Handheld GPS

[JB9302]

Getting more into walking since I recently retired , trying to get some fitness back after several years of doing nothing.
Been using a pedometer as a means of recording distance walked and calories burned but its not as accuarate as I would like.
As I intend to do a lot more and I am 5mins walk from the local moors I have been considering a handleld gps as an addition to my maps , and was wondering do they record distance covered when walking or is this only if you have put in a route and follow that route ?
Any recomends for under £200 ?
Seen a Navman W300 Sport at £40 which is gps based for distance/speed/calories but no map/routes at that price.

Julian

[ron1863]

I have been thinking of buying one myself and have surfed reviews on the net, finally deciding on a Garmin eTrex Legend HCx. Garmin models seem to get favourable reviews, while other makes appear to have problems

[JB9302]

Funnily enough that was one of the models I was also looking at , then saw the Dakota 10/20 which has similar spec but larger screen.

Julian

[Jim Ford]

There's a Garmin eTrex Legend free for collection - somewhere on the slopes of Beinn a Bhuird in the Cairngorms!

Don't spend a lot on a GPS - they only get lost! I replaced my Legend with a Geko 301, which is smaller, lighter and less than half the cost. It does what I want to do just as well as the Legend.

Jim

[Jason Claxton]

Yes Jim ,your not the only one I know who has lost a GPS,I have the eTREX Venture HC,its great for getting 10fig grid refs for records,it has no digital compass though,and the map features such as contours ,are all but missing except towns and major roads,with further software needed from Garmin to get more map features.

[JB9302]

Done a bit of research and the Memory Map software looks good as its available in OS 1:25 000 & 1:50 000 options and can be obtained in sections .
Does anyone know if most of the the Garmin Mapping version handheld gps devices accept both options of these OS and whats the best option 1:25 or 1:5 ?
Does 1:5 show more detail ?

TIA

Julian

[seamusagleann]

i've got memory map and a garmin e-trex and they are compatible via the correct leads , i use it a lot for work .i prefer 1:25 adequate enough !!

[JB9302]

Originally Posted by seamusagleann

i've got memory map and a garmin e-trex and they are compatible via the correct leads , i use it a lot for work .i prefer 1:25 adequate enough !!

Thanks for your response
Is it a dedicated usb lead ? , do you know what the 1:50 offers ?

Thanks for your response

Julian

[foxy mars]

Originally Posted by JB9302

Done a bit of research and the Memory Map software looks good as its available in OS 1:25 000 & 1:50 000 options and can be obtained in sections .
Does anyone know if most of the the Garmin Mapping version handheld gps devices accept both options of these OS and whats the best option 1:25 or 1:5 ?
Does 1:5 show more detail ?

TIA

Julian

I have the Memory Map for the whole of Northern England in the 1:50.000 and 1:25.000, cost a fortune, but well worth it. Of cause the 1:25.000 is more detailed and would be best for walking up on the moors or on the field paths. However the 1:50.000 is just as good, showing a large area of the map, whereas the 1:25.000 would only show a smaller area, but more detail.

My Garmin Etrex Venture and HC both accept the Memory Map, also I found the Venture is more advanced than the HC. But I have the old version of the Venture, which is a mono screen.

Do get a gps, it will put a load lot of fun into both walking and cycling. But on the other hand, do keep up on your basic paper map and compass skill's. Because mine got a little rusty over the years and had to do a refresher on it, esq on my Coast to Coast Walk on a very misty and wet Nine Standards, the compass will always be a good companion in them conditions.

[JB9302]

Thanks for the reply foxy , very useful.

Julian