Handheld gps suggestions?

I thought it would be a nice gift to get my best man a handheld gps since we do a lot of hunting up north where things are very spread out. I've been wanting one myself and it's a gift i know he'll appreciate and use a lot.

I've looked around a little bit and i'd like to stay under $200 (since i'm going to buy one for myself as well). What do you guys use? What have you used, liked, didn't like, etc and what can you recommend to point me in the right direction. Main things i'm looking for is topo maps, being able to store waypoints, being able to track where you've been, something rugged and water resistant or water proof. It would also be really cool if there was a feature that would let you see where your buddy is also, but i don't think i'll find that for under $200.

suggestions? thank you in advance

 

If you have an iPhone then the GPS Kit app is the way to go. It's $10 and does everything you just requested for features.

Just buy an OtterBox and you are gtg.

 

lol that's much easier.

i dont get any cell phone service up north so would the gps app still work? Does it go merly off gps and not service towers?

 

I dont think the gps requires cell service as it runs off of satelites.

and I think the lifeproof cases are more durable than the otter boxes. i think they are also fully waterproof

 

i have an otterbox already. the lifebox cases are sick, but i think they are about 80 bucks

 

I have a handheld Garmin unit I use on the boat. No complaints. Don't remember what I paid it was a discontinued model.

 

gps, unaugmented, requires just clear view of the sky to get signal reception from 4 or more satellites.. many are probably WAAS-enabled, ...which WAAS also requires clear view of the sky (WAAS is broadcast from a couple satellites in geostationary orbits over N. America)... for more precision augmentation via cellular-RTK, you would need cell service for that...

 

yeah gps on the phone still requires cell service. you should look into the Garmin Montana. sick gps

 

You can pre download the map of the area you are going to so if you lose reception the gps function of the phone still works. The buddy tracking system I have never used so idk what that requires.

Edit: I also use this on my iPad. With a 3G/4G iPad it has a built in gps. If you don't have a data plan you can still use the gps and offline maps.

 

i have a Garmin Rino. it is honestly the best walkie talkie i have ever used..i can whisper into it and my brother can hear me clear miles away.

the GPS portion of the package is super fast, super easy to use. i would choose a Garmin for sure.

 

Garmin 60CSx........shop around, you can get them on special

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=310

 

+1 on the Garmin, and http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/ has all the maps you need for free. I have an Edge 800 I use for mountain biking, but I also just took it on a backpacking trip and it worked great with maps I downloaded for free. If you don't cycle, going for one of the hand-held Garmins would probably give you better features for the money. The eTrex 20 looks to be a good choice at your price range.

 

The garmin fortrex 401 is a great little gps. I've used it a lot Afghanistan. Goes on your wrist just like a watch.

 

Yes & No

Technically, you don't need cell service - HOWEVER - the phone becomes sooooooo very slow, hangs up, and/or locks up completely.

So yes.....you should have cell service for optimum performance and minimal frustration.

My husband and I geocache a lot and have used the phones as GPS units. It is NOT fun without cell service. We own two handheld units now - Garmin Oregon 450 and a Garmin Map62s.

 

x2 but the price is high. I have the Garmin Rhino 530hcx. Be aware you can get some used. The 530 and the 530hcx are different. The hcx has a MUCH better receiver and finds your location even under thick tree cover. All the Rhinos allow you to use the built in radio to transmit your location to another Rhino.. super handy... but twice as expensive as you wanted.

 

yea, i really was just referencing the GPS portion of the unit.

i am not in love with the tracking feature, i.e. dropping a trail of breadcrumbs..on the Garmins..but the rest of the unit kicks butt. once you calibrate a GPS to match your topo maps, it is a very powerful combination. a Garmin is easy to calibrate.

 

I picked up a garman E- Trex10 more then 10 years ago think it was 69 on sale at Bass pro. They still make them but they are 109 now mine has never let me down. Was in more then 1 driving rain with it, had to hold it right up to my face to see it. It said I was about 20 feet from the truck but I walked right in to it . For me if mine broke down or I lost it, guess what I WOULD BUY..Good base gps, WATERPROOF and last year after year...Jim