Geocaching GPS Units
With so many geocaching GPS units available, finding the best gps for geocaching can be a bit overwhelming.
While every geocaching gps manfacturer will lead you to believe their gps units are the best, what it truly comes down to is not what is the best GPS for geocaching, but rather what is the best geocaching GPS for you.
Currently the geocaching GPS brands most popular among geocachers are Garmin, Delorme, Magellan and Lowrance. You can also find automotive GPS and Android GPS apps that can be used for geocaching.
A relative newcomer to the geocaching gps field is Apisphere, who introduced the Geomate Jr. The Geomate Jr. is a relatively inexpensive GPS that comes pre-loaded with 250,000 geocache coordinates, but lacks the features of other GPS units. For the family that likes to go geocaching with kids, it is a great unit for kids who want a GPS of their own.
You can find geocaching GPS units ranging from around $50 for a basic no frills model, to upwards of $500 or more, for the top of the line models. Purchasing your first geocaching GPS will require some serious consideration. A little research now can save you a lot of money (and disappointment) later on.
All of today’s geocaching GPS manufactures make good reliable units, the challenge is deciding which features do you really need and which are nice options.
Below is a list of geocaching GPS features that you will want to consider when deciding what is the best geocaching GPS for you.
- Accuracy: While every geocaching GPS should be fairly accurate, since they all use the same satellites, WAAS enabled are the most accurate. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) was developed by the Federal Aviation Administration as an air navigation aid, for the purpose of improving accuracy, integrity, and availability. You can learn more about WAAS at Wikipedia.
- Durability: Sooner or later, you will drop your geocaching GPS and eventually it will get wet! So be sure to look for a GPS that is rugged and water resistant (or better yet, waterproof)
- Battery Life: Good battery life is essential, and a major safety factor. After a full day of geocaching, especially in harsh terrain or in the evening, you will need your geocaching GPS to get you back to safety. Look for a GPS that uses replaceable AA or AAA batteries. Rechargeable lithium batteries are a good choice as they last a lot longer than alkaline batteries. Never leave home without at least one spare set of batteries.
- Backlit Display: If you happen to be geocaching in an area with dense foliage, or on a cloudy day you’ll wish you had a backlit display. This is absolutely essential if you happen to get caught outdoors after dark. If you have a geocaching gps that doesn’t have a backlit display be sure to always take a flashlight along on your outtings.
- Base map: A base map is a basic map that is permanently stored in the GPS’s memory. Base maps are usually not high-definition or highly detailed but they do display major highways and terrain features like rivers and lakes. This makes the task of finding a specific location a lot easier and can help you avoid major obsticals.
- Topo (topographical) Map: It’s important remember that a geocaching GPS points the direction to your destination in a straight line. Unlike an car GPS that takes into account the roads you are traveling on and displays how much further you need to go. If you have to climb any hills or detour around a lake the actual distance you need to walk can be a lot more than what your GPS is indicating. A topo map will allow you to see these obsticals ahead of time and make your geocaching adventure more enjoyable.
- Computer Interface: Most geocaching GPS units can be linked to a personal computer through a USB cable which will allow you to download cache coordinates and other details directly onto your GPS. Without a computer interface you will need to enter coordinates into your GPS manually and increases the chances of a mistake. The more advanced models can also link up through a wireless network or a Bluetooth connection.
- Waypoint Saving: This function allows you to store a specific location (waypoint) within your GPS unit’s memory. Saving waypoints on a routine basis enables you to retrace your steps back to your original location. Some geocaching GPS units include a ‘Track Log’ feature that allows you to use previous waypoints as ‘breadcrumbs’ to find your way to where you started. The best geocaching gps units feature ‘Auto Tracking’ which automatically stores waypoints so you don’t need to remember to mark them yourself.
- Memory Cards: The best geocaching GPS devices use microSD cards for storing maps and geocache locations. The microSD cards are also great if you decide you want to go geocaching in another part of the country, or the world. Just store all of your new maps and geocache coordinates on a spare card and simply swap it out for the card you normally use.
- Paperless Caching: Paperless caching enables you to store cache coordinates, descriptions, and notes on your geocaching GPS. With this feature you no longer need to take along paper printouts.
- Aerial and Satellite Imagery Maps: These highly detailed maps allow you to see just where it is that you are geocaching
- Built-in 3-axis Tilt-compensated Electronic Compass: Older geocaching GPS units that had electronic compasses required you to hold your GPS level to obtain a correct reading. The new 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compasses allow you to get a correct heading while holding your geocaching gps at any angle.
- Barometric altimeter: Allows you to check your elevation levels at a glance
- Wireless Capability: Allows you to share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly with other compatible geocaching gps devices.
- Touch Screen: A touch screen can be quite helpful for changing sceens or navigation maps quickly.
- Built In Camera: With a built in camera you won’t have to worry about forgetting to a camera along and missing out on capturing those memorable caches you’ve found.
- Built In 2-way Communicator: A few of the best geocaching gps devices include built in 2-way communicators that allow you to keep in touch with other geocachers and can prove invaluable in an emergency.
Choosing a geocaching GPS that combines a list of features you really need and those that you would really like to have will make your decision a lot easier.
While basic, lower-end, geocaching GPS units are less expensive initially, in the long run they could lead to disappointing results and require you to upgrade to a better model later.