Best hand-held GPS unit? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS USM

12/20/2009 01:06:04 PM · #1

What's the best hand-held GPS unit for hiking and geocaching?

I've read reviews until my eyes are bleeding. The general consensus seems to be the Garmin Oregon 400T, but some reviews are definitely negative.

Which unit do you think is the best and why?

rider

Canon EOS-7D

12/20/2009 01:15:45 PM · #2

I have a pn 40 and think it is a great little unit!! use it on the bike and in the car too! the map software that comes with it is first rate and for $30.00 /yr you can download all kinds of sat img. areial photo's etc. link

Message edited by author 2009-12-20 13:25:15.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

12/20/2009 03:00:09 PM · #3

I use a simple Garmin E-trex H

There's no messing about with maps, it just points the way, marks waypoints, records your track and gives you speed, distances etc.

I guess it depends on how you plan to use it.

NathanWert

Canon EOS-90D

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

12/20/2009 03:00:41 PM · #4

I've got a Magellan 1500 and don't really care for it that much.

TrollMan

Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4

12/20/2009 03:07:21 PM · #5

I have a Garmin Colorado 300 that I use for both hiking and Geocahing. It also works with my puls belt so I also use it for training (running in the forest). It also works with the road maps so I use for city visits and driving as well when I rental cars without GPS. I love it and would recommend it!

Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS USM

12/20/2009 05:39:09 PM · #6

Thanks for the input guys! It is much appreciated.

The main use will be for hiking, backpacking, and geocaching.

I read one review that said the Oregon 400T cannot be used with Garmin's MapSource software, so you can't plan a route on your PC and then download it to the GPS. Apparently, you can't copy a route from the GPS to your PC either. Does anyone know if that is true?

The reviews also say the built-in maps aren't very useful for hiking--they're not detailed enough, don't include hiking trails, etc.. They say you need to buy the 24K SD maps (at $100 a pop) to get the full use of the unit.

Some review sites rate the PN-40 very highly, though most also say it has a bit of a learning curve.

Does anyone else care to offer an opinion?

TrollMan

Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4

12/20/2009 05:43:54 PM · #7

I do use MapSource without a hitch with the Colorado but the hi-res 3D maps are expensive and same as the Oregon not very useful without these maps.

rider

Canon EOS-7D

12/20/2009 05:59:38 PM · #8

learning curve on the pn? everyone says that but i get along with topo 8 better than cs3 or lightroom soooooo?I would say yes you have to read and play a little but i don't think its that hard and they have a forum where many of the delorme employee's hang out so.

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/20/2009 06:12:29 PM · #9

Originally posted by Mick:

those reviews....Crap, crap , and all crap. The unit should come with the 24k maps already (mine did)-400T (means TOPO). Review is wrong...I have a Mac and can even use the software. Garmin RoadTrip is what it is...not to mention that I also loaded some FREE VERY detailed maps off the internet onto the unit also (using Garmin Roadtrip). There is also Garmin Basecamp software, POI Loader, etc, etc. I have had no problems with mine at all. I use it on the motorcycle and in the truck to find addresses, make routes and get to where I want to hike. Then take it out of the truck, switch the profile to hiking and up comes the 24k with elevation profile and all. Very satisfied with it. Just pissed they announced the current 400T model about a week after I bought it.

Message edited by author 2009-12-20 18:18:28.

12/20/2009 08:21:32 PM · #10

Originally posted by rider:

The PN-40 is definitely in the running. Thanks!

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

12/20/2009 08:45:32 PM · #11

Originally posted by dacrazyrn:

I'm a little confused. Are you saying you bought an Oregon 400T and it came with 24K TOPO maps built-in, or do you have a different model?

Apple iPhone 5

12/20/2009 09:02:43 PM · #12

If you're using it for geocaching, you should make sure you can easily load it with geocaching data and waypoints

alanfreed

Nikon Z9

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

12/20/2009 09:11:49 PM · #13

I have the Colorado 400t, and it's really good for caching (I would assume the Oregon is, too). The Colorado was a bit buggy out of the box, and they've made some number of improvements through firmware updates. It's still a bit buggy, but I still consider it to be an awesome unit.

I have 2,800+ finds, and I own 4 handheld units. The Garmin 60CSx is also an awesome unit, but it lacks the paperless caching.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

12/20/2009 10:13:29 PM · #14

I love Garmin..