Looking for GPS for Bike, Car and Backpacking

[guitarman]

Hi Dick,

I don't know what to say about that, except that maybe the map was off.

Rick

That's all I could think of as well

Thanks again.

Cheers

Dick

 

[guitarman]

In response to your original post, North, I bought a Quest as it is waterproof to a point, hence good for the bike and as a hand held unit. It is clear enough for the car provided you are not blind or that your dash board is not 3 ft deep. Another added bonus and sort of essential if it is to be used handheld is the internal battery as well as its direct power connection once in its cradle.
However, it gives you no idea of the lie of the land, only roads and points of interest (although it will tell you your existing elevation) so you can't look around and say "I have a peak to my left and one in front and so I must be here" etc.
I know little of orienteering, but I agree with the wisdom of not relying wholly on one means, so if you've got a compass, a map, radioactive breadcrumps and a geiger counter as well, I'm sure the Quest won't lead you astray. It also has a trac-back facility which will direct you along the route you have just walked, unless this is up the cliff you have just fallen down, in which case its less helpful...HTH

A good map and a compass is essential if you're going off road. What the GPS will show you is your exact (within a few metres I believe) position but make sure the units you're viewing match the map!

Standard longtitude/latitude grid references are fine for OS maps but you'll find European maps often use different units. BEFORE going off road it's worth spending some time running through all the options on the Quest and identifying the correct settings for the maps you're using.

Having just read your post again and seen the Track back comments remember that the Quest won't always show small tracks and roads and all you'll get in some areas (especially abroad) is a blank screen so back tracking is not so helpful. That's where your map, compass and the Quest's grid reference comes into play

Have fun.

Cheers

Dick