GPS recommendations

[Kit Carson]

Im looking to buy a GPS and need some recommendations!
Prefer to buy a Garmin and my price range is around $200-300.

Thanks & Happy Holidays to all!

[splitshot]

  have owned 4 over the last 10 plus years  and have not found one I can work yet.  need to use them more.   they really do help but my old mind is not on their wavelength.  mike w

[Bob33]

I would look for a good deal on a Garmin 64s or 64st.

[Magnum_Willys]

Worlds movin to Rhino Radios or ur Smart phone with app..............

[pope]

Do you have an iphone or android and $20? You may be happy with this (I sure am):

https://www.gaiagps.com/apps/android/

[CAMPMEAT]

Garmin Etrex 30. A couple hundred bucks or so and uses OnXmaps too.

[KimWar1911]

I would look for a garmin 60csx. It's an older model but a real solid unit that you could probably get pretty reasonable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GBoyd]

I just purchased an Iphone 5 to use as a GPS. After some experimentation and using my friends' setups, I've found that I prefer phones equipped with GPS to any other device.

They acquire satellites quickly, and also have a vastly superior interface to any GPS I've used. It's so much easier to navigate around the maps and to save locations while scouting. They also have a good availability and cost for battery packs. I still haven't decided between Onxymaps, Huntterra, or another ap.

I'd highly recommend trying a phone in the backcountry before purchasing a GPS.

[Kit Carson]

They also have a good availability and cost for battery packs. I still haven't decided between Onxymaps, Huntterra, or another ap.

Thanks for the very informative post! After doing a little research I'm a lot more interested in using a phone with an app.

I have a few questions. First, if you are using an iPhone 5, what battery packs are you speaking of? I thought iPhones have an internal battery that is non removable.

Also, I'm not finding any kind of phone app offered by Hunterra. The only maps I can find of theirs are custom physical waterproof or wall-hanging maps. Are you familiar with a good competitor to OnXmaps for a phone app gps?

[bobcat]

I would look for a good deal on a Garmin 64s or 64st.

Get one of these. You'll be glad you did.

[Buzz2401]

I also vote for the Garmin.  All of their units are fairly easy to learn and last. I have two over last 15 years or so.  First was a Etrex and it lasted about 8 years and only reason I think it went out is because I took it on my boat to Westport all the time as a backup and salt moisture creeped in and it was all corroded.  I picked up a Oregon series one a few years ago and it has been working good to.

[GBoyd]

They also have a good availability and cost for battery packs. I still haven't decided between Onxymaps, Huntterra, or another ap.

Thanks for the very informative post! After doing a little research I'm a lot more interested in using a phone with an app.

I have a few questions. First, if you are using an iPhone 5, what battery packs are you speaking of? I thought iPhones have an internal battery that is non removable.

Also, I'm not finding any kind of phone app offered by Hunterra. The only maps I can find of theirs are custom physical waterproof or wall-hanging maps. Are you familiar with a good competitor to OnXmaps for a phone app gps?

The battery packs are external units you can buy to supplement the regular batter. Any store that sells cell phone accessories will have a selection. Most just have a USB port you can connect to whichever phone cable you use. I haven't done the research to find out which have the best punch for weight.

You caught me talking out of my ass on Huntterra though. I saw the ads and assumed they sold an ap, I hadn't got around to looking into it further. I have one friend that uses Onyx maps and another that uses a cheaper ap marketed to backpackers. The advantage to Onyx is that it has land ownership data, but the other one is a bit easier to use and quicker to open. I need to do some more reading and have some more conversations before choosing the map.

[et1702]

Garmin Rhino 650, recently on-sale for just a few $$ more than your upper limit.

ET

[Kit Carson]

Definitely going to check out some of the Garmin models you guys are suggesting.

What are the advantages to having a traditional GPS such as a Garmin compared to using the OnXmap app on a smartphone?

Also, for those who have used OnXmaps on an iPhone/Android, about how long does a full charge last? I'd assume an app using GPS would suck the battery down pretty quickly...


Thanks again for all the help! I'm entirely new to hunting, so any help I can get is very much appreciated.

[Bob33]

Definitely going to check out some of the Garmin models you guys are suggesting.

What are the advantages to having a traditional GPS such as a Garmin compared to using the OnXmap app on a smartphone?

Thanks again for all the help! I'm entirely new to hunting, so any help I can get is very much appreciated.

