GPSs.. Touchscreen? Waterproof? maps?
Elk
Contributors to this thread:
I have several Lowrance Hunt GPSs. I like them but it is getting harder to get map chips to work in them. So I'm thinking about a new GPS.
I checked some old threads. Several folks mentioned using your smartphone. I'm not too crazy about that. First, I don't want to lose my phone. Second, I don't want to damage my phone by falling/etc. Third, I don't think my touchscreen will work when my hands are wet. Fourth, I don't want to get my phone wet...
Are they reasonable concerns?
If so, what dedicated GPS should I get? I see that most of the new Garmins are touchscreens. Do those work when your hands are cold or you fingers are wet?
How much do I have to spend to get the map chips to work in them?
Wet is a problem with touch screens, don't think it matters phone are GPS. Short of falling in a river or sitting it in a glass of wine like my wife did in camp a few years ago, it shouldn't be a problem. Only costs 30ish bucks for app and add-ons that show property boundaries and GMUs with Backcountry Navigator and that's a one time fee. It's all I've used the last six years, but I do carry a real small cheap GPS for a backup. Probably won't do that this year unless I'm out alone as my wife has a smartphone now with Backcountry Navigator on it too.
If you are camping where electricity is available every night, a phone is an option. Outside that, it offers nothing over a good gps.
I use a Dakota because it is simple and it works well. If you want one that takes pictures, sends emails, etc..., get a different model. If way points, navigation, and topo's are your intended uses, a Dakota is fine. Of course, screen size can be an issue if you are picky. So, choose wisely. Just make it a Garmin. God Bless
I started using the OnXMaps App last year. I don't think the chance of breaking your phone is any greater than breaking a GPS, but I have never owned one so I don't really know. I only use this to keep track of private land boundaries so I only turn it on if I'm near a questionable spot. Because of this I haven't had any issues with running out of batteries, but I guess it depends on what you plan on using it for. If you have access to charging or don't need to have it on much the phone app is a much cheaper way to go.
M-A, I faced this decision last year and after much deliberation I opted for a touchscreen GPS(Garmin Oregon) and maps. I wanted to retain as much battery as possible on my phone in case an emergency arose thus I did not use it for navigation. The gps is great but we did not leave the truck without our maps and a compass. Heck, we spent more time studying maps than we did hunting.
Hmm, phone GPS doesn't use more power than GPS GPS, you know they make solar chargers and power packs to recharge. Carrying extra batteries or a reusable power pack, it works out the same.
I'm looking into getting a new GPS myself. My old etrex is toast since it got wet. Looking at the a garmin rhino 650 or 655t. I have my phone with me too but I'mbnot going to rely on that entirely. My hunting buddies all have the rhino and can see where everyone is at plus use the radio. Win win to me
If you use your phone instead of a traditional gps, do you have to have a phone signal in order to get all the map info?
You download maps when you have signal or WiFi at home, then you don't need cell service for use.
No matter which way you go, get a battery pack. I use an Anker E5 but they will suddenly quit on you. They are awesome till then.
The latest and greatest that Aron bought and is using is the Dark Energy battery pack. More money than Anker but more durable and the guys are hunters.
Hmmmm doesn't seem like any answers to your questions so far. I have a Garmin Montana and it has served me well. I'm in AZ and we don't typically get a lot of rain so I've never dealt with trying to operate it with wet fingers though. I, too, would prefer to use something besides my phone.
I checked some old threads. Several folks mentioned using your smartphone. I'm not too crazy about that. First, I don't want to lose my phone. Second, I don't want to damage my phone by falling/etc. Third, I don't think my touchscreen will work when my hands are wet. Fourth, I don't want to get my phone wet...
Are they reasonable concerns?
NO
If so, what dedicated GPS should I get?
I like the Montana
I see that most of the new Garmins are touchscreens. Do those work when your hands are cold or you fingers are wet?
My Montana does
How much do I have to spend to get the map chips to work in them?
Nothing, the sd card works automatically after you enable the map that is on it.
The cost to purchase that sd card varies on features and brand.
I'm running a garmin etrex. The screen is a tad small but it works and has for the past 9yrs. Takes two AA batteries that last long enough for me to only carry a set for back up. Its small enough to fit comfortably in pouches and me not to fear it falling out. All push button no touch screen which is a plus IMO.
I'm sure these units can be had at extremely reasonable prices if that's a concern.
Use your phone, you can get a portable battery for charging and put the phone a good case and for 10 bucks you can buy a water proof case that you can still use the phone even when wet or under water for that matter. I couldnt see ever going back to a gps after using Gaia on my phone.
Maps are loaded in the phone and it works in airplane mode using the phones built in gps. I can scout on the big screen computer and put my way points in and then it automatically syncs up to the phone.
The phone has a much better screen than a GPS and works just as well but a lot easier than a GPS. The hand held GPS is like the space shuttle they should be decommissioned ;)
Tap gps screen / tap map icon seems pretty easy to me.
I hunted Alaska for 2 weeks. I used a Lowance iFinder Hunt gps. I used lithium batteries. It would last for 2-4 days on a set of batteries.
I had the gps in a side pocket of my pack. It got banged around and rained on. And it had buttons that I would use with gloves on.
I can't imagine subjecting my smartphone to that kind of abuse. I also cant imagine carrying enough batteries for my smartphone to last 14 days.
The new GPSs look pretty cool. But I wonder how well they really work in the woods with muddy, wet, gloved fingers...