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From the lens Choosing The Best Geocaching GPS For You.

If you have a moment, please have a quick 'scribble'.

You know ...

Have we answered your questions? ... What other questions do you have? ... How did you get into geocaching?

Thanks.

  • archandha Feb 20, 2010 @ 3:14 am | delete
    Tank you for that very interesting article. I enjoyed reading it very much!
  • TessaGreen Apr 28, 2010 @ 4:06 am | delete
    You are welcome - hope it has helped.
  • Fred Anderson Feb 7, 2010 @ 12:17 pm | delete
    Thanks for enlightening me on these gps systems. I can now make an informed decision.
  • TessaGreen Apr 28, 2010 @ 4:07 am | delete
    My pleasure. Thanks for stopping by.
  • TessaGreen Aug 10, 2009 @ 1:55 am | delete
    Thank you, Mark / TS_Hamguy, glad to have been of some help. Happy hunting ...
  • Mark / TS_Hamguy Aug 7, 2009 @ 9:56 pm | delete
    Great Info .. Helped me decide on a GPS. Think I'll get the Gmaps 60CSx
  • TessaGreen Aug 5, 2009 @ 4:22 am | in reply to Mark Cuthell | delete
    (continued) for the specific types of clients you will be attracting.

    Best wishes, hope it's a roaring success. And really hope, before you get too busy, you are able to pop back and let us know how it's going ...
  • TessaGreen Aug 5, 2009 @ 1:25 am | in reply to Mark Cuthell | delete
    WOW! Your project sounds hugely exciting. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

    So, will map based gps take away the fun? Difficult to say either way for definite. Really depends on who your clients are, and how comfortable they are with navigating in general. I wonder if, at first, you could get both types in, and offer both options when people sign up. And then after a couple of months see which option is more popular and look to stock up further with that option. You see, some people for whom deciphering maps is a bit of a struggle, might find that they have finally worked out their in car gps, heard about geocaching, and fancy moving smoothly into that adventure, without another learning curve. And for sure, as you suggest, others will want the more flying-by-the-seat-of-their-pants thrills.
    I know getting both types in, ties up your capital upfront, but if you are able to offer the choice, you will get the best answer to that question, for the specific
  • TessaGreen Aug 5, 2009 @ 12:37 am | in reply to Colliegurl | delete
    You are welcome. Thanks for taking the time to drop a note. You have LOTS of fun ahead of you. Enjoy ...
  • Mark Cuthell Aug 4, 2009 @ 9:39 pm | delete
    Thanks a heap for quality information, I am looking at units predominantly from a perspective of hiding high quality caches in a tourism context. These beginner oriented caches (with co-ordinates only available when we lend them a gps unit) will provide a quality engineered experience for visitors to our region and hopefully get more people into an exciting outdoor activity. It is also our intention to hide some super quality caches for traditional users. It's all new to me and I can't wait to get a unit to beging my research/entertainment.

    In your opinion would a map based unit take the fun of the hunt out for a first time user (that probably has a GPS in their car anyway?)

    Thanks
  • Colliegurl Jul 24, 2009 @ 7:11 pm | delete
    Thanks for providing this info. I'm middle-aged & looking for something to keep myself in shape. Geocaching seems to be the PERFECT combination of technology & the great outdoors, but I just wasn't sure which type of unit to look for.

    Thanks again!

    Colliegurl
  • TessaGreen Jul 15, 2009 @ 10:46 pm | in reply to Andrea | delete
    Hi Andrea, thank you SO MUCH. Here's to loads of fun and wonderful memories as you and your family go geocaching ...
  • Andrea Jul 15, 2009 @ 1:28 pm | delete
    Wow! Thank you so much for this very detailed review. I've been thinking geocaching would be great for our family, but most of the reviews of gps unit are for driving -- not that helpful. This is the best information I've found on buying a gps for geocaching, and I know my information -- I'm a librarian! Again, many thanks.
  • TessaGreen Jun 23, 2009 @ 11:12 am | delete
    Hello KHo,
    Thank you for drawing the 500 and 550 into the discussion. I think they are exciting options for geocachers.

    Being able to go from vehicle to foot with your GPS makes for a very versatile tool. They hold their satellite lock nicely, they are rugged, waterproof, etc. What you want, really.

    3 things to take note of - first, the only difference between them is their preloaded maps. You'll want to make sure you're choosing the model with the right map for you. Second do look at the issue of updating their maps. And third, look at how you'd carry them - they are not shaped like handhelds and are therefore not designed to fit in the hand.