I believe the primary advantages are threefold: (1) durability, (2) battery life and easy replacement, and (3) more functionality. Durability: I've dropped my GPS on rocks, dunked it in rivers, put mud and blood all over it, and it shrugs it off and keeps working. Can an iPhone do that?  Battery life: I can get 16 to 20 hours out of two lithium AAs. Can a phone do that? Can you easily replace the batteries at a buck a pop? Functionality: how easy is it to project a waypoint, to change datum or coordinate systems, to load multiple maps, to manage tracklogs, to upload and download data to and from a computer on a phone?

Also, the cost to replace a broken iPhone is $600. A replacement GPS is much cheaper.

For me the decision to use a dedicated GPS is easy.

[Kit Carson]

Bob33, I appreciate you taking the time to explain that. Thanks man!

It is looking like my best option is to find a Garmin device that supports OnXmaps. (Hopefully some of the previously suggested models)

Or, can I get some type of alternative software on the Garmin that provides all of the same tools as OnXmaps...?

I'm primarily interested in being able to differentiate private and public lands (with land ownership names).


Thanks to all!

[jjness11]

Bob33, I appreciate you taking the time to explain that. Thanks man!

It is looking like my best option is to find a Garmin device that supports OnXmaps. (Hopefully some of the previously suggested models)

Or, can I get some type of alternative software on the Garmin that provides all of the same tools as OnXmaps...?

I'm primarily interested in being able to differentiate private and public lands (with land ownership names).


Thanks to all!

I have a Garmin Oregon 650T with On X installed on a micro sd card (download version so there is tons of more memory available). I have been looking to upgrade to the Rino, so I would make you a heck of a deal on mine if your interested. I live in Arlington, and work in Edmonds. Shoot me a PM if you want to meet up and take a look at it.

[Dan-o]

Definitely going to check out some of the Garmin models you guys are suggesting.

What are the advantages to having a traditional GPS such as a Garmin compared to using the OnXmap app on a smartphone?

Thanks again for all the help! I'm entirely new to hunting, so any help I can get is very much appreciated.

I believe the primary advantages are threefold: (1) durability, (2) battery life and easy replacement, and (3) more functionality. Durability: I've dropped my GPS on rocks, dunked it in rivers, put mud and blood all over it, and it shrugs it off and keeps working. Can an iPhone do that?  Battery life: I can get 16 to 20 hours out of two lithium AAs. Can a phone do that? Can you easily replace the batteries at a buck a pop? Functionality: how easy is it to project a waypoint, to change datum or coordinate systems, to load multiple maps, to manage tracklogs, to upload and download data to and from a computer on a phone?

Also, the cost to replace a broken iPhone is $600. A replacement GPS is much cheaper.

For me the decision to use a dedicated GPS is easy.

 

We all have Garmin 64 series.  No disappointments.

[follow maggie]

I have Onxmaps on my iPhone and love it. I primarily use it in the pick up. When I'm out & about on foot, I much prefer a garmin gps for the reasons Bob said.

[pope]

Definitely going to check out some of the Garmin models you guys are suggesting.

What are the advantages to having a traditional GPS such as a Garmin compared to using the OnXmap app on a smartphone?

Thanks again for all the help! I'm entirely new to hunting, so any help I can get is very much appreciated.

I believe the primary advantages are threefold: (1) durability, (2) battery life and easy replacement, and (3) more functionality. Durability: I've dropped my GPS on rocks, dunked it in rivers, put mud and blood all over it, and it shrugs it off and keeps working. Can an iPhone do that?  Battery life: I can get 16 to 20 hours out of two lithium AAs. Can a phone do that? Can you easily replace the batteries at a buck a pop? Functionality: how easy is it to project a waypoint, to change datum or coordinate systems, to load multiple maps, to manage tracklogs, to upload and download data to and from a computer on a phone?

Also, the cost to replace a broken iPhone is $600. A replacement GPS is much cheaper.

For me the decision to use a dedicated GPS is easy.

From that list, durability may be a plus, but multiple maps? Can your Garmin dedicated device display multiple maps and satellite images? My phone does, and I can tab between maps quickly to get a more intuitive feel of my surroundings. My Gaia app ran for 9 hours in airplane mode and I still had 85% charge. I carry a portable charger which is equivalent to two full charges and the charges are free. Check out the link I provided above and you'll see Gaia manages tracks, way points, trails, everything a dedicated device does.

