I just got into Strava. I used to play video games, and Strava makes my weekend warrior-ing like a video game with leaderboards and accomplishments and all that. Don’t judge me.
I have a cheapo Walmart phone plan and a phone without GPS. I would like to be able to track my long off grid rides, runs, paddles, and overnights. Does anyone have a favorite setup for Garmin true GPS linked to smart phone… or can a GPS run an app directly not necessitating being connected to a phone?? Or other gadgetry integration that works great for them? Open to whatever combination works… I would love to be able to use the GPS for maps and tracks too, but not essential.
The options I have seen in my own research are:
*Cycling only: Garmin 500, plugged into my not-that-smart phone. Can it be used for hikes and climbs and stuff?
*Used iphone with true GPS chip. Seems I can get a used iphone 6 for $200ish. I have seen mixed reviews on the actual location on those. And I like to do things like climb peaks in whiteout conditions, so GPS accuracy would be a bonus.
*dedicated real live big Garmin GPS that I could use for everything and plug it into my not-that-smart phone. I really don’t know much about this, but it seems possibly clunky, overkill, too big for 30 mile morning pre-work rides, but has the benefit of accuracy and real maps.
Other questions: My old spot took FOREVER to turn on, as did my old Garmin Oregon 400t which I seem to have lost again… How are we doing these days for GPS tracking. Can I step out my door, and go for a run without waiting 17 minutes for the GPS and Strava to locate my starting point yet? And in tracking a multiday endeavor… say a FKT attempt, or an unstaged bike race like a Tour Divide style thing. Any helpful advice for blog post anywhere on how to do that with Strava? Slightly off topic on that specific question, but it is related to the gear…
Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions! Been a while since I have posted here. Haven’t done many real live major adventures since 2013… grrr.