    Again, thanks for your question -I'll run them past the checklist soon (probably not soon enough for you, though). And please do let us know what you decide.

    All the best.
  • TessaGreen Jun 22, 2009 @ 9:29 pm | delete
    Hi Abracadabra, thank you for the thought-provoking question. My first thought is Garmin Geko 201. Robust, does the job really well. But then the eTrex H is cheaper. The eTrex H is more basic whereas the 201 does have a few games loaded up. They are both very good at holding unto satellite signals, so excellent to consider. What do you think? Oh, and if they are still too costly, brand new, do look about on their info pages for refurbs.

    Oh Nikki, Thank you for such a glowing compliment. I'm really glad you've found this useful, and hope you have great times geocaching.
  • KHo Jun 22, 2009 @ 8:14 pm | delete
    Thanks for this excellent article. What is your opinion of the Garmin Nuvi 500 & 550? I would like to get a hybrid GPS unit that I can use for geocaching and road driving. Thanks.
  • Abracadabra Jun 22, 2009 @ 7:52 pm | delete
    I need a CHEAP geocacher for my child who is new to geocaching and all he wants to do is to plug in coordinates from the website and walk to them with good reception in the woods and get the cache... Any advice???? also, I want to spend as little as possible but also get good one that is easy to use! Thanks
  • Nikki Jun 7, 2009 @ 9:16 am | delete
    What a comprehensive and useful comparison - thank you so much! We are about to get into GeoCaching and a friend suggested the Gmaps 60CSx. We were unsure about purchasing it, as every review we found -while positive- was outdated somewhat. Again, thank you for such a great summary comparison!!
  • TessaGreen Jun 5, 2009 @ 6:50 am | in reply to joomla london | delete
    Thank you.
  • TessaGreen Jun 5, 2009 @ 4:50 am | delete
    annie green, thank you very much. The map you want is: TOPO U.S. 24K West. It comes on DVD or on MicroSD/SD Card. They are a little different. I'll put up a quick comparison, above. Hope it helps. Hope your son has great times.

    Beth, thank you. I'm really thrilled you've found this lens useful.
  • Beth Jun 4, 2009 @ 12:15 pm | delete
    So glad I stumbled upon this! Thanks for the great info! I've been considering getting a handheld GPS for a while and this is the first site that explains things clearly to a novice. You've definitely helped me make an informed decision on which unit will best work for me. Thanks again!
  • annie green May 18, 2009 @ 9:47 pm | delete
    This was helpful and I wish I'd read it before buying my son the Garmin Etrex Legend HCx. I wasn't aware that the standard included map would in no way allow him to geocache. This is what he is interested in. We live in southern CA and I am trying to determine what maps I need to buy to get him started in our area. Trying to keep down cost as the unit already set us back quite a bit. Any advice on what maps I need?
  • joomla london Apr 29, 2009 @ 2:05 am | delete
    Best Geocaching GPS
    Thank for your lens

