We have seen the wonderful GPS devices from your cell phone or automobile. But these aren't created for off-road experiences. So, what would be the features and how do you determine the correct GPS for hiking or backpacking? It is time to work this out.
How Does It Function?
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. That is a fancy term that tells you exactly where you happen to be. Sort of like those fantastic maps within the malls which have a dot that states, "You Are Here". It does this by talking with government satellites. You will find over 24 of them, but the GPS only requires 3 to be able to discover your place. It does this by triangulation (Am I becoming way too technical?) Today's GPS, if Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capable, can calculate your place to within 3 meters (about 10 feet), but do not depend on that sort of accuracy. The GPS ought to be in a position to establish your place to 30 feet or even less.
On a Clear Day, You Are Able to See Forever:
Simply because a GPS for hiking relies on overhead satellites, the unit might have issues establishing your place if you've extensive trees overhead, or are down in a canyon with steep walls or if there lots of tall buildings nearby.
What Does a GPS For Hiking Do?
* Location, Location, Location: They can show the person their current place. Most units have several coordinate nomenclatures. Put differently, they can show you exactly where you happen to be in various methods; Degree Decimal Minutes (DDM), Degrees-Minutes-Seconds (DMS) and/or Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM).
* We Are Following His Each Move: You are able to program your GPS to chart your actions. The GPS can draw a line on its map, showing the exact path which you went on. The accuracy or interval with the factors for the path may be altered.
* Point to Point and Route: Some individuals isolate these functions, but I believe they're the identical function. First, the Point to Point is just 1 "step" within the route. The way this operation works is that you simply set a point that you simply wish to hike to that is the "way point". For example, let's suppose that you simply set the place that your automobile is parked and you wish to get to the campsite place. You identify the coordinates of your campsite, so you set those coordinates into the GPS and it'll show the distance and bearing towards the campground. This would be a point to point. A route basically has several way points.
Choosing a GPS For Hiking:
There's only a single, primary question you should ask to determine which GPS to choose; what are my requirements. Should you wish to just monitor your mileage or elevation or discover way points, an easier design ought to suffice. But, if saving your hikes on a map and having the ability to upload and obtain your maps to and from your pc is essential, a higher priced design will probably be required. So, what would be the choices offered?
GPS Choices:
Ruggedness/Waterproof: Most hiking GPS units are rugged and durable. Even with that being true, when choosing a GPS, make sure that it is going to hold up to your kind of backpacking. You will find also rubber carrying cases for some designs that you are able to buy so as to protect it even more. Just make sure that should you accidently drop the GPS on a rock or rain storm moves overhead that it'll still function.
Battery Power: Take a look at the kind of batteries the GPS uses and how long the batteries will last. If the display is backlit, then the unit might use up batteries quicker if you're backpacking at night. Lastly, lithium batteries will keep working longer than rechargeable. Lithium batteries also function well in a cold climate. Certain particular units possess a sleep mode which will conserve battery life.
Antenna:
* Internal: less of a chance to break off.
* External: Much more susceptible to damage, but may be in a position to be adjusted to enhance the clarity.
* Plug-In: Some might possess a plug-in for an optional antenna. This could be helpful for in-car/boat use.
Kind: You will find two types:
* Quad Helix: These would be the most generally installed and function much better under a tree cover.
* Flat Patch: These are created for much more open terrain.
SiRF Star III: This is a chip that will really improve the antenna performance. If you're searching for a greater performing GPS, locate a unit that has this or a comparable chip set.
Maps: This feature is most likely one of essentially the most diverse between the designs. Map detail, quantity of map storage, can you upload and obtain maps from a CD or the Web. The fundamental rule for any GPS for hiking will be the superior the map program, the greater the price. Determine what degree of map detail that you simply require and then choose the design that matches.
Color or Monochrome Display: If you're going to depend on topographical maps, then a color display would suit you much better. On the other hand, in the event you just wish to plot way points and do not care about detail, then opt for any cheaper, monochrome design.
An additional factor with the display is resolution. If your eyesight is less than ideal, then it may be a great thought to test the various designs to be sure that you are able to see the display. The size of the display goes hand in hand with readability. Greater resolution and larger display designs are going to be more expensive. Back lit displays are nice to have as well. Lastly, you will find some units which have a display that can be legible in bright daylight.
Altimeter: You'll be able to obtain your ballpark elevation from a standard GPS unit, but this number could be inaccurate. So, some units provide a barometric altimeter lend a hand. These units can also chart the changes in air pressure to notify you of the changing climate.
Storage Capacity: All designs possess some degree of storage. Should you wish tobe able to upload and obtain maps, extra memory will probably be required. Many units are built with a MicroSD port so that you are able to supplement your memory. Final Note: A GPS for Hiking could be an excellent addition to your backpacking gear, but it's not to become the only piece of navigational gear inside your arsenal. Prior to even thinking about a GPS, be sure that you understand how you can interpret and use a compass and map. These two items ought to constantly be inside your pack. A GPS is really a technologically advanced tool and mainly because of that, it can break down. Batteries can fail, a chip can malfunction. Just because you possess a GPS doesn't suggest that you simply can't get lost.
Bonus: After you get a GPS for hiking, you might wish to begin GPS Geocache Hunting. It is an excellent high- tech game of hide and seek. Get outdoors and appreciate your new GPS, but do not depend on it only.
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