Hello all,

I'm an avid mushroom hunter (no, not the psychedelic kind), and I'd like to get a GPS to help me get further "off trail" without having to worry as much about getting lost. It'd also be nice for when solo hiking some of the rougher trails around.

A big box store near me has the Garmin 62S on sale now, priced at $200 down from the regular price of $349.

I already have a Lowrance H20, but I *hate* that thing. Goes through batteries incredibly, incredibly fast. Tough to see in daylight. And it takes forever to acquire a signal. I'd like a good GPS that I can rely on in the woods; the Lowrance is definitely not that.

Anyone have any experience with this model of Garmin? Is there a new-and-improved model coming out and that's why the store is dumping inventory? I don't need the fanciest, newest one. Just one I can rely on.

Garmin is releasing the nearly identical 64 series soon so the 62, 62s, 62st, 62sc, and 62stc should all see their time on sale. It's an excellent time to buy - I'd imagine them all at around half original price this year. I have the 62st. It has the topo map included, but that can be added to the 62s if you see the need. I have already decided that the 64st might be nice but it's not a must-have upgrade. Make your comparisons of the various '62' models here.

ps I am also a former Lowrance ExpeditionC owner (similar, but one step up from the H2Oc), and now can't believe that I thought that thing was any good.

As long as you are talking Garmin 62 class GPSr's I'll mention my favorite and current "in my use" Delorme PN series. They have a bit of a reputation to be difficult to learn but more capable, particularly in mapping programs.
I use PN40se and PN60 with Topo 10, MapPack and DigitalGlobe subscriptions.

butthead

Thanks for the advice, guys.

I'm pretty new to the GPS thing. My only prior use with one was to save fishing spots. That's it.

And all I want this one for is as a backup if my map/compass fail when out hiking or looking for mushrooms. I'm not planning to do much geocaching, and I *hope* to not turn it on unless I get lost. Last year, when out looking for morels or chants or porcini, I'd want to wander away from the trail. With a GPS as a backup, I'd feel safer doing so. Ideally, in these situations, the map and compass would get me back home; the GPS would only be used when I wasn't certain of my location.

Regarding mapping features, or the kind of use I'm planning, what quality do I need? I assume that I don't need much...

quote carmike: "And all I want this [gps] for is as a backup if my map/compass fail..."

:) Forgive me for chuckling; no disrespect. I'm the first to extol the merits of gps use, it's just that one usually hears that statement with the tools reversed. :)

Map quality? Hey, I started using a Garmin GPS45XL years back, and even with no map at all I still thought I knew where I was. :)

Not sure how much map research you've done, but a quick primer: My 62st includes a 1:100,000 scale topo map for the entire U.S. and a worldwide base map with shaded relief. The 62s, which has usually sold for around $100 cheaper, has the base map but no topo included. Many sources exist for adding (sometimes at no cost) 1:24,000 scale topo maps for much higher detail, but only selected regions at a time due to the size of the files. You might install them to the unit's memory or simply purchase a region on a microSD card and slip it in.

For me, the 100k topo mapping is plenty good. I like the fact that it covers the entire U.S., I didn't need to do any extra installations, and the microSD slot is available for my lake depths card (Upper Midwest Fishing Guide chip), which also provides better shoreline detail and accuracy for trips on the water.

Relying on map and compass is great. But if you want a backup I suggest getting used to working with a GPS, especially it's tracking potential. If you need to use it as a backup and it has been on and tracking, finding your way back will be simple.
A GPS without a Topo map display can be confusing in the woods. I liked the installed Topo on the 62st and used it for hiking, geocaching and canoeing.
A GPS can be so much more than an electronic map and compass. That is why I tend to recommend starting with a mid range unit instead of a base version.

butthead