Is it good to rely on GPS in critical situations?
NO it isn't worth it, It always gets the directions wrong well atleast here in pa it is totally wrongNo. You can't always rely on being able to get a signal if there is tree coverage and batteries can run dry. A compass and a map will always bring you home. That said, I like to bring both with me.i think u can. i use it all the time when im in the woods and i rely on it!♠I have the lightweight garmin etrex model. I have used it mainly for marking locations (waypoints) to generate my maps I put on my outdoor blog.
As for is it worth it??? Well, you have stated that you have often gotten lost (a bit mixed up is more correct I think) and the little Garmin unit can easily help you re-orient yourself quickly instead of the "wander around until it looks right" method.
As for reception, yes HEAVY tree canopy can block the satalite signal. All you have to do though is find ONE place with a clear view through the canopy of branches and leaves and you get a position again.
For almost every single outdoor situation, you DO NOT need all the high cost bells and whistles!
As for answere #1, she must be speaking of driving directions which are not very useful anyway when you are HIKING.My own personal feeling is doing without a GPS when you are outdoors and taking a risk of getting lost is no longer an option when GPS is available at such a reasonable price.
There have been many times GPS had saved many people life's and bring them back to safety.
On the other hand, if you do without one, is like doing without matches, lighter, knife, light, first aid kit etc, you maybe able to get away with it but it is not the smarter thing to do.
If you feel a GPS may not be worth the cost than ask yourself if you own car and life insurance, why would you have those insurance policy? Because there is a small chance of you getting in an accident or getting ill right? So getting lost is more likely as you have mentioned you have gotten lost a few times already, whey take a chance when you don't have to.
I am going to go one step further and recommend you to consider not only the GPS but a GPS 2 way radio like the ones Garmin Rino have to offer, a GOOD GPS 2 way radio with a high sensitive SiRF III GPS receiver can get you out of trouble if there is a search party looking for you and you are able to communicate with people that are looking for you when you need help.
You can learn more about these Radio GPS system at Auto Nav 2000 Plus, Inc website http://www.autonav2000.com/mall/anProdList2.asp?GroupID=78
You can also consider renting a GPS from GPS4Rent when you hike so you don't have to buy one.
http://gps4rent.com/products.php?category_id=6&go=View+Available+Models
http://gps4rent.com/products.php?category_id=4&go=View+Available+Models
Good Luck
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS
garmin gps vista hcx - click on the image below for more information.
- High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver provides peak performance in any environment
- Lightweight, compact and waterproof
- Features a 1.7-inch X 1.3-inch screen with 256-level color TFT
- Built-in basemap with automatic routing capability
- USB connection for high-speed map downloads
Neither deep foliage, nor canyons faze the rugged eTrex Vista HCx. Its high-sensitivity receiver holds a GPS signal in the toughest environments. Similar to the Vista Cx, this handheld navigator also has a bright color screen, barometric altimeter, electronic compass, microSD card slot and automatic routing for wherever adventure takes you. Neither deep foliage, nor canyons faze the rugged eTrex Vista HCx. Crisp 256-color, sunlight-readable display m
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS
Click on the button for more garmin gps vista hcx information and reviews.
Garmin Etrex Vista HCx GPS Frozen
Video showing how this model of GPS will freeze up / crash randomly while being used.
Video Rating: 3 / 5
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