Completely confused about gps units

[icsopris]

Do any of these models excel for backcountry hiking/biking/skiing?

Seems most of this forum is dedicated to vehicle use and maps.

I am looking for a unit that I can take to backcountry where no cell service may be available, plug in coordinates and find what I am looking for. Also something to use for Geo-Caching (?), I believe it's called, where people place items, send the coordinates and you go find it.

Do any of these units excel at backcountry or is there a particular model speced specifically for these operations?

Thanks in advance, Bob.

 

[icsopris]

Answer to my question - I downloaded a FREE app on my Droid Maxx called "GPS Status" and amazingly it worked great! While on a hike I ran into a gentleman with a Garmin around his neck and asked him if we could compare coordinates, we matched perfectly! I was able to have coordinates available in deep canyons with high walls and the app displays how many satellites it's talking too and your bearing.

Find it here in the Google Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpstoolbox.pro&hl=en

I then downloaded an app "Geocaching" and that too is amazing. It lists and gives coordinates and locations for caches that folks have placed. I haven't found 1 yet but crazy there are caches all over the place, 3 within 2 minute walk from my house! Looking forward to investigating more especially when camping.

Happy Camping!

 

[Camp-N-Nuts]

I finally bit the bullet after many years with a Magellan...I ordered the Garmin Nuvi 50LM. 4.2 out of 5 rating and many thousand reviews. Lifetime maps, $90 Amazon.

 

[Camp-N-Nuts]

I had a crainial infartion...it's a 40LM!

 

[BarbaraFaith]

Had problems 2 times with my Garvin. One time we were camping in Wisconsin, and intended to go a Church in town for Sunday service. There was construction, and we we're able to have it give us new directions - it just rerouted us the same way. The other time was last November when we were going to a George Jones concert in outstate MN. This was a birthday present for DH, who attempted to see No Show Jones back in the 80's and guess what, he never showed. 4 days before the concert I has hospitalized, in intensive care even, and it was iffy if we could go. I got released in the early afternoon. When we left the hospital, we went to the pharmacy, and ran home to pack an overnight bag. Got somewhat near our destination, and then we were routed on dirt roads, in the middle of nowhere, just as it was getting dark. We finally found our way, and got to the Casino to late to check into our motel but in time to see the concert. DH was able to cross seeing George Jones off his bucket list. We both feel blessed to see a legend, who passed away in April.

So now when we are going to an unfamiliar destination, I print out directions from MapQuest just as a backup. I have had problems with MapQuest too. One time we were driving to FL and MapQuest rerouted us on State Highways, through many little towns and we lost a lot of travel time.

 

[Camp-N-Nuts]

All I can say is...update your maps when you get them immediately! Mine updated and it was new (you never know how long they sit in a warehouse).
Get a popular model with a lot of positive feedback (reviews)...and with free map updates!

 

[bearman512]

Had problems 2 times with my Garvin. One time we were camping in Wisconsin, and intended to go a Church in town for Sunday service. There was construction, and we we're able to have it give us new directions - it just rerouted us the same way. The other time was last November when we were going to a George Jones concert in outstate MN. This was a birthday present for DH, who attempted to see No Show Jones back in the 80's and guess what, he never showed. 4 days before the concert I has hospitalized, in intensive care even, and it was iffy if we could go. I got released in the early afternoon. When we left the hospital, we went to the pharmacy, and ran home to pack an overnight bag. Got somewhat near our destination, and then we were routed on dirt roads, in the middle of nowhere, just as it was getting dark. We finally found our way, and got to the Casino to late to check into our motel but in time to see the concert. DH was able to cross seeing George Jones off his bucket list. We both feel blessed to see a legend, who passed away in April.

So now when we are going to an unfamiliar destination, I print out directions from MapQuest just as a backup. I have had problems with MapQuest too. One time we were driving to FL and MapQuest rerouted us on State Highways, through many little towns and we lost a lot of travel time.

Just a guess on my part but it might have needed an update.
There are instances IE new structures or new roads or no other roads that can cause routing issues. I always carry a road atlas with me just in case but I really love my GPS but they do tend to dumb us down.