[Closed] Walking GPS - what you got?

I use an etrex 10 small compact and gives grid ref it does other things but I'm only interested in grid ref as back up. I'm a map and compass guy gps didn't exist when I started hill walking.

Second hand non-Wi-fi/Bluetooth Garmin Oregon 450 here with 1:25 OS. Runs off AAs so easy to carry extra power. Screen defo nowhere near a phone in size or clarity, but easy to follow a trail or just use for general nav aid as you describe.

Started with an old etrex blue, no map, but cords and routes, direction arrow, etc, deffo helped, but after a while went mad and got a satmap 10 with os 50, so rolling map(which I love), highlighted routes etc, chuffing expensive but it’s still working and on original battery after ?10? At least, probably more, years of being lugged around via a bike mount.

Recently got (30% sale) satmap 20 it’s os50, even more chuffing expensive, slightly bigger display, quicker and internet route loading. (Beware satmap integration , its weak imho, esp pre 20 models and maps are also chuffing expensive) - it was the integration jump(and sale) and lockdown that made me buy it and we did loads of cycling and I did much more walking with the mrs so got peed with route downloading.

For the mrs, I Have just got an secondhand satmap 10 off eBay with south half of uk at os50 for £55, and at that money I think that makes it worth it *check out integration reqts as I think that you have to use a pc , a cable and satsync app, so no phone or iPad connectivity)

For a cheapo basic I saw this, I have no idea if its any good
https://www.memory-map.co.uk/gps/memory-map-bike-270-pro-gps-trip-computer

Following with interest. I’m just wading through Lyle Brotherton’s navigation book and (rightly) he is a big advocate of map and compass first but some form of GPS device as back up.

I’ve subbed to the OS maps (rude not to at £18.99 for the year) and am going to slowly build up a connection of actual maps as well but a reliable hiking gps would be nice also 🙂

For a cheapo basic I saw this, I have no idea if its any good
https://www.memory-map.co.uk/gps/memory-map-bike-270-pro-gps-trip-computer/blockquote >

That's no use. Like a lot of bike specific GPS computers, it doesn't display grid locations.

 

I’ve got a Garmin GPS map62 from my old geological mapping days. It’s never let me down and I have the full OS maps on it. I think it’s been replaced by the 64.

but it’s not

super cheap and cheerful (and robust and small) garmin brick displaying the grid reference only and ability to make a waypoint etc

Must read more carefully.

Just use a stylus, I do this whilst wandering along river banks and flood embankments all day looking at environment agency assets. I use OS app on my phone as it's better than the EA iPad app for showing access routes. Means I can keep gloves on. Toasty warm hands.

Think I got a pack of 10 from Amazon for a fiver.

I use an Oregon and have done for several years. A Dakota before that. I prefer the larger display. I have OS and OpenStreetmap mapping installed. The latter is clearer and scales better with it's vector graphics. I do switch between both though depending upon my requirements at the time.

I have have a number of Profiles set up for the various activities; walking, paddling, road bike, mountain bike, having modified the displayed fields and routing accordingly.

Runs off AA batteries which can be useful on extended trips. It will also recharge NIMH cells in situ with just a USB cable.

As you suggest, my phone is my phone. I like to make sure it stays somewhere protected (and warm) in the event I need it for communications.

There's a lot to be said for using an old phone in a strong case on your bars though. Lots of suitable apps around to choose from.

I've also got an Oregon with OS maps. Admittedly, most of the time I use the OS Maps app on my phone, but will use the Oregon as back-up or for longer trips.

GPSmap 64s. No touchscreen so idiot proof when wearing gloves. They're old and deprecated now, would have thought very cheap second hand.

Mine's been dropped more times than I can count. Would suggest a screen protector though because the screen is plastic.

I’m a old skool (ML qualified) map and compass <span class="skimlinks-unlinked">guy.</span>

Then you should have no issues with a wrist based offering from Garmin. Various ways to do it, but select activity as tactical and one of the data fields is OS grid 6 figure reference. Should be all you need if discreet is what you want. Also the advantages of HRM, altimeter, barometer functions etc if required. You just select the model that suits you requirements the most. Instinct/FR945/Fenix 6 all suit but at different price points.

