Hiking Thread

I know what you mean. It sucks being stuck in an office, seeing all of these great places and knowing I can't be there right now.
The walls are starting to close in on me!!!

 

For GPS stick with Garmin...most reliable and easiest to use IMO. They have a couple of models that are built/programmed specifically for geocaching. If you're not going to use it for much else that may be a good place to start.

I personally have a 60CSX...works great on the trail and does ok in the truck as well.

 

Went snowshoeing yesterday...the scenery is definitely worth the extra effort this time of year...

 

Trail running =
Trail running in Montana in February =

Here's a good example of the mud, snow, ice, slush mix that made up most of the trail...




And one of the better, snowy stretches of trail...

 

I don't run that fast...even downhill . Last summer I was running that same trail twice a week. I had it down to less than an hour round trip...roughly 3 miles...including a five minute break at the top. Today it took me almost 90 minutes! That's what I love about trail running...thinking ahead. And I've hurt myself more often running on the flat streets around town than in the hills!

Today I was out in my Merrell hiking boots with YakTrax for adding grip. If you're not familiar with YakTrax, they are nifty little things that you put on your shoes for traction in the snow and ice. Like so...




Any other day and I would be running in my Asics GT 2160's. They fit my feet perfectly for the impact of running. You've just got to find a shoe that cradles your foot, each brand seems to cater to a different foot type.

 

did yours include maps? or not? I think I paid about $200 for mine almost a year ago (on sale then)...then I had to get maps separately (also on sale). Either way sounds like you got a good deal! The 60csx has one of the more accurate, reliable receivers in it and will work in areas where other units can't get a clear signal (dense tree cover, narrow canyons, etc).

If you're not familiar with using GPS (I'm still learning too) I suggest going to an area that you know well (so you won't get lost) and try to use all of the features that the GPS has to navigate. That will help you get used to using the GPS and getting through the menus. And when you are out, always mark your vehicle with a 'waypoint' so if all else fails you know where you need to get back to!

 

Yes, its quite the conspiracy they have going. I got the 24k US Topos. Good detail on them...especially after using it with only the basemaps for a couple of months.

and don't forget the protective carrying case, vehicle mounts...

On a serious note...invest in some good rechargeable AA batteries. I can get a good 20 hours out of one pair.

 

First off, what will you be using this for? Trails? Offroad? City/highway?

I got mine mainly for trails and some offroading...purchased the 24k topos for about $80-no updates, I figured the trails wouldn't change that much so the updates seemed pointless.