Well, my birthday is fast approaching and I never really have anything that I can think of to ask for.  But, considering I did not print reverse directions from Zuwharrie and took a wrong turn on the way home, and the fact that it would be awesome to know EXACTLY where I was on the trail, I think a GPS setup would be a cool idea.  What I'm thinking is probably a waterproof handheld one that I can transfer easily from the Trailblazer to the Samurai.  I'm pretty sure that no one offers a unit with Zuwharrie/Paragon/Moab trails built in, but I want to make sure I get one with accurate depiction of the surrounding roads.  I can then program it to trace my route as I take the trail, save it, and then have all the trails mapped out for further use.  This would work rather easily at Zuwharrie, but would take some time at a larger park such as Paragon.  Even without the trails programmed in, I could still see my location in relation to where I've been, and what's already mapped out.  I've kicked around the idea of a cheap laptop dedicated only to Navigation and engine performance built in, but ruled that out because of the room inside a samurai, my penchant for drowning my Zuk, and transferability to my tow rig(but that would be really cool)  So, I guess what I'm asking is does anyone use anything like this, what has the most useful detailed maps available?  Any input will be most appreciated, and once the data is saved in my unit I will be sure to find a way to upload the trail info so all can download.

I'm pretty low tech on the GPS deal here, but I use a $99 Garmin Etrex.  I velcro the thing to my dashboard.

ETA: I rely on paper maps as they dont ever run out of batteries, the GPS is just to tell me where I am and I program co-ords into it and let it guide me.  the built in maps could be fun though, I may try that someday.

well i dotn have one but either dont have much expierence but i want one soon

The Garmin mapping GPS's are all pretty good.  But remember ,they are only as good as the mapping software they can be used on them..

I'd say find some software with accurate maps of your trails and get the appropriate GPS.

~Nate

P.S.  We use both a Legend and a Vista with the MapSource maps from Garmin.  Its a nice setup.

I run a Garmin eTrex Venture. I've seen them hooked to laptops using mapping software, something I'd like to look into in the future however you should never rely solely on a Gps. Always plot your course on paper with a  compass. Gps, although very handy is not very reliable in mountains or tress, when it's overcast, or when you run out of batteries. compasses and maps however are always there. Oh laminating your maps is also very useful, you can get maptack, like mactack that sticks to those topo's pretty good.

I like the cheap laptop idea, think naviation, engine monitoring, and mp3s all in one. how could you go wrong he he. oh yeah, draining your battery playing movies. he he

I agree with Nate, I use a Garmin eTrex Legend, and it works great.  Coupled with Garmin's MapSource US Topo software, I've had nothing but good experiences, four wheeling or otherwise.

The link below is to an example map from a trip in Colorado:
http://whipp.no-ip.org.nyud.net:8090/gallery/albums/Jenny-Creek-08-02-2003/jctrail.gif

Moab, Kane Creek Trail:
http://whipp.no-ip.org.nyud.net:8090/gallery/albums/Moab2003/kanecreek.gif

Moab, large area, lower detail:
http://whipp.no-ip.org.nyud.net:8090/gallery/albums/Moab2003/tracks.gif

The detail displayed on the gps is approximately the same, but in a much smaller window, and except on a few newer models, is in black and white.

My one complaint would be that most GPS units have small screens.  I usually take paper maps in addition to the gps, especially if I haven't been to an area before, just in case.

- Craig

I use a Garmin GPSIII with a laptop. I have Memory Map software, don't know if thats available in the US. The GPS datatlink plugs into the serial port and they are both powered from the cigarette lighter socket, the laptop via a cheap DC-DC Converter. Both the GPS and the mapping software are capable of plotting your route so temporary interruptions to the GPS signal aren't a problem, also you can check out where you drove afterwards and save the route for another time if you wish.  Your best bet is to find a shop that sells them and ask for a demonstration on how to use it, get them to load up maps of the area you're interested in and see for yourself how much detail there is. Over here Rights Of way are hotly contested by some parties. It helps to be able to prove your exact location, I also have Overlays from a national Rights Of way organistaion (GLASS/Wayfinder) that show all the Rights of Way on the map. I can see where I am and I have full details of the legality of the route too.

I run the Garmin Rino. It has all the features as any other Garmin PLUS it is a 2 way radio. I bought 2 for myself and a wheeling buddy. One of the coolest features is the fact that every time he talks or I talk I can see him on the screen with coordinates. Works REALLY well when you are in seperate groups and want to track each other OR if you hunt you can keep track of your hunting partner. I bought the VOX headsets with them along with mounts and cig lighter adapter for power. They are SWEET!!

Garmin eTrex Legend, old Compaq laptop solely running memory map software - brilliant!!

fitted a pivot-telli braket to a borad and secured it to the back of the passenger seat so that the lap top sits next to me. with a power lead to the gps, and power via inverter to the laptop it's brilliant!

I echo rhinoman's sentiments about laning in the uk!

I run the Garmin Rino. It has all the features as any other Garmin PLUS it is a 2 way radio. I bought 2 for myself and a wheeling buddy. One of the coolest features is the fact that every time he talks or I talk I can see him on the screen with coordinates. Works REALLY well when you are in seperate groups and want to track each other OR if you hunt you can keep track of your hunting partner. I bought the VOX headsets with them along with mounts and cig lighter adapter for power. They are SWEET!!

This one?   http://www.garmin.com/products/rino120/

I was about to order it the other day. I just don't want to get lost out in the pines again. AND its the only one I can find thats waterproof.

Whoa, I didn't expect this much of a response! That e-trex legend seems like it would be exactly what I need.  I will of course still carry the laminated map.  The two way thing sounds cool, but then everybody's gotta get one.

I agree with Nate, I use a Garmin eTrex Legend, and it works great.  Coupled with Garmin's MapSource US Topo software, I've had nothing but good experiences, four wheeling or otherwise.

The link below is to an example map from a trip in Colorado:
http://whipp.no-ip.org.nyud.net:8090/gallery/albums/Jenny-Creek-08-02-2003/jctrail.gif

Hey Craig!!!

You got my house in that map!  It's down in the pink part - look for the word Hughesville...

Bob

HP IPAQ with TOM TOM and soon to have Memory map for the off road routes (bye ways)

Superb

Hey Craig!!!

You got my house in that map!  It's down in the pink part - look for the word Hughesville...

Bob

Nice!  How much snow is up there?  My brother and I are looking at making a day trip up in that area - Yankee Hill, Kingston Peak (at least until there's too much snow) on the 23rd.  I'll post explaining more in the Adventure Forum.

- Craig

This is my setup



Garmin 60CSmap plus a toshiba tablet pc running garmin nRoute.  I also have oziexplorer with raster maps of the areas I play in.