Handheld GPS

CanadianReich

CanadianReich

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nova scotia
Im looking do to some deep woods hiking, looking for an old cabin that my grandfather and I used to fish from back in the 80s......burned down around 1990....... path all grown over.

Its several killometers in the woods off of a fireroad (14km drive in) so I;d hate to be lost out there. No cell reception at all.

Ive looked at google Earth and Maps and can see where I need to go but dont want to risk going there with nothing but a compass as its largely swamps bogs and rivers with hills mixed in. Its a thick forest too.

There are no landmarks, no houses, no trails, nothing- just forest.


I could easily plot out GPS corridinates using google maps and then follow them dot to dot but I need a good handheld GPS that can do this.



Id prefer one that I could see google maps satelite imagry on if possible...if such technology exists.

Price and quality (resistance to moisture, drops etc) are both issues too.

Any suggestions?
 
Speaking from personal experience it’s a horrible sensation, the feeling of being lost in bush.
Not even able to see which direction the sun is for east west north or south, no trails or landmarks just bush all around that looks the same.
Kind of a sinking sensation, that’s exactly why i got myself one of these handheld units.
I use the Garmin 60CSx and love it. It is an older model which im not sure if it is made anymore.
This GPS has brought me through some thick bush countless times.
There are many GPS’s that meet your criteria. Most of the handheld GPS’s are built tough and are able to withstand rain mud and shock.
As matter of fact i don’t think there was a single time that i went out with my GPS and it didn’t get mud and water all over it, i just rinse it under a tap and clean it off.
As far as satellite imagery and maps on GPS units that is usually additional software that you would need to install.
Just make sure the GPS unit is compatible with the satellite imagery software which most of the new ones are.
I use Ibycus topo maps on my unit which i found detailed enough for my needs.
Here is the link to Ibycus topo maps for GPS: http://www.ibycus.com/ibycustopo/
A good source in Canada for GPS units is GPS central; you can see a wide selection compare prices and specs.
Here is there link: http://www.gpscentral.ca/products-handheld.html
Hope this info’ helps.
 
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I use a Garmin 60csx as well. It's a robust unit but the screen size is the biggest flaw I think. If you are used to looking at a big computer screen and being able to pan around the screen the small gps screen is hard to get used to. I think that was one of the biggest learning curves for me.

My first gps was an entry level garmin etrex. One huge difference in these two units Ive had is the antenna receiver. The 60csx is able to pick up satellite signals WAY better under tree cover. Ive had them both with me before for comparison and the etrex seemed to always be searching for satellites while the 60csx had no problems.

I would suggest investing in a good unit with a good receiver. Don't waste your money on an entry level unit unless you will only be in open flat areas which it doesn't sound like you will be.

My hunting partners have since got Garmin rhino units, I wish I held of buying my 60csx. I would have gotten a rhino if I knew others in my hunting party were going to be getting these. They have built in radios and show where your partners locations are on the screen as well.

I do a fair bit of traveling for work and use the Garmin city street software on my 60csx. It's pretty handy when in an unfamiliar city. The only downside is that it doesn't give spoken directions like a most gps's used in vehicles.

Carry a few spare batteries, I frequently forget to turn my gps off and head out in the morning to find the batteries drained or almost drained.
 
I also have a Garmin 60csx and am quite happy with it. I can get a satellite fix while sitting in the house at the kitchen table. I also got mine at GPS Central (best price in Canada when I was looking.) However they have been discontinued and replaced by the 62 series which allows for satellite imagery.
 
If you can get cell reception out in the woods there, use an iPhone 4. Has GPS & supports over google satellite imagery. The GPS works without the cell reception but the google map doesn't. Alternatively, you can download a program that also works with iPhone 4 GPS that doesn't require cell reception called Topographical Maps Canada that I believe is free. You need to download the specific map before your trip. Check it out at: htt p://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/topographic-maps-canada/id392857820?mt=8
 
Do not, under any circumstances, use an iPhone for navigating in any real bushwhacking situation. Get a good GPS unit that can use topo maps, and learn to use it properly before you NEED it.

I too have been using the Garmin 60csx for a few years, and it is completely capable of navigating the way you need. There are others that will do just as well, but I can only recommend what I know.

You seem to be a bit uncertain about your ability with just a compass and a map. I may have misinterpreted that from your post, but it is vital that you be able to use maps and compass, and to have them with you at all times, before you wander off into the bush with a GPS.

GPS is marvelous, and I use it a lot, but the earth's magnetic field won't quit if the batteries are dead. A good GPS is a great tool of convenience, and will save you energy and time, but it should not be seen as a survival tool. For survival you need a map and a compass, and the knowledge to use them to navigate.
 
rral22 said:
Do not, under any circumstances, use an iPhone for navigating in any real bushwhacking situation. Get a good GPS unit that can use topo maps, and learn to use it properly before you NEED it.
Click to expand...

The gps in an Iphone is not a real gps, as it only works off of cell towers, not from Satallites. I think this is what RRAL22 is trying to get at. So it is not as reliable as a real GPS. But as stated, If you have a decent cell signal, then you could use it.

Garmin sells quite a few handheld models that are resonable priced and work well. Their lower end models like the Etrex and Etrex10 don't have uploadable maps, but the majority of the rest do. And the newest models have more reliable signal levels for remote areas Ie. thick bush etc.

To add. The new Etrex20 and 30 has the ability to downlaod satallite images to it. But requires a subscription to do so.
ht tps://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=87774
 
Hussar_ca said:
The gps in an Iphone is not a real gps, as it only works off of cell towers, not from Satallites. I think this is what RRAL22 is trying to get at. So it is not as reliable as a real GPS. But as stated, If you have a decent cell signal, then you could use it.

