Anyone know anything about GPS units for walking?
Discussion
Mods: Feel free to move this out of the lounge. I just wasn't sure if it was sports, gadgets or other.
I would like to buy a cheap GPS unit for walking/hiking, but I'm not really sure where to start.
From my limited research I have worked out that the files containing the route data are called .GPX files, and they are freely available from a lot of websites. It's the Lake District I'm primarily interested in, and there are pages of free route files available off the internet for pretty much any walk you can think of.
But it's the units themselves I don't really know much about.
I'm mostly looking at second hand Garmin units. They seem to sell for £30 and some for £400. I appreciate the expensive ones will have more features, but I just want an absolute basic unit that will simply allow me to load GPX route files onto it and then allow me to follow the route like a compass.
I presume they all do this? Even the old eTrex models for £30-40?
I see some cheap newish garmin models but they claim to be for 'geocaching', can these be used for walking as well?
I would like to buy a cheap GPS unit for walking/hiking, but I'm not really sure where to start.
From my limited research I have worked out that the files containing the route data are called .GPX files, and they are freely available from a lot of websites. It's the Lake District I'm primarily interested in, and there are pages of free route files available off the internet for pretty much any walk you can think of.
But it's the units themselves I don't really know much about.
I'm mostly looking at second hand Garmin units. They seem to sell for £30 and some for £400. I appreciate the expensive ones will have more features, but I just want an absolute basic unit that will simply allow me to load GPX route files onto it and then allow me to follow the route like a compass.
I presume they all do this? Even the old eTrex models for £30-40?
I see some cheap newish garmin models but they claim to be for 'geocaching', can these be used for walking as well?
NinjaPower said:
I see some cheap newish garmin models but they claim to be for 'geocaching', can these be used for walking as well?
We have a Garmin etrex touch 25 that we use for geocaching (it`s easier to get the kids out walking when there are things for them to track down and find...) and it can be used for walking.The maps supplied on them are basic but perfectly useable, you can get OS maps loaded on them but I`m not sure how to do it as the standard mappign is fine for our useage.
It`s a bit clunky to use but once you find your way around it it`s fine.
Smartphone + Viewranger (other apps available) + waterproof case. Wouldn't use anything else now.
That said I don't know if Viewranger can load .gpx files but then I'd be surprised if it didn't.
You might want a power bank to supplement your phone's battery if doing long hikes & usual warning applies - don't rely on GPS make sure you also have a map / compass and know how to use it.
That said I don't know if Viewranger can load .gpx files but then I'd be surprised if it didn't.
You might want a power bank to supplement your phone's battery if doing long hikes & usual warning applies - don't rely on GPS make sure you also have a map / compass and know how to use it.
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