[OSM-talk] best GPS for trekking

[Lambertus]

Joe Richards wrote:
> I will be trekking in Nepal later this year, and would like to keep some nice GPX trails and waypoints (both on the trekking trails and in the towns/roads), since it looks relatively unmapped...  I usually use a windows mobile device with a bluetooth GPS but this strikes me as way to flimsy and the battery life would be far too short.
> 
> What is my best option given the requirements of:
>  * reasonable robustness - ie can be put in the top pocket of a backpack and forgotten about for a day, even if I slip over or sling my bag around
>  * excellent battery life, ideally a few days' tracking before a recharge (although I could carry other power sources, I'd rather not)
>  * a little feedback, not just a GPS 'brick' - e.g. a display and/or the ability to enter waypoint names would be nice
> 
My options would be the Garmin Vista HCx or Garmin GPSmap 60CSx. Both 
are very sturdy outdoor GPS devices with high sensitivity receiver, 
micro-SD card for maps and unlimited tracklogs, color screen. The HCx is 
a bit cheaper but the 60CSx has a screen that's a bit larger and better 
readable without the backlight on (which saves battery life). With good 
batteries you should be able to get about 20 hours between charges.

I notice that my NiMH batteries (Ansmann 2700mAh) perform worse when 
it's cold, so maybe normal Alkaline batteries might be better in cold 
environments.