GPS: Any good recommandations for a good GPS?

[Pagan]

Hey you all high tech hikers...I am looking for a GPS for the trip..Any suggestions? I don't think I remember how to use my standard issue compass anymore :P

[chinoook]

I reccomend the Garmin Etrex Vista.
Important for a walk in China is the low battery requirements. You can not expect to find suitable batteries in China. That means you have to carry all of them. A trip of about two month leads to a battery weight of about 1 kg.


-chinoook

[Bryan]

My personal preference is the Garmin GPSmap 60CSx. You can find results of my detailed testing including battery weights and life at this thread. In short, 2 lithium AA batteries = 29 grams = 40 hours. The main reason I like the 60CSx is the reception is outstanding. There are a lot of other features to like about it too. It is larger and heavier than the eTrex Vista models, though.

[chinoook]

Originally Posted by greatwallforum

My personal preference is the Garmin GPSmap 60CSx. You can find results of my detailed testing including battery weights and life at this thread. In short, 2 lithium AA batteries = 29 grams = 40 hours. The main reason I like the 60CSx is the reception is outstanding. There are a lot of other features to like about it too. It is larger and heavier than the eTrex Vista models, though.

I admit it the 60CSx is a very good device too. But the reception of the eTrex models is sufficient in most cases. You only get into troubles under thick foliage or in deep ravines. Both will be rarely seen on the Great Wall of China ...


-chinoook

[Bryan]

Originally Posted by chinoook

I admit it the 60CSx is a very good device too. But the reception of the eTrex models is sufficient in most cases. You only get into troubles under thick foliage or in deep ravines. Both will be rarely seen on the Great Wall of China ...


-chinoook

That is quite true. But when I selected my GPS it was for other use in addition to the Great Wall, and in forests, as well as urban jungles, the performance and accuracy are very impressive.

It's still relatively early in the evolution of GPS receivers, and I am sure that in the coming years they will get as small and powerful as cell phones have become.