Navigation and Communication Devices: Strengths, Limitations, and Use Cases

Ryan mentions that he has a standalone GPS unit that he chose for its light weight and reliability in extreme conditions. Anyone know what he is using? Otherwise, anyone have thoughts on what might be the best standalone GPS device, specifically to take the place of smartphone navigation in sub-freezing/snowy/rainy conditions?

Luke –

I’m still using a Garmin GPSMap 62s in cold weather conditions such as ice climbing at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  A GPS is almost an absolute must for locating ice pillars I’ve never visited before with the GPS coordinates published in the climbing guidebook.  When it’s 18°F with a 25mph wind, I’d MUCH prefer manipulating the buttons on the GPSMap 62s with my gloved hand than try to fiddle with my touch screen phone.

Would I love to update to an updated GNSS receiver like the GPSMap 66sr to get a multi-band receiver with much better accuracy?  Sure.  But given the $499.99 upgrade cost, my 62s is “good enough” for now.

The Garmin eTrex SE may be smaller, cheaper, and lighter, but I don’t like that it doesn’t support topo maps.  You can load it with waypoints and routes, so it would be usable, even for me with the activities that I want it for (see above).  But having a topo map generated from Caltopo is really nice.

Can’t speak for Ryan but having used an InReach for years I would probably go with the GPSMAP 67i. That way it easily connects with my watch and iPhone as well as being a stand alone device.

Hi Luke – RJ is using a Garmin eTrex series GPS Unit.

Maps….

Best place to purchase and what is the recommended scale? Loved the article!

I noticed caltopo has 1:12,000 scale now for some maps…didn’t even think there was anything more than 1:24,000.

To overcome the cold issues with my iphone, I add a hot hands in pocket with it.  I can get down to ~ -15C with no impact to the iphone’s functionality and without any increase in battery drain, for the duration of the hot hands while moving and generating body heat (8 hours).

At lower temperatures, I put my phone in a 44g Decathlon fanny pack with a hot hands, wear it in front and under my soft shell, and it’s taken the phone down to -25C for hours while moving so far, with no impact to functionality or battery drain.

I also baby my phone’s battery, applying these sorts of tips.  Its 3 years old and battery health is 93%.  I do this to make it more reliable when needing it for navigation out of cell coverage, and it reduces the risk my charge bank will run out of power, often letting me carry a lighter battery charger.  I also use a Garmin Messenger (its light) for the reverse charge feature, SOS and messaging, which reduces the risk of runing out of battery even further.

Can’t say this will work for everyone, but it works great for me.