    joomla london
  • TessaGreen Apr 23, 2009 @ 1:00 pm | delete
    You are welcome, Ellen. Thinking about the Colorado, what are YOUR specific concerns? What comments in particular worry you?
  • Ellen Apr 22, 2009 @ 9:18 pm | in reply to TessaGreen | delete
    Thx for the quick response--it helped a lot! Another question: I've been looking at the Garmin Colorado 400t and 60CSx. The Colorado is not getting great ratings on amazon, yet you rate it highly. It happens to be on sale on Costco's website for a great price, but I'm hesitating, given what amazon customers are saying. Can you comment?
  • TessaGreen Apr 20, 2009 @ 10:42 pm | delete
    Hi Ellen, thanks for the compliment. Yes - with the eTrex, you don't get a true compass. More like a pointer. So, it determines the direction you are walking in, then calculates and points in the direction you need to go. That's because the eTrex is a basic, entry-level gps. It's very pared down - no extras. There are other handhelds that have true compasses. For instance the 60CSx and the Colorado 400t discussed above.
  • ellen Apr 19, 2009 @ 8:07 pm | delete
    Great website! Question: I just went out with a friend who had an Etrex that she got from REI. When we stood still the arrow just started going round and round. Very frustrating to have to keep moving, esp in tough terrain. Is this typical? I've never used a handheld gps before...
  • TessaGreen Apr 19, 2009 @ 3:00 am | delete
    Susannah, Thank you very much.
  • susannaduffy Apr 17, 2009 @ 6:16 am | delete
    This is a terrific lens! Well done!
  • TessaGreen Mar 15, 2009 @ 5:58 am | delete
    N Lass, Have you looked at the Geko 201? From it's Menu Page, you can go to the Edit Location Page and enter longitude and latitude. Do you mind me asking what you use your GPS for?
  • N Lass Mar 14, 2009 @ 7:23 pm | delete
    I have yet to find a unit that is easy to input longitude and lattitude and set go to it!!! Am I missing something? Which is the best unit for doing just that in? Is there an ordinary street unit that makes it easy> mcbm@juno.com
  • TessaGreen Mar 10, 2009 @ 9:05 am | delete
    Jack Jones, Thanks for taking the time to drop a line.
  • Jack Jones Mar 10, 2009 @ 8:14 am | delete
    interesting article, thanks :)
    high tech news
  • TessaGreen Mar 8, 2009 @ 9:40 am | delete
    wayfarer & QueenStacyB Thank you. I'm sooo thrilled you've found this info useful.
    QueenStacyB please come back and tell us how your first geo-adventure goes.
    Evie, I'm on the case ... watch this space
    Tiddledeewink You Are Welcome! See you soon.
  • wayfarer Mar 7, 2009 @ 5:33 pm | delete
    Very helpful lens for the greatest question facing new geocachers!
  • Tiddledeewinks Feb 26, 2009 @ 9:39 am | delete
    These seem handy on the road. I need to come back and read more. Thanks!
  • Evie Feb 21, 2009 @ 4:15 pm | delete
    Thanks so much. Only question now is... is there anything in between? One costs about $100, the others about $350. Anything in the ~$250 range?
  • QueenStacyB Feb 7, 2009 @ 9:13 pm | delete
    Man oh man, lots of good info here. Now I just have to make the choice :-) My son and I are new to GeoCaching so I'll prob. go w/ the less expensive one for now. We've actually found 3 out of 5 using my TomTom....go figure LOL. I am very glad to of come across your site!! .
  • TessaGreen Dec 11, 2008 @ 5:39 pm | delete
    Hey Yakodzuna, thank you very much for your kind compliment. Really pleased you find this useful.
  • gps batteries Dec 5, 2008 @ 7:49 am | delete
    Best tips for gps batteries!

    pdaaccessories.com
  • Yakodzuna Nov 28, 2008 @ 10:12 am | delete
    Excellent lens and very informative! 5 stars!
  • TessaGreen Nov 24, 2008 @ 9:53 pm | delete
    EagleScoutMom, hello. Thanks for dropping by. Exciting isn't it, looking for another geocaching gps? Any reason you are not simply getting another Garmin ETrex? Hope you let us know what you get in the end - And how long you get to hold unto it before the kids claim permanent ownership of the nice new shiny gps (lol!)
  • TessaGreen Nov 24, 2008 @ 9:49 pm | delete
    Hi yorkie30 thanks for telling us about your etrex H. It is a tough little number, isn't it? Don't know what to make of it when you say after "moving 60 miles or more with it" ithas difficulty getting a signal. Do you find that that's the case when you first switch it on?
  • TessaGreen Nov 24, 2008 @ 9:44 pm | delete
    michele, apologies - I managed to miss your comment. Thanks for dropping by. Your project sounds so exciting. Wow! To comment on your question, I think it depends on what you want to do with them. Are you focusing more on orienteering skills? In which case the more basic ones like the 201 and Etrex H will be more useful Yes, the Colorado and other gps like that would be far too much. The main thing I'd be concerned with would be the GPS holding unto a signal very reliably indeed.

