I am looking to buy a new handheld GPS to use while off roading. I have been looking at the Garmin Oregon 450 recently but havent been able to play with it in person, just pictures on the internet. I also want to be able to use it while hiking in the Colorado area so I would want something that has trail map capabilities. I tried to use my Garmin Nuvi GPS last time I was on the trail, however it is just a road driving GPS and basically said "driving on dirt road" for the whole day. What are you using and why do you like it?

 

I have a Garmin 76 csx that is a great all around hand held unit. It's an older model that I've had for over 5 years, but it does everything I need.
1. Sensitive antenna that works well in the woods.
2. Waterproof.
3. It floats.
4. Lots of 7 1/2 minute quad maps available.
5. Built in pressure altimeter/barometer.
6. Built in mag compass,
I would imagine that the newer Garmin units would surpass those capabilities, but the above may be helpful to you as a point of comparison.

Alan

 

I use a Oregon 450 and am pleased with it's performance. I added the topo maps for the western US and I rarely find a trail that is not on the unit.

If you have been looking at them you know its specs and capabilities so I will not repeat them here. I do recommend a power cord however.

 

I use a Garmin Oregon 450T for Geocaching and a Nuvi 500 for jeeping and off-roading. The topo in both is pretty good

 

I use the Garmin 450T as well, I absolutyl love it. I installed the TOPO maps as well. I like being able to do my research and maping on my home computer, and down load to the hand held. I use it to scout new hunting areas as well, as I identify areas I would like to check out after looking at the topographic maps, satallite imagery, and then am able to upload my waypoints into it from my computer. Very easy to use handheld, with a good battery life as well. I have a heart rate monitor as well, to see what kind of a work out I gave myself when I am out running trails and such too. YOU WONT GO WRONG WITH ONE!

 

I'm using a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx. I just recently put the northwest topo map on it which I'll be using for the first time this weekend, so I can't really provide a comprehensive review just yet. I'll let you know how it works out, though.

 

the garmin etrex is also a good candidate, however the oregon is a much better unit with a bigger screen.

 

I use my iPad with a Bad Elf GPS chipset. The screen is large and it's easy to use. I have it Ram Mounted to my roll cage on the passengers sides of the cab. I love the set up and I can use the iPad for other things as well.

DE

 

iPad 2 with the Memory-Map topo app and a Bluetooth Dual Gps antenna. Magellan Roadmate app on road. Works great.

 

How is the accuracy of that Dual, also will it work with a wi fi only iPad? Do you have the iPad mounted?