Handheld GPS...... What would you buy?

[TylerG]

I've got a really old Garmin Etrex Vista that is no longer updateable and really doesn't play well with the new Garmin Software, I'm thinking I need to upgrade.

Looking for feedback on the best handheld units out there, mostly for flat land riding (snowmobile and ATV) and for hunting.

 

[RXN]

I went with an inreach and im pretty happy with it. Paired up with Earth Mate on my phone.

Yeah there is a subscription. I manage to use it year round.

 

[TylerG]

I went with an inreach and im pretty happy with it. Paired up with Earth Mate on my phone.

Yeah there is a subscription. I manage to use it year round.

Isn't the inReach just a communicator? or do they have the ability to save way points etc right on them? I want to be able to load up from my computer using google earth way points, yes I know my cell phone will do it too, but want something more durable.

 

[ABMax24]

From my understanding the Garmin App is free and can be used without an inReach. It's my go to choice, it uses the GPS within my Google Pixel 4 so I don't even need to be paired with the inReach to use the GPS functionality, I will never own another GPS device now with this.

Go to your phones app store and search Earthmate App and download it. The key is you then need to go to settings and download the applicable maps to your area, I think I have all of western Canada downloaded to my phone.

 

[ABMax24]

From my understanding the Garmin App is free and can be used without an inReach. It's my go to choice, it uses the GPS within my Google Pixel 4 so I don't even need to be paired with the inReach to use the GPS functionality, I will never own another GPS device now with this.

Go to your phones app store and search Earthmate App and download it. The key is you then need to go to settings and download the applicable maps to your area, I think I have all of western Canada downloaded to my phone.

Disregard that, the App is free, but looks like an inreach subscription is needed to use it.

 

[RXN]

Isn't the inReach just a communicator? or do they have the ability to save way points etc right on them? I want to be able to load up from my computer using google earth way points, yes I know my cell phone will do it too, but want something more durable.

I map with mine.
I save waypoints and tracks.

 

[arff]

New garmin gps has built in inreach

 

[RXN]

When I'm using the App this is the screen I see.
I do find a GPS breadcrumbs better (I found that my track lines are close but not exact. Could be my settings. I may need to set it to ping tighter)

This is the view i can look at after. I have it linked to my Facebook. I can also share these tracks. Others can download them onto their GPSs

All the dots are after i set my ping intervals closer. The long lines were how it came. Which made it more difficult to use as a breadcrumb GPS (if that makes sense)

 

[arff]

I use both. In reach and gps
Really like inreach plus

 

[fnDan]

I'm always concerned about cell phone battery life when sledding and possible interference with my beacon. I have a Garmin Rino mounted on the handlebars of the sled and an InReach on the opposite side of my beacon. The batteries on these last for days. I can stop and look down at any time to see where I am or where I should be headed. I don't use the Inreach for nav.
I'd love to try out a Garmin Montana with InReach built in. The screen size would be so much better.

 

[NoBrakes!]

Garmin rino 650 in the dash, Iphone plugged into the glove box USB with GAIA and Earthmate, Delorme Inreach device on in pack with a Baofeng UV5R. I know its not a perfect system, but it works.

If I left any one item at home, it would be the Rino, but it's just nice to see your friends on the map in the worst conditions.... BUT They have to update that position though, which if not done, the device is useless.

I have heard the new Montana screen isn't that good in the cold.... I wish Garmin would come out with a new Rino with Inreach....

 

[ferniesnow]

Garmin rino 650 in the dash, Iphone plugged into the glove box USB with GAIA and Earthmate, Delorme Inreach device on in pack with a Baofeng UV5R. I know its not a perfect system, but it works.

If I left any one item at home, it would be the Rino, but it's just nice to see your friends on the map in the worst conditions.... BUT They have to update that position though, which if not done, the device is useless.

I have heard the new Montana screen isn't that good in the cold.... I wish Garmin would come out with a new Rino with Inreach....

Very similar to my setup. I actually prefer the GaiaGPS app (works on satellites and cell service is not required) for tracks, waypoints, etc.. I left behind all my buds with the Rinos, so I have it synced with a couple BCA's for the wife and I. Still always take the Rino650. My inReach is my surviving tool in case of trouble and that is all I use it for.

 

[NoBrakes!]

Free GAIA is pretty detailed and if you do pay, there's ALOT more in the app.

 

[X-it]

Magellan used to be good... software is crap now, get a garmin. I use memory maps on my tablet and phone...an amazing program but a large learning curve.

 

[Ricki Bobby]

I really like my Garmin Montana with Backroads maps. I use it on the sled in the winter and on the Rzr in the summer.

 

[X-it]

For those interested this is what you would see.

 

[earlskies]

Can someone explain the practical purpose of a dedicated GPS vs. using a cell phone with pre-downloaded maps? I currently use Gaia and carry a Sat-Phone.

 

[tko sled ed]

I use gaiga as well the best thing is satellite images vs the cartoon like landscape on the gps plus multiple layers and option they even have avalanche forecastView attachment 245016

 

[X-it]

Can someone explain the practical purpose of a dedicated GPS vs. using a cell phone with pre-downloaded maps? I currently use Gaia and carry a Sat-Phone.

A gps is a bit better at storing routes and downloading it to google earth and memory maps, plus it will place the picture on the exact spot it was taken. Bad thing is they have small screens. At one time google earth used to work on the phone...man that was awesome you could tell what tree you were standing beside it was so clear. It does not work now though.