    I really do hope you drop by again and let us know how it's going. All the best.
  • EagleScoutMom Nov 22, 2008 @ 8:57 am | delete
    Great info ! I'm in the market for a new one. We have the Garmin ETrex and it is great for the kids when we go geocaching.
  • yorkie30 Nov 21, 2008 @ 5:36 pm | delete
    I have an etrex H and find it very good for geocaching. The battery life is great and it hold the signal very well even in cities and in the woods. It's not let me down yet, the only problem is after moving 60 miles or more with it off it takes a while to find all the satalites again. Have had it for 18 months now and found over 200 caches with it. Thanks for a interesting site.
  • michele Oct 2, 2008 @ 11:21 am | delete
    I am looking for some simple units to use in elementary school and while your list of suggestions seem awesome, I am wondering if they are overkill for my purpose: to introduct geocaching to elementary students and to teacher-ed students at my college. any thoughts?
  • michele Oct 2, 2008 @ 11:21 am | delete
    I am looking for some simple units to use in elementary school and while your list of suggestions seem awesome, I am wondering if they are overkill for my purpose: to introduct geocaching to elementary students and to teacher-ed students at my college. any thoughts?
  • TessaGreen Sep 2, 2008 @ 7:01 am | delete
    Hey Bobby, You're Welcome! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you fare a lot better with the Etrex H. If you can, please let us know how you find it.
  • Bobby Aug 31, 2008 @ 9:53 pm | delete
    I have an Etrex Venture. It doesnt hold a signal well in the woods at all. I'm hoping that the Etrex H solves that problem. Thanks for the review!
  • TessaGreen Jul 29, 2008 @ 4:38 am | delete
    cat daddy2, I think of the Garmin Legend as the baby apple mac of GPSes. Looks smart. What do you think? More importantly, how well does it help you with geocaching? It seems good in lots of ways - screen, battery life, MAPS, quick sat lock, etc. It scored 16/21. The big BUT for me is it doesn't hold it's satellite lock under even light cover. That would inconvenience lots of geocachers. What do you think?
  • TessaGreen Jul 29, 2008 @ 3:03 am | delete
    Hello EadsinCO , thank you for mentioning the Garmin eTrex H. Yes it is a nice one. Robust, tenacious, basic. In fact I think I'll put up a quick review of it. Please let us know what you think of it if you decide to get it. Good luck.
  • the cat daddy2 Jul 28, 2008 @ 2:13 am | delete
    thamks i have a garmin ledgend and it also works well
  • EadsinCO Jul 20, 2008 @ 3:51 pm | delete
    How about the Garmin eTrex H? It's got good sensitivity, waterproof, 17 hr on 2 AAs, and under $100 including shipping? I'm interested in buying soon.
  • TessaGreen Jun 6, 2008 @ 12:44 am | delete
    Gabrielle, thank you, thank you. Thrilled you found this useful.
  • beachbum_gabby Jun 5, 2008 @ 10:47 am | delete
    best resource and device for my adventure get a ways.
  • TessaGreen Jun 1, 2008 @ 6:09 pm | delete
    triathlontraining, hi. Thank you for such an encouraging comment, and thanks for the group tip. I'm on my way ...
  • triathlontraining May 31, 2008 @ 3:17 pm | delete
    Great job on the lens! You should add this to the Geocaching Headquarters too. :)
    http://www.squidoo.com/groups/geocaching-group
  • TessaGreen May 30, 2008 @ 6:26 pm | delete
    hearthealth, thank you very much for 5 star and fave. Yes I have just skipped over to yours and noticed the not-very-subtle leaning towards garmin (ha ha)
  • TessaGreen May 30, 2008 @ 6:12 pm | delete
    Thank you Linda. I really appreciate your thoughtful comment. Thanks also for lensrolling me to you. I've just had a look and realize it means putting me in your recommends box. Wow. Thank you. What a fabulous feature. Hope u don't mind me copying it. Congrats to you too Ms Lens of the day.
  • hearthealth May 29, 2008 @ 10:04 pm | delete
    Hi Tessa, 5* and faved for zeroing in on the Garmin. Did too, in my own GPS lens (hope to see you there)!
  • ArtByLinda May 29, 2008 @ 1:02 pm | delete
    Hi, I think you did an exquisite job of educating people on the GPS unit! I think your lens, will go great with mine, so I'm lensrolling you to All About Geocaching and congratulations on making lens of the day too!!! Linda
  • TessaGreen May 25, 2008 @ 2:34 am | delete
    Aaaaah (sorry for the high pitched shriek)! Thank you so much, Leslie.

    Thank you also, Mulberry. Please forgive my rudeness - I only recently realised I could reply to comments.

    Both of you inspired me to find a nice avatar cos I love both of yours AND no way I'm putting my pic up (too UNphotogenic)
  • LeslieBrenner May 24, 2008 @ 5:55 am | delete
    Very useful lens, 5 GPS stars. Ooo, I love your new leafy avatar too!
  • mulberry Apr 15, 2008 @ 9:16 pm | delete
    Great lens, tons of good information!

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