Re: [Paddlewise] Garmin eTrex GPS.

Michael R Noyes wrote:

> I was at a local paddling store a couple days ago checking out GPS
> units.  One that really caught my eye was the Garmin eTrex because of
> the small size and bright yellow color.  I asked to check it out and to
> my surprise it locked on to the satellites (indoors) just as fast as the
> units costing more than twice as much!  It seems that Garmin uses the
> same receiver in the eTrex as they do in the GPSII.
> The literature I have found so far says that it is waterproof to
> immersion standard IEC 529 IPX7.  The eTrex doesn't have some of the
> bells and whistles of the more expensive units, but the size and
> waterproofing seem to make it an excellent paddling unit.

No experience with the eTrex, I've only looked at the photos etc on the
Garmin web site.

I do have a Garmin 12xl and I'd offer the following.   I initially liked the idea
of having the ability to put in route info.  However, I find I only use that for
driving (I miss exits on long trips - I need the one minute warning of an approaching
turnoff).  For kayaking, I've never used it, though I always take it with me.
Chart and compass navigation does all I need.  The one time I could have
used it, in very dense fog in Nova Scotia, I didn't have it.  It was a guided
trip and you never want to offend a guide by pulling out a GPS*.  For navigating
in fog a GPS would be useful, as it will tell you the bearing to your destination.
I like to have mine as a backup, just in case, and then mainly to establish position.

Therefore, IMHO, you probably don't need the bells and whistles for kayaking.
If I had to buy one just for kayaking, I'd look for a good quality, "waterproof"
unit that had the basics - where am I and how do I get _there_.

Mike

PS - the guide got us to our destination (5 km open water) within 100m of our
desired landing spot - as good as you could expect by GPS.  Not bad for a
Newfie with a compass!



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