Please recommend a hand held GPS

[kensfarm]

The GPS superstore..

http://www.megagps.com/

"I want to be able to log a start point and way points. I then want the unit to point the direction for the return trip"

I know the fishing boat systems have this.. should be available.

"after being lost twice this year"

Don't forget the bread crumbs! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[SkyPup]

I've used a Garmin GPS III+ for the last 15 years on all my motorcycles, trucks, cars, boats, etc. and it has been absolutely first class, water proof, cold proof, shock proof, go anywhere anytime and find your way there and back. Have the topographical USA maps downloaded into memory to locate remote streams, lakes, sinkholes, off shore deepsea fishing spots, etc.

They no longer make the GPS III+ but the newer GPS V is even better.

 

[Panache]

Also consider TVNAV . They are knowlegable and have a Yahoo group GARMINGps with lots of information. I have a Garmin GPSmap 76S. GPS Info has a lot of information of the different systems available and some comparisons between units.

 

[Mrwurm]

Thanks folks, I was pretty set on the Magellan as one of my friends has one. But, I did some more research and ended up buying a Garmin GPSMap60CS. It was on the more pricey end but I really liked the sharp color screen, 56megs memory, and all the bells and whistles.

Thanks for the recommendations.

 

[Jstpssng]

You bought a really nice unit. I've had several Garmins, from the old GPS12 to the "76" and have found them all to be good units. You will find the "Tracklog" to be invaluable for what you describe; turn it on when you leave the truck, and don't shut it off. That way you can follow your trail out at the end of the day, it works much better than a trail of bread crumbs. I keep my unit in my cruising vest pocket while working, and rarely lose satellites. (No doubt you bought a holder for your ATV, instead.) If you don't havea 12 volt adapter, I've found NIMh rechargeable batteries will last about 2 days per charge in most Garmins.

You may want to download waypoints, routes, or tracklogs to your computer. Click here for a user friendly download program. The best part is that it's FREE.

Have fun.

 

[LMTC]

First, allow me to state my level of knowledge about these things is essentially zero.

Offhand, do any of you know of units that will operate on batteries for treks on foot, and also operate from the vehicle's 12v system for long trips? Will some of the battery run models plug into the system with a charger, as a cell phone does? This has been a very interesting thread for me, so thanks to all.

 

[shvl73]

I might have even less knowledge than you but, I've seen these Garmin Quest

 

[HomeBrew2]

My Garmin eTrex Vista, as well as the other little Garnins, I believe, use AA batteries. I use NiMH rechargables which last quite a while for trips. Garmin also offers a car package that has a dash mount and 12v adapter, though I didn't get it.
Cheers!

 

[wushaw]

I have used two different model Garmins for the last six years and I would recommend still carrying a plain old compass when you trek into the woods for a backup.
Completely relying on a GPS for simple navigation can cause you to loose your way if batterys go dead or unit failure.

 

[Jstpssng]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ...would recommend still carrying a plain old compass... )</font> I agree 100%. I use my GPS daily for work, but and rarely look at my compass anymore; but still have one with me at all times, and another in the truck.
Weekends, especially during deer season, all technology newer than I am is left behind. Otherwise it's hard to remember if I'm working or playing.