Sunday, September 4, 2011

Head off Getting Lost in the Forest With A Hiking GPS

By Tom Oxby


Avoid getting lost with a hiking GPS which is simple to do in the wilderness. A hiking GPS (Global Positioning System) has benefits over the traditional compass or watching the direction of the sun although I still use both.

If you are not on a signed trail route bush whacking with dense forest or there are loads of connecting trails then you actually need a GPS for your hike. I would consider this a safety issue because getting lost is not fun. For some walkers another reason for a hiking GPS is the statistics it can offer about elevation changes, distance covered and other neat information.

It still is a smart idea to carry a trail map and/or compass as a backup and to have a direction sense of where you are going.

Look for a hiking GPS that is:

Durable "when hiking your GPS is going to get knocked around so it must be shockproof and of a rugged construction. It also helps if your handheld hiking GPS is lightweight, compact and water-proof too.

Map Screen "you wish to be able to simply read your hiking GPS in full-on sunlight and other light conditions so take care your model addresses this.

Hiking routes "whether walking in the open or in the deep woods you want your GPS to be well placed to pick up the satellite. Your hiking GPS really is a satellite receiver with signals from approximately 8 or 10 satellites providing you your location on a map display.

Your GPS must be able to supply a bearing to the next waypoint and have the power to store hiking routes. Some models like the Garmin Dakota Hiking GPS store up to 1,000 waypoints and up to 50 routes. I like the some models beep to remind you when you have appeared at the following turn if you have loaded the route ahead.

Maps "topographic type maps indicating the contours or the terrain and any lakes or brooks need to be uploaded quickly with a high-speed USB connection from your PC. This is normal with Hiking GPS.

Batteries "is the battery life long lasting? The most sensible use common AA size that are simple to replace at a cheap price. Naturally you may carry a spare set with you during the hike. Some individuals feel the GPS with two batteries go on longer than those with four.

Easy to use "when you receive your brand spanking new hiking GPS you need to be up and running swiftly. There are types that offer touch screens to make usage even less complicated.

These are some of the basic things you are looking for though some models include an in-built camera.Your hiking GPS will give you the confidence to go hiking anywhere and get home safe and secure.




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