GPS for walking (1 Viewer)

[Garfields]

Decided to purchase a dedicated walking GPS.
Got a fair idea what I'm after but thought I would ask if anyone use them has recomdations.
Don't want to use a phone app
Battery life and reading outdoors are issues with using phone
1:50000 maps and preferably 1:25000

 

[SuperMike]

For genuine OS maps then SatMAP, but its going to cost.

https://www.satmap.com/

 

[PEM]

Garmin Oregon 600 not got lost yet

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[hilldweller]

>> Decided to purchase a dedicated walking GPS.

"And turn around when possible" so easy on foot.

 

[hilldweller]

Don't want to use a phone app
Battery life and reading outdoors are issues with using phone

Well at least have a look at maps.me.

It tracked me cycling in middle of nowhere in Morocco.

And it's free.

 

[Garfields]

Use Maps.me on tablet but not really suitable for out in the hills.
Needs to be durable and waterproof.
Probably going to go with one of the Garmin models

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[DBK]

I've got a SatMap, not the latest version but I bought it because it had the biggest screen at the time. If you only intend to use it in the UK this is a good choice but their maps for Europe are expensive. As is the device itself.

If I was starting again I would look very hard at a Garmin eTrex. I'm out of date on the models now but get one with a barometer if you can. These calculate your daily ascent much more accurately than gps does alone. They are also not too expensive.

 

[two]

When do you plan to use it? If in cold weather, when you may be wearing gloves, get one with buttons rather than a touch screen. I've had several and consider the Garmin one of the best (GPSmap64). They are not cheap but the batteries last all day long and the screen is readable under most conditions. They are not cheap, but are rugged and work. If you cannot afford OS maps, you could use OSM mapping (free). You don't really need the map on the GPS. You should have a paper one, anyway. What you will need is software with maps to plan your rote on (Garmin BaseCamp) and then transfer the waypoints to your GPS. Use the GPS to give you the bearing/direction to the next waypoint and record your track. The track is useful to see where you actually went later (on the mapping software). I use mine to give me a summary of each journey I've made. It will tell me how far I've been, max speed, average speed, and more.

 

[WillinFrance]

I have used the Garmin CSx60 for many years, great bit of kit. Used it mainly for walking in the mountains in all weathers, also used it on the motorbike for off-road trail riding.
Its discontinued now, but would recommend the Garmin replacement GPSMAP64S. Interfaces with Garmin BaseCamp for creating routes and trails etc.
With the Garmin you can download the free maps from OSM, record your trails and upload trails to follow, mark waypoints etc.
Good battery life, normally 1-2 days walking, before recharging.

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[two]

I’ve just remembered that there’s a new set of satellites available now (Galilleo). Get one that uses that, too, if possible. You will get a speedier and more accurate fix.

 

[DBK]

I’ve just remembered that there’s a new set of satellites available now (Galilleo). Get one that uses that, too, if possible. You will get a speedier and more accurate fix.

I'd forgotten about Galileo. This new SatMap model uses it. The review claims up to 2m accuracy. I've seen 3m occasionally on my Active 10 but it's usually 5m.

 

[Whitebirdyman]

If I was starting again I would look very hard at a Garmin eTrex. I'm out of date on the models now but get one with a barometer if you can. These calculate your daily ascent much more accurately than gps does alone. They are also not too expensive.

I have an unused Garmin 20x available if anyone is interested in that model. Two were bought for a trip that was planned but only one was ever used, the other is still in the packaging that Amazon delivered it in. The one in use sees a lot of action as I walk 2 or 3 times a week with the Ramblers and it works well.

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[two]

and I have a Garmin GPSmap60csx, with maps for Europe
(Also an Etrex)

 

[Lenny HB]

I've been using a Satmap Active 10 for 7 years now. Over the last few years licence costs on maps has come down so the price of maps has fallen I paid £220 for the UK @ 1:25000 previously would have been over 1k, also got all of France @ 1:50000 for £220 and Mainland Greece was only £40.
Hopefully wife & kids will add to my collection at Christmas.

With the Active 12 all of the UK @1:5000 maps are bundled with it for £400.

 

[Garfields]

Spoke with GPS Training
Going with one of their packages for Garmin 700 with some shareware maps of parts of europe added

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[two]

I think they will allow you to go and try several models for yourself, before committing. Their all-inclusive training packages look good. Bust of luck (don't get lost!).

 

[Garfields]

Went with the Garman 700 from GPS Training.
Came all set up and with lots of their own instruction sheets and access to their online training.
Had a tramp around Coldstream today to give it a try.
about 12 miles

 

[two]

Have fun. There's quite a bit to learn...

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[Garfields]

Lots of options to play with
Probably never use most of them other than walk or cycle
May use the Geocaching at a push sometime just to get used to the unit

 

[Chris51]

Got a Garmin Touch 25 with full GB on it-not got lost yet-small screen but decent battery life (use rechargeables).On MH/MCycle use my 660 satnav.

 

[Garfields]

Quick update after three months use
Happy with the Garmin 700
Only issue carry spare set batteries and set up the power save options especially in cold conditions
Also a plug for GPS Training well worth going to them their training and backup has been excellent
You can purchase their training even if you don't buy the GPS from them £20

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[Cal54]

Bump

 

[Chipster]

I've been using a Garmin etrex vista hcx for years for mountain biking and walking used all over Europe. I use tracklogs for route planning, carry a paper map, relying on the device for position reference and breadcrumb trail following. I have topo maps installed but if I changed device it wouldn't be a because deal-breaker if the next device didn't have maps, just breadcrumb. Like not having a rechargeable device and prefer to carry spare AA cells.

 

[ianthebuilder]

I have a garmin watch,,,

It gives me the directions and metres to every hole and every bunker, hazard etc on every golf course in the uk !!

I only wish I could play the bloody game!!

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[Cal54]

@Whitebirdyman - friend sent you a pm.

 

[Whitebirdyman]

@Whitebirdyman - friend sent you a pm.

Thanks, I just got back from a trip and will reply now.

 

[Arrius]

I'd forgotten about Galileo. This new SatMap model uses it. The review claims up to 2m accuracy. I've seen 3m occasionally on my Active 10 but it's usually 5m.

Well, I have written articles about Galileo and I know for sure it is as accurate as it is advertised. I don't really know about the device but I read the review and it looks decent.

Galileo, once fully operational will be accurate up to 1 meter which is in a couple of years. So investing in a device with Galileo support isn't that bad.

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[mitzimad]

I have a garmin watch,,,

It gives me the directions and metres to every hole and every bunker, hazard etc on every golf course in the uk !!

I only wish I could play the bloody game!!

my mate had some golf coaching and after assement the pro told him to cut 4 inches of each club
will that improve my swing he asked?
no but they will fit in the bin easier

 

[Garfields]

A quick update
Had the Garmin out in Capileira Spain
Work fine with the free downloaded maps
Detail was as good as the maps we were able to purchase
Accuracy of position only drifted a bit if you were in dense woodland