Affordable GPS

[tech]

I would like to start scouting deeper into the forest but the idea of getting lost is not appealing. My wife tells me we are in a spending freeze right now (im sure she doesnt mean no more hunting toys). What would be an inexpensive and easy to use GPS system that i can sneak into my arsenal of toys, remember easy to use, im not that smart

[Snocross418]

remember easy to use, im not that smart

LMAO I have a Garmin Rino 120 GPS/ FRS Radio. The nice thing about the Rino is I hunt with the grumpy old men my Grandfather and Uncle they both have them and as long as we keep in radio contact their location is always on my screen. They both have a hard time working a VCR but with the Garmin instructional dvd they both do just fine.

http://www.thegpsstore.com/Detail-Garmin-Rino-110-120-GPS-FRS-Radio.asp

[MEL]

My buddy picked up a simple, hand held Garmin for around $120.00

[cireofmi]

Eagle Explorer Handheld GPS $59.99 (Internet Only)

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat602025-cat21350&id=0045985019273a&navCount=3&podId=0045985&parentId=cat21350&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=7IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat21350&hasJS=true

Lowrance iFinder® GO GPS $79.99

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=58893&hvarTarget=search&hvarAID=&cmCat=

[alex-v]

Compass and topographical map. Learn how to use the compass and read the map and then get into the GPS.

[bolodunn]

LMAO I have a Garmin Rino 120 GPS/ FRS Radio. The nice thing about the Rino is I hunt with the grumpy old men my Grandfather and Uncle they both have them and as long as we keep in radio contact their location is always on my screen. They both have a hard time working a VCR but with the Garmin instructional dvd they both do just fine.

http://www.thegpsstore.com/Detail-Garmin-Rino-110-120-GPS-FRS-Radio.asp
i second that!! awesome!

[johnboy]

Alex makes a very good point. A GPS unit is great but you really need to have a compass for a backup. If your GPS craps out you could find yourself in deep do-do. Its only happened a few times (2 maybe 3) in the last 10 or 12 years I have been using GPS on a regular basis, but I was really glad to have a compass when it happened. They probably would have been a lot more memorable events if I hadn't had a compass along.

The one I do remember was on a lake in Canada with about 100 islands that all looked pretty much the same in the dark. I know I was real glad to see a buddy's flashlight shining in camp and know for sure that I was headed for the right island.

Learn to use a compass first and always take it with you.

[hitechman]

question in the GPS forum (near the bottom of the forums list). My recommendation would be the Garmin eTrex (under $100). Lowrance make some good units also, but a bit more expensive.

Steve

[walleyeman2006]

Compass and topographical map. Learn how to use the compass and read the map and then get into the GPS.

I have to agree on that alex ...a good compass ...and another cheap ball compass for back up....GPS is a great tool but your depending on batteries and satelites..and weather to some extent......

[ESOX]

Alex and Walleyeman are right. If you are going where you think you will need navigation assistance, the last thing you want to do is have a GPS as your sole means of getting back. A compass and map worked just fine in the days before GPS, and using them is a skill everyone should know.

[M1Garand]

I second a basic Garmin eTrex. Can be gotten for under $100 brand new or check out eBay. Also, if you're going to be in the woods, in my experience, ones such as this without an electronic compass didn't seem to work as well as those that did. The signal can be affected by the trees, but should get you from point A to B or pretty close. I'll also second a compass. Know the direction you're going and what the back azimuth is to the road you parked on. Simple, yet very effective.

[tech]

Thanks for all the replies. Sometimes i buy things without thinking them thruogh. I will buy a GPS only after i become comfortable with a map and a compass.

[crimekilla]

the best piece of electronic hunting/fishing equipment i have ever bought. it was solid as a rock. I dropped from my tree stand and still worked. you can get them on ebay for about $100.00.
if you have the 120 and are looking to upgrade to the 530 keep your 120 as a stand by. i have the 530 and the extra features are awsome but its been back to the shop three times already (only in the feild once since i got it. i wish i had not sold my 120 on ebay.