What to Look For in a Hiking GPS System
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Heading off into the woods for a hiking trip? Every year you hear stories of lost hikers, campers, and mountain climbers. One way to prevent such a scenario is with a hiking GPS. There are lots of hiking GPS review sites to help explain the features of each model. However, what features are important for your outdoors adventure?
A hiking GPS is useless on your trip if the map does not cover your travel area. Some hiking GPS systems offer downloads for different maps and locations. In addition, some offer topographical map downloads; very handy in rugged wilderness. Other units are basic, offing longitude and latitude, relying on you to carry the map and determine your exact location.
A GPS system is also useless if its to cumbersome to bring on your hike. Weight and size are critical, and a balancing factor in determining other features. Lighter is better, but will have a trade off in features, screen size and quality, and battery life. Pick a hiking GPS that has the features you will need, but is still light enough that it will not get left back at camp.
Battery life is an additional factor when choosing the right hiking GPS for your adventure. If you are camping with a generator or rv, and only taking 1-2 hour hikes, battery life is not critical. If you are performing a three day mountain climb, battery life is extremely important. Look for a GPS with a battery life twice as long as you anticipate needing, and all should be well. More battery life is better, but will come with a trade off in features and weight.
Finally, consider other features you might want. Color screens are handy and easier to read. Some hiking GPS systems track your path, nice for helping you find your way back and tracking how far to yet to go. Information such as sun/moon cycles, and hunting/fishing cycles are available, with more features being added all the time.
As a GPS consumer, you must weigh these factors, as well as price, to determine the proper hiking GPS for you. If your needs are basic, a watch GPS tracking your longitude and latitude works wonders with a quality map. Others will want the full features from a high tech hiking GPS. The choice is yours; ;choose wisely and a hiking GPS will help your wilderness adventure end in a safe and exciting trip.
By: Keith A Miller
About the Author:
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