails, track distance/speed/time/whatever.

I guess under $300?

[Simbalism]

Don’t have any reccomendations for actual models, but I remember reading some topics on this and it seemed a majority of people used the garmin brand.

[Hampton_Bay]

I use every trail on my droid phone. Works very well and is free. It goes thru Google earth and has a sattelite view.

[LexInVA]

If you have the money, the new Garmins are awesome. If not, just stick with a basic, no frills GPS from Magellan or Garmin that runs around $200 or so.

[sbwinde]

I rode with a friend on my last ride that used a Runners GPS. It was SOOO nice to know where we were rather than just chasing tails and hoping you are making good time. Hers was the Garmin Forerunner. Here is an article from runners world comparing cheaper ones (this makes me want one now too) Looks like you can get a decent one for $100.

[katyb]

I also use everytrail (but I’m a big spender and went for the $3 version!) It works great on my android. I did buy a back up battery charger, for more battery time. It works off the GPS and doesn’t require phone service.

[cnvh]

I use My Tracks, which I believe is a Google app. It tracks distance/speed, I think also elevation (though I don’t pay much attention to that), and you can upload the maps to Google, share on Facebook, whatever.

[CJ82Sky]

I’ve used every trail and love it (have the full premium version too) but I find it drains battery life. What makes more sense? Spending the $ on a standalone GPS or purchasing a battery extender or solar iphone charger? Any thoughts? I could have used either/or when out for 6+h in the mountains this weekend looking for a missing horse, never really thought of it before because if I lost battery power or tracking it was no big deal since even the 6-8h rides are trails I know mostly by heart.

[LexInVA]

A stand-alone GPS has superior battery life to any phone, especially if that GPS runs on easily replaceable batteries like several AA batteries which a few models now take in addition to their regular battery packs.

[katyb]

[QUOTE=CJ82Sky;7494907]
I’ve used every trail and love it (have the full premium version too) but I find it drains battery life. What makes more sense? Spending the $ on a standalone GPS or purchasing a battery extender or solar iphone charger? Any thoughts? I could have used either/or when out for 6+h in the mountains this weekend looking for a missing horse, never really thought of it before because if I lost battery power or tracking it was no big deal since even the 6-8h rides are trails I know mostly by heart.[/QUOTE]

The battery charger I bought was a lot cheaper (and smaller) than a gps.

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00486MH80/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Top_Trail_Horse]

I like EasyTrails on my iPhone and also use a Garmin Dakota 200. You can sometimes find Garmin’s on craigslist.

[Bull_s_Mom]

I have a Garmin eTrex Legend, pretty basic but it’s been good for trail riding and I think a good starter GPS.

[Ella1234]

Garmin GPSMAP

Another plug for Garmin. Disclaimer, I’ve never used any but Garmin for trail riding.

I trail ride a lot where there isn’t any cell coverage and I don’t have a smart phone yet anyway. Not sure an app would work well in deep cover. The Garmin can lock onto up to 24 satellites. According to the boss, it hasn’t failed him yet.

My boss began letting me use his older Garmin GPSMAP 60 a few years ago. It’s one tough GPS. My boss said he has ran it over with his 4-wheeler, dropped it in water puddles a few times, it’s been rained on, he’s spilled gas on it and hasn’t been able to kill it yet.

I recently bought the newest version, Garmin GSPMAP 64st. Has lots of the features you are looking for. It is kind of old school, with buttons instead of a touch screen but it’s also very easy to read the screen in bright sunlight. From what I have read, the touch screen GPS’s can be hard to read outside and hard to use while wearing gloves on those cold days.

My only regret is I do wish I would have waited a bit to purchase it as the old version, GPSMAP 62, is now on clearance! I’ve seen some really great prices out there.

If you haven’t already purchased something, check these out.