what kind of GPS

[grinder]

going after elk in CO this fall and was told i needed a GPS. what brand and what functions do you guys suggest? i've had offers to borrow one, but thought i might buy one anyway as i do alot of backcountry hiking in some pretty rough territory, and if i buy one i can have a few months to learn it well before i need it. everybody's advice is welcome.

[trust me]

I don't have one (nor need one) but I've played with a couple. How's your eyesight? If you have trouble with fine print, stay away from the small ones. Can't use it if you can't see it.

Are you gadget oriented? If not then have somebody demonstrate theirs while you get the hang of it. Instruction manuals are designed to drive people like me crazy.

GPS units don't take the place of a good topo map and compass. You'll need all three. Learn to use them if you don't know now. Where I hunt, GPS don't always get good reception, and climbing a mountain to get a signal is a pain. Batteries can go dead, etc.

[grinder]

i tend to agree with you're way of thinking, gadgets usually justannoy me, but several said i neede it. i hike a lot off trail in red river gorge, and the density of the brush, then throw in a few finger ridges, and you can get turned around pretty quick. but i would think that the rockies would be a little more open and better long distance sight. but thats just speculation, i've never been. thanks for the input.

[deerhunter401]

i use a garman e-treck

[uplandchessies]

I use the Garmin E-trex, too. You can save hotspots, plot routes and use the track-back function whichs lays a "bread crum" trail, so to speak. The one problem is the goto function. It takes you back to your starting point in a straight line. Not a big deal unless you put an obstacle (lake, etc.) between you and your vehicle/camp. But you can still use it to manipulate your way around them.

[skeetshooter105]

I am using a Garmin Map60CS and love it. I make up my trip in advance on the Mapsource software in my PC. Set up all waypoints possible in advance and then download it into the handheld 60cs unit. This unit works great with the topo maps. Only drawback I have seen is battery usage. AA batteries last app. 20 hours with full time usage. This unit can also be used in your vehicle on long trips and in your boat with proper mounting. Can be used on 12 volt with power cord.

[Wildcat]

GARMIN!!!

I started out with the Garmin 12 and used it for years, still have it in my truck as a backup. A couple years ago I ordered the Garmin 76S upgraded to 64mb, I never leave home without either one.

I started using my Garmin 12 in the winter to mark every rub, bed and scrape I found as waypoints then download them on my PC using DeLorme Topo USA software. It helps placing stands for the next season plus I've got some heck of maps of LBL. With the Garmin 76S I can do all this in the field without having to print up a map on my PC.

One thing that's VERY IMPORTANT for any new GPS user. PRACTICE!! Study the book that comes with the GPS and take both the GPS and book somewhere you know like the back of your hand. PRACTICE, PRATICE AND PRATICE SOME MORE!! Keep doing it until you've gotten the hang of it and have confidence in BOTH yourself and the GPS unit that you can use it anywhere. If you don't it can and will get you lost in country you've never been in. I always keep the book in my truck since sometimes I have to go back to it to check something or to change the time setting.

Another thing that's important and most people forget. If you travel from where you set the GPS unit you will need to reset the time otherwise it will be off. I learned this the hard way, I set up the GPS unit in Paducah and traveled east to the Slough WMA and our position did not line up with the USGS topo map we had. I had forgot to reset the GPS unit to the local where I was. The book will tell you how to do this and have a list to set the GPS.

[plowboy]

Still use my Garmin 12 and am quite satisfied with it. Works well on the lake and in deep woods.

[gung]

My friend has a I finder hunt.It has lots ofsettings for hunting and seems pretty simple to use.

[JP]

E-trex vista.....nuf said

[N2MyWake]

Mapman reccomended the Map60CS or the 76CS to me for my trip to CO this fall. What area are you heading to?

[Bray]

Last year I run into some money and thought I would get a GPS so I got a garmin e-trex legend. It has been one of my better investments. I bought the legend becuase it had the maps on it. I can't tell you how many times I have been stuck in traffic out of state and had my legend show me the nearest exit and how I could take an alternate route. I really enjoy mine and it's pretty easy to boot. They are a great investment no matter where you are.

[ribsplitter]

e-trex here easy to use doesnt have all the junk on it and gets you there and back all i need and a very low cost on top of that

[SixPack07]

I-Finder

Large screen display, cheap, all the features as the rest of them, and you can buy anything else you want to go along with it. The display can also be lit up, you can download maps onto it and your points off of it. Very simple to use. If you pick something else, I would go with a Garmin before a Magellan. Also, don't rely solely on a GPS, make sure you have a compass and a map is handy as well. They don't take up much room, and don't run out of batteries or get bad reception. I've heard of some GPS units not working well in valleys/canyons/gorges because of the high walls.

[grinder]

Mapman reccomended the Map60CS or the 76CS to me for my trip to CO this fall. What area are you heading to?
somewhere just west of alamosa, not surewhat area it is

[GSP]

I got a liquid filled compass that I keep on my lanyard. Cost $2.49. :D

[jeffd34006]

My Magellan Sporttrak Topo is pretty cool.