OT: Handheld GPS

[Awwhellnaw]

Anyone have a good recommendation on this? Primary use will be for out west to use hunting. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[aTotal360]

Cell phone. Get the onXmaps app and buy the states you need. I've used it it in montana, idaho, wyoming and texas. It's a 10000x better than using a handhelp gps.

https://www.onxmaps.com/

 

[StillTbonewannabe]

Cell phone. Get the onXmaps app and buy the states you need. I've used it it in montana, idaho, wyoming and texas. It's a 10000x better than using a handhelp gps.

https://www.onxmaps.com/

Would there not be gaps where there aren't cell phone towers?

 

[Xenomorph]

Even on google maps you can save maps and bring up GPS when there's no cell service. I do it in Mexico from time to time.

 

[aTotal360]

You can use the maps offline. You download the area you need to your phone and it only pings the GPS satellites. Never uses the data antenna.

Plus you can set up your territory on their desktop app and sync it to your phone. It's pretty slick.

 

[aTotal360]

FYI: it also has property lines, so if your hunting public land that checkerboarded with private stuff, you know exactly where you are.

 

[Xenomorph]

Property lines... who cares about that??

 

[aTotal360]

Keeps me from shooting MY elk.

 

[GreaterCowbell]

I 2nd the ONx reccomendation for the casual user

Would there not be gaps where there aren't cell phone towers?

To answer your question you can download maps for when you expect to be offline.

 

[Shmuley]

Warning. GPS won't do you much good in even sparse tree cover. We found that out the hard way. And be aware that there can be pretty significant discrepancies between GPS location and actual. Not fool-proof nor fail-safe. But it does add a thin veneer of feel good. We rely heavily on the NFS maps, contour lines, and a good compass.

 

[Awwhellnaw]

I’ve used my iPhone/Google maps in New Mexico on a previous hunt and was able to charge my phone at night (via the charger in the truck). I was in a very remote location but still able to tell where I was at all times on google maps although we had no cell service. The main reason I’m interested in getting something a little more “involved” is so I can keep up with my track and mark points (hopefully dead things). Does onXmaps allow you to do these two things? AND I’m afraid I may not have access to a phone charger on the next outing.

 

[aTotal360]

onXmaps will do anything a handheld GPS will do. I had the paid subscription version and it did breadcrumbs if that's what you are referring to. You can also set waypoints from their web app on your desktop and have it sync to your phone. It's a helluva lot easier doing the "planning" on your desktop than fatfingering it on your phone.

Also, I use a solar powered battery pack with a carabiner attachment and hooked it to the top of my pack. That way it was always facing the sun. It wouldn't ever charge my phone up, but it trickled enough power to maintain it throughout the day.

Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/BESWILL-1500...484079&sr=1-12&keywords=solar+cell+phone+case

We also use the GoalZero Solar "generators" at basecamp. They are good for powering up bigger things like laptops, cameras and lights.

https://www.goalzero.com/shop/kits/goal-zero-yeti-400-power-station-nomad-28-plus-solar-kit/

 

[Awwhellnaw]

Thanks for the input 360. Now I have to rethink my Christmas present