Have you heard about a travel GPS system? If you like hiking trips to the mountains and into the woods, then it might be something for you. You’ve probably heard stories about campers, mountain climbers or hikers that have been lost on their trips. If these people would have had a hiking GPS, this would probably not have happened. Online you can find lots of review sites of hiking GPS tools, their features benefits and prices. The question you should ask yourself is which features are most important for your outdoors activities?

The first thing to figure out is the map of the GPS unit covers the area you want to go explore. If it doesn’t, it won’t provide you with any value whatsoever. On some of the travel or hiking GPS systems, you can download various maps and locations. Among these, some are offering downloads of topographical maps; which is very good to have in rugged wilderness. Simpler GPS units give you the basics only, such as longitude and latitude but you have to carry a printed map and determine the location yourself.
 

Size and Weight

Look for a GPS system that is easy to bring on your trip, if it’s too cumbersome it’s useless. The most crucial features are size and weight. What I recommend is that you purchase a hiking or travel GPS system with low weight and small enough size to have it on you during the entire trip. Whatever other functions it should contain is up to you.

Battery Life

Another important feature to focus on for finding the right GPS system for your activities is battery life. If you are camping, using a R.V. or a generator and only like small hikes of an hour or two, the battery’s life if not that important. However, if you are out backing for several days, for example on a mountain climb, the life of the battery is crucial. As a rule of thumb look for a GPS with battery life twice as long as you consider needed without charging. If you do everything will be fine. The longer battery life, the better but this requirement has to be balanced with weight and size.

Other Features

Now it’s time to figure out some other non-critical features that you like and find cool to have. Color screens are great because they are easier to read than black & white. Many hiking GPS systems can track your path, which make it easy for you to find your way back as well as telling you how far you have yet to go. You can also get travel GPS units with information on Sun/Moon cycles, hunting/fishing cycles, etc.  More and more other features are being added continuously.

You can purchase personal GPS at low prices. Why not check out the various travel GPS devices and how they can be utilized. You might be surprised.

John Taylor