Garmin sells quite a few handheld models that are resonable priced and work well. Their lower end models like the Etrex and Etrex10 don't have uploadable maps, but the majority of the rest do. And the newest models have more reliable signal levels for remote areas Ie. thick bush etc.

To add. The new Etrex20 and 30 has the ability to downlaod satallite images to it. But requires a subscription to do so.
ht tps://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=87774
Click to expand...

Actually, and iPhone (I use one) does use GPS signals as well as cell phone triangulation and WiFi if available to get its location. It is quite good under ideal conditions. It uses WiFi or cell signals to download the maps. It is very convenient at times, but I take my Garmin when I go hiking, canoe tripping or hunting.
 
rral22 said:
Actually, and iPhone (I use one) does use GPS signals as well as cell phone triangulation and WiFi if available to get its location. It is quite good under ideal conditions. It uses WiFi or cell signals to download the maps. It is very convenient at times, but I take my Garmin when I go hiking, canoe tripping or hunting.
Click to expand...

Maybe your right. If I have no cell signal, I have no gps. Guess just because it can't load the maps.
 
Hussar_ca said:
The gps in an Iphone is not a real gps, as it only works off of cell towers, not from Satallites. I think this is what RRAL22 is trying to get at. So it is not as reliable as a real GPS. But as stated, If you have a decent cell signal, then you could use it.
Click to expand...


Wrong!!! it is a "real" GPS but the maps are not locally stored so you need cell reception to get google maps in real time. What RRAL22 is trying to get at, and I agree with him, is that an iPhone is not durable enough for slopping aroung in the bush and therefore not safe to be relied on.
 
I just upgraded from a Garmin Etrex to a Garmin Oregon 450t it has a 3" color touchscreen 3-axis compass and has Topo maps canada & 3D elevation detail pre-loaded on it, I paid $39.99 and downloaded all the satalite images for all of Ontario and have them on a memory card.I paid $400. For it at Wallmart seems like a lot but I bought a magellan at can-tire for $299. Then realized I needed to spend another $120. To get topo canada on disk but no one in town had the disk for sale and to buy it direct from there site the wanted over $40 to ship it via ups so I took it back!!
This thing is great I get great signal even in my Basement and the batterys (AA)seem to last about 16 hours or so, I am happy with my purchase and plan on selling my 6 year old Etrex

Also a cool feature is I can mark my waypoints and points of interest using the sat images on my computer and transfer them to the GPS by simply pluging the unit in.. Also able to turn off either topo or sat images and just use the road maps or overlay them
 
I also upgraded to the Oregon recently, from my old 60CSx, and I have to say I still like my older unit as much as the new one.

The biggest difference with the Oregon is the touch-screen technology, but also the elevation shading is nice too. I'm getting used to it.

GPS is great stuff, but always have a good topo map and compass as well. Don't become too reliant on the gadgets!
 
deadhead said:
Take a look on Prairie Geomatics web site and if you are interested give them a call. very good to deal with.
Click to expand...

Can't seem to access the home page. Any ideas??

Edit: It's okay! Everybody can start breathing again. I got the site!
 
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Check GPScity.ca, best prices in canada, and $10 shipping fedex overnight. I just got the etrex vista hcx and loaded the ibycus maps. On sale for $189
 
Thanks for all the info guys.

Yeah Ive looked at that http://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?pageID=79&section=&ID=2836 too, seems like everyone loves it.

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Lots of input here, greatly appreciated!
 
phishroy said:
Speaking from personal experience it’s a horrible sensation, the feeling of being lost in bush.
Not even able to see which direction the sun is for east west north or south, no trails or landmarks just bush all around that looks the same.
Kind of a sinking sensation
Click to expand...


Yup, I know that feeling....this hike is bigger than anything ive ever done and now its so late in the season the temperature is getting close to freezing at night. Last trip out I got wet too, water was 2 inches deep all but one spot that looked 2 inches deep but it wasnt...try 4 feet. I was on my way back and had lots of daylight to get out otherwise I may have built a shelter to stay the night/ dry off.

Ive always carry lots of stuff with me..lots...its heavy but i like to over prepare. Rice, sugar, salt, a bit of bleach for water purification, etc etc. Also everything I need to make one of these

Lean2.jpg


or maybe a T-pee style shelter.

The one above took 2 hours, tried it last weekend with the wife. Stayed out till 2am and there was a frost warning. Stayed warm but used a lot of wood...im thinking T-pee may be better.

The raised log bed is a keeper...not too uncomfortable if you top the coarse brush off with finer brush.

anyway i just derailed my own thread quite well.

Thanks again all.

:)
 
Its a new hiking season and im hell bent on finding that spot I used to hunt and fish with my grandfather with....somewhere in the 10,000 acre cloud lake wilderness area......

and Canadian tire has this maked down from $500 to $300!

any negative reviews from you folk before I buy? Its a pretty good savings and the reviews look good.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/3/GPSCompass/HandheldGPS/PRD~0793826P/Magellan+Explorist+610+Handheld+GPS.jsp?locale=en

http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=260102

http://www.amazon.com/Magellan-eXplorist-610-Waterproof-Hiking/dp/B003XU78OU
 
Along with a good GPS, a map and a compass, it might be worth packing a couple of rolls of summer weight flagging ribbon. I've spent quite a bit of time in the bush working, and it's always reassuring when you're a couple of clicks from the truck to know that all you need to do is find the ribbon, and you're out.
 
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