[pct-l] Tech: device advice

[Aaron Wallace]

The Garmin Foretrex (not Forerunner) 101 is comparable in weight to the
Gekos, especially if you remove the strap.  (The Foretrex 201 is even
lighter, but uses an internal rechargeable battery, so is not well
suited to an extended trip.)  Functionally the Foretrex 101 and Geko 201
are virtually identical, so the choice is one of ergonomics (wrist vs.
handheld, vertical vs. horizontal).

Note that the Geko 101 has been discontinued, but refurb units can be
found for under $100.  I prefer to pre-enter waypoints into a GPS prior
to a trip, and while I've entered waypoints manually in the past, it's
so much easier with a computer--especially with the Topo software--that
I would not consider a unit without a computer interface.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net 
> [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of 
> frankgilliland at comcast.net
> Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2007 5:18 PM
> To: pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] Tech: device advice
> 
> Tech thoughts for 2007:
> 
> GPS:
> The lightest GPS unit that is practical is either of the 3 
> Geko units made by Garmin.
> Each one weighs in at just shy of 100grams (with 2 X AAA 
> batteries).  The
> 101 is the base unit.  The 201 is the about same, and has 
> computer interface capabilities.  The 301 has some form of 
> electronic compass.
> 
> I take the 101 along with me to note camps and other features 
> just for fun.
> When I can, I print small maps that have GPS lines on them.  
> In the field I track my progress using the map and compass 
> and the PCT data sheet.  If there is any confusion or if I 
> just want to verify my location, I take a quick gps reading 
> and plot on the gps grid map.  Just having the Guide Book 
> maps will not do you any good with using a gps (you have to 
> have a gps grid map).
> 
> If you have the 201 or 301 then you can upload gps waypoints 
> from a list.
> None of the Gekos can upload topo map info.  Higher end gps 
> units all allow uploads of maps and waypoints and/or tracks.  
> Just keep in mind the old saying of GIGO (Garbage In Garbage 
> Out).  A gps unit is only as good as the information you put 
> in it or can plot on a map.  If you have faulty data then a 
> gps will be just an extra 100grams on your back.  Have a map 
> and compass as your primary navigating tool!