Mark from Careywood Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 Does anybody have a good method for carrying their GPSr in some kind of holster or harness that allows it to stay locked on to the satellites. My need is for a hands-free method of carrying my GPSr that is secure while I engage in vigorous movement (climbing, bushwhacking, running, skiing, etc.), and still maintains a signal. Just putting it in my pocket does not meet these requirements. The same goes for putting it in a backpack or camel-bak pouch (in addition to being inconvenient). I also want the unit to be handy. Thanks for your ideas Quote Link to comment
+welch Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 pssstt.... what gps unit do you use? Quote Link to comment
+carleenp Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 (edited) I have put mine in the mesh waterbottle holder on the side of my pack before, but that isn't the best place for quick accessibility. I cached once while I had my fishing vest on and stuck the GPS in one of the front pockets with the antenna sticking out. That seemed to work pretty well. That might not work as well with something like e.g an etrex though. I had a Magellan 315 then. edited in light of Welch's comment. Edited March 4, 2004 by carleenp Quote Link to comment
+Deckyon Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 I have taken one of the Cell Phone putton clips and used a screw to fix the button to the MeriPlat and then I put the belt clip on the horizontal chest strap on my backpack. Works great. When I get a chance, I will get some pictures. Also, what do you have? Quote Link to comment
+The Weasel Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 I got a pretty cool gps holder for my Garmin for x-mas, but you need to wear a belt to use it. Quote Link to comment
+Ox Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 (edited) My GPS came with a waterproof pouch with a lanyard attached. I put the GPS in upside-down and put the lanyard around my neck. When I need to look and see where I am I just pick it up and look at it. If you are wearing a pack (as I do) you can secure it just about anywhere on the front of the pack with the same results. Edited March 4, 2004 by Ox Quote Link to comment
+Criminal Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 (edited) The GPS V is on my left shoulder strap, you can see the antenna pointing upward. The digital camera is on the right one. Edited March 4, 2004 by Criminal Quote Link to comment
Mark from Careywood Posted March 4, 2004 Author Share Posted March 4, 2004 Whoa! Those were some quick responses. Thanks! pssstt.... what gps unit do you use? Magellan Meridian Quote Link to comment
+The Weasel Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 The GPS V is on my left shoulder strap, you can see the antenna pointing upward. The digital camera is on the right one. I can't be positive, but is that a boonie(sp?) on your dog? Looks like a scene from Rambo!! I need to do some of the caches where you are at if you need all that gear Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 I have an eTrex and purchased Garmin's carrying case made for the eTrex. I clip it to the top of my shoulder strap on my pack. Before I bought this, I'd keep it in the mesh pocket on the side of my pack. It didn't keep as good a lock there, because sometimes it would shift and not be in a good positon to get reception. On my shoulder, it keeps a lock throughout my hike.l Quote Link to comment
+geckoee Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 I clip the lanyard to the daisy chain on my shoulder strap with an oval ‘bineer. (If I'm using a pack without the daisy on the strap, I just tie a overhand on a bite with the left over length of the adjusting strap and clip to that) Then I place the GPSr facing up on top of my pack underneath the haul handle. It stays pretty well there, and I can just tug on the lanyard when I need it. If you don't have a carabineer I guess you could girth hitch it. With everything tied to the pack I don't have to worry about forgetting, or dropping anything. I like to over pack when I am hiking so when I do overnight trips, when I need a full pack, my pack doesn’t feel so much heavier. Quote Link to comment
+Ox Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 GPS developers need to to insert the reciever into a hat and display information through your sunglasses. Allows for a little more situational awareness. I can't stand walking and staring at my GPS, makes for a lot of tripping. Quote Link to comment
+Gazza&Girls Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 With the belt case, I can attach it to any number of points on my pack's shoulder straps. When I need as accurate track as I can get, I clip it to the adjustment strap of my ball cap. Side pocket of my butt pack works okay depending on the birds that day if I have nothing high to attach to. Without the case, I can slip it in the shoulder epaulat (I think that's what that strap on the shoulder for holding insignia is called) of my coat with a rubber band holding it secure. It has stayed there through a couple falls on icy/muddy slopes. If I had a vest without the stap, I would sew one on. It works great. One of my packs also has an elastic strap runnin g most of the lentgth of the shoulder strap that I can tuck the unit under. Quote Link to comment
