[pct-l] Using a GPS on a low snow year

[James Vesely]

I used a Forerunner 205 on the JMT and with only waypoints and tracks
loaded you don't get a map but it keeps you on the trail and provides
standard GPS info like speed, elevation, longitude and latitude.   The
battery easily lasted a complete day and the tiny battery can be charged
with a small solar panel.   

The waypoints where no problem I loaded all the trail junctions, side
routes, resupplies and proposed campsites before leaving.  One other
cool feature but I didn't use it was you can have the watch warn you by
a beep when you are getting off the trail.   You can also add waypoints
as you hike for things like campsites, water sources, etc.   

Jim


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of John Abela
Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 9:04 PM
To: Halfmile
Cc: PCT
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Using a GPS on a low snow year

@Halfmile,

I am curious... how well does the Foretrex 401 handle your maps??

Being that it does not have true maps, does it handle the waypoints in
your data files ok?

Basically it would just end up giving you a straight line to the next
waypoint, right?

Cannot say I have ever seen or used a gps that did not have a map view.

But at 87 grams... wowzer. You could pull off the wrist strap and
throw it into a pocket and probably shave off at least another 20
grams. But even if you did not, a 3 ounce GPS that can tell you a
compass heading and give you a line of orientation to your next (or
previous, if you missed a trail turn) offers you something 45% lighter
than the next option out there. Battery life could be a bit better
though... but it is running on AAA batteries rather than AA batteries.

Anyway, have you ever loaded up your data files onto a 401 ??

John
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