Here's something else to consider. Almost everybody carries a smart phone. I've found it's the only device I need. It's my navigation, my camera, and with Verizon, I can call for help most of the places I hunt. This actually cost me a nice buck last year, as I broke my own rule and sent a text from a tree stand. If you do carry a phone, a superb gps/mapping system is just $20 away. I'd spend that just to have a backup to a dedicated device.

I'm not some kid who is fascinated with smart phone technology, nor do I have any financial interest in Gaia. But I could name a handful of Garmin users who looked at the Gaia app and switched.

[GBoyd]

Definitely going to check out some of the Garmin models you guys are suggesting.

What are the advantages to having a traditional GPS such as a Garmin compared to using the OnXmap app on a smartphone?

Thanks again for all the help! I'm entirely new to hunting, so any help I can get is very much appreciated.

I believe the primary advantages are threefold: (1) durability, (2) battery life and easy replacement, and (3) more functionality. Durability: I've dropped my GPS on rocks, dunked it in rivers, put mud and blood all over it, and it shrugs it off and keeps working. Can an iPhone do that?  Battery life: I can get 16 to 20 hours out of two lithium AAs. Can a phone do that? Can you easily replace the batteries at a buck a pop? Functionality: how easy is it to project a waypoint, to change datum or coordinate systems, to load multiple maps, to manage tracklogs, to upload and download data to and from a computer on a phone?

Also, the cost to replace a broken iPhone is $600. A replacement GPS is much cheaper.

For me the decision to use a dedicated GPS is easy.

From that list, durability may be a plus, but multiple maps? Can your Garmin dedicated device display multiple maps and satellite images? My phone does, and I can tab between maps quickly to get a more intuitive feel of my surroundings. My Gaia app ran for 9 hours in airplane mode and I still had 85% charge. I carry a portable charger which is equivalent to two full charges and the charges are free. Check out the link I provided above and you'll see Gaia manages tracks, way points, trails, everything a dedicated device does.

Here's something else to consider. Almost everybody carries a smart phone. I've found it's the only device I need. It's my navigation, my camera, and with Verizon, I can call for help most of the places I hunt. This actually cost me a nice buck last year, as I broke my own rule and sent a text from a tree stand. If you do carry a phone, a superb gps/mapping system is just $20 away. I'd spend that just to have a backup to a dedicated device.

I'm not some kid who is fascinated with smart phone technology, nor do I have any financial interest in Gaia. But I could name a handful of Garmin users who looked at the Gaia app and switched.

I'd second that Pope. I don't actually carry a smartphone though, I purchased one just for use in the backcountry. An Iphone 5 goes for about $200 on ebay right now. I find it easier to load maps, navigate, and store data. Also, I never end up carrying my camera, so an Iphone means I have a camera with me.

Bob33:
Batteries though, you have a point. It would be an advantage to use AA's.

[Bob33]

Definitely going to check out some of the Garmin models you guys are suggesting.

What are the advantages to having a traditional GPS such as a Garmin compared to using the OnXmap app on a smartphone?

Thanks again for all the help! I'm entirely new to hunting, so any help I can get is very much appreciated.

I believe the primary advantages are threefold: (1) durability, (2) battery life and easy replacement, and (3) more functionality. Durability: I've dropped my GPS on rocks, dunked it in rivers, put mud and blood all over it, and it shrugs it off and keeps working. Can an iPhone do that?  Battery life: I can get 16 to 20 hours out of two lithium AAs. Can a phone do that? Can you easily replace the batteries at a buck a pop? Functionality: how easy is it to project a waypoint, to change datum or coordinate systems, to load multiple maps, to manage tracklogs, to upload and download data to and from a computer on a phone?

Also, the cost to replace a broken iPhone is $600. A replacement GPS is much cheaper.

For me the decision to use a dedicated GPS is easy.

From that list, durability may be a plus, but multiple maps? Can your Garmin dedicated device display multiple maps and satellite images? My phone does, and I can tab between maps quickly to get a more intuitive feel of my surroundings. My Gaia app ran for 9 hours in airplane mode and I still had 85% charge. I carry a portable charger which is equivalent to two full charges and the charges are free. Check out the link I provided above and you'll see Gaia manages tracks, way points, trails, everything a dedicated device does.

