I am thinking of getting a GPS. What would you recomend and why?
I usually struggle with any type of technology, so user friendly is going to be important. I am not going to totally rely on it. But want one to track my hikes and give me a sense of security, be it false or not. You know how you always hear of people trusting them so much they take that right turn down the train tracks or walk off a cliff just because the GPS told them too. I would like it to have an altimeter feature.
Thanks
Mike Z

I have the Garmin eTrex20 and I use it basically for what you mentioned. I get a reliable signal, even when bushwhacking and it's been a useful tool for me. This model isn't too expensive, but it doesn't have a barometric altimeter (GPS altimeter is pretty good, though). I believe the eTrex30 has a compass and altimeter for a bit more money.

I've had a couple. I had a Garmin eTrex which I gave away after buying a Garmin 60CSX which I lost. Becky bought herself a Garmin Oregon 450 which she couldn't figure out. She's very technology illiterate. I found it a but confusing at first. But quickly realized it was very user friendly IMO.

The 2 best features is that it has a barometric altimeter and a electronic 3 axis compass. Which means it does not have to be level, nor do you have to be moving to get your bearings. I love it. I've got a ton of REI money to spend and am thinking of getting an Oregon 600 for myself. Cause Becky keeps saying she wants hers back.

Tons of refurbished on eBay for fairly cheap money.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-Oregon-4 ... 27ee3751aa

You would need to purchase maps as well. Just one option.
http://www.rei.com/product/784309/garmi ... -northeast

I have Best Buy money and you can order anything on line, at the store.
I am looking at the gpsmap64st. It has the compass and altimeter feature I think I want.
How easy is it using the maps that come installed on it or what about the maps you can get?
Thanks for the tips on free maps.
Can I get maps with trails on it?
I am hopeful I have the smarts to figure it out.
Struggling with technology,
Mike Z

In Google you can restrict searches using "site:http://~" in the search field so "gps maps site:http://forum.hike-nh.com" will get you what you want. This works better than most built in forum searches.

FWIW I also have an etrex20 and it's fine for recording tracks(my main interest) but its field usability is lacking and I wish I had shelled out for a nicer one.

Well, since I have a bit more time now here is the link for the NE Topo 1 of 3:
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/200/

Joe posted the My Trails, instructions for loading them onto a unit are on the gpsfiledepot website. As Joe mentioned you have to load the Topo and Trails file separately, it's pretty straightforward, though.

How do you guys feel about the new Garmin Epix? I personally cant wait for it.



https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the- ... 46065.html

I have a Garmin Montana 600 that my wife got me a 2-3 years ago. I spent an extra $100 I think on the NE map set and used it a little for geocaching and drawing pictures of hikes in the Whites. Never really did figure out how to,use it, though, as I'm not very tech-savvy and quickly lost interest in geocaching. It's been sitting in its box on a shelf for over a year now. Let me know if you're interested in it.

I prefer the Garmin 60CSx, which I think is the gold standard. I also have the 62s, which to me is more the 'consumer version' of the above, but ... after a bit of fiddling I can get the 62s' menus/pages to contain the same items at the 60CSx. And yes, I realize the higher end Garmins have built-in cameras, microwaves, coffeemakers, etc (just kidding about the last two) but I'd prefer a GPS being a GPS with compass and altimeter. Although there are some terrific smartphone apps for a compass function; not quite so accurate on the altimeter side though.

I bought a replacement 60CSx on eBay recently for about $160. Unfortunately, Garmin no longer repairs the 60CSx, so if yours dies you'll probably have to find a good used one.

I use Garmin too. I chose an inexpensive hend held eTrex with 2.2" screen. It's pretty easy to use, plus I like it's style. I know my iPhone is more powerful, but I prefer to use this navigator on my trips and save the battery on the iphone.