Good GPS Unit for OlyPen Elk Hunting

[hunter_sean08]

I've been doing some research on GPS units since I'll need one for where I'm elk hunting this season. The biggest concerns I have are reception quality, what kind of maps are available, and durability given how harsh the conditions can be on the real Wetside of the state. My biggest issue by far is reception quality since I'll be in thick old growth along the border of the national park. I'll be covering ground on top of ridges and down in the river/creek bottoms. I'm just trying to find the best GPS unit I can for the situation I'm in. Any suggestions? So far I've narrowed my search down to these models:

1. Garmin Oregon 450t, 2. Garmin GPS Map 60CSx, 3. DeLorme Earthmate PN-40.

Of all the reviews I've read so far, I'm leaning towards the Oregon 450t, but if anyone has had issues with it (I know battery life has been a problem) I'd like to know. Thanks everyone!

[Westsidebowhunter]

Hey man I would run down to Swains and pick up a map of the sol duc the ones that are orangeish yellow color in the little ziplock bags they are water proof and durable and would always be a good back up for a failed gps. Dont get discourage if you dont see many elk or sign in there by the park but keep at it there should be one or two big ones around and if you hit it hard you just might get a chance and use the cow call!

[hunter_sean08]

Had a solid scouting trip yesterday. I'll text ya if I have any questions about where I'm going. I definitely need to get one more map. Congrats on your eastside tag! You're gonna have a good hunt.

[Bean Counter]

I know a ton of guys with the 60csx. It is durable as all get out. I don't know about how well it grabs signal through the trees though and you're wise to ask. OTOH, my experience with the olypen is that all the soil is mush so if you drop that Oregon 450 it probably wont break the screen anyway 

[Bob33]

I know a ton of guys with the 60csx. It is durable as all get out. I don't know about how well it grabs signal through the trees though and you're wise to ask.

The Garmin 60x series is as good as it gets for satellite reception.

[bobcat]

The Garmin 60csx is great but not made anymore. There are still a lot of them for sale on ebay. They go for usually a little over $200. The comparable model they make now is the 62. I've had the 60csx for about 5 years now. No problems picking up satellites even in heavy timber. Just make sure you turn it on in an open area before you get in the timber so it can find out where it is. After you do that it will lock on to the satellites just about anywhere you might be.

[briancorneal]

Garmin gpsmap 60csx is bar none the best handheld gps.  Just google search it and check out the awesome reviews.  The signal reception is second to none! Battery life is pretty good, and i'd still have it if i didnt updrade to the 62s. 

[hunter_sean08]

Garmin gpsmap 60csx is bar none the best handheld gps.  Just google search it and check out the awesome reviews.  The signal reception is second to none! Battery life is pretty good, and i'd still have it if i didnt updrade to the 62s.

How do you like the 62s in comparison to the old model? I've read a lot of good reviews but I'm still leaning a little towards the Oregon 450t.. Does the external antenna work that much better than an internal antenna?

[JimmyHoffa]

I think any of those should work.  The park has its boundaries marked on the trees and in between.  They have metal markers attached to trees about 8 feet off the ground and have stakes in between trees that say NPS on one side and USFS on the other (or whatever land manager).  The best maps seem to be the custom correct.  The guy that makes them lives in PA and used to be a ranger many years ago.  Sometimes I have to backtrack to the last open area (basically where a tree blew down) to get enough signal for GPS.  There are spots where the canopy is just too dense.  Kind of helps when moving in the dark and can't see the park signs.  You can put reflectors and glow tape during scouting trips.

[Mudman]

garmin 655t here and reception is always good.  Havent lost signal even in the house.  Big and tough and waterproof.  Dunno bout oregon 450?  Probably a great unit but not as good as 6 series.

[dreamunelk]

Garmin 60 series are the standard for all field work.  Unfortunately they are discontinued and replaced by the 62 series.  Different software so I would recommend staying away from used 60s as I don't think the support will be there in the future.  Go with the 62 or rhino 655.  You will find the most government field works and timber companies use these little wonders.  Only bad part is Garmins customer service sucks!

[briancorneal]

Garmin gpsmap 60csx is bar none the best handheld gps.  Just google search it and check out the awesome reviews.  The signal reception is second to none! Battery life is pretty good, and i'd still have it if i didnt updrade to the 62s.

How do you like the 62s in comparison to the old model? I've read a lot of good reviews but I'm still leaning a little towards the Oregon 450t.. Does the external antenna work that much better than an internal antenna?

The reason i didn't like the 450t is that it's 100% touch screen.  Touch screens don't like gloves or rain. In my experience, bigger is better (at least when it comes to antennas).  I've always been a fan of externals.  Back when i first bought the 60csx, it was around $450 or so.  They've drastically come down in price since the release of the 62s.  I bought the 62s because I'm a gear junkie and the 62s is the latest and greatest.  I like that i can view a topo layer on top of a satellite view.  It grabs satellites quick and holds onto them in thick stuff.  I've never lost signal with either the 62s or the 60csx.  PM me if you have any questions

[hunter_sean08]

Right on. I'll probably go with the 62s then. Was a little concerned about the touch screen anyways with the rain and the possibility of wearing gloves in cold weather. All very good points. Thanks everyone this has been very helpful.

[Mudman]

The touch screens work great rain or shine!  I have had zero issues, water gloves mud etc.  I think the menu format is real easy as well.  Kinda like your cell phones.

[wrongway]

Garmin 530 good gps, mapping and radio. I have used one for a while and they work good. you do need to buy the mapping program and down load to the unit. I bought mine from the Fastenal company, they had a better price