GPS on horseback resurrected...any new models or what do people love?

[BCGirl]

So I know this topic was covered in April, but I am looking for a GPS to take out hunting with me. I am still learning the territory and it would be so helpful to explain to DH where I have been hunting that day when I come home if I actually know exactly where I have been!

I know I would prefer a wrist model as I am less interested in where I am going while I am out hunting (but if I get seriously lost would like to have the ability to use it) and more interested in mapping where I have been once I get back home.

The units mentioned in the earlier thread were the Garmin 305, the Garmin eTrex and eTrex Legend and the Garmin Foretrex I believe. I’m not sure what else is out there that people really love to use!

Anyone who has one-what do you like/not like/wish it did do/didn’t do? Any and all suggestions are appreciated!

I am also cross-posting this in the endurance section to see if the folks over there have any ideas!

Thanks!~

[altjaeger]

Do you have a smartphone? I think that will do what you want.

[Darkwave]

You might check the battery life on the 305 - I’m not sure it will last for hunting.

For running/swimming I have the Garmin 910. It will definitely have enough battery life for you. But will also have all sorts of features you don’t need, and cost a ton because of that.

I would google “DCRainmaker” and review his blog. He’s got a review of just about every device out there. Though he’s focused on runners and triathletes, you’ll still find it helpful.

[MontanaDun]

I use GPS MotionX on my iPhone and just tuck it in my pocket. It is possible to upload KML files but I forget how to do it.

[BCGirl]

I have tried using the motion X and it kills my battery far too quickly and doesn’t work that well. So, phone apps are out, either I don’t have enough reception or our territory’s reception isn’t good enough!

I know I want to go with the unit route…

Darkwave- I will google DCRainmaker, thanks for the suggestion!

Thanks for all the suggestions!

[tangledweb]

I bought a Garmin GPSMAP 62s. I don’t have any other modern ones to compare it too, but I like it.

I bought it for two things, to find the survey markers at the back of my property and to help me get to know some of our hunt fixtures by looking at runs overlaid on a map or aerial photograph later. It’s doing both well.

It’s not a wrist one. It’s the size of a 1990s cell phone. I’d be surprised if the wrist ones get a strong signal in wooded country, but that may or may not be an issue for you.

[rmh_rider]

I have endurance ridden, and bought my garmin specifically to do so. Also to do other things with it.

Garmin 305, the red one. Best there is. I have had a 201, rechargeable, and it took forever to load and be ready to go, and it was not very good at heavy tree coverage. The 305 is fast and very reliable and superior to tree coverage. IOW if you are under trees, it still works.

It is rechargeable, and you can get a car charger if you will be out with no access to electricity. This is a very dependable unit. I have had mine for about 5 years now. It is easy to operate, no reading instructions !!!

I have used the track back and it worked! We were lost, and it beeped at every turn and by golly we got back to the trailers. I have used it in a car/truck and it is exact on the mph. You can do km also. The read out is big and you can see easy.

I use mine EACH AND EVERY time I ride. I have also walked with it, ran with it, and biked with it. Love this thing. And it will not eat your battery like it does on a phone.

You can download your 305 also so you can see where you have been.

I got mine via amazon. Couldn’t be more happy with it. If it dies, I will get another one.

[BCGirl]

I tried the Equitracks app today…yeah, didn’t work so well. It says I went .49 miles and my top speed was 3.73 mph. Which is just funny as we had a great 45 minute run…so garmin it is!

Darkwave- I have read some of the dcrainmaker stuff, so in depth!

rmh_rider- I think the garmin 305 might be calling my name…

[Flying_Hill]

I live and ride in an area with no cell phone coverage so I also thought that the smart phone apps wouldn’t work, but I came across a terrific app called Gaia GPS that is designed for serious - country hikers that works really well for long trails and hikes. You have to be sure to load your maps where you have wifi or cell and then turn map-loading off to conserve the battery. It has a couple of other battery-saving settings for when you are out of range. I have found it to be very accurate and a fully charged phone has recorded 5-6 hour rides.

You can see your track on a choice of maps: topographical, street map, aerial photo, etc. It charts your altitude as well as speed over time, and gives you your max speed, average, distance, of course, etc. You can drop “pins” at places you want to remember which can include a photo. You can also share your tracks with other users. There is a bit of a learning curve for finding the features that work for you, but at $20 it is a great deal and works just as well as a dedicated GPS unit IME.