Here's something else to consider. Almost everybody carries a smart phone. I've found it's the only device I need. It's my navigation, my camera, and with Verizon, I can call for help most of the places I hunt. This actually cost me a nice buck last year, as I broke my own rule and sent a text from a tree stand. If you do carry a phone, a superb gps/mapping system is just $20 away. I'd spend that just to have a backup to a dedicated device.

I'm not some kid who is fascinated with smart phone technology, nor do I have any financial interest in Gaia. But I could name a handful of Garmin users who looked at the Gaia app and switched.

I usually run about 10 different map products concurrently on my Garmins: some from Garmin, some downloaded, several custom ones I made, and the HuntingGPSMaps maps from five different states.

[pope]

Definitely going to check out some of the Garmin models you guys are suggesting.

What are the advantages to having a traditional GPS such as a Garmin compared to using the OnXmap app on a smartphone?

Thanks again for all the help! I'm entirely new to hunting, so any help I can get is very much appreciated.

I believe the primary advantages are threefold: (1) durability, (2) battery life and easy replacement, and (3) more functionality. Durability: I've dropped my GPS on rocks, dunked it in rivers, put mud and blood all over it, and it shrugs it off and keeps working. Can an iPhone do that?  Battery life: I can get 16 to 20 hours out of two lithium AAs. Can a phone do that? Can you easily replace the batteries at a buck a pop? Functionality: how easy is it to project a waypoint, to change datum or coordinate systems, to load multiple maps, to manage tracklogs, to upload and download data to and from a computer on a phone?

Also, the cost to replace a broken iPhone is $600. A replacement GPS is much cheaper.

For me the decision to use a dedicated GPS is easy.

From that list, durability may be a plus, but multiple maps? Can your Garmin dedicated device display multiple maps and satellite images? My phone does, and I can tab between maps quickly to get a more intuitive feel of my surroundings. My Gaia app ran for 9 hours in airplane mode and I still had 85% charge. I carry a portable charger which is equivalent to two full charges and the charges are free. Check out the link I provided above and you'll see Gaia manages tracks, way points, trails, everything a dedicated device does.

Here's something else to consider. Almost everybody carries a smart phone. I've found it's the only device I need. It's my navigation, my camera, and with Verizon, I can call for help most of the places I hunt. This actually cost me a nice buck last year, as I broke my own rule and sent a text from a tree stand. If you do carry a phone, a superb gps/mapping system is just $20 away. I'd spend that just to have a backup to a dedicated device.

I'm not some kid who is fascinated with smart phone technology, nor do I have any financial interest in Gaia. But I could name a handful of Garmin users who looked at the Gaia app and switched.

I usually run about 10 different map products concurrently on my Garmins: some from Garmin, some downloaded, several custom ones I made, and the HuntingGPSMaps maps from five different states.

Your point about Garmin devices being durable is well noted. I treat my phone like I would my scope, rifle, bow, and binoculars. They're expensive and so I don't abuse them. My only complaint about using my phone and the Gaia app for navigation is that I can't determine property ownership. Also, some of the satellite images are a little out of date. Nevertheless, being able to tab between topographic maps and satellite images seems invaluable, since topo maps do not give any sense of vegetative density and recent logging.

[huntnfmly]

I have a garmin oregon with onx maps and and download sat. Pics from garmins birdsview works great the onxmap overlays on the sat pic if you want very easy to use and the gps is alot more rugged

[KFhunter]

I just purchased an Iphone 5 to use as a GPS. After some experimentation and using my friends' setups, I've found that I prefer phones equipped with GPS to any other device.

They acquire satellites quickly, and also have a vastly superior interface to any GPS I've used. It's so much easier to navigate around the maps and to save locations while scouting. They also have a good availability and cost for battery packs. I still haven't decided between Onxymaps, Huntterra, or another ap.

I'd highly recommend trying a phone in the backcountry before purchasing a GPS.

I'm using tremble outdoors, also has landowners on it.  Galaxy S5 android smartphone.

One of these days I'd like to stick onxmaps on my garmin rino and see if the landowners are more accurate but I bet they're compiling from the same sources.

[Reidus]

I got a Garmin Oregon 600 for $200? $220? From cabelas on sale. They're great. Much better screen than my older Oregon model.

The onx for your phone takes a TON of memory to cache the maps for use when you don't have service.