Links to Civilization

[oakroscoe]

As previously stated in the thread, with the exception of the Garmin Rino, generally GPS and 2 way communication don't go together.

I have the Garmin 76CSx (I chose since it was optimized for marine use, so I don't have to worry about rain on it), which seeing as how its close to 3 years old, its probably obsolete by now. Battery life could be better, but I've been quite happy with it. Obviously, you don't need it on trail, but its great for cross country and day hikes out from camp. For the GPS unit and the case, I think 8 ounces is a fair price to pay...

One thing that does annoy me about Garmin (and I assume other companies), you spend $300+ when its new and it doesn't even come with maps, those are extra. Fortunately, back in 08 when I got it the maps were online so I was able to save a little money. Also, the Garmin Mapsource program could be better designed and more user friendly, but thats not a major gripe.

In cities, I prefer using my iphone, however for backpacking and 4 wheeling, I have been very happy with the garmin gps. For me, it proved its worth coming out of Cherry Canyon going through the overgrown green crap before the road you park on.

As for those who say they would lose signal where they go, I am a bit skeptical. In 3 years, I can only remember losing signal 3 or 4 times at the most, and it was only for a few minutes. And that has been through quite a few dense forests and steep canyons.

Also, I must thank Bill-e for sending me a trip log that he took out of the Kibbie Trailhead and further out. Being able to trace it out on the Garmin GPS program was awesome.

The joke about old school cracked me up. I'm not one to jump on and embrace the newest fad or trend, but the people who ignore all technology always crack me up. I believe the point Bill-e was trying to make was a bit facetious, but along these lines: If you want to claim that you're old school, shouldn't you be carrying a cast iron pan and pot to cook in, with no freeze dried food and a wool blanket to sleep in? That's old school right?

[Kpeter]

I take a SPOT when I go solo. If you are not familiar with this device, it combines gps technology with satelite phone technology. Pushing a button transmits your GPS coordinates to a pre programmed list of email addresses. That way my wife and family can follow my progress and know I am safe. Pushing the 911 button sends an emergency call to the nearest dispatch center. Thankfully I have not had to test that.

The gizmo cannot be used to replace a gps device since there is no readout--it will send your gps coords to others but not to you. That is ok by me since I never use a gps device anyway, preferring old fashioned orienteering with map and compass.

The biggest advantage of it is the reassurance it gives my family. They were very reluctant to let me go on solo trips before this technology came along.

I also enjoy looking over the plots of my locations (they come up on Google Earth) when I get back from my trip.