Which GPS for Hill Walking?

Choosing a GPS (for Hill Walking)

At Peak Navigation Courses we run sessions to help people get to grips with their GPS most weeks. We are often asked which GPS device is the best or which GPS should I buy? Sometimes we are challenged by people arguing that their smart phone is as good or better than a dedicated GPS device. We always try to give an unbiased view, and in this blog we shall attempt just that, however, our experience is limited to Garmin, SatMap and ViewRanger.

The Smart Phone / View Ranger.

I’ve had View Ranger on my Phone and smart phone for many years and though I find its functions as good (and possibly even better) as any dedicated GPS device, I’d never rely on it when the chips are down. Most mobile phones have poor battery life and don’t run View Ranger for more than 8 hours. Phone’s are not usually shock proof, dust proof or water resistant. Great in good conditions. If you do decide to go for this option, invest in a good quality case and extra battery pack, so you have the resources to summon help if you need to.

GPS Devices.

You need to make a choice: firstly do you want one that has OS mapping installed or one with out? Secondly if you have chosen to opt for one with OS mapping, do you want one that is touch screen or one that you work by pressing buttons?

If you are a competent navigator perhaps you only need a device in your rucksack for emergencies. If this is the case and you only want a grid reference to confirm where you are and the ability to do a “take me to” function then you only need to go for a bottom of the range model.  For this choice I’d go for the new Garmin eTrex10. A fantastic device at entry level, and so much better than the EtrexH that it replaced. I used to fall into this category and carried a basic eTrex for years only occasionally using it. However the more I’ve used GPS over the years, the more I appreciate being shown where I am and being able to mark a spot on the map (on the screen) and the device pointing the way in seconds. Things have really moved on in recent years and the entry level eTrex with monochrome screen is so dowdy and slow to punch grid references into whilst out in the field.

If you want a device with OS mapping, you now need to decide whether you want a touch screen model or one that requires you to press buttons to make it work. I can definitely use the whole Garmin range using winter gloves though it takes a bit of getting used to so don’t be put off using a touch screen for this reason.

You can attend one of our half dayGPS training sessions and try out a range of devices, touch screen or buttons, big and small (and some in between).

Here are some facts about sizes and battery life:

Of the models listed above, only the eTrex 10 does not have the capacity to use additional mapping.

A lot of retailers will sell GPS devices as a “bundle” with a mapping chip.

At the time of writing GO Outdoors have an offer on most of their GPS devices e.g.:

Montana 600 (becoming obsolete) with full 1:50 U.K. mapping £299

Oregon 650 with full 1:50 U.K. mapping £369

Etrex 25 (touch) from £199 with full 1:50 U.K. mapping

Etrex 20, £145 with full 1:50 U.K. mapping

Opinions!

Touch Screens:

I personally believe that the Montana is too big and heavy and the Dakota is too old a model with not enough memory. 

So given a choice between the Oregon 650’s and the eTrex Touches I would go for the slightly bigger screen of the 650’s, and if you can afford it go for the 650t a great device. 

If you do decide on an eTex Touch, the 35 is the better model having the ability to transfer data wirelessly and with a barometric altimeter.

Button Devices:

If all you want from your device is a grid reference to confirm you position then obviously the Etrex 10 is the way to go.

If you are wanting a device with mapping, I personally believe that the screen on the eTrex is too small.  That said I do need reading glasses and prefer large print!

This leaves us with a hard decision between the Garmin 64’s and the SatMap Active 12/20. Both of these devices have passionate devotees! I can see strengths and weakness’ in both. 

I love the way the SatMap has a red circle around your position on the Map but it’s direction pointer when navigating is all over the place. 

Conversely I love the navigation compass page on the Garmins but hate the triangle that obscures your position on the map!  One thing I would say is that they are very different devices and some people find the “logic” of the SatMap less intuitive making it more difficult to use, you also have to rely on their proprietary mapping, which makes them much more expensive than using free open source maps.

In terms of robustness, there is no doubt that the Garmins are sturdier than the SatMap which requires an additional cover (purchase) to bring it up to the same standard of water resistance of the Garmins.

           

In the end it’s a matter of personal choice.  Any of these models will do the job, though we now much prefer the Garmin models. Read the manufacturers specifications, which are available online. Once you have decided whether you want mapping or not, either come on one of our courses to try them out or go to a reputable retailer and try them out.  Don’t be swayed by pushy sales staff expressing an opinion, go for the one that you find easy or straightforward to use.

If after reading this you still have questions about which device, feel free to email us at Peak Navigation Courses.

Jane and Mike have been running Peak Navigation Courses since 2004. They are both qualified International Mountain Leaders regularly leading walking holidays both in the U.K. and overseas.