Gps

[trapperjay]

On a budget but looking at the Garmin Dakota 20. Any feedback on this model?

 

[ReddingArcher]

I have one and really like it, its my first gps so I don't really have anything to compare it to other than a buddy of mines etrex but I like the Dakota 20 a lot.

 

[trapperjay]

Does it acquire a signal quickly in timber?

 

[sodaksooner]

Try the oregon 450/450T. Cheap now and never had a problem with it other than battery life. I could only get 1.5 days out of a set of batteries.

 

[inupiat1]

If you're on a budget, and you have an android or iPhone, you might like the Backcountry Navigator app. I used it for a moose hunt in Alaska and it worked out great. Just make sure that you update your map(s) before you get out of cell tower range. You can use a BioLite Kettlecharge or solar charger to keep your phone charged in the bush.

 

[miller1]

I 2nd the Backcountry navigator but I don't think it will work on the I- phone, I used it in Colorado and just turned my phone to airplane mode and my battery lasted almost 3 days with intermittent use. Very accurate. I downloaded my area before I left home. We went to a new spot and needed water so I looked at the topo I downloaded and saw a creek and we walked right to it, very handy.

 

[trapperjay]

I looked it up and I think it may not be available for thr iphkne as stated above. Man it would sure be cheaper though.

 

[maverick]

I have Android and use backcountry navigator. It works great. My hunting partner has an Iphone and uses an app called Gaia. It is similar and works well too.

 

[WyoBowhunter21]

I am trying out the Trimble app on my iPhone this weekend. I will try and let you know how that works.

 

[luke moffat]

I use an eTrex 20 all summer long and for a lot of my hunts as well. Does everything I need to do in a lightweight compact setup. Works for me anyways.

 

[Shrek]

I have the Garmin 400? And it has worked well but for the battery life. The Montana hunt map I add is priceless. The place I'm seeing deer is a small state trust piece that I wou have known exists without the hunt map. Depending on where you are going it can let you safely hunt land that you would otherwise run a big risk of trespassing. Lots of big animals hide in little places.

 

[NHRedleg]

Just got a flyer from Cabela's that had Garmin gpsmap 62S for $199. It was an in store flyer not web.

 

[trapperjay]

Luke, you ever used the etrex in the timber canopy?

 

[endorice]

Luke, you ever used the etrex in the timber canopy?

I have the eTrex 30 (essentially the same unit) and have never had a problem with tree canopy. Very fast locks, and also utilizes the Glonass constellation.

 

[luke moffat]

Luke, you ever used the etrex in the timber canopy?

Just on the Kenai Peninsula's heavy timber, and it hasn't been an issue up here. Down there with access to even more satellite you can see than we can due to many being too low on the horizon you should have no issues at all!.

 

[cwh]

Just got a flyer from Cabela's that had Garmin gpsmap 62S for $199. It was an in store flyer not web.

I got one of those, because my etrex died a couple years back and it seemed like I should have something on a solo hunt. Only used it on the one goat hunt, but it seems pretty quick to acquire and I am generally pleased with it. I'm really impressed with the X-maps or whatever they are called.

I only use a GPS to make waypoints in case I need to find my way back in the dark/fog/snow. Otherwise, it stays in my pack. So I may not be the best person to judge how good a GPS is.

 

[trapperjay]

I have used the standard eTrex Camo version and i now have an "aversion" to anything eTrex so-to-speak. That unit is very underwhelming for sure. But it sounds like the 20 is definitely an upgrade.

 

[luke moffat]

I got one of those, because my etrex died a couple years back and it seemed like I should have something on a solo hunt. Only used it on the one goat hunt, but it seems pretty quick to acquire and I am generally pleased with it. I'm really impressed with the X-maps or whatever they are called.

I only use a GPS to make waypoints in case I need to find my way back in the dark/fog/snow. Otherwise, it stays in my pack. So I may not be the best person to judge how good a GPS is.

I agree...that is really the only reason I use a GPS as well or I pop it out to see how far it is to where I am trying to get to. But I only turn it on check the distance or mark a waypoint and turn it off so battery life is of little importance to me.

 

[ReddingArcher]

Yeah mine seems to acquire signal pretty quickly, I don't have a ton of experience with other units so I don't have a lot to compare to. Battery life is great with mine, I don't turn it on a bunch though, maybe a few times a day for just a few minutes. My buddy leaves his etrex on all the time and will run through sets of batteries like they are going out of style. I don't want to carry extra batteries so mine stays off 95% of the time.

 

[littlebrotherC]

I've used my iPhone with the OnXmaps app for 2 years with good success. It has property lines and ownership. Is there any reason this won't work on an Alaska trip? Im planning a caribou hunt in the next year.