Carrying a GPS unit on/in backpack

[BPLwiia]

I have an eTrex 30 and am looking for suggestions about the best manner in which to carry it while hiking. I've been carrying it in a shirt pocket but like the bulky feeling.

I'd like it to be accessible so the accessory belt clip made for the eTrex 30 came to mind. However, I read a review from someone who thought the clip felt "cheap" and it malfunctioned causing the unit to fall into a stream.

I don't want it dangling and spinning around on a lanyard.

Is there a way to affix it to a shoulder, or belt, strap so it doesn't move but is easily removed when you want to take a reading?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Jerry Adams]

There's a thread about GPS accuracy that talks about this

I've tried clip and concluded the same thing – can fall off, but someone else uses it successfully – try it yourself.

If you had a pocket on the shoulder strap that could hold it, that would work

I just carry in pocket, but like you said, it's sort of bulky and heavy so non-optimum

[Brandon M]

I clip my etrex 20 to a webbing loop on my shoulder strap using a small S-biner. I just hook it through the quarter turn fastener on the back of the battery door. A few hundred miles with this setup with no issues.

[Dena Kelley]

Depending on the capability of the receiver, you may be able to stick it inside your backpack. I use a Delorme PN-60 and often carry it inside my pack and it has no problem keeping contact with the satellites.

I think they also make belt holsters, that might be an option. You could strap it to your pack, if you didn't want to carry it on your hip.

[Jerry Adams]

Does it flop around when clipped?

[Adam Rothermich]

I have mine on a short leash (~6") and clip the free end to a loop on my shoulder strap. Then I toss the unit (eTrex 20) behind my neck on top of my pack. It does have a tendency to slide off if you lean way forward, like to pick something up off the ground, but the lanyard keeps it from harm. And when I need it I just give the lanyard a pull, no need to unclip anything.

Adam

[Scott Musack]

I put a small zip tie on the GPS so I'd have an easy loop to attach to. I use a small s – biner and attach it to my chest strap so I can easily read it.

It doesn't flop around as the loop and biner are small, so very little play.

[Brandon M]

I don't find that it flops around much at all. I don't really notice it while hiking, but I should mention that I use this setup for on-trail hiking. If I'm bushwacking (which is usually only when I'm fishing), I tend to just leave it in my bag since I mainly just use it to mark good locations along the river and am not concerned with checking it regularly.

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