gps questions

[vermont]

I'm wondering if it might be worth it to buy a GPS.  From my research, many people go with "hiking" GPS's.
If I went with a Garmin Etrex 35 for 300.00 (ouch!), could I create a route on my computer, load it to my GPS and have it show me the way?  This is the main selling point of a GPS for me.  Go far away and don't get lost.
Anyone have cheaper choices for creating and following maps?
Thanks,
Scott

[THE LONG RANGER]

One of the big advantages of the etrex series, is that they just run on AA's, which you should be able to pick up anywhere. that and the runtime can be for a few normal days of riding.

I use the eTrex 35, but that touchscreen man, it can be a bit unresponsive at times. The eTrex 20 works pretty well too, and you may be able to find a deal on an older Oregon 600 series model that closely matches the features of the eTrex, but the screen is just a bit bigger.

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/handheld-gps/garmin-oregon-600t

All these models will allow you to load up a track, and then follow them.

I made this video to show the general workflow:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-CYsvGvx7E

One alternative are some new models from Wahoo - I haven't used any personally, but it's worth to check out:

http://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/bike-computers/gps-bike-computer-elemnt

They run on their own batteries, so they're not as interesting to me, personally.

[RonK]

Typically, not just any hiking GPS, but one which can be powered by replaceable batteries. Few cycling GPS have this capability so require a dynamo hub or perhaps a solar panel for recharging.

The Etrex 35 is powered by AA batteries and yes it can navigate a route created in Garmin Connect or RidewithGPS or similar.

Be aware that the $300 price probably includes only the base map which has sparse detail. You will need to purchase the Garmin topo maps or load the OpenCycleMaps, which are free.

I have a dynamo hub and use a Wahoo Elemnt. The dynamo hub also powers my lights and charges various other devices.

[vermont]

So when people say they want to "download the GPS files" how do I know which GPS can take them?  Or are there even phone apps that will "download the GPS files"?
From my research I'm pretty sure a phone and a battery bank would work too (?).

[RonK]

That means they want to download a track that somebody has recorded, or download a route which they have planned using mapping software.

Yes you can use a smartphone, but then you have to be able to keep it charged. You should be able run it in airplane mode to conserve battery power, and quite large battery banks are cheap enough now.  And there are a plethora of navigation apps available.

One of the better tools is RideWithGPS. It has an excellent route planning website with a database of recorded tracks and a very good phone navigation app. Check it out.

[evdog]

I would try phone apps first, since many are free or minimal cost.  I think you can now upload tracks into your Trailforks account and follow them.  I've heard other people using apps like Gaia and ridewithgps with success too.  As mentioned, provided the GPS in your phone can run in airplane mode this should work for simply following tracks.  Also, check in Trailforks and MTB Project to see if the trails you want to ride are already in those apps.  Some may be, though if you want to follow a route, connections between trails may not be there.  Apps keep getting better all the time. 

I've been using a Garmin oregon 600T for a couple years, after a 400T prior to that.  It does what I need it to, runs on AA's, and you can import base maps for many places easily for free.  I am hoping by the time I need an upgrade that apps will be able to do all the things I need, and I won't need the separate Garmin anymore.  Right now, I can't get Trailforks to download and save topo basemap for airplane mode use, which means I often don't have topo map access using it. 

[Sam Vokes]

Hi! Is there any difference between Oregon 600 and 700 related to the accuracy?

[madnordski]

New member here...  Has anyone tried using their phone and RideWithGPS to navigate the Tour Divide route?  Success?  Folly?  The cost of extra juice packs has come down and for local rides at least, this seems to work well in airplane mode.

[Iowagriz]

I used Gaia last year. Worked great on my galaxy note phone. Minimal power usage. Just remember to download the maps for offline use.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk