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Hi
I have only used a fairly rudimentary Garmin up until now for speed and distance information but I want to buy one for off road adventures in the mountains following pre loaded routes. What’s the best one to chose for useable screen size and functionality?
Thanks for the advice.
Look at the Oregon range. The 700 should be exactly what you are after.
If you are used to OS mapping then choose that too, but install something based on OSM too.
Etrex or the Dakota/Oregon/Montana series. The latter have bigger screens and have recharging circuits built in, all use standard AA sized batteries. You can load whichever maps you have or want - I've OS and OSM map on mine and just choose the appropriate one.
Etrex 30 plus talky toaster maps should be good enough.
Oh, yeah - the <cough>ahem</cough> <cough>cheap</cough> OS copies are no longer readily available after the OS clamped down on the seller. You <cough>may</cough> find someone with a copy who <cough>might</cough> be willing to <cough>copy</cough> it for you.
Apologies for the gravelly throat 😉
Well… they'll all do this one way or another, the devil's in the detail. Such as:
- Are you going to be using routes that have been planned, with cues/course points?
- If not, are you willing and able to add those yourself in an online route planner before sending to the device?
- Do you want to rely on the device for mapping as well as simply following a route?
- If so, do you just need paths marked, or do you need full cartography? (eg contours/relief)
- Are you likely to want or need to divert from your planned route?
- Are you going to want to get routes on there via a mobile device?
- Are there any specific route planning tools that you use or are likely to use?
- Do you want an accurate altimeter?
- Do you care how bulky the device (and associated bar mount) is?
- What other usage do you envisage for it once you've returned from the mountains?
- What’s the budget?
As above, get a mapping Garmin - the ones designed for walkers also work well for bikepacking, and have replaceable batteries
I've had my Garmin Oregon 550t since 2010, still going strong!
Has been used for geocaching, walking, cycling, motorcycling, in the car etc
OS copies are no longer readily available
Really?
I'm using Memory Map on my PC. I have the full set of the whole country at 1:10,000, 1:25,000 and 1:50,000. Damned handy they are. I did invest in them some years ago and no longer get updates, but these only really apply to roads. I didn't know OS had blocked them. I'll treasure my maps like gold dust.
I also have the Memory Map app on my phone and I can download routes onto that with no problem in either gpx or mmo format. If I need navigation on the bike I use an eTrex so that I still have the "normal" bike info shown on my computer.
I've got the Garmin 60CSX which does routes and maps - although not OS maps 🙁
OS copies are no longer readily available
Really?
He means the rip-off copies that were in Garmin format. Pucka licensed stuff can still be bought.
Wot Sarawak said 👍
Long battery life, clear mapping that shows more info the more you zoom in. Talky is very helpful. Not used OS maps, but I've heard they can be cluttered.
Garmin Edge Explore for real maps and turn-by-turn - very useful if you go off-route or want to cut short. Screen also works in the rain AIUI
He means the rip-off copies that were in Garmin format.
Thanks. I never knew such things existed, but then I never needed to look for them!
*Shameful stealth ad*
I have an etrex 20x I’ll be selling cheaply if you are interested, I was just waiting for the £1 fees offer on eBay.
Only changed as I bought an edge 820 from that PSA on here as I want to use Strava.
I use a Garmin Edge Touring for that sort of thing. Purchased after being recommended on here by others.
I use a Garmin Oregon 700 with Talky Toaster mapping.
Oregon 600 here - absolutely bomb-proof and ability to run rechargeable or AAs is a real bonus if doing multi-day stuff.
Thanks Whitestone I will keep that in mind.
I hope your throat gets better soon. :0)
Cheers
Ed
It's worth repeating, but guidance and routing are as much a function of the mapping as it is the hardware/software.
Thanks all for your advice and Scotroutes for the specifics.