GPS-Foretrex 301?

[Cashela]

I was curious to see if anyone has a Foretrex 301.

Foretrex 301 | Garmin

I’ve been thinking I’d like to save up for a GPS for trail riding. Mostly I want to track my mileage but I wouldn’t mind having a map function that would get me back to my start point.

I do not use my phone because I have limited data.

I ride where there is heavy foliage so the GPS would have to be able to deal with that. I had a Garmin Etrex a long time ago and hated it, it would constantly lose satellite reception and did me no good.

I need something that is easy to use because I’m technologically challenged.

Thanks!

[saddleup]

I’m in the market for a GPS, so I hope lots of people chime in with suggestions. I had the Garmin Etrex, too, and I gave up on trying to use it. It drove me nuts! Now, a few years later, I’m hoping they’re more user-friendly.

[Cashela]

No one has any input? Not even on a different model?

[LSMarnell]

I also had an etrex legend and it was totally worthless in dense cover.

I just bought a Dakota 10. It isn’t here yet, so I can’t say it’s any better but I will definitely let you know. Hopefully someone else who uses GPS in dense trees will chime in.

I have heard that the Garmin CSx 60 models are good. If this Dakota doesn’t work, that is the next thing I will be trying.

[LSMarnell]

Update:

I used my Dakota 10 today for the first time. I am still figuring it out, but it worked perfectly for what I need. PLUS, it kept a signal in heavy tree cover the entire time!

It made a little map of my 6 mile run, tracked speed, mileage, time, etc.

I had heard that some people think the screen is hard to read in sunlight, but I did not experience that problem. I really love it so far.

[trailpal]

Regarding not using your phone because of limited data - I have a Samsung Galaxy S4, it’s an android based phone. I use Endomondo (free version) and put the phone in “airplane mode” for my trail rides. Uses no data, and improves battery life by a lot! When I drive home, I take it out of airplane mode so I can use it as a phone or to navigate. Once I get to a wifi area, the tracks will connect with the web and I can view it on the website. So this might be an alternative while you search for a dedicated unit.

[Guilherme]

Does your GPS work in “Airplane” mode? I thought that killed all transmit functions. I’ve never really tried it but when we go out later this p.m. I will.

G.