Do you have a GPS, or Global Positioning System, that you use for outdoor activities? Outdoor GPS units are extremely useful devices for hikers, backpackers, geocachers, and outdoor adventurers. You may have a GPS for your car, but anyone who is an avid outdoors person should consider getting one for their outdoor adventures.
Outdoor GPS Units – What they Can Do For You:
GPS units are devices that can help find your location, plot a route, track your route, and provide statistics on direction and distance traveled. There are now hundreds of GPS’ on the market, many with very useful features like altimeters, and many fun features like cameras and MP3 players.
Hiking Lady’s Favorite Outdoor GPS Units:
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Garmin GPS 60CSx: The Garmin GPS 60CSx is a good, all around GPS for hikers and geocachers. It has a very large display for its size, and it waterproof and easy to read. Is has more functionality than a very basic GPS device, but isn’t it nice to have an alarm clock and sunrise and sunset information? This one has 28 hours of battery life, which is great for those of us who like to go on multi-day outdoor adventures. |
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Garmin eTrex: This is a good unit for beginners, who want to get the most functionality for the price. This is a great device for basic navigation. Unlike the fully loaded GPS’, this one has a black and white display, but that makes it very easy to read outdoors. Plus it has a 17 hour battery life! |
Learn more about GPS Units and Geocaching
Want to learn more about Geocaching? Read more about the exciting and fun sport of Geocaching: Outdoor Navigation with GPS.
Are you looking for a GPS unit that will be used primarily for Geocaching? I’ve compiled my list of recommendations on the Best GPS for Geocaching here.
Remember, an outdoor GPS unit is only as good as the user, so be sure to get a device that is appropriate for you, practice using it before you hit the trail, and remember that nothing can replace a good old map and compass.
Hi Kim,
Being able to get rescued in my opinion is priceless…however, I haven’t purchased one yet myself because of the subscription fees. I’ll let everyone know when I get one and how it works! Happy trails 🙂
And have you looked into the SPOT GPS/messaging device? I keep thinking I would purchase but don’t know if the subscription service $ is worth it.
I have a Garmin eTrex that I use mostly on my quad when out riding in the high alpine desert. It’s very basic, easy to use “bread crumb” type of GPS that doesn’t take much to figure out. But when hiking in dense tree areas, it seems to lose satellite reception somewhat frequently. Anyone ever notice the same prob?
Thanks for the comment Melanie! Happy trails! Stay “found” on the trail – getting lost is no fun!
Hi Melanie!
Thanks for all your comments and input! Happy trails!
Oops left off my last comment.
I agree you can never go wrong with a map and compass! I always have a compass and map in my pack.
Thanks Hiking Lady for all your help!
I received the Fenix watch for Christmas, the instructional foldout is a 5×7 foldout and very limited info. I went to youtube to search for additional instructions and it was more of a commercial of what the system can do. Feeling really frustrated here as I grew up in the Rocky Mountains and definitely love off trail hiking. I am in my mid 50’s now and have a good sense of direction but would really love this system in case I develop Alzheimer’s on the trail. I truly wish my husband would have read your reviews!!!!!
Depends on where you are. That’s why in my Essentials list, a map and compass are key items to always have.
I’m a mountain backpacker. Odds of a GPS working in mountain ranges seems fairly dim. –
Hi! Does anyone know where we can rent the gps for geocaching in Syracuse area rather than purchasing?
Enjoy!
Just received the Garmin eTrex H as a gift. Looking forward to using it on the trails.
One day I will review it! I just need to get a Garmin Colorado 300 or 400t so I can let you know what I think. I’m really happy with the Garmin 60CSx.
me gustaria que dierais una opinion sobre el gps garmin colorado 300-400t
I agree, Heidrun. Thanks for commenting.
I love the 60CSx! Very user-friendly!