looking for handheld gps with Topo maps uner 250

[slickrock]

There are so many options out there, that I am starting to get information overload.

I am looking for an older to newer handhed GPS that displays a topo map image behind the GPS tracking information. I want to be able to see topographic details while using the GPS for navagation and exploring. I hate not knowing if I have to cross a valley, river, or a mountain ridge to get to s spot I am heading towards with GPS systems that just say "go that way". I also want the backgroud topo for trail driving so I can find streams or other areas of interest while in the back country.

I don't want to spend over 250 so either older used units or newer units are options.

Tell me what to look for and which GPS units would work for my needs.

 

[fueg0]

I have a Garmin Etrex Venture HC (handheld) that does topo, but not navigation in a car. I got it for a hiking trip in Colorado last year, and I've used it extensively for geocaching in Colorado and here in Texas. you can load up Topo maps, or run with the stock Garmin maps. Depending on what maps you use, you can get as much or as little detail as you want. Geocaching in Colorado last year, the highest level of detail was awesome (I *think* it had 25' increments in the closest 'setting') I'm cheap, and so I found some good free topo maps (linked from here, actually), and I could not have been more pleased.

I've been tickled with this little guy, even if it does eat up batteries. I bought it off of CL last year and paid less than $100 for it.

hth
--jeff

 

[slickrock]

I don't need or want driving directions. I have a nuvi for that. How is the topo detail? Can you actually see enough to understand the area around you?

 

[fueg0]

it shows terrain, including lines for certain elevations. Lakes, rivers, etc. and it's not difficult at all to understand. I think it's got 3m resolution, and I use it for geocaching. With this unit, it's only limited by the maps you provide it. if you can get high resolution maps with lots of detail, you're golden. I'll see if I can snap a picture of it later tonight when I get home.

 

[e9999]

I have an inexpensive etrex as well. Venture also in my case.
You can of course buy topo maps from Garmin but those are not inexpensive.
So I load up some free topo maps that you can download from the web. Some limitations but works pretty well. (see other threads here on that).

 

[hankinid]

Garmin 60CSx on sale at Cabelas...

Cabela's -- Garmin® GPSMAP 60CSX Bundle

Not sure if this will work for you, storage card is a bit small, but still cheap to get more memory. Comes with US Topo disk, 1:100,000 I think. It's on sale through Memorial Day.

I'm thinkin' of one for myself, comments.

hth

Steve

 

[fj404life]

60csx rocks. I have many miles on mine on a dualsport and enduro bike. Only issue I have had is the external antenna getting broken on tree branches. I tape it up and it keeps on tracking!
Awesome on batteries, locks in quick even in tree cover. Nothing bad to say about it.

 

[bosscat800]

Check out Garmin 530 hcx Rino. Awsome!!!!

 

[slickrock]

Cabela's -- Garmin® GPSMAP 60CSX Bundle

Not sure if this will work for you, storage card is a bit small, but still cheap to get more memory. Comes with US Topo disk, 1:100,000 I think. It's on sale through Memorial Day.

I'm thinkin' of one for myself, comments.

hth

Steve

That's a great unit, but way to expensive. Anyone have any experience with the delorme pn-20?

 

[slickrock]

Check out Garmin 530 hcx Rino. Awsome!!!!

WOW that is expensive. Let's keep it under the 250ish mark.

 

[hankinid]

That's a great unit, but way to expensive. Anyone have any experience with the delorme pn-20?

$219.99 with the US topo disk??

Steve

ETA, life is good...purchased the last discounted C60Sx at the Boise Cabela's last night. Box shows it comes with a 128mB card, mine had a 1gB card. So far, it does everything I need and more.

Steve

 

[slickrock]

$219.99 with the US topo disk??

Steve

I didn't see it for that price. Let me look again. Boss was walking over so couldn't web wheel long enough to look around.

Edit: missed the price reduction. Thanks for the link. That may be the ticket. Still want to know more about the Delorme pn-20 (or 30). I have Delorme maping software for my lapto (with GPS) so it might be easier to use the same topos.

 

[CO_Hunter]

PN30

I got the PN30 a few months ago and have been pretty happy with it. Comes with complete US coverage topo maps 1:100K and it has expandable SD memory. You get $30, I think, of downloads for detailed topo 1:24K, satellite and aerial photos. Then for about $30 a year you can get unlimited downloads for all their products. Can easily get other gpx files to import/export. If you haven't used mapping software on PC before there may be a learning curve . Mine came with NiMH rechargeables with worked with my eneloop charger. Seems like I can go all day (8hrs or so) with the unit on, with one set (2 AA) of eneloop rechargeables. Never tried to run it out to check battery life. Now I have a 12v external power supply ($20). Bottom line I would recommend it.

By the way it can even kind of navigate you to points of interest, pre-loaded. Found Cabelas in Sidney

 

[slickrock]

I got the PN30 a few months ago and have been pretty happy with it. Comes with complete US coverage topo maps 1:100K and it has expandable SD memory. You get $30, I think, of downloads for detailed topo 1:24K, satellite and aerial photos. Then for about $30 a year you can get unlimited downloads for all their products. Can easily get other gpx files to import/export. If you haven't used mapping software on PC before there may be a learning curve . Mine came with NiMH rechargeables with worked with my eneloop charger. Seems like I can go all day (8hrs or so) with the unit on, with one set (2 AA) of eneloop rechargeables. Never tried to run it out to check battery life. Now I have a 12v external power supply ($20). Bottom line I would recommend it.

By the way it can even kind of navigate you to points of interest, pre-loaded. Found Cabelas in Sidney

The PN-30 might be the best option since I have the Delorme topo/areal/etc on my laptop with GPS. DO you know if I can transfer data straight from the Delorme mapping software on the laptop? Can you take a look at the instructions for it to see if that is possible?

 

[hankinid]

A quick 'thank you' for the input on the Garman C60Sx...just called Cabela's in Boise, 5 left. I and Amex are headed out there in 10 minutes.

Steve

 

[CO_Hunter]

... Can you take a look at the instructions for it to see if that is possible?

That is how you transfer maps, I have only done what's included, no satellite or aerials, yet. It may depend on what version you have, but you get Version 8 with the purchase anyway. Forgot to mention it also has a worldwide base map and includes Canada and Mexico roads that can be loaded. I read up a lot on this unit and others and was impressed with the reviews and comparisons. Delorme seemed more versatile to me. Pretty quick signal acquisition and holds a signal in trees etc. I just put it in my pack and record tracks. I'll be loading some aerials and satellite soon as I'm trying out a new elk hunting area this fall. Even comes with CO and other state GMU's, not all that necessary but kind of cool.

 

[slickrock]

Nice. I think we have a winner. SInce I already have the Delorme software on my laptop, it makes sense to find a PN 30. I'll have to keep my eyes out for a used one for cheaper. Maybe I will get lucky.

Thanks all for the help.

 

[mattq]

nice one