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Looking For An Outdoors GPS

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by zenMachine, Aug 25, 2011.

  1. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    I'm researching and shopping for a GPS to be used for hiking, biking, boating, etc. Must have requirement is an altimeter. Unit must also be waterproof (up to 3 feet of water preferred).

    A built-in camera would be nice but not critical.

    Any and all suggestions welcomed and appreciated.
     
    #1 zenMachine, Aug 25, 2011
  2. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Here's one. You didn't specify a budget, but the requirements you're looking for aren't inexpensive to satisfy. A unit purchased locally would no doubt have maps appropriate for your area, and you can buy others for wherever you're going.

    Something else you might be interested in is a Panasonic TS3 camera. It's rugged, waterproof and likely takes far better pictures than the GPS unit.
     
    #2 hyo silver, Aug 25, 2011
  3. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    $300 or less. Would like to hear some first hand experience. My main use for it will be for hiking, so trail maps are top priority.
     
    #3 zenMachine, Aug 25, 2011
  4. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Have you checked LL Bean?
     
    #4 firepa63, Aug 25, 2011
  5. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    #5 qbee42, Aug 25, 2011
  6. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    There are a number of free maps available for Garmin mapping units. A Google search of "garmin free trail maps" turned up over 10 million hits, so that should keep you busy for a while. The maps vary in quality, from an individuals track of a single hike to extensive Soviet maps of the US.
     
    #6 RobH, Aug 26, 2011
  7. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Just ordered a Magellan Toughcase GPS for iPhone/iPod on Amazon ($21). It's waterproof and also acts as an extra battery charger. At this price, even if the GPS doesn't work I still can use it as a rugged case when hiking! :)

    I guess it'll depend on the mapping apps I can use with it. As long as the GPS reception is decent I think I will be happy.
     
    #7 zenMachine, Aug 26, 2011
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