Best GPS For Geocaching

Garmin Geocaching GPS

At present the geocaching GPS brands most in-demand among geocachers are Garmin, Delorme, Magellan and Lowrance. For anybody who is contemplating a effortless no frills geocaching GPS it is best to check out the Geomate Jr. Geomate is a affordable GPS which comes pre-loaded with 250,000 geocache coordinates, but does not have the functions of other units. It is a wonderful unit for kids who would like a GPS of their very own. Most of today's geocaching GPS manufactures make incredibly good reliable units, the problem is deciding on which elements do you really require and which are nice options. With GPS selling prices ranging from roughly $50 for a basic model, to upwards of $500 or more, selecting your first GPS for geocaching is without question a critical consideration. A little homework now can help save you a bundle (and dissatisfaction) later on.



Listed here is a list of what are viewed as the minimum features for the best GPS for geocaching.

Accuracy: Accuracy isn't commonly regarded to be a major point of difference between various GPS receivers since they all acquire their readings through the same set of satellites. Still WAAS enabled gps units are considered the most precise. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) was designed by the Federal Aviation Administration as an air navigation aid developed to enhance the Global Positioning System (GPS), with the goal of boosting its dependability, integrity, and availability.


Durability: Eventually, you are going to drop your geocaching GPS and, at some time, it will get wet! That being said don't forget to start looking for a GPS that is tough and waterproof (or at least water resistant)



Good Battery Life: The easiest way to mess up a day of geocaching is to have to give up your pursuit merely because you ran out of battery power. Decent battery life is also a principal safety factor. Following a day of geocaching especially in difficult terrain, you'll need your GPS to get you back to safety. Consider a GPS that uses replaceable AA or AAA batteries, and make sure you have a spare set on hand. Rechargeable lithium batteries are really a good choice since they last for much longer than regular alkaline batteries.



Backlit Display: While easily readable in full sun should you be in an area with thick tree cover, most notably on a over cast day you will want to have a backlit display. This really is crucial if you should get caught outdoors after dark.



Base map: A base map is essentially a map that is permanently stored in the GPS's memory. This is usually not a high-definition or highly detailed map, however it does display primary highways and terrain features like rivers and lakes. This will make the job of identifying a specific location far easier and can help you stay clear of major barriers. Basic GPS units without base maps simply display Speed, Bearing (Direction of travel), Distance traveled, and Distance to your objective.



Topo (topographical) Map: A major thing to remember when geocaching would be that your GPS points the direction to your destination in a straight line, or as "the crow flies". It isn't like a car GPS that takes into account the roads you happen to be driving on and shows exactly how much further you must go. Should you have to go up any hills or detour around a pond or lake the actual distance you will have to walk can be considerably more than what your GPS is showing. A topo map enables you to see these obstacles in advance and help save you a great deal of time and energy.



Computer Interface: The vast majority of new gps for geocaching can be linked to a computer through a USB cable. The higher priced models can likewise link up through a wireless network or a Bluetooth connection. Being able to connect to your computer permits you to download cache coordinates and other information directly onto your GPS at the click of a button. It is normally quite time-consuming to enter dozens of coordinates into the GPS by hand and if you happen to make a mistake you will never locate the cache.



Waypoint Saving: This function allows you to store a individual location (waypoint) within your GPS unit's memory. Repeated storage of waypoints can enhance your safety in complex terrain as it will make it possible for you to retrace your steps back to your former place. Various geocaching GPS units include a "Track Log" function that enables you to use previous waypoints as "breadcrumbs" to find your way back to where you started out. The best gps for geocaching will have an "Auto Tracking" function which will conveniently store waypoints.



Memory: The best geocaching GPS devices make use of microSD cards for saving maps and geocache locations. The microSD cards are also perfect if you decide you want to go geocaching in some other area of the country, (or the world) you're able to store all of your new maps and geocache coordinates on a spare card and simply switch it for the card you routinely use.



When contemplating the best GPS for geocaching, you should definitely give consideration to all of the available features. Although a basic geocaching GPS is obviously less costly, it might be in your best interest to purchase a costlier unit which has all the features you are looking for, as opposed to putting up with a cheap model that may lead to disappointing results and require upgrading down the road.