GPS units for geocaching

[peg2001]

I asked this question several months ago so I apologise for repeating myself but it's Christmas shopping time and I'm hoping for a more complete response.

I'd like to hear what anyone has to say concerning GPS units for the purpose of geocaching. I want to get one for DH for Christmas. I don't want to spend a LOT but don't want to get the cheapest unit out there IF I could get one much better for just a little more.

Is the little $100 Garmin Etrex (yellow) sufficient? Is there something much better for a little more money?

Thank you!!
Peggy

 

[Allie322]

That's the one I bought for my husband a couple of years ago. It is fine for geocaching though I think that a more expensive one would be a bit more precise. DH and his friend have used it and had a lot of fun with it. We have also used it on trips. It's a fun gadget.

 

[RNMOM]

I have no idea what either of you are talking about!?

 

[6_Time_Momma]

I am just looking at the Garmin Forerunner 201. It's brand new, but I think it is aimed mostly at runners or trail hikers. Looks pretty cool though. I like that fact it has a wrist strap.

 

[Alex]

I have a Garmin E-Map... I don't do geocaching but the map functions are way cool. Saved me from getting lost many a time. It is, however, more money but a lot more fun!

 

[Shutterbug]

I have Etrex Legend and love it. It has a built in road maps plus it has 8MB of memory so you can download more detailed maps from your computer. You also can download software updates for it as well.

I take it every time I travel. I have taken it on the plane to Vegas. It showed what state and cities we were flying over, current elevation, speed and lots of other stuff.

I want to take it on my next trip to Disney. I heard there are some geocaches in Epcot.

Another thing is these things eat batteries. I bought some 1 hour rechargeable batteries that has saved me lots of money.

 

[floridaminnie]

Yes there is some at Epcot. I have friends that do geocaching and have gone with them. It's pretty fun. They have a yellow one, but I don't know the details. One of their friends had a fancy one with a light and everything.

 

[peg2001]

Thanks for the input! I'd appreciate hearing if anyone else has additional advice or experience to share.

Originally posted by RNMOM
I have no idea what either of you are talking about!?

Sorry about that! A GPS unit (global positioning system unit) is one of those electronic gadgets that uses input from satellites to tell you where you are (longitude and latitude). Some of the higher end cars have them now and there are also hand held units for hikers and other sportsmen.

Geocaching is a sport that sprout up because of the GPS handheld units. The idea is that one person hides something (usually a logbook and/or small give-away items) and then enters the coordinates onto a geocaching website. Other folks that have GPS units hunt for the cache, sign the logbook and/or exchange the small item for one of their own, and add their info to the website (when they found the cache).

Anyone feel free to jump in here and correct me if I am misspeaking. I've never actually held a GPS unit or geochached so I'm just sharing what I think I know.

Peggy