My turn of the millenium etrax

This is £5 on eBay plus map and compass is what I've been using.

Job jobbed.

I just found my old eTrex during a clear-out and was wondering how best to move it on.

DM me to claim it for the cost of postage.

I've only relatively recently acquired an edge for cycling

For bikepacking, motorcycling or walking I use a garmin oregon. Had it for years, maybe double figures now. Excellent

Had an etrex before that

My eTrex has been claimed now

My eTrex has been claimed now

No worries and glad it has a new home.

Thanks for the responses.

Then you should have no issues with a wrist based offering from Garmin. Various ways to do it, but select activity as tactical and one of the data fields is OS grid 6 figure reference. Should be all you need if discreet is what you want. Also the advantages of HRM, altimeter, barometer functions etc if required. You just select the model that suits you requirements the most. Instinct/FR945/Fenix 6 all suit but at different price points.

I had thought of that - I do own a fenix 5x and I 'think' with a IQ app you can get it to show grid references. Not much use for multi day trips unless you just powered up the GPS tracking when needed. Also sadly I'm not convinced my eyesight is good enough without reading glasses these days. Depressing this middle aged lark.

Thanks again all.

Heres how to set the Fenix up so that it shows British grid references:

Linky

I've just set this up and added the location field to the hike activity profile.

I'm very much a map and compass type of guy but what I've been doing recently is plotting a route on Strava which then automatically appears on Garmin connect and saving it to my Fenix (5x Sapphire) and using that to get the stats on how far travelled, how far to go etc.

I also use the Alpinequest App on my phone which you can set to download sections of 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 OS Maps for offline use at no cost, apart from th initial paid for app.

I never head out with a compass and a map though in case all of the tech option fail.

I'm far from a navy expert, but I'm an old school map and compass guy. I've just got an app that gives a 6 figure OS reference for when I'm a bit stuck 😂

If you're an ML then I'd assume that a 6 figure grid ref would be all that you'd need as a back up? I'm fairly sure that it'll be all I'd ever need. I had a brief look at the Garmin watches before Christmas as my gp's mum wanted to treat me to a nice pressie.....holy shitballs they're expensive!!!

I had thought of that – I do own a fenix 5x and I ‘think’ with a IQ app you can get it to show grid references.

@convert. Not at all. All Garmins will show OS grid reference as default setting. PM me and I'll happily set you up on your 5X. Truth be told, you already have the best tool for the job regardless of eyesight/age. 😀

Brilliant, didn't know i could get my grid ref as a data field on vivoactive, superb!

@Nobeerinthefridge. Yeah Garmin will show your positional coordinates in a multitude of ways. Most useful in the UK is mainly British grid.

'tactical' activity will generally have a dedicated data field so I just use this on a walk. If other activities are preferable due to the metrics generally speaking one of the data fields can be exchanged for grid reference. So OS grid is not restricted to solely tactical activity.

Not at all. All Garmins will show OS grid reference as default setting. PM me and I’ll happily set you up on your 5X.

hmm - no luck so far - lat/long only. I'll pm you (and check out the videos for the IQ app install as last resort).

@convert

Format to OS grid.

If you watch the supplied you tube link from 28 seconds, this should sort you out.

Let me know how you get on.

For winter walking/wet walks etc you can put the watch in "jacket" mode. This allows you to strap it to the outside of your jacket thus always have grid ref available without the faff. Just a quick glance and you have it. No pressing of buttons etc. Jacket mode basically disables HRM etc to conserve battery life  as it cannot obviously work through clothing.

For anyone wanting a nice simple grid ref app on their phone, I’ve tried a few and find this one the best:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/gps-os-grid-reference/id993436655

(I think there’s an android version too)

I found it really useful when I was ML training - I’d set myself a leg to navigate and then use it to confirm my position at the end of the leg.