Manitoba Geocaching Association

[TURBO_82]

I was given an E-Trex Summit for christmas, as well as the option of the E-Trex Legend.

Here is my problem, this is my first GPS, so which is better for Geocaching as well as hunting,

fishing, and hiking.

[TurdleEggs]

I think you should hold out for the Legend! A virtual necessity with GeoCaching is the PC interface cable so you can upload cache coordinates (waypoints) to the GPS. The Legend has one, the Summit doesn't. I also find the basemapping that comes with the Legend very handy when you're looking for a cache in some unexplored part of the country. Remember, having a GPS (and knowing where you are) is only half the battle - you still need a map to know how to get there (unless you want to feel like one of the early explorers).

Down the road you may decide to pick up the MapSource CD from Garmin and then you get very detailed mapping and GIS type information. Once you've found the cache and it's time for lunch, you can ask it to show you the nearest restaurants - by cuisine if you like. It'll give you the phone number so you can make a reservation, tell you where it is and how to get there (yes, even in Manitoba)

I find the little joystick that comes with the Legend quite useful for working through the menus. If you think you need a compass as well, the built in electronic compass (with the Summit, not the Legend) is cool. A GPS isn't a compass, it only tells you which way North is when you're moving.

I think if I was buying a GPS for GeoCaching today, I'd probably go for the Vista. It's got more memory for basemaps (I find 8 MB isn't enough for a trip to Saskatoon) and it comes with the electronic compass as well. Now you're talking $280 though.

A couple of good web sites:

http://www.prairie.mb.ca/etrexcomp.htm

http://www.garmin.com/outdoor/compare.jsp

You're in for a world of fun!
   TurdleEggs

-- Edited by TurdleEggs at 16:23, 2005-12-28

[TURBO_82]

Thanks for the input, Turdle Eggs

I was leenin' to the LEGEND b/c of the memory and such. I compared the two units and found that they were similar be I wanted to make sure i made the right chooice.

I completely agree wth you about having a map (TOPOs are my fav), and i put my faith in the same SILVA compass as the CND military, not an electronic gizzmo

As for the VISTA, it's a little out of the price range now, maybe later if I actually use this as much as I say I will.

But using a GPS to find a restaurant by the type of cuisine they provide is ridiculous for me. My food comes from the many lakes, rivers, streams, and forrests of our province!!!! You could say I kill it then grill it!!!!!!! lol

 

[TheStuntman]

One thing that the summit has going for it is the elec. compass and the barometer. You say your a hunter and these tools can be very valuable.

[ScubaBill]

I also have the Legend and I really like it and it has A electronic compass