by gunner
G.P.S.—don’t let it intimidate
you! The ones that are out today are
very easy to use. A few years ago, we
still had the bulky ones with the big white upside-down bowl on a stick mounted
in the boats. Yes…they did do what they
were supposed to…but dang, were they ugly and in the way!
Handheld units of today are
great. Some are now down in price to
around $95.00. That is a small price to
pay to ensure you never again get lost in the woods on a hike. I even use mine in my car. The unit I have is a Magellan Sportrac Map
model. I believe the price is now about
$160.00, but when I got mine a few months ago it was $200.00. I have used it ever since. The directions are easy to follow, and the
unit itself is no bigger than most cell phones. The screen is easy to read with adjustments on contrast, and two
different backlights that you can turn on with either a timer or
"continuously on" feature.
The backtrack feature—or “Cracker
Trail” as it is referred to by some of the manufacturers—is such a
lifesaver. That alone would be worth
the price of the unit. It could
literally save a life. Mark the point
where you are starting from, the “waypoint”, and then put it in your pocket or
in the carrier and forget about it…leave it on and the unit will keep track of
your path. You can also mark different
waypoints along the way and name them.
To find your way back, scroll to the backtrack option and just follow
your path…
Some now have the ability to see
where another person is if you have them marked on your system. Then if someone in your party does not meet
with you at a preset time, you will be able to look at your unit and see where
they are and if they are moving. At
that time you could make your way to them and make sure everything is alright.
There are so many reasons to get
one, reasons you do not think of till after you get one. Like I said, the prices now are around
$95.00 and up. The more costly ones
offer more options. A few things to
consider BEFORE you buy:
1.
A price that you are comfortable with
2.
What YOUR needs are for YOUR trips
3.
What level of skill YOU have—the more options, the more
things to remember (ask yourself..."Is my VCR clock still flashing 12:00?")
4.
Is this something to mount in a truck/car/boat or carry
with you
5.
How often you plan on using it
These are just a few thoughts to
consider. Each of us have different
reasons to do things. Just think it
through before you buy one for $500.00, when one for $150.00 just might do
everything you need.
I will say this…if you hike, camp,
or fish, and have spots you want to remember even YEARS later…do some reading,
ask questions and get a unit. It is
money WELL spent. Mine will get me
within 3 yards of anyplace I have marked, even 50 years from now!
Do some homework and stay safe
this year outdoors…and remember, on the hikes and camping and fishing trips,
please don’t litter…
Thanks, see you outdoors!
gunner