I am planning to do some walkabout in "back road California" and I need. . : a recommendation for a decent GPS that I can use either in my car or in my hand (after leaving the car) My...

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

a recommendation for a decent GPS that I can use either in my car or in my hand (after leaving the car) My smart-phone is not worth squat! I have a decent "old-fashioned" compass that does NOT use batteries; however, I am thinking maybe I should use 21st Century technology? I also have "old-style" maps from the forest service that I've been using for over 60 years.

ANY recommendation(s) will be treated with great respect and gratitude! <smile>

Quixdraw Loc: x

Old tech, but I used a Garmin 60CSx professionally for half a dozen years, then on and off for the next three. Still works perfectly. Can probably get a good deal online.

rwm283main Loc: Terryville, CT

I would recommend a Garmin.
I use a separate handheld unit for hiking and separate one for my vehicles. The GPS I use for my vehicles works well for road mapping but not the best for hiking, which is why I have a unit designed specifically for hiking. Get a new one so that you know you can get the latest maps. Older units may not update.

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

There's certainly newer tech available, but I use a Garmin Map64 when I'm not using my iPhone 6S Plus (which reads GPS co-ords into a mapping app named Gaia; in conjunction, the two are precise and excellent for recording tracks/waypoints/etc, either while hiking or in my vehicle). Modern tech-wise, if I'm hiking in terrain I'm not already familiar with --which I do a fair amount, and it can sometimes be particularly tricky country-- my Garmin Instinct 'smart watch' will be on my wrist and I'll have a map.

EOSUser

Garmin Oregon, great handheld. You may want to install some trail maps on it or simply use the track feature. Lasts for days on a pair of AA batteries.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

BrianFlaherty wrote:

a recommendation for a decent GPS that I can use either in my car or in my hand (after leaving the car) My smart-phone is not worth squat! I have a decent "old-fashioned" compass that does NOT use batteries; however, I am thinking maybe I should use 21st Century technology? I also have "old-style" maps from the forest service that I've been using for over 60 years.

ANY recommendation(s) will be treated with great respect and gratitude! <smile>

Garmin e-trex, works for me, check them out, lots of more expensive with more features too, your choice.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

BrianFlaherty wrote:

a recommendation for a decent GPS that I can use either in my car or in my hand (after leaving the car) My smart-phone is not worth squat! I have a decent "old-fashioned" compass that does NOT use batteries; however, I am thinking maybe I should use 21st Century technology? I also have "old-style" maps from the forest service that I've been using for over 60 years.

ANY recommendation(s) will be treated with great respect and gratitude! <smile>

Wear a fireproof suit and carry pepper spray for mountain lions and bears.

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

Thank you to ALL who replied. .

Brian Flaherty

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

If you can find your way to civilization and back to Wilsyville I don't think you need GPS - LOL - I live close by in Pioneer -
Harvey Wilson

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Bridges wrote:

Wear a fireproof suit and carry pepper spray for mountain lions and bears.

Expected advice from a city dweller- I have been wandering the woods of western USA for 70+ yrs- never ever need items you mention.
Harvey in the Sierra Mnts.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

Harvey wrote:

Expected advice from a city dweller- I have been wandering the woods of western USA for 70+ yrs- never ever need items you mention.
Harvey in the Sierra Mnts.

You are lucky! A lot of people these days have encountered the fire situation and a few have crossed paths with mountain lions and bears. My guess is that rattle snakes are more likely to be encountered though, and they are quite harmless unless you disturb them.

wareagle

as a forester used to roaming in unfamiliar places you cant beat the topo sheet

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Bridges wrote:

You are lucky! A lot of people these days have encountered the fire situation and a few have crossed paths with mountain lions and bears. My guess is that rattle snakes are more likely to be encountered though, and they are quite harmless unless you disturb them.

I never known of a fire situation that was not proceeded by information and warnings, bears and mountain lion problems are so very very rare but hyped up in the media - same with rattle snakes - some noise most usually scares all 3 off.

Doc Barry Loc: Huntsville, Alabama USA

Bridges wrote:

Wear a fireproof suit and carry pepper spray for mountain lions and bears.

Not necessary to do that, just have someone with you that doesn't run as fast as you!

k2edm Loc: FN32AD

BrianFlaherty wrote:

a recommendation for a decent GPS that I can use either in my car or in my hand (after leaving the car) My smart-phone is not worth squat! I have a decent "old-fashioned" compass that does NOT use batteries; however, I am thinking maybe I should use 21st Century technology? I also have "old-style" maps from the forest service that I've been using for over 60 years.

ANY recommendation(s) will be treated with great respect and gratitude! <smile>

the canon 5 IV has a build in GPS and lat/lon/alt gets added to each photo.. with the internal GPS turned on you should carry a spare battery for the camera though....