bikepacking gps buying advice wanted

[ScottM]

the functions are the same but the screen on the oregan was so much better.

Just curious in what way it was better, besides being larger and having higher resolution (which is definitely nice).  Did you compare the two in sunlight?  I like the smaller form factor (and thus smaller screen) of the Dakota over the Oregon, though if the 450 is easier to read, I'd be more inclined to go with that.

[riverfever]

This is a public thank you to both Scott and Marshal for helping me troubleshoot what was probably some pretty easy GPS issues. Thanks a lot guys. I appreciate it.

[flatfishy]

resolution seemed so much better on the slightly bigger screen was the main reason i plumped for the oregan over the dakota, however there was no difference in glare from the screen on a sunny day. i'd of loved the smaller unit, battery life is approx 4 hours more for the dakota too, but once i'd seen the difference in the resolution on the oregan there was only one winner.

[Scatman]

So it's been almost two years since this post was last commented on.  As we all know technology changes all the time.  What is everyones opinion on the best GPS for bike packing in 2013?

[bruce.b]

Yes, I need to buy one soon also. What are the current models I should be considering?

[Done]

I'm still using my old eTrex Vista HCx. It suffered the infamous "shaken GPS" syndrome, but I managed to fix it with a little solder, two wires, and some glue.

If I had to buy a new GPS, I'd go with a eTrex 20 or 30. Reasons:
1. Amazing battery life
2. Easy to operate with gloves
3. Run on take rechargeable or disposable batteries
4. Easy-to-read screen in almost all light conditions and angles
5. Easy to change settings/views with one hand while riding
6. Lots of memory for tracks
7. Durable
8. Compact and lightweight
9. Easy to wipe while riding (no touch screen).

Alas, it looks like I'l have to wait. My old Vista HCx has almost all of the point above (including durability after a very permanent repair job). It would be nice to have the HRM features and larger memory of one of the new models though. Maybe when I strike gold.

[AnatolyG]

Yes, I need to buy one soon also. What are the current models I should be considering?

I like my Garmin Dakota 20. Did a ton of research, and bought it when Garmin had their black friday sale last year, for $170. For the sale price, much better value than the eTrex 30, which is MSRP around $300 (and no black friday sale on it). eTrex 30 has no touch screen, but can hold 2x the waypoints (10k vs 5k).

I don't really see the waypoints feature a problem for me (I use routes, which works well w/out using a ton of waypoints), and I prefer the touchscreen when on the bike. Both eTrex 30 and 30 and Dakota 20 (but not Dakota 10, or eTrex 10) support SD Cards, so you can put a ton of routes/tracks on these things. I think the touch screen is very well done, works almost as well as a capacitive touch screen, but as a bonus, supports gloved operation.

The benefit of both eTrex and Dakota GPSes is that they all support regular AA batteries, and last a long, long time with good rechargeables. One of my biggest pet peeves with bicycling-specific GPSes (Garmin Edge) is that their batteries are built-in and only last about 10 hours - so forget about a multi-day trip!

I checkedout the Oregon series, and it just seemed too large for the handlebar/stem position which I was planning on using. That said, the Oregon series is really nice as well. Functionally, the Oregon and Dakota series are pretty similar, other than the size of the touchscreen.

[wahday]

This is a super useful thread for a GPS noob! Thanks to the collective brain for compiling such great info. Sticky-worthy IMHO.

[Scatman]

Does anyone else have any input on newer Garmins?  I have the go ahead from my shop manager to get whatever I want.  I'm curious to see what people have tried or used that is never than more of the units discussed in this post.

[Veetack]

I think the general consensus here is for the etrex 20/30, or the dakota 20. I was strongly leaning towards the edge 800, but after reading this, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna go with the etrex 20.

[lotomojo]

Thanks for the updated 2013 advice everyone. I just ordered a Garmin Dakota 20 and am psyched to get out and crush some gravel.

And I'd like to raise a practical question at this juncture: What's the best way to attach it to my stem?

[AnatolyG]

Thanks for the updated 2013 advice everyone. I just ordered a Garmin Dakota 20 and am psyched to get out and crush some gravel.

And I'd like to raise a practical question at this juncture: What's the best way to attach it to my stem?

Here's how mine is mounted. I used the Garmin Dakota 20 mount, zip-tied to the stem, with enough clearance between the GPS and the stem cap so I can take it out. Then, I tie the GPS with the green cord to the handlebar, so that when I fall, I don't accidentally lose the GPS. While the mount is strong, I've def. kicked the GPS mid-fall so that the string prevented it from getting lost.

[Scatman]

Are you guys riding without gloves or fingerless?  How else are you using the newer touch screen models with guys?

[AnatolyG]

Are you guys riding without gloves or fingerless?  How else are you using the newer touch screen models with guys?

Full-fingered glove with Dakota 20. Works fine. Just need to make sure you're actually pressing. It's not a capacitive touchscreen, so it's def. not as sensitive as an iPhone.

[Scatman]

Full-fingered glove with Dakota 20. Works fine. Just need to make sure you're actually pressing. It's not a capacitive touchscreen, so it's def. not as sensitive as an iPhone.

Thanks, I was under the impression they were like an iPhone and couldn't see how functional they would be. 

[adelorenzo]

When it comes to attached my GPS I have used a RAM mount in the past which works really well but is kind of bulky and heavy. Also difficult to use with a handlebar bag on.

On my last big trip I wrapped some rubber inner tube around my stem for shock absorption and then used an awesome strap to hold it on. It worked amazing, I'd definitely do that again. You would need to have a reasonably long stem, mine was 90mm.

I've had a Garmin Vista CX for the past ten years it's never let me down. Finally, after many trips where it survived unscathed, the screen got smashed at the end of last year while it was packed away during a flight. But it still works!