Navigation/GPS - Gear Reviews

[rcwild]

GPS units are becoming more popular among canyoneers. They can be used to locate entry and exit points, pinpoint current location and share grid coordinates.

This is the place to share your gear reviews. Please help us keep this forum organized by posting all of your navigation tools and GPS related reviews as replies to this message (use the "PostReply" button). Ask questions or start a new thread by using the "NewTopic" button. Thank you.

[rcwild]

Review submitted by Shane Burrows

The Garmin eTrex is a must have if you canyoneer where there are few signs or trails. This GPS is indispensable in the San Rafael Swell or Escalante National Monument. The eTrex was designed for hikers, climbers, river runners, hunters and canyoneers. The Garmin eTrex is waterproof, weights six ounces and is four inches high and two inches wide. The eTrex retails for $119.00.

The eTrex fits in the palm of your hand and allows easy one-handed operation. All functions are controlled by five buttons. It is almost impossible to screw up your settings. The eTrex will store 500 waypoints with graphic icons and contains Garmin's TracBack feature that will reverse your track log and help you navigate back to your point of origin.

The biggest problem I found is the eTrex is a real battery eater. The unit operates on two AA batteries which will last 15 to 20 hours. Fortunately, the unit does not lose it's memory when you change batteries. You can view the eTrex and download the user's manual on Garmin's web site. Garmin provides free software updates for the eTrex over there web site and the updates are easy to install, however they do require you to purchase a PC interface cable (RS232 serial port connector) which sell's for $38.00. This interface cable also allows the eTrex to interface with popular mapping programs like Topo and Mapsource.

www.garmin.com/products/etrex

[rcwild]

Review submitted by Rich Carlson

There are plenty of GPS units selling for well under the $399 you'll have to invest to own Brunton's MNS. If it were only a GPS, it wouldn't be a bargain. But this slick little waterproof unit includes several other features that will prove invaluable for every canyoneer.

Brunton's TrueMagnetic compass adjusts automatically for local declination and functions independently of the GPS. This allows you to navigate without the assistance of satellites, yet update your position when needed. Using this feature allows for amazing battery conservation. And unlike using a regular GPS that requires you to be moving to obtain a directional bearing, with this unit you can obtain a bearing while standing still.

The one-button StraightHome function allows you to access a direct bearing back to the originating position, eliminating the need to retrace the entire route on the return trip.

But that's not all folks. Unlike most GPS units that use satellites to calculate elevation, this unit has a calibrated internal altimeter that reads elevation based on atmospheric pressure. As long as it can measure pressure, it might as well include a barometer, too. And it does. The StormWatch barometer function provides current barometric pressure and the history for the past 24 hours. Plus a 12-hour forecast is displayed on screen. At a glance, you'll know if the forecast calls for sunny, partly cloudy, cloudy, rainy or stormy.

All the features you need to keep an eye on your position, direction of travel and weather conditions. You can view the Multi-Navigator at Brunton's web site.

www.brunton.com

[rcwild]

Review submitted by Shane Burrows

TOPO! State CD-ROM's are the canyoneers dream. Every topographic map you'll ever need on CD-ROM categorized by state. I have been using Topo! products for years and found them nice but lacking in areas covered. But Topo! State (I use Utah & Colorado) is fantastic. The entire state is mapped using the USGS 7.5 minute quadrangles...sweet.

TOPO! software makes it easy for you to create, customize and print the perfect map. Seamless topographic coverage for individual states or groups of states. Draw or trace your own trails and get trail profiles. Transferring data directly between your GPS and Topo! is very easy with this program.

The Colorado Plateau states are all available individually for a retail price of $99.95 each. This program is well worth the price. You can visit their web site to learn more about this product and purchase it online.

http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/topo/