With the rise of ultra-running and riding, we find ourselves further and further off the grid. Quite often we also find ourselves lost. I’ve always been partial to “lost,” it’s the place where I’ve discovered the most amazing delights. But, when I’m at mile 87 of a 100-mile gravel/off-road/back-country event, being lost loses much of its charm. Fortunately, we live in the information age. Except for the most entrenched Luddite we all have a smart phone, which can usually get us un-lost. But there are times when a smart phone is no match for the vagaries of mother nature. Happily in those times technology 2.0 comes to the rescue. Today’s handheld GPS units are smaller than a bar of soap, incredibly accurate, and impervious to inclement weather. These days, you can get yourself completely lost and still be home for dinner.
You might be wondering why you need a handheld GPS unit in addition to your smart phone. Smart phones are great for getting around town and avoiding traffic in the comfort of your car, (with the phone safely plugged into your car charger) but the GPS function is an energy hog and will drain your battery rapidly. Smart phones also tend to be a very fragile, impossible to access while wearing gloves, sensitive to rain, mud, direct sunlight, and screen-destroying falls from not-so-high places. With a price tag of up to $999.99, smart phones are a less-than-ideal choice for rugged off-road adventures. Another downside of the smart phone is the restrictive data plans of most cell phone providers. This is especially challenging if your grand adventure takes you to exotic locales halfway around the world. A dedicated GPS unit is a far superior choice for off-the-grid adventures.
It will come as no surprise that two of the most highly recommended units are made by Garmin. The eTrex 22X ($169.99 msrp) and the eTrex 32X ($269.99 msrp) are both excellent and affordable options. These units communicate with standard US-based GPS and with GLONASS, a global satellite network. Working in tandem, these two positioning systems can find you in all but the densest of forests and deepest of valleys. At approximately 2” x 4” x 1.3” and less than five ounces, these palm-sized units are packed with features, yet still slide into a small backpack strap pocket. Garmin’s eTrex models also have a 2.2” (diagonal) transflective screen with 65K color TFT, meaning the display is readable in direct sunlight. They come pre-loaded with TopoActive maps, and Garmin has a complete library of downloadable, worldwide topographical maps. The device has memory for up to 2,000 waypoints and 200 routes. It can also be set for automatic routing when on the road. Both eTrex models come complete with a USB cable, 8GB of memory, and a slot for a microSD card (card sold separately) to save all your critical data on the go. The units are incredibly durable and have a waterproof rating of IPX7. While not suitable for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or high-speed watersports, they will certainly survive a rainstorm, snowstorm, or quick dip in the toilet bowl. Most importantly, these units run on ubiquitous AA batteries (any old AA will do, but they recommend NiMH or Lithium batteries for longer run time), which can be purchased at most mom and pop convenience stores worldwide. Those two batteries will give you up to 25 hours of use in GPS mode. A few sweet bonus features are hunting and fishing calendars, sun and moon information, and a picture viewer. For those of you who like a good treasure hunt, these units are Geo-Caching friendly. Finally, if you really like to geek out on satellite imagery, you can subscribe to Birdseye Satellite Imagery, which allows you to download and integrate satellite imagery with your maps.
The more expensive Garmin eTrex 32X has three valuable additions: a barometric altimeter that tracks cumulative elevation, an old school 3-axis magnetic compass that will show you your direction even if you aren’t in motion (unlike regular GPS), and wireless connectivity with ANT+.
While a handheld GPS device might seem like a godsend, it is no substitute for old-fashioned paper maps, a magnetic compass, a basic tool kit and first aid kit, some mountaineering skills, and a good dose of common sense. Accidents happen, batteries die, things plunge to the bottom of outhouse toilets, and digital maps aren’t always accurate. A good scout is always prepared.
In today’s hyper-connected world sometimes we need to unplug and walk (or ride) away. A handheld GPS can guide you to a vast array of hidden pleasures, far from everyday troubles, to a place where you can be present with your thoughts and with the delights of mother nature. Use your handheld GPS to find that perfect secluded spot for a snack, a skinny dip, and a siesta, before making the long trek back to the demands and chaos of the modern world.
For complete product information, check out Garmin eTrex 22X or Garmin eTrex 32X.