Handheld GPS for Geocaching/Hiking
- HEYOPEY
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Handheld GPS for Geocaching/Hiking
My wife and I have been looking at getting a GPS unit for Geocaching trips, hiking, driving, and maybe something i could put in my G.H.B. $150 is my range and my wife did a little research today, The Garmin eTrex 20 is what we came up with. Does anyone have the eTrex 20? Is it worth the money? (My phone is not an option we have very low data plan that I would not want to update and plus it goes out all of the time.)
- Toecutter1978
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Re: Handheld GPS for Geocaching/Hiking
The Garmin etrex20 is a great platform. I use it for geocaching. The OS is simple to use and kid friendly. Maps are available for free on http://www.gpsfiledepot.com. A nice size SIM card is all you need to store all the caches and maps. Also, if using geocaching.com the pay member service really shines with the extra stuff that comes with the membership, you can download the description, comments and last found data of the caches. The Garmin carabiner that attaches to the gps unit is a must, and usually comes with certain packages.
- Toecutter1978
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Re: Handheld GPS for Geocaching/Hiking
Also, the biggest difference between the etrex10 and 20 is the color display and the casting. The etrex30 can take pictures, you can imprint the gps location on them. The 20 is rock solid. I have had the best luck with Rayovac batteries in mine. It says you can get 24 hour of continuous use, I've gotten closer to 36 hours. Do not leave batts in it while storing, I left batts in mine, figuring I would be going on another outing soon, months later. Some baking soda and patience saved the day.
- ssracer
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Re: Handheld GPS for Geocaching/Hiking
I've got a Garmin GPSMAP 62S that I picked up on sale from Cabelas last year for $200. It's a nice little unit. I'll be using it this weekend hiking in Indiana.
- Toecutter1978
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Re: Handheld GPS for Geocaching/Hiking
I used it when we took the boyscouts canoeing down at mammoth cave. It worked great on the water. Buy a bouncy to attachment, they really don't float. Luckily to find mine after it was dropped into the Green River.86 slo-vo wrote:I've been thinking about one for kayaking. How well do they show waterways?
- ssracer
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Re: Handheld GPS for Geocaching/Hiking
I've got the purchasable maps for mine that I load onto it for more detail. It's got a color screen and stuff. only used it once or twice.
- Toecutter1978
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Re: Handheld GPS for Geocaching/Hiking
One program you will want on the computer if you get a Garmin is Basecamp. It's free from Garmin. You can load all your tracks and share with others. It's really neat to see other hikes and adventures. JMF uses Basecamp for all their trails.
- ssracer
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Re: Handheld GPS for Geocaching/Hiking
yupToecutter1978 wrote:One program you will want on the computer if you get a Garmin is Basecamp. It's free from Garmin. You can load all your tracks and share with others. It's really neat to see other hikes and adventures. JMF uses Basecamp for all their trails.
- HEYOPEY
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Re: Handheld GPS for Geocaching/Hiking
sounds like the eTrex 20 is a home run for us with you comments Toecutter and what we have seen on other website. it seems like it would be perfect for us thanks
- Toecutter1978
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Re: Handheld GPS for Geocaching/Hiking
You're welcome. Something I like to do is take it with me tucked in my backpack while at school. Then when I get home look at the trail I blazed across the area.HEYOPEY wrote:sounds like the eTrex 20 is a home run for us with you comments Toecutter and what we have seen on other website. it seems like it would be perfect for us thanks
- Toecutter1978
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Re: Handheld GPS for Geocaching/Hiking
The boys and I are going to hit some caches over at JMF tomorrow. If you want to go let me know. It's so much fun.