BML

Finally, ready to buy...and then..one last doubt. I would buy the basic Sportrak model to be used in conjunction with a map and waypoints (provided by Topozone) entered manually into the GPS and identified on the map. That way I could always figure out my location, and hiking solo more often than not, decide whether it is wise to continue on to the next waypoint or not. Usually, uncertain as to where I am, I tend to push myself (da%^$^%@, I thought I was closer...). The GPS would help in determining my location and help in making a ...'wiser' decision about moving on. I thought I could save these waypoints to my PC but now I notice the basic model does not come with a PC cord. Question #1: With little room for downloaded anything...do I really need a PC cord? Question #2: Topozone can help me figure out UTM'S for US locations. Are there any canadians on this iste that would know how to get UTM'S for canadian locations? Thanks Bernard

Now, I think that I kind of know what I might do if I can make up my mind about what I want. :-) Forums are such a great place to learn from the 'collective experience' of other users...but...though every question answered helps clear up things it also usually brings new infomation that makes choices less clear simply because we are all enthousiastic about our own personal experiences. I will go with the Sportrak Pro because 'You can probably never have "too much", but you can definitely have too little.' and vertical profiling looks like it might just work..so I guess I will get he topo maps also. Thanks again.

Clps - Can you explain how this works? Thanks Bernard

You asked: Do you want to have the ENTIRE trail location in the GPSr or just key waypoints? Do you also plan on carrying a map and compass? What type of trails do you hike and how well maintained are they? Any cross-country hikes? **** I would like to see the entire trail but I could certainly live with key waypoints. I always carry a map and compass. Here are examples of instances when I thought a GPS would have been useful 1) Hiking a trail say 8 miles in dense wood in 'difficult circumstances (rain, heat, fatigue, difficult terrain, whatever)' and I am wondering if I have done good progress along the trail (could be 8-10 mils long) but I can't tell because they are no side trails branching off on the map and there are no visual aids (under canopy) to help me figure out where I am 2) fall or winter hiking - you know, that trail you were so familiar with a few months ago changes drastically once the leaves have fallen...am I on the trail or off. 3) Finnaly, bushwacking to trailless summits. You said: I usually punch in the waypoints of important locations and make a route out of them. I use the GPSr with a map to figure out where I am when on (or off) a trail. *** Doesn't that make a case for using a low-end GPS to generate coordinates and then plotting them on a map??? I know, I need a good GPS to have tracking under forest canopy but maybe the downloaded maps are not necessary for hiking in the woods. Man, I feel like a superdupernewbie :-(

Hello everyone- I have been following discussions on this site with great interest. I will purchase a GPS primarily for hiking (fall/winter use...where is that trail anyway??? and in the summer to calculate how quickly I am travelling over varied terrain). Having read mucho posts, I am strongly favoring the Magellan Sportrak Pro. I have never ever ever used a GPS before but your excitement is certainly contagious. I have one concern/question... If I understand correctly hiking trails do not appear on basemap or topo maps...So what is involved in making good use of the GPS on/off the trail. One suggestion I have read is going to Topozone site, looking up the trail on a map and slowwwwly inputting coordinates into the GPS. What will I get out of purchasing Mapsend Topo if trails are not included? Does anyone who hikes miss the elevation profiling that is available in certain Garmin units? Thanks Bernard