[Cdt-l] GPS / and a ? about tarps and snow

[Joel Janssen]

I just wanted to stress the importance of getting the better GPS units that allow you to insert a mini sd card with maps on it.  The Garmin Legend HCX for example only has approx 24mb of space to load in maps and you will not be able to load all of the relevant maps for the trail. If you spend a little more you can upload map sets to the card and then you are good to go. 
I can personally recommend the Garmin Etrex or Legend series as I have used both for quite some time.  The Legend HCX has a great color display and if you get the yellow case its much easier to see in a dark pack or if you drop it.

On a side note:  I am from Dallas, TX and we are visiting my girlfriends family in Pennsylvania.  I tried my ultralight Sil-tarp last night in the snow and was comfortable in my bag and bivy, but the tarp collapsed in high winds and snow this morning.  These conditions are so different than what I am used to!  I wonder if a tarp tent will stand up better to snow and winds?  I need to find a lightweight solution that is comfortable in 3 seasons but that could take a light unexpected snowstorm in an emergency.  If you have any suggestions about light tarptents let me know.  I am planning a partial CDT hike in 09.

Happy New Years!
Bioguy


On Wednesday, December 31, 2008, at 12:00PM, <cdt-l-request at backcountry.net> wrote:
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>   1. 1. GPS recommendations Andy West (andy.hiker at ntlworld.com)
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>----------------------------------------------------------------------
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>Message: 1
>Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:57:14 +0000
>From: <andy.hiker at ntlworld.com>
>Subject: [Cdt-l] 1. GPS recommendations Andy West
>To: Cdt-l at backcountry.net
>Message-ID:
>	<20081231115714.VH4HB.209715.root at web08-winn.ispmail.private.ntl.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
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>Hi all
>Just to say I used a garmin 60csx on my sobo hike. It was great for all the reasons mentioned so far. I placed waypoints along the whole route....for when I got lost. It gave me peace of mind as I was solo on my first big hike.
>Take care to load all the correct maps....and allow for some extras. You may need to bail off the trail. I was off my Garmin maps on a few occasions, and off the Ley maps on many occasions, but also carried Delormes that helped  loads, even in NM!
>Good luck
>Andy
>
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