Hi All,

I am new to this forum and have researched as much as I could via the search feature. Here is my question - I am looking at buying a small handheld gps for my upcoming trips this year. I want to keep the cost down, but still be able to get some nice features. I fully understand that map and compass are paramount and the gps serves as backup and for me to track my route. That being said, based on price and features, it looks like its between Garmin Dakota 20 and Garmin Etrex 20. Cabelas has I think a great deal starting in 2 days on the Dakota Bundle unit with case, topo map dvd 100K, etc. for $199. I can find Etrex for $165.

1) Between those 2 which do you think is a better unit, or are either one not a good idea?

2) I admit I know jack about gps and really feel overwhelmed when reading about map overlays and arch harris files and getting them on the unit. Also Minnesota Topo Files?

3) For simplicity reasons, is PaddleNav a good solution for basic map, portage and campsite detail?

4) Will these units do a bread crumb trail as I call it?

Thanks for my rambling and probably pediatric questions. Rob

1) Between those 2 which do you think is a better unit, or are either one not a good idea?

Dakota: touch screen, older model, 1/2 the memory waypoints, 1/4 the routes, shorter battery life.
ETrex: button operated, newer system GPS and GLONASS capable, 1.7 gb mem 2000 waypoints 200 routes 25% longer battery life.
I personally don't like touch screens, ETrex.

2) I admit I know jack about gps and really feel overwhelmed when reading about map overlays and arch Harris files and getting them on the unit. Also Minnesota Topo Files?
Both units accept custom maps, micro chips.

3) For simplicity reasons, is PaddleNav a good solution for basic map, portage and campsite detail?
Yes.

4) Will these units do a bread crumb trail as I call it?
Yes. Both set waypoints according to personalized settings (time vs distance frequency).

butthead

3) For simplicity reasons, is PaddleNav a good solution for basic map, portage and campsite detail?
Yes but. I have both PaddleNav and TOPO Canada from Garmin. At first glance PaddleNav looks better with finer elevation line. On further study I find creeks that run up and down hills. Both will work well for you but I prefer TOPO Canada.

Thanks Magic and BH,

In the garmin lineup, for under $300, is there a better gps unit? Thanks rob

quote MagicPaddler: "3) For simplicity reasons, is PaddleNav a good solution for basic map, portage and campsite detail?
Yes but. I have both PaddleNav and TOPO Canada from Garmin. At first glance PaddleNav looks better with finer elevation line. On further study I find creeks that run up and down hills. Both will work well for you but I prefer TOPO Canada.
"

Not disagreeing, I use area specific maps more than general. But PaddleNav includes both Quetico and BWCA. Topo maps, portages and campsites for both on 1 chip.
On the garmin 62st I could display multiple maps at the same time loaded on 1 chip. I know the ETrex and think the Dakota will can only have 1 mapset per chip.

butthead

quote boomer68: "Thanks Magic and BH,


In the garmin lineup, for under $300, is there a better gps unit? Thanks rob"

62st, I had for a while was very good, almost as good as the Delorme PN60 I use regularly.

butthead

Garmin Dakota 20 Bundle $199 at Cabelas 2-6 Through 2-17

In the gear forum, someone mentioned Garmin etrex20 at Dicks for $99. Just picked one up today.