Also known as sport GPS units; Handheld GPS Units have increased in
popularity among today’s active outdoorsman. New GPS units
for hikers have found their niche as geocache locators and routefinders.
Many ATV or motorcycle GPS systems have preloaded topographic (topo)
maps with the capacity to add additional more detailed maps. These GPS
topo maps are a great help to any one venturing out into the
wilderness. The ability to find access roads, existing trails and avoid
obstacles is invaluable to anyone traveling in remote areas. Here are
just a few outdoor activities where GPS navigation can be helpful.
- Hiking and camping
- Mountaineering
- Mountain biking
- Fishing (in boats or on foot)
- Sailing
- Hunting
- Prospecting
- XC skiing (Cross Country skiing)
- Dogsledding
- Navigation for ATVs, dirt bikes, dune buggies
and other off road vehicles.
- Snowmobiling
- Geocaching
- And more
|
 |
Hiking clubs, snowmobile clubs, ATV clubs and other organizations have
built thousands of miles of off road primitive trails. These trails
make it easier to get in to wilderness areas and easier to get lost.
Some organizations even offer downloadable GPS hiking maps and
snowmobile GPS trail maps for handheld GPS systems. Sport GPS receivers
make wilderness navigation easier and safer.
There are three categories of sport handheld GPS units. As you would
expect, GPS price varies with features and options included.
Basic Handheld GPS Unit
These handheld GPS systems are not much more than an electronic compass
with “waypoint” reminders. These
“Routefinders” will show you how to return to a
previous waypoint entered into the device. This type of GPS walking
receiver is not a “routeplanner” that can help you
locate a new position. Maps are not available for Basic Handheld GPS
Unit. The more advanced Handheld GPS Unit can be used for geocaching.
Brands include; Bushnell, Garmin
Intermediate Handheld GPS Systems
These handheld GPS systems (GPS hiking receivers) have preloaded maps
in either color or black & white. Here you can
“see” your destination and plan your route there.
Additional features may include internal memory upgrades for more
detailed maps (user installed), connection to geocaching.com.
(Subscription required) altimeter, barometer and touch screen operation.
Brands of GPS hand held systems include; Garmin, Lowerance, Magellan
Advanced Handheld GPS System
The Advanced Handheld GPS System (GPS for hikers) have preloaded maps
in color are water resistant or water proof. Here you can
“see” your destination and plan your route there.
Advanced Routeplanners make excellent off road motorcycle GPS units and
mountain bicycle GPS units. Optional features found on the Intermediate
Handheld GPS Systems are standard at this level. Internal memory is
greatly increased and most have additional microSD slots to add more
detailed maps (user installed). Altimeter, barometer and touch screen
operation is standard on most models. Additional features may include
camera, flashlight.
Brands include; Garmin, Lowerance, Magellan
ATV GPS Units & Snowmobile GPS Units
If using a Sat Nav GPS for off road navigation, the Advanced Handheld
GPS System is the best GPS. Snowmobile GPS trail maps and off road ATV
GPS maps can be added easily via the additional microSD slots. The
difference between off road Sat Nav GPS and conventional street GPS
systems lies in the physical properties of the device itself. ATV Sat
Nav GPS units must work under adverse conditions and must cater to the
driver’s unique situation.
Thing to address when selecting an ATV GPS or snowmobile Sat Nav GPS:
- Glove-friendly touchscreen
- left-handed controls makes it easy to operate
- High brightness, sunlight-readable,
UV-resistant display
- Suitable mount compatible with your vehicle
- Dual functionality ATV and automotive mount for
riding or driving
- In helmet voice commands
- Sturdy, waterproof, fuel-resistant and able to
withstand the elements
GPS price for ATV Sat Nav GPS are generally higher than Automobile GPS
units do to the additional physical requirements.
Be safe; along with your normal survival gear, carry extra batteries
and map & compass. Any electronic device can malfunction and
satellite tracking is weather sensitive and may be marginal in remote
areas.
|
|
