I'm a map and compass guy like Oldgentleman but I have a summer trip to Quetico where I'll be bushwhacking deep into some lakes and I've decided to buy a GPS.

There are an awful lot of options out there and I've read some of the posts on here. Some of the recommended GPS units are pretty sweet but are alos pretty expensive for my budget. I'll end up buying one of those units if I find that it's what I really need.

My primary use will be for camping only. It's about the only time I would use it. I need to load maps onto it. I found this unit at Gander Mountain that has a $100 rebate. Plus a friend of mine works there so I'll be able to get this unit for around $150.

Garmin Dakota 20

I do like the touch screen and it says that it works well in bright light. Both of these options I like. Can anyone comment on this unit. I'm a total newbie to modern GPS units so I don't know what I don't know. Thanks.

Tom

No direct comment on the Garmin GPS as I use a Delorme. I do have Garmin map programs that I use, Ibycus Canada Topo, shareware displayed on Garmin Basecamp.
Red Pine Mapping, displayed on Basecamp. Both of Kahshahpiwi Lake Quetico, both could be used on the Garmin Dakota.

butthead

Butthead: what do those symbols on your maps indicate? the small black squares, circles etc.,

OP:
whatever GPS you get, it should be compatible with Garmin files, whether directly or through the mapping software

I also have a DeLorme, but my mapping software can take Garmin files, then I can create files for the DeLorme from it

Just purchased it today from Gander Mt. I have researched and think it will do just find. Very easy to use so far in my back yard. Too cold out to stand around outside today. $329 out the door and I have to send in to get another $100.00 off. I think i got a good deal.

quote ZaraSp00k: "Butthead: what do those symbols on your maps indicate? the small black squares, circles etc.,


OP:
whatever GPS you get, it should be compatible with Garmin files, whether directly or through the mapping software


I also have a DeLorme, but my mapping software can take Garmin files, then I can create files for the DeLorme from it


"

The symbols are unidentified terrain objects, camps? rocks? I'll check personally on the water in May!

I prefer the maps and programming from Delorme, a year long subscription gets all the USGS, Sat, and aerial imaging you can use. Add portage and campsite overlays and It makes a good mapping system.
I just like to experiment a lot! And the Garmin units/mapping programs are very good also, and improving fast.

butthead

Thanks for the tips. I'm buying the Garmin Dakota 20.

Tom

Nice unit, tumblehome. So far, all I have needed (and more) for my Garmin 62st I have found in these three products:

BWCA campsite, portage .gpx data available free from Arch Harris.

Lake depth maps for 9,500 lakes on the Garmin Upper Midwest Fishing Guide, $89.99 microchip at Reeds.

Garmin's BaseCamp, a free download.

Shweady,

Fantastic links. Thanks! When I get the unit I will visit your links more carefully.

Tom

When you are ready to purchase some add-ons directly from Garmin, register your unit first and they will provide you with a limited-time code for 10% or so off of your first purchase from them (maps, etc). Not sure if that would make the UMFG microchip price lower than Reed's offer, or maybe there's something else from Garmin that catches your eye. Registering helps with auto updates of unit firmware, etc, also.

ZaraSp00k what mapping software are you using to create map files for Delorme? I have a Delorme PN-60 and I following Denton Doc's advice to create some high-contrast maps with Memory Map software but I couldn't figure out how to get the maps into my PN-60. I called Delorme and they said the only way was to buy their Xmap software for $250.

I am thinking of dumping the PN-60 and buying a Garmin unless I can figure this out. How do you like your Delorme?

RC123,
I use a Delorme PN60, and Topo North America 9.
Don't not know what you mean by "high-contrast maps", but do use printed maps I make with the Topo 9 program, almost exclusively.
These maps and more can be loaded onto the PN60 at the same time for display in the field.
You can also make a lot of adjustments in the printer setup and properties, to change the appearance of the maps you print.

Your PN60 and mapping software that came with it will certainly do the job for you, with a bit of effort on your part.
If you chose "dumping the PN60 and buying a Garmin", let me know, I'd like another for my own use.

butthead

I also use Topo, the software that comes with the unit, except mine is version 8. It seems a little quirky at first, but once you get used to it, does everything I want.
I bought a years subscription to their map service, after trying different data I settled on the USGS data, the sat and other stuff just didn't seem necessary for my use. Which is canoeing and hiking.
The other thing is that the software will take in Garmin data, which you can then export to your DeLorme GPS

You can import data such as waypoints, tracks, and so on. But not the maps themselves.
In the draw section, you can import these types of files.

butthead

oh, right, it has been so long ago I forgot it was only portage, campsite etc. data I brought in, not the Garmin maps themselves