Personal GPS?

[ozy clint]

Dan, I'm tech stupid. Can it track you or mark and direct to waypoints?

it sure can track you. it's GOOGLE.

[trad_bowhunter1965]

Thanks everybody, I just ordered  Garman 64s.
Gives me time to get used to it before next spring.

this a great unit I been using one for over a year and love it.

[bucknut]

I think you'll like it Dale.  I have been using a 64 or it's predecessor the 62 for 10 years or more. If you have any operation questions just PM me and I'll try to help you out.

John

[Gdpolk]

Honestly, I would recommend looking into a smartphone and an OnX Hunt membership.  I looked into all of the GPS options about a year and a half ago and had a max budget of $750 on it.  Well for that coin, I could buy a brand new iPhone and a membership to OnX which not only gives me GPS anywhere I go with downloaded maps but also:

• is smaller and lighter than most GPS units
• has a larger screen with more resolution that most GPS units
• can allow me to internet scout on my laptop at home and wirelessly syncs with my telephone for perfect real time access to both better maps on the computer and access to them in the field
• can allow me to share waypoints or entire maps with friends as needed
• has MANY more features and overlays (flood patterns, burn areas, PRIVATE LAND OWNERSHIP BOUNDARIES, etc than a stand alone GPS AND does so with accuracy that can't be matched by looking at two separate maps
• iPhone has a built in camera which these days rivals all of the point and shoots out there which is darn handy for hunting
• has a basic flashlight on the iPhone
• allows for calls/texts to be made in some areas to coordinate pick up/drop off times with friend and family or page out for help if needed
• allows for other useful apps like mushroom/tree ID apps to be used
• is useful in everyday life as well

When I looked at it as a whole I've got to be honest and say that I just don't see a ton of value in a stand alone GPS for hunting how the majority of us hunt.  I think the subscriptions and services like OnX provides are far too powerful to overlook as an option and unless you need a feature like extreme durability and extreme waterproofness of a handheld unit, then a smartphone may actually be a better tool for the majority of hunters.  If your worried about battery life, turn the phone on airplane mode and it will still work in GPS mode or pick up a $10 battery recharger at WalMart by the cash register for two-three recharges and for no more size/weight than an additional GPS on top of your phone you now have a few recharges for the phone which you will likely also want just for emergencies or camera use anyway.

[Roy from Pa]

I agree with all of that Garrett..

My spare charger will charge my phone 5 times from a completely dead battery.

[LC]

I totally agree with   GDPolk. He covers all the points of why. Bought it to go mule deer hunting in Montana two years ago. Absolutely essential for land ownership, whether is was available to hunt, BMA, etc.

I bought a Garmin 450 several years ago with card for east coast. Hated the thing. Tiny screen but worst of all it ate batteries like candy. Haven't had it out of the house since I purchased OnXhunt.

[Wudstix]

Have an old Garmin 72 that I have been pleased with.   

[brian wagar]

You guys using your phone how long does it take to recharge the phone?

[LC]

OnX has several videos explaining how to down load maps before hand. If your in a area where there's no cell service as we was in Montana you turn off your cell service (airplane mode) and any other app your not needing.   Battery last a very long time that way. Even if your in area with LIMITED cell service your phone will use a lot of battery power trying to keep finding a better cell tower. I have several small cell phone chargers that I take depending on how long I'm going to away from electric. I have one that will totally charge my phone twice that wieghs almost nothing. I also have one that will charge it 5 to 8 times but it doesn't weigh a bit.

Like I said earlier I have a newer Garmin 450 that absolutely eats batteries. I have buddies that have different model Garmins that the battery last forever though. I had to take so many extra batteries to keep it running in track mode. So at the end I just turned on and off when I needed it but it kinda defeated a lot of the convenience of having a GPS in the first place. It hasn't seen day light since buying the OnXhunt app.

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I have a smart phone and have GPS apps I use but where I hunt I don't always get cell phone service that's why I like a GPS.

[Roy from Pa]

My cell phone doesn't need cell service for the gps to work with google maps.

[joel0711]

Garmin HCX with ONX maps