+Ed Rad Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 (edited) I let the kids or the wife carry it and they tell me when we are within 50 feet. That's my method for a hands free GPSr. Edited March 4, 2004 by Geogeek65 Quote Link to comment
+flask Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 you could hold it in your teeth. seriously, though.both the etrexes and the sprttracks have available clips like a cell phone uses. i clip mine to my pack straps, or to the collar of my jaket. works just fine. Quote Link to comment
Ericache Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 (edited) Niteize has a pretty interesting hands free "GPS holster" that might be what you're looking for. I don't have one so I don't know if it's any good or not, but is sure looks pretty cool...or nerdly...you decide! Niteize PS. The product demonstration video shows how to carry it handsfree while in a postion to get a signal. Edited March 4, 2004 by Ericache Quote Link to comment
+Ox Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 That is all kinds of cool. Thanks for the link. Quote Link to comment
+Deckyon Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 (edited) The NiteIze product (all of them) are pretty cool... great, but corny demo videos. I will have to look into the PDA version, since I know the MeriPlat will never fit in the little GPS pouch and the large one not really needed, since I have a solution already. Cool link, though. Edited March 4, 2004 by Deckyon Quote Link to comment
+Jamie Z Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 As a topic that's been brought up several times before, here's my solution: No seriously, check out this thread: How to "handle" everything with only 2 hands! Jamie Quote Link to comment
+carleenp Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 I have a nite ize case for my Magellan 315 and have been very happy with it. Quote Link to comment
+Yak Man & Yak Girl Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 I have 2 pieces of Velcro rope. (available from REI) it is essentially the two opposite sides of the Velcro sewn together back to back. I make a loop around my GPSr and one around the strap of my pack up on top of my shoulder. So when I want to get it out of my hand I just stick it up on my shoulder. It keeps a lock up there very well and wont fall of if I bend over. I do however have an overwhelming desire to keep saying “I dare you to call it regular!” (only older people will get that.) [] Yak Man Quote Link to comment
+SBPhishy Posted March 4, 2004 Share Posted March 4, 2004 Which is right HERE I have one and its great. Quote Link to comment
Tahosa and Sons Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 I just put it under the pack strap, with lanyard attached around strap. Works all day and does a good track as you go along. Quote Link to comment
+Cache Viking Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 I have one of these which attaches easily to the harness of any pack and it works quite well. I also use it when mountain biking and have taken a few spills without my GPS go flying. Quote Link to comment
+Waterboy Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 Here the wife models our method to hold the GPS in front of some Mountain Laurel. The GPS is on the right shoulder strap, and there is a ball compass on the left. System works great. Note the green strap that holds the GPS to the backpack. It does prevent droppage. Waterboy With Wife Quote Link to comment
+Marky Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 Garmin makes a couple of cool "phone clip" style accessories for the Geko that are pretty cool. One is a neck lanyardwith the phone clip on the end. The other is a phone clip attached to a caribeener. That way you could clip it just about anywhere. They have similar offerings for their other units. --Marky Quote Link to comment
+Mastifflover Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 The Nite Ize holster is available at Wally World for about 13 bucks. Quote Link to comment
+SBPhishy Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 Go with mine! Since you have a Meridian, it's perfect, thats what it's made for. If you clip it on your belt, it keeps a lock just fine! Quote Link to comment
+JohnnyVegas Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 Hows this. find a short person, maybe 4 feet tall and have them wear a hard hat and epoxy a gps mount to the hard hat for your gps and have them walk in front of you. or there is a GPS you can get for about $180.00 that is just a GPSR that tansmitts nav info via blue tooth. Mount this to your hat ( No you will not get brain cancer)and use a pDA or Pocket PC with blue tooth and GPS sofware. Quote Link to comment
+shunra Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 you could hold it in your teeth. No kidding, I've done that when I needed both hands for climbing, by the wrist strap. Quote Link to comment
