GPS w/Mapping Software vs. Maps

dnorrell · Post by **dnorrell** » Fri May 12, 2006 3:20 pm

Alright folks, I need any and all opinions on this issue...

I am getting ready to take a 2-week camping trip on the bike with no real destination in mind. I am not one of those who likes to plan and deliberate - I enjoy the adventure in knowing just the general direction I wish to go. For this trip, I will be leaving Colorado and heading northwest.

I am trying to decide what the best tool would be for finding and locating campsites for each evening. I am sure there are advantages to both tools, and I will probably be bringing maps regardless. Nonetheless, would it be worth it to invest in a decent mapping GPS? If so, what maps would be best; topo or roads? It seems a GPS would be nice, but they aren't cheap.

Please let me know your thoughts on this...

domekrome · Post by **domekrome** » Fri May 12, 2006 3:33 pm

I don't know about you, but I am directionally challenged sometimes, so having a GPS is a definite must. I have the auto-routing Garmin 2610, and I love it. Depending upon the options I set, it can lead me anywhere that it knows about, avoiding highways where possible. I think road maps are the way to go, and units like the 2610 include points of interest, like lodging (campgrounds or hotels/motels).

It can be a bit quirky with the directions it gives, but on the whole it rocks

A more basic GPS unit in conjunction with your maps, may be more than up to the task for you.

dnorrell · Post by **dnorrell** » Fri May 12, 2006 5:01 pm

Good advice. I am kinda leaning towards something like the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx.

http://www.gpscity.com/item-garmin-gpsm ... /60csx.htm

Little pricey...maybe not considering other GPS units...but I like the functionality, and I can take it hiking here in Colorado too.

Post by **chibbert** » Sun May 14, 2006 7:15 am

I stand firmly behind the 2610 as well