GPS

[KevDen2005]

I'm looking to purchase a new handheld GPS.

I have a 14 year old Etrex Vista.

It's good but I'd like something with a bigger screen and a little more user friendly.

What's everyone using? What are your opinions?

[BushMasterBoy]

I am using a Delorme software package callled Topo USA 6.0 with a Delorme PN20 handheld and a PN40 handheld. I also use a Delorme LT20 GPS receiver with my laptop. This system is good for geograhical features. I can transfer pinpoints taken in the field to the laptop big screen. Lots of old mines are also searchable. It shows fire roads. Since it is discontinued, it can be purchased fairly cheap on ebay now.

My understanding is Delorme was bought by Garmin.

https://static.garmin.com/pumac/TopoNA9Manual.pdf

[def90]

What is your primary use going to be? I have an old Garmin that I haven't touched since I started using my phone and OnX Maps.

[KevDen2005]

What is your primary use going to be? I have an old Garmin that I haven't touched since I started using my phone and OnX Maps.

Handheld use in backwoods...hiking, hunting, etc.

[def90]

Handheld use in backwoods...hiking, hunting, etc.

I would seriously just look at using an app like OnX on your phone. I use it while hunting, run a Motorola Moto Z4, I put it in airplane mode and I can get anywhere from a full day to two days out of the battery depending on how often I am looking at the screen and how many photos I take. I carry a battery pack for charging just in case. I also carry a Garmin InReach Mini for the SOS and sat texting feature.

[KevDen2005]

I would seriously just look at using an app like OnX on your phone. I use it while hunting, run a Motorola Moto Z4, I put it in airplane mode and I can get anywhere from a full day to two days out of the battery depending on how often I am looking at the screen and how many photos I take. I carry a battery pack for charging just in case. I also carry a Garmin InReach Mini for the SOS and sat texting feature.

Well now I need a new phone. My iPhone 8 is already maxed out...runs out of battery and overheats all the time. That's a whole new issue.

[Gunner]

I?d second using a cell phone with OnX maps.


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[Little Dutch]

OnX is the current go-to for GPS. $30 a year for a single state, $45 per year for 2, $99 for the elite package.

I haven't even considered a dedicated GPS since I started using OnX. My Samsung S21+ eats battery percentage pretty quick, but I can use it for a day and a half with OnX if I put it in airplane mode.

[Gunner]

If battery is also a concern just grab a power bank. Not a bad idea to have one. The newer iPhones (14 and on) also has satellite SOS so that?s pretty cool if you get hurt or lost


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[O2HeN2]

My understanding is Delorme was bought by Garmin.


Yup, back in 2016. (https://www.garmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/corporate/2016-garmin-completes-acquisition-of-delorme/)

O2

[jgregoir]

Same. My 2 garmins are somewhere in the garage collecting dust since I went with OnX on my phone. Download off-line maps ahead of time and you can use them like GPS anywhere in the backcountry, eastern plains, etc.

[hollohas]

Same. I've got two Garmin Rinos that I don't use anymore now that I use OnX.

I have a solar panel with USB-C output that I charge a power bank in camp while I'm out hunting during the day. Charge phone with power bank at night.

[bradbn4]

phone apps are fine; until you have no service. I was looking for something between the emap & etrex.

sort of like the GPSMAP? 67 - but it cost a bit too much; even the stripped down version.

For my budget and what I need I guess the Garmin eTrex 10 Special Buy for under a $100 from gpscity site would work.

[zimagold]

I use OnX with my cellphone 90%, but still always carry a ancient Garmin 62 with open source topo maps and private land chip. It?s more accurate for finding gps tags in the dark and you can use it with heavy gloves. It rides in my pack for nice weather and gets heavy use 3rd/4th season. Strongly considering just using my phone but old habits die hard.

I also carry a Garmin Inreach. Limited messaging while hunting can be really nice.

[def90]

phone apps are fine; until you have no service. I was looking for something between the emap & etrex.

sort of like the GPSMAP? 67 - but it cost a bit too much; even the stripped down version.

For my budget and what I need I guess the Garmin eTrex 10 Special Buy for under a $100 from gpscity site would work.

OnX maps work in offline mode, there is no need for a cell signal.

[Little Dutch]

All cell phones have built in gps chips now. Just like a dedicated gps unit. The gps works just dandy with no cell towers nearby.

[Gunner]

Just download the maps ahead of time in the area you plan to be in you will be good to go


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[hollohas]

OnX maps work in offline mode, there is no need for a cell signal.This^.

The US Topo Maps Pro app is also fantastic. You can download whatever maps, areas or imagery you want so you can access without service. I actually like the topo maps on this better than OnX Hunt (although maybe it's closer to OnX Backcountry?). This app is great when bushwhacking on foot in an off-grid area and you need the details. Doesn't have landowner data, etc like Onx Hunt, but the maps are legit and it will record your track. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230920/12d765908daf469275cc9bdb4c19dda5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230920/27c58ff827e7c00222cae2c1a88140ef.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230920/6494a2846a8b77041d413a1e03745fc5.jpg

[bradbn4]

I have not used my phone much for maps / road trips - but when I did I would get would you like to download updates to keep the cache current.
One of my real old GPS units I remember downloading higher level detailed maps to support side adventures.

> Onx maps

Do they have markers for roads along with the topo? I was thinking if I had to walk out and hit the closet road, that feature would be nice.

[Erni]

Just download the maps ahead of time in the area you plan to be in you will be good to go


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Android let?s you or used to let you download an area map for offline gps and driving. Not sure if it still does. I don?t believe this is possible with iPhone.
I?m a believer in having a second device if you are roughing it. Drop a garmin and it?s fine drop your phone and it?s going to hurt.

[Gunner]

Android let?s you or used to let you download an area map for offline gps and driving. Not sure if it still does. I don?t believe this is possible with iPhone.
I?m a believer in having a second device if you are roughing it. Drop a garmin and it?s fine drop your phone and it?s going to hurt.

You can do it with google maps on iPhone and with the IOS 17 update you can download as well


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[Erni]

Thanks Gunner. I?m still on iPhone 7 and SW version 15. [emoji23]

Good excuse to update to a newer device though.

[def90]

I have not used my phone much for maps / road trips - but when I did I would get would you like to download updates to keep the cache current.
One of my real old GPS units I remember downloading higher level detailed maps to support side adventures.

> Onx maps

Do they have markers for roads along with the topo? I was thinking if I had to walk out and hit the closet road, that feature would be nice.

Yes, OnX shows all roads and trails as well as it classifies them as to whether they are road vehicle/atv/or pedestrian rated. It shows all public and private land boundaries and lists the owners of each private plot. It has all of the tools for saving waypoints, tracking your route as well as planning routes. Has distance measuring tools and so on.