So now you know some of the features to look for in a GPS for geocaching, but you just don’t want to have to click on every
device to see how each measures up.
Isn’t there a simpler way? Can’t
someone just tell you what you need to know?
Well, yes, and that person is me.
Check out the devices listed below at three different price levels to
find the perfect geocaching GPS device for you.
Budget Recommendations
Garmin eTrex H
– The consensus on the internet is that this is the best option for a person
new to geocaching. The pricing is currently around $100 and it has a very
readable monochrome screen with the basic features to help you find the cache.
This unit does not come with any maps included, so you will be following an
arrow “as the crow flies” to the destination, but that's moer fun anyway. This unit also does not come with
a cable to transfer waypoints from your computer. You must buy it separately or
enter waypoint coordinates manually, which creates plenty of opportunities for
error. I highly recommend the purchase of a cable if you go with the eTrex H
(note that if you do not have a serial port on your computer then you will need
to buy the device cable and
the adaptor cable so that you can hook it up). However, this is a great little device and
the perfect way to get started in geocaching without breaking the bank.
Garmin eTrex Venture HC –
This is very similar to the Garmin eTrex H, but it adds a PC cable for
downloading waypoints and it also has topographic maps and sunlight-readable
color screen. It’s a few more dollars,
but may be worth it if you plan to do much geocaching.
Mid Range Recommendations
Garmin eTrex Legend HCx –
This is a solid mid-range device. It
comes with a high sensitivity receiver, is water resistant, and has a bright
color screen. Another plus is that this
device also supports turn-by-turn routing so that you can use it for city
navigation as well as geocaching. It
also comes with a cable so that you can connect it to your PC and upload all of
your finds. As of this post, the Legend
HCx is available for under $200
Garmin
eTrex Vista HCx –
This device improves on the Legend HCx by adding a barometric altimeter and electronic compass.
High End Recommendations
Garmin GPSMAP 60SCx
– This top fo the line device from Garmin has a large color screen, and
features the SiRFstar III chipset for pinpoint locations. It comes with tons of goodies like a
barometric altimeter and electronic compass, as well as turn-by-turn routing
for city navigation. It has an
incredibly long battery life, ios super rugged, and has tons of memory for waypoints. But, leaving all of that aside, you want this
one because it looks really cool.
Garmin GPSMAP 60 Cx – If you’re looking for the same great GPS technology of the GPSMAP 6-CSx, but
want a slightly more economical version, then check out this device. You get the same SiRFstar III chipset, but
don’t have to pay for the altimeter and compass.
Magellan eXplorist XL – This super rugged GPS device has WAAS technology to keep you on target, and
also features a large color display. It
comes with a lot of memory for waypoints and maps, and also has turn-by-turn
directions for city navigation. This
device also comes with a computer software application specifically for
geocaching.
So there you have it, several great devices that will
help you get started in geocaching or take you to the next level. There are certainly other devices out there
that are great, and you should find the one that’s right for you. However, you can’t go wrong with one of these
nifty gadgets. So now that you know what
it’s all about, get out there and find some caches!
Travel Long and Prosper,
Will