GPS Recommendations?

[MRBlack]

Good day all,

I am planning my first trip hunting the western United States and am starting to look at various handheld GPS units. I am needed one primarily for navigation. Topography maps and trails would be very handy. I do have OnX maps on my phone and plan to use it also. It would be nice to stay close to $400 or less. Any recommendations?
Thanks!

 

[BourbonTrail]

I have used the Garmin handheld units extensively in New Mexico, and my phone with OnX in AZ. The phone is ok, but it loses signal all the time. The Garmin’s do their job of tracking where you have been but they can be cumbersome at times (the buttons, not the size).

My brother in law brought his GPS watch on a Mt Lion hunt several years back. To me, that was the bee’s knee’s. I don’t remember the model.

 

[JimP]

If using your phone you need to download the maps while you have service and then us the Airplane Mode to save the battery.

I haven't looked at cost for a handheld unit in over 15 years. I don't even remember the model number of the one that I have but it accepts the OnX chips if they even offer them anymore. I know that after I found it in a mud puddle I looked it up and the new cost of it was over $500.00

 

[MRBlack]

Any model recommendations?

 

[Jeff 907]

Not sure where you’ll be at, but it’s good to download the entire area from OnX and have it on the phone. Never know about cell coverage. The Garmin Oregon is a good unit that meets your price range. Durable and uses AA batteries any of the models with the “T” will have the topo map loaded. Or if you’re wanting a device with an SOS function the Garmin InReach is close to your budget. I use this one as well. Well tested in Alaska.

 

[BourbonTrail]

The Garmin GPSMAP 64x or 65 is most similar to what I used, but I would second the InReach if you want additional capability.

 

[MRBlack]

I actually just purchased the inreach explorer plus but the screen was a dud. I called Harmon and they will gladly replace it. I just worried the maps wouldn’t be sufficient?

 

[TKessel]

Garmin / Inreach
You can sink the increach to your phone and txt without cell service. Sometimes it may take awhile for a txt to go through. All our guides use and love the set up. There is a small monthly charge if you txt often. The map can also be linked to your phone.

 

[Tanks]

Garmin InReach+, it has all the maps you need.

 

[7MAG]

Garmin InReach Explorer+ you get all the maps plus satellite messaging

 

[MRBlack]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Ravensview]

I use handheld gps’s all the time for work, I have used everything from the old military plgr unit to the Montana 600’s, that being said for woods work I do not like the touch screens, I find them cumbersome to operate, what I do like about them is the larger color view screen, I find myself going back to my older gps map 62, I think the current model is a 64, look for the ability to add memory for map storage if needed, most of the units with preloaded maps are at a scale of 1:100,000 or soI believe, if you want the detailed 1:24,000 you usually have to buy the regional maps (usgs may have some available free at this point), a sunlight readable screen helps, I would suggest avoiding any model with the little joy stick on it, we went through a few where the sticks broke and the units are then useless. Good luck in your search.

 

[TucsonFX4]

I recently purchased the Garmin 66i. It is inReach (satellite messenger) but improves on the older Explorer inReach with a larger and better screen. I like it. I have used GPS units for over 15 years. Before smart phones, I thought they were amazing. After smart phones and the convenience and functionality that comes with them, don’t expect the GPS to be as satisfying. It will get the job done and with better battery life than a phone, but you’ll still want to use the phone any chance you get (like when you have service). My .02

 

[Challer]

inReach is excellent and I recommend some satellite messaging when truly off the grid. A phone app is a great back up. I use BaseMap premium and it is awesome for my purposes.

 

[Aaron.F]

My brother hunts all over Montana with OnX and I trap the Upper Peninsula with OnX as well. I was considering getting a GPS as well, however OnX has worked perfect in both areas.

 

[TucsonFX4]

inReach is excellent and I recommend some satellite messaging when truly off the grid. A phone app is a great back up. I use BaseMap premium and it is awesome for my purposes.

I currently have Basemap premium and OnX premium. The like the features (Sig and Leica remote waypoints, friend love locations, etc) and satellite images better on the Basemap. I like the user experience very slightly better on the OnX.

I will probably stick with Basemap once my current OnX subscription is up.

This thread isn’t about phone apps though. I do highly recommend, as @Challer stated, to have a satellite messenger. The basic monthly plan is cheap insurance and it is easy to upgrade for more text messages if the need/desire is there. I just use the heck out of preset messages as they are free with the basic plan. You can make the preset messages whatever you want, you just have to do it from the internet, as you can’t make those changes from the GPS.

 

[Ravensview]

OnX works pretty well however in the UP there are still areas not covered by it, a lot of areas still have no cell service and some areas you don’t even get a satellite signal due to terrain, for example parts of Ontonagon for one, so if you go this route you need some memory available, map and compass is a great skill set to learn no matter where you hunt, and even with a compass I have watched the needle spin in all directions due to many areas of heavy iron ore deposits

 

[Ravensview]

I agree on having in reach type of system for some areas but it doesn’t negate developing some basic skills in first aid, navigation, etc…

 

[BigSteve57]

I recently purchased the Garmin 66i. It is inReach (satellite messenger) but improves on the older Explorer inReach with a larger and better screen. I like it. I have used GPS units for over 15 years. Before smart phones, I thought they were amazing. After smart phones and the convenience and functionality that comes with them, don’t expect the GPS to be as satisfying. It will get the job done and with better battery life than a phone, but you’ll still want to use the phone any chance you get (like when you have service). My .02

Our plans include off-grid "dispersed" camping so this is what I got for us due to the satellite SOS capability. It's an excellent unit. We also got the Garmin Freedom Suspend Plan which keeps a yearly account that allows us to switch it on and off as we need it without penalty. With the plan in force you can use the satellite SOS and permit others to view your location real-time on a website. Really cool stuff.

EDIT: the GPS part of the unit works even if you have the subscription plan suspended. This is how we use it when we're not in the middle of nowhere and not in need of satellite comms.

 

[Hunterxx]

Garmin GPSMAP 64x works fine .