You are hereForums / Preparation / Geek Gear (GPS/Comps/Lights/etc.) / Basic GPS for Navigation
Basic GPS for Navigation
I want to buy a GPS system for my husband and my mind is just spinning with all the options out there - I'm looking for recommendations. He already has a bike computer tracking his time and distance - so he doesn't really need the sport functions, just the navigation. We live in Ecuador and he rides in very remote places - my greatest concern (because it has already happened) is him getting lost. I want him to have a system that will help him to get himself back home if he gets off track - getting lost in the jungle out here is not a sweet adventure, it has the potential to be a fatal one.
I would like to have a few recommendations. Ideally nothing too fancy, but functional, water resistant and in the perfect world less than $150.00.
I've been recommend to check out Garmin, but there are still so many options with those.
- Login to post comments
- Bookmark & share
The Garmin Etrex 20 is good for navigation. It costs around $190 on the internet.
Yeah the Garmin Etrex 20 is very popular, easy to use and isn't too big so good for taking riding.
If you get a Garmin you can download the free OSM (Open Street Map) for it. You can add roads and tracks to the OSM map yourself. OSM only works on Garmin GPSs.
You can also get OSM on iPhone Apps for free.
Doesn't make it very open does it?
Perhaps what you meant to say was that Garmin are the only GPS vendor you know of that handle OSM? If you have a smartphone then there's many different packages to use OSM by the look of it. Eg:
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Android
If you have a smartphone have a play with some of the options there it may be all you need and a lot cheaper. For the iPhone Motion X Gps gives you virtually everything you need and there is a full functioning version that is free to download or $3 for the full version. Otherwise Garmin would be my choice too for handhelds although not much changes so if a basic one is all you need maybe Gumtree might get you one for $100.
Not sure of the situation there - but a personal locator beacon or an EPIRB may be a better buy. If he is lost or injured (hopefully not) then triggering the beacon sends a message via satellite to people able to initiate a rescue. you would need to look at the sysem they recommend for your location - google PLB
.
HTH
I don't think he was looking for an EPIRB but if he is looking for that a SPOT device is a better option for a lot of situations.
I was thinking more for navigation so he can avoid an emergency situation where we would need to send out the rescue party. So the iphone apps or the Garmin unit sounds like they will be the best bet.
Most phone gps apps drain your battery in a major way.
Most people I know claim a 3 - 4 battery life
Personally I'm not a fan of using my phone for navigation in case indeed it for an emergency.
It has saved me before.
Actually my experiences are the modern ones aren't that bad. There are a lot of variables though (edge of mobile reception etc). Looiking at something like strava a 2 hr ride will use approx half the battery from memory. If you're concerned pack a external booster battery. They come in a range of sizes and prices from $20ish and that way you have extra power for your calls or GPS.