How Do You Compare Hiking GPS Systems?
While trekking through the wilderness, a GPS (Global Positioning System) can come in handy. It can point you in the right direction toward a road, a mountain, a stream, etc. The GPS market is competitive, and you will need to know the basics before you head out to purchase a hiking GPS unit. Compare brand by brand. Some of the top-rated GPS system brands include: Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, and Bushnell. All of these brands offers a variety of GPS units, but generally, Garmin offers the most extensive collection of GPS systems for hikers and backpackers. (See Resources for a link to its website for hiking GPS units.) Decide between the mapping and the simple longitude and latitude function. The mapping function will provide context while you’re out in the wilderness–it will show nearby roads, landmarks and possibly other trails. While the longitude and latitude function works well for turn-by-turn directions in a car, the mapping function has more practical applicability in the back c
