I am planning to do some walkabout in "back road California" and I need. . (Page 2): Yes and carry a small pistol .22 or .32 to kneecap them if can out run you.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Doc Barry wrote:

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

Yes and carry a small pistol .22 or .32 to kneecap them if can out run you.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

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>

If and when you go to a hand-held GPS give yourself at least a week to figure how to use the damned thing.
I have an Etrax that I still haven't figured out, but hey that's just me

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

The Garmin e-trex is great unit. I use mine with an interconnect cable which sends data to my D7200 in location coordinates.

JBRIII

If you cell phone hasn't worked on previous efforts it could be the terran and nothing might work. Had problem skiing and checking speed, satellites get blocked and can't find number needed for triangulation.
Just a thought?

Leo Perez

I would take a fire protection suite.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

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>

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/

SteveFranz Loc: Durham, NC

I've got an old Garmin E-map. It's a neat little handheld GPS. Get about a days use out of 2 EE batteries.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

quixdraw wrote:

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.

The Oregon and Montana series are excellent, as well.

Pilot

Stick with the old way. GPS has been known to fail. I'd also suggest new maps.

cucharared Loc: Texas, Colorado

I’ve had both Garmin e-trex and Oregon, and the Oregon gives me much better results in finding satellites. Always wanted a 60CSx but the Oregon was working too well, and it is smaller and easier to carry. Dunno what the modern e-trex is like - mine must be at least 15 years old, or older. Come to think of it my Oregon is at least ten years old.

Ron

Blues Dude

Lots of good opinions here, but check out the hiking GPS reviews from Backpacker magazine: https://www.backpacker.com/gear/outdoor-electronics/gps-units/

Also, always bring your compass and latest maps; batteries die when needed most.

Finally, hire a sherpa to carry extra water, fire suit, bear spray, etc.

Have a great hike!

btbg

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 most inexpensive choice would be to download Gaia GPS on your cell phone, then download maps for the areas you plan on being in. The app works well and is accurate even when there is no cell service. The only downside I can find is that when you don't have cell service the app uses your battery faster than usual.

Still, it is free, or very inexpensive if you get the premier version. Have tested it against my brothers GPS and can't see any disadvantages.