Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: Hunter mike on June 11, 2013, 10:33:16 AM
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Is anyone using one of these? I'm in the market for a new GPS. I like stuff that's pretty basic, but functional. I'm currently using an eTrex legend that's pretty ancient (no USB link-up) but otherwise gets the job done.
I'm looking for the ability to add tracks/waypoints on my computer. I don't need tons of memory, but want the ability to have topo maps of the entire wilderness/area I'm hunting. Not much else needed for bells and whistles. I don't need the touch screen - most of the info will be entered at home and I don't mind the toggle.
I'm mostly looking to upgrade because a few of my hunt areas have me bordering national parks and I want to be able to hunt close to the border without going over. I'm kind of on a budget due to other gear purchases... (going light and fast this year!!)
Thanks for any input!
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I'm using it on the Continental Divide Trail this summer and it seems to do the job. You can add a micro SD card to give it as much memory as you want. Warning, though, update the software on it as soon as you get it. Mine had an earlier version and then stopped working on me in the wilderness (wouldn't read my microSD card). i had to call Garmin and it took me a few weeks to find a computer where I could dl the correct software. Huge pain that could've been averted before leaving.
I would also suggest getting a screen protector for it. The screen is crap and mine is already hammered to the point that in the right light it's unusable. And it's only been used for 6 weeks...
But you can dl all your maps for free from gpsfiledepot.com and upload waypoints/POIs and tracks, etc. fine. Plus it's very lightweight, especially when you load it with lithium batteries.
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Exactly the info I wanted to know :)
Thanks!
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What's your budget? I know Sportsmans Warehouse had the 62s on sale for $250. That's a great price for a great GPS. I don't know if it's still on sale but might be worth checking on. It is not a touch screen.
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I had the basic E-trex for years and it saved my bacon more than once finding my way back to my truck in the freaking blizzards after dark, worth its weight in gold, although it didn't have any base map it recorded tracks and did the job, well it got stolen along with the rest of my gear and I ended up getting a Garman Etrex 30, a bit more bells and whistles than I needed, seems to be geared for geo-caching. But I managed to load a lot of free maps from Base camp and have to say its turned in to a great tool, recording routes with the ability to add photos and commentary to your hunt, hike or what ever, I assume the 20 operates similar with a few less options.
