6/6/2023 0 Comments Hiking gps tracks![]() This allows users to make SOS calls almost anywhere in the world and uses networks like Iridium or Global Star to coordinate dispatching help. SOS features and satellite messaging: Certain GPS units also operate as PLBs (personal locator beacons) and/or as satellite messengers. Also for helping visualize where you are. The altimeter senses elevation, which helps with determining location and distance and the compass helps show you which direction you’re going in.Īpp-integration: Some GPS units work an app on your smart devices, which makes it easier to make notes or store waypoints on the device. The barometer can sense changes in weather and can help warn of incoming storms. Some, like the Garmin InReach Mini, only have a small screen, but connect with an app on your smart device for showing larger images of maps and taking any notes.īarometer, altimeter and compass: Not all GPS units have all of these abilities, but they help with location and weather. Some have touchscreens, some don’t, it’s an extra expense that can be nice. Screen: depending on the use, most GPS units have an easy-to-read screen that can display the map of the location and/or help take notes. Many are IPX7-rated, meaning they can withstand being under a meter of water for 30 minutes. As such, they should handle a drop or two just fine and they should be at least somewhat waterproof. Ruggedness and water resistance/waterproofness: Unlike smartphones GPS devices are made for the wild. ![]() For geocaching, they’re used to mark where something is cached. Waypoints and geocaching: Waypoints are GPS coordinates that you can pre program into a GPS device or mark while on route to signify something like a stream crossing or turn. Also, look for systems that use WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System), which corrects errors in data a GPS device receives, getting your location within 3 meters 95 percent of the time. Look for devices that can connect multiple satellite networks including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, which will help get signals faster and with more accuracy. Especially in places where it is hard to get a signal, like canyons and heavily forested areas. ![]() Satellite networks/sensors: The more satellite networks a GPS device can connect with, the more accurate its readings should be. Key features to look or in dedicated GPS and satellite messengers include connecting to multiple satellite networks, waypoints and geocaching abilities, ruggedness and water resistance/waterproofness, screen, barometer, altimeter, compass, app integration, and, for some, SOS features and satellite messaging abilities. In terms of other devices, like GPS watches and PLBs (personal locator beacons) there is more competition. As of 2022, when it comes to handheld GPS devices for the backcountry Garmin largely has the market. As such their batteries and chips are more designed for shorter periods between charges than a dedicated GPS device, some of which can go for a week or more without a charge depending on the settings used. ![]() If you’re going out for a day hike and trail runs then you’re going to have different needs than someone who’s going out for a weeks long or months long through hike or someone who’s in the backcountry skiing or mountaineering.Ī cellphone with GPS apps will work fine for a day or even weekend-long adventures, but they’re intended to primarily connect to the cell network and receive GPS info from satellites secondarily. *Disclaimer, it still bears repeating that using a GPS device should never replace other navigational tools like map and compass.ĭepending on how you’re getting outdoors and in the backcountry you’ll have different needs.
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