jhpwolf

I use both, but mostly my iPhone 6. But I find I need my GPS as a back up. Sometimes I can't get a signal on my phone. Sometimes the GC app isn't working. Sometimes the battery on my phone is draining and I forgot to bring my power bank. Then I use my gps. Same with my GPS, sometimes I download files, get out to the field and find that the geocaches didn't load (often due to a corrupt file). Sometimes I want to be able to check the GC website for more information about the cache owner or to read more logs. Thanks....really helps to have some perspective based on experience to work with. Very much appreciate the thoughts to help me plan ahead. Mainly, just looking forward to getting out there again and finding some more....

In areas with good reception, it probably doesn't matter much which device you're using. But devices with high-sensitivity receivers will do better in areas with poor reception: under heavy tree cover, in narrow canyons, in urban canyons, etc. With that said, I use my phone for most of my geocaching, including relatively remote locations with no cell or data connection. But I do use my eXplorist when I need better durability, battery life, and/or GPS reception than my phone provides. Thanks.....just day one, so will keep with the phone for a while and try to hone my craft....may treat myself to a bit of kit later.

Thanks all....very helpful. I couldn't find this one, I did stop using the device and started following my nose (so to speak...where would I hide it? type of thing). In short, not much difference between the phone and the GPS units, especially under trees.......do any of you still use a phone GPS....or move to more spliced equipment? I had a hit though and I did find another (start of a 70 long Geo Trail) but it was getting dark...so all still to play for.

Hi...went out on my first every cache today, throughly enjoyable afternoon and the dog is now hanging! Anyway, I used the Geocaching free app on my iPhone 6, and when I got close to the cache, it basically said, your phone will only be accurate within 20 foot. I would never rely on my phone when hiking (usually OS maps), but thought it may work well for this, however, a 20' variable is 400sq feet of woodland to look for a small box. My question is, does a Garmin or good quality GPS unit provide closer coverage than a 20' range? And what would your recommendations be for me going forward, iPhone or GPS? and if GPS, which one? Thanks very much in advance ;o)