GPS for Hiking, Camping and Backpacking

What's your favourite GPS Trail Device?

Before buying a gps for hiking consider some of these valuable points that may help with choosing an outdoor handheld gps for navigating the great outdoors.

The GPS trail navigational device when used correctly will help to direct you to your destination, and will also take you back to the starting point. What a fantastic invention! However they will not be a substitute for having the basic understanding of using a map and compass.

The global positioning system for hiking a trail and walking is a great navigational system. Knowing how to use maps and a compass will cover the eventuality of your GPS for hiking becoming faulty, having faulty batteries, getting lost or any other problems.

The leading GPS is made by Garmin with a wide range on sale in just about every outlet, including of course online stores. There are also other GPS brands, whichever brand you choose, you will find a massive range available in different shapes and sizes. The Garmin e-Trec is the most popular gps for hiking. They are lightweight durable and very reasonably priced for a quality piece of equipment. If you are a garmin user then you are able to use free GPS trail maps available for your unit.

These website's are free to use:

Safety

Using a GPS for hiking might just save your life. Finding your current location is virtually instantaneous; a GPS co-ordinate given to the rescue services via a mobile phone would speed up search and rescue significantly within those crucial moment's.

Using a GPS trail unit alongside a compass and map enables us to use either when we feel unsure on the hike and adds security. I am one of those people that has a problem with maps and using a GPS, so having both providing the same results keeps me on the map for getting home safely.

GPS Accuracy The accuracy of a position determined with GPS depends on the type of unit. Most GPS devices have an accuracy of about +/-10m. Other types of receivers use a method called Differential GPS (DGPS) to obtain much higher accuracy. DGPS requires an additional receiver fixed at a known location nearby. Observations made by the stationary receiver are used to correct positions recorded by the roving units, producing an accuracy greater than 1 meter.

Today's GPS receivers are extremely accurate, thanks to their parallel multi-channel design. Garmin's 12 parallel channel receivers are quick to lock onto satellites when first turned on and they maintain strong locks, even in dense foliage or urban settings with tall buildings. Certain atmospheric factors and other sources of error can affect the accuracy of GPS receivers. Garmin GPS receivers are accurate to within 15 meters on average.

Portability and weight

Portability is an important factor to consider when purchasing your GPS for hiking whilst minimizing weight for the overall gear you have in your backpack. However, this can effect the feature's for the device, such as a small screen, and advanced features when the whole GPS is the size of a cell phone. The Garmin eTrek is a very good example of models similar to cell phones.

I think the GPS is a great invention; However if you choose to purchase a GPS for hiking or stick with your knowledge of a traditional map and compass continue to enjoy our beautiful landscapes either way.

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