GPS Recommendation

I think I posted about this in the past but I couldn't find it under a search. Those pesky 3 letter words make it harder to find things. Anywho, I think it was about a year or so ago so things may have changed on that front anyways.

What's a good GPS to get for ATVing? Some people have said just get a GPS app on my phone but I don't really like that idea. I don't trust my phone enough to put my life on it. I don't want to spend a ton but I also don't mind spending money if it's worth it. Especially considering what is at stake. Just want a solid GPS device that will keep me from getting stuck in the woods.

Thanks!

I tried GPS for my trail rides but figured out pretty quick that it was pretty unnecessary if you stick to the trails. Never had a problem finding my way back.

I've actually found a good topographic map of the trails to be way more useful.

Could just be me.

I'm using a Delorme PN 20. I plug it in my laptop and transfer waypoints to Delorme TOPO USA. I can print topo maps too. I don't have the latest greatest PN 60...

https://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DEL...?section=10460

I would want more than what this offers, but it might fit the bill staying on the cheaper side of the house. I would put this as more hiking style. . .
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/cata...eProduct=87768

Go to GPS CITY sort of websites for reviews and possible discounts.

Not what you want to hear but...

Your phone.

Avenza PDF map app. App is free.

http://www.avenza.com/pdf-maps

https://www.pdf-maps.com

And the map of your choice from the map store. Some are free, some are a couple bucks, and some are even more. They have very good selection of maps including National Geographic trail maps. Rampart Range committee created a map for this app w/ all the new trail updates and they can then update the map in the app and you can redownload the same map w/ updates. You should not have to pay for a new map once you've purchased it. You can download the same map multiple times for different uses and to keep your notes separate. Yes, you can add notes and waypoints. You can measure distances, etc. You can upload some maps as well.

Your phone's GPS shouldn't be any less accurate than one found in a dedicated GPS. I've used this app with much success in Moab, Rampart Range, and Uncompahgre Plateau. I do like to have a paper map as well. But just for a larger overview when needed. I'm really please with this app and it's maps. You can even trace your routes and create you own maps.

I don't know why I'm hesitant to use my phone for this. I suppose it's all the same type technology. Do you HAVE to have service to use the GPS function? I guess that's my biggest concern is cell phone service is hit/miss out in the sticks.

No. Heck, I used my Endomondo run tracker to see where I was hunting.

If the phone apps don't need cell service to function then how do they work? I'm curious how they can locate themselves without a signal.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by drew890

If the phone apps don't need cell service to function then how do they work? I'm curious how they can locate themselves without a signal.

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Many cell phones have GPS chips and don't need cell signal. They also use cell towers and WIFI in conjunction with GPS to pinpoint your location.

Your phone does not need a signal to track itself, it works just like a GPS. You can turn it to airplane mode as well to save some battery. There are some drawbacks to using a phone but these days they are pretty good. If you are dead set on a stand alone GPS ( that's how I roll) check out the Garmin 62 or 64 series.

with some phone GPS software, it attempts to download the map data over phone connection, but there are ways to "pre-download" map data so that all the phone needs later is a gps signal.

I have a Garmin 64 series. It is great. Bought the hunting maps and it is super great. The menu is a lot like an old school cell phone. Batteries last a few days hunting. And WAY more durable than most phones.