Mark from Careywood Posted March 5, 2004 Author Share Posted March 5, 2004 Folks, what a helpful bunch of responses you have provided. Someone mentioned that this topic had been covered. Unfortunately my meager attempts to search the posts yielded nothing. So this has been very useful. As I mentioned in my opening post, I need something that will handle rugged, vigorous situations. Following is a sample of the kinds of caches I'm into. Hunt Cache Blacktail Mountain The Bum's Rush Maiden Rock @ Lake Pend Oreille So, I am leaning more towards a pack strap or other chest mounted setup. Criminal's setup looks pretty interesting. I wear a Camelbak and their cell phone holster looked interesting at first, but I think it is too small for my rather chunky Meridian. The NiteIze looks interesting, too, but I'll have to find it someplace else besides the Evil Empire (I mean Walmart). The ultimate setup, of course, would be to have the GPSr unit safely tucked in my pack, with a remote antenna perched on my hat, and a heads-up display (HUD) in my sunglasses. Anybody working on this? Need a Beta tester? Oh, and here's another thought about the HUD, while we're on the subject. You should be able to turn it on and off, at will, fairly easily. At times it could be an unwanted distraction. I'm thinking of a synapse pulse sensor of some sort. (Say that quickly, five times.) For example, if you ground your teeth a certain way you could toggle the HUD on or off. Cache on! Quote Link to comment
+Criminal Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 (edited) Mark, you asked in an email what pack (tactical style) I'm using, thought I'd answer here. I'm using an older version of this pack. Sadly, Camekbak has lost me forever as a customer due to piss poor customer service. The bladder in my pack leaked right out of the box, right as I was getting ready to deploy. They had so many hoops to jump through to exchange their faulty product, I just bought a Platypus bladder and have used it ever since. I no longer support camelbak, there are too many good companies making good packs. Blackhawk is one. Eagle industries makes some nice packs as well. I also use a standard militay belt/suspenders set up with a butt pack for short jaunts. Edited March 5, 2004 by Criminal Quote Link to comment
+SBPhishy Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 The Camelbak bladders suck anyways. They make your water taste really bad. I bought a platypus for my camebak even thought it didnt leak. Quote Link to comment
Mark from Careywood Posted March 5, 2004 Author Share Posted March 5, 2004 My wife, the RN, insists that the original bladders for the Camelbaks were just large enema bags. Do you have an older Camelbak? If so maybe you got a recycled bladder. It might explain the bad taste of the water. Quote Link to comment
+edscott Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 Memorize the map before I leave the car. ... don't use a GPS. Quote Link to comment
+Jamie Z Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 The GPS V is on my left shoulder strap, you can see the antenna pointing upward. The digital camera is on the right one. Yeah. GPS on the left, camera on the right. You got it set up properly. Jamie Quote Link to comment
+Cherokeecacher Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 (edited) My wife, the RN, insists that the original bladders for the Camelbaks were just large enema bags. Do you have an older Camelbak? If so maybe you got a recycled bladder. It might explain the bad taste of the water. The very first prototype WAS made from medical equipment. So this is not too far fetched. I like SBPhishy's reply back on topic. BAD Cherokeecacher, bad. I am actually headed to my local bike shop right now. They say they have the CammelBak Cell phone pouch. I will take my MeriGold, and see if it fits. I am also heading to the local Army Surplus store, and will see if any of their "add on" pouches will work. I have needed to do this for a while, and my trip is next week. I will post any useful info when I return. Edited to correctly spell my name Edited March 5, 2004 by Cherokeecacher Quote Link to comment
+Criminal Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 My wife, the RN, insists that the original bladders for the Camelbaks were just large enema bags. Do you have an older Camelbak? If so maybe you got a recycled bladder. It might explain the bad taste of the water. The very first prototype WAS made from medical equipment. So this is not too far fetched. I like SBPhishy's reply back on topic. BAD Cherokeecacher, bad. I am actually headed to my local bike shop right now. They say they have the CammelBak Cell phone pouch. I will take my MeriGold, and see if it fits. I am also heading to the local Army Surplus store, and will see if any of their "add on" pouches will work. I have needed to do this for a while, and my trip is next week. I will post any useful info when I return. Edited to correctly spell my name I have that cell phone holder. The Garmin V barely fits, and the cover will not close with it inside. Quote Link to comment
+Stunod Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 (edited) I use The Ultimate GPS Case for my MeriPlat. There are 2 "D" rings on the side that let you attach a shoulder strap or attach it to a backpack. Front pocket holds either my PDA or camera, and the side mesh pockets holds spare AA's, pens & flashlights. Edited March 5, 2004 by Stunod Quote Link to comment
Mark from Careywood Posted March 5, 2004 Author Share Posted March 5, 2004 I use The Ultimate GPS Case for my MeriPlat. There are 2 "D" rings on the side that let you attach a shoulder strap or attach it to a backpack. Front pocket holds either my PDA or camera, and the side mesh pockets holds spare AA's, pens & flashlights. Two questions: 1- The manufacturer's claims notwithstanding, do you think it will hold a Magellan Meridian? (6.3"L x 2.8"W x 1.3"D) 2- Does your GPS keep satellite lock with the pouch flap covering the antenna? Quote Link to comment
