Thread: GPS?

Hi all.
I know there is a thread somewhere related to this, but I am unable to locate.


Im looking into getting a GPS for hunting and just after some thoughts.
I can't afford a $500+ one, so no need to go there. Although there are a number of cheaper ones out there.

Anyone using one of these 'Garmin Etrex 20 GPS'?
GARMIN eTrex 20 Handheld GPS **BRILLIANT** | Trade Me

Any thoughts guys?

Tim

Iv had a etrex h for a few years and its always performed faultlessly but really wanted one with topo maps.

I just bought a 60 something off this site(dont tell the wife) comes preloaded with maps INCLUDING DOC BOUNDARY LAYERS, Which was one of the main reasons I purchased it.

From here.

mapping handheld - KiwiGPS

Looked at the one on special at H&F with the camera but already have a camera and apparently the maps arnt that good anyway.

No doubt you could load boundars etc on yourself but I am a computer tard and just want to put battery's in and away.

A bit over your 500 bucks,I can understand that it was a stretch for me paying 200 for the "h" back then and it was really only any good for marking wallows, camp, the boat, the wagon etc.

Father in law has the Garmin 62s. I've used it a few times and its pretty wicked. But alas, can't afford one.
Maybe I should tell the misses it's a really important piece for safety? AGHH, she is too smart for that trick, or is it a trick?

Ive got the etrex 20 and i found it good in the bush and it came with maps aswell.

Ive got etrex 20 and loaded FreshMap (from hunting and fishing ) . Love it , its tiny , cheap and the battery life is better than some of the flasher ones.

Originally Posted by mohawk

Ive got etrex 20 and loaded FreshMap (from hunting and fishing ) . Love it , its tiny , cheap and the battery life is better than some of the flasher ones.

I have the 62s loaded with the topo4 gps card. Anyone done a comparison between the garmin sd card and the topo card. How is the detail and which card is in your etrex 20?

Originally Posted by mohawk

Ive got etrex 20 and loaded FreshMap (from hunting and fishing ) . Love it , its tiny , cheap and the battery life is better than some of the flasher ones.

Never done a comparison , mine was unloaded so I went too hunting and fishing and asked what they thought was best at the time . From what Ive seen theyre all pretty good and at the end of the day you just want too get home , no time too sit around studying maps .

I've got the etrex 10 and it's always able to get a lock. Doesn't know which way is north unless youre moving. It's okay though I just use a compass. Would like to up grade to one with maps eventually. Go for it.

Sent from my MT27i using Tapatalk 2

That is interesting Mohawk. I was not aware that H& F sold freshmap. Any idea what is was worth ?

10 can take maps can't it?

Im no use recommending maps but can say from looking at various friends ones there's some maps that are very basic and some are far far far better than your paper topo.

Its all down to resolution when you zoom in. Ie lines every 200m elevation is next to useless in bluff country but 20-50m lines is awesome you can pick out little benches and avoid bluffs in bush.

I just use the Backcountry Navigator app on my phone - uses LINZ Topo50 as background maps.

The GPS in my phone isn't as sensitive as a dedicated one though, sometimes struggles to get a lock under thick trees in a valley. And battery life isn't as good either. But generally does the job.

Originally Posted by GravelBen

I just use the Backcountry Navigator app on my phone - uses LINZ Topo50 as background maps.

The GPS in my phone isn't as sensitive as a dedicated one though, sometimes struggles to get a lock under thick trees in a valley. And battery life isn't as good either. But generally does the job.

Where do you hunt? I can't get cell reception 90% of the time when I hunt so need a GPS

Sent from my MT27i using Tapatalk 2

Lots of phones have gps Phil.
Don't require cell service.
Generally crap tho i don't use mine.
I have locuspro app on mine which is good for quickly lookin at wherever when talking to someone but don't actually use it bush.

Not sure what the model etrex my mate had but my 62s shat all over it. When back at camp comparing trails recorded mine never missed a beat his lost signal a fair few times

Originally Posted by phillipgr

Where do you hunt? I can't get cell reception 90% of the time when I hunt so need a GPS

Like VC said, phone with GPS in it - doesn't need cell cover. I use airplane mode when out of cover so it doesn't drain the battery searching for signal all the time.