+Muck Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 A guy left a card at an event we had last weekend. It might be just what your looking for. Check out www.gpswalkabout.com Quote Link to comment
+Deckyon Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 I use The Ultimate GPS Case for my MeriPlat. There are 2 "D" rings on the side that let you attach a shoulder strap or attach it to a backpack. Front pocket holds either my PDA or camera, and the side mesh pockets holds spare AA's, pens & flashlights. Two questions: 1- The manufacturer's claims notwithstanding, do you think it will hold a Magellan Meridian? (6.3"L x 2.8"W x 1.3"D) 2- Does your GPS keep satellite lock with the pouch flap covering the antenna? To answer question 1, The MeriPlat that Stunod spoke of is a Magellan Meridian Platinum. So it would fit. I cant answer the second question. Quote Link to comment
Mark from Careywood Posted March 5, 2004 Author Share Posted March 5, 2004 (edited) A guy left a card at an event we had last weekend. It might be just what your looking for. Check out www.gpswalkabout.com Some of the pictures on this web site are hilarious. I particularly enjoyed the picture of the hunter climbing a tree with his GPSr in front of him. I guess he's just using it as an altimeter at that point. To answer question 1, The MeriPlat that Stunod spoke of is a Magellan Meridian Platinum. So it would fit. Thanks for the education on the definition of "Meriplat". For the life of me I couldn't find a Meriplat on the Magellan web site. Edited March 5, 2004 by Mark from Careywood Quote Link to comment
+Cherokeecacher Posted March 5, 2004 Share Posted March 5, 2004 Good news and bad news. I found a great pouch at the Army Surplus store, BUT it does not have a manufacturers tag or model number. The pouch was only $9.99US and I did have to buy a 2 pack of Velcro straps that attach it to my Camelback, and that was only $2.99US. These are not just pieces of Velcro; they are straps with Velcro on the ends to secure them after wrapping them around something. It is sturdier than it sounds. Quote Link to comment
+Cache Viking Posted March 6, 2004 Share Posted March 6, 2004 My wife, the RN, insists that the original bladders for the Camelbaks were just large enema bags. Do you have an older Camelbak? If so maybe you got a recycled bladder. It might explain the bad taste of the water. The very first prototype WAS made from medical equipment. So this is not too far fetched. I like SBPhishy's reply back on topic. BAD Cherokeecacher, bad. I am actually headed to my local bike shop right now. They say they have the CammelBak Cell phone pouch. I will take my MeriGold, and see if it fits. I am also heading to the local Army Surplus store, and will see if any of their "add on" pouches will work. I have needed to do this for a while, and my trip is next week. I will post any useful info when I return. Edited to correctly spell my name I have that cell phone holder. The Garmin V barely fits, and the cover will not close with it inside. I just saw one of the new ones like I linked to and it is very different than the one I got several years ago for which my Garmin V fits. Not sure the new one would work as well since I did not have my GPSr with me. Quote Link to comment
+bob393 Posted March 6, 2004 Share Posted March 6, 2004 I have an eTrex and purchased Garmin's carrying case made for the eTrex. I clip it to the top of my shoulder strap on my pack. Before I bought this, I'd keep it in the mesh pocket on the side of my pack. It didn't keep as good a lock there, because sometimes it would shift and not be in a good positon to get reception. On my shoulder, it keeps a lock throughout my hike.l That's what I do and if I 'm traveling super lite I clip it to the collar of my vest or jacket.. Quote Link to comment
+Imalookin Posted March 6, 2004 Share Posted March 6, 2004 (edited) The GPS V is on my left shoulder strap, you can see the antenna pointing upward. The digital camera is on the right one. I have a similar setup. I use an extra pocket that is made by camel bak that attaches to the front of the shoulder strap of there products. I think it was originally designed to hold a cell phone and other nick-nacks. But it is perfect for my Garmin GPS V. It keeps the GPSr, and especially the antenna out in the open. The only thing on me that blocks it from line of sight to the satelites is my unually large cranium I may disagree with Criminal. I manage to get my GPS5 in the Camel Bak pouch. The velcro on the flap doesn't fully overlap, but it comes together enough to secure it...then again, maybe I am pressing my luck I am all about the GPS reading from the inside of glasses....I'll work on it! Edited March 6, 2004 by Imalookin Quote Link to comment
+shunra Posted March 6, 2004 Share Posted March 6, 2004 Is there anyone around here who uses a 76S, (wide, flat), and has a good solution? Quote Link to comment
+Stunod Posted March 6, 2004 Share Posted March 6, 2004 Two questions: 1- The manufacturer's claims notwithstanding, do you think it will hold a Magellan Meridian? (6.3"L x 2.8"W x 1.3"D) 2- Does your GPS keep satellite lock with the pouch flap covering the antenna? 1. Already answered by others as yes. 2. Yes...no problem at all. I usually use a shoulder strap and have the case ride just above my right hip. I don't have any problem losing sat lock. Quote Link to comment
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