Garmin GPSMAP 62stc Handheld Navigator

[Corey]

Time for an upgrade, I have the original Garmin eTrex yellow one that uses a serial port to update it.
I have been out of the GPS bizz for a long time other than using the one in my Pioneer stereo which is not easy to use to track campsites I find while out exploring old growth forest service roads.
Using the stereo to record a spot is not easy.

While at Safeway this morning I picked up the new Backpacker Gear magazine to scan it before continuing to shop, and I saw the Garmin 62stc in it.
From the specs it said you can actually take a photo of the spot you found, and file it away on the unit, very easy to mark a spot.
Plus any pics you take with its 5 megapixel camera will geotag the pics with cords.

I had looked at the Montana GPS one as there is a thread in this section.
Anyone have any experience with this 62stc?

Amazon has them for $480 right now.
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-GPSMAP...QWZO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332077473&sr=8-1

Technical Details
Edition: 3.5GB with Camera & maps

Rugged, IPX7-waterproof handheld navigator with high-sensitivity GPS receiver, 1.6 x 2.2 inch color display
Preloaded with TOPO 100K for coverage of the full U.S. and Puerto Rico with terrain, elevation, and more, plus worldwide basemap with shaded relief
Built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass shows your heading even when you're standing still;
Barometric altimeter pinpoints your precise altitude
Compatible with Garmin's wide array of detailed topographic, marine and road maps--4.3GB onboard memory for downloading
5-megapixel autofocus camera with automatic geotagging allows easy navigation back to favorite photo spots
2.6" 65K color TFT Display
5 mp autofocus digital camera with automatic geo-tagging.
Preloaded topographic maps. Waterproof
Worldwide basemap with shaded relief.

I am open to other suggestions for a good handheld unit too, but this one looks pretty nice.
I would mainly be using it to keep track off road of nice campsites I stumble upon, or trails that are nice to wheel on, but mainly to tag campsites I find.

Lot higher at Garmin site, but they have more into there than the Amazon page.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=89557&ra=true

 

[Corey]

No one has used the 62 series yet?

 

[gahi]

I have the 62s and I like it. Its the same but with out the pre-loaded maps and camera. The maps can be sourced for free, and I felt like the camera wasn't something I needed.

But overall I like the unit. easy to use, and seems pretty durable.

 

[Corey]

Thanks Gary.
I think I would just use the camera to record a waypoint for the sites I like.

 

[scanny]

I heard good reviews about Garmin GPSMAP and I was looking at it for some time, but I'm not ready to invest $500 in GPS yet. Especially I like that there is real buttons, in my opinion touch screen work worse under rain and it's hard to have clean hands all the time when you are camping : )

 

[RobRed]

Corey if you are carrying a smartphone why not just use it with an app you can get for 2 bucks?

I realize these are rugged etc but curious why these handhelds still sell.

 

[Corey]

Problem with the Droid is it is a battery hog, and not sure if it will get reception way up in the mountains.

I would like to transfer the routes and waypoints of recorded trips to the pc too to print out.

 

[RobRed]

The dedicated GPS apps suitable for offroad use dont require network reception. The GPS receiver works without it. Shutting down the radio in the phone will save tons of battery. You typically have to download the maps for the area prior to use but it's not that inconvenient. The apps I use on iOS all support GPX and KML so offloading to the computer is no problem.

I guess I throw these suggestions out because the user experience on the iphone and ipad (droid as well) are so much better than these HH GPS devices. The apps and maps are updated constantly versus the Static nature of these handhelds.

 

[evldave]

That's quite a bit for a small screen. I don't have the 62, but have the 60 and really didn't like the screen (especially after being spoiled by my Atrix's screen).

I picked up my Montana for $300 on CL, they are harder to find at that price but worth it if you are patient...after using my Montana for a few months now (in car, mtn biking, hiking and SAR), I'll never go back to a <4" for GPS. It's easier to touch the screen w/gloves on (vs buttons), easier to see, more customizeable, etc. As for interface issues, for outdoor PNW weather, using with gloves (oversize icons!), in multiple environments (rain, snow, sun, etc), and the customizeability in the Montana, plus the extended battery life (and replaceable in the field), plus better GPS reception (my personal experience is it's not even close between dedicated GPS and smartphone). Plus, I'm constantly afraid I'm going to drop/lose/break my phone.

I have an Atrix, BB Torch, and iPod touch (+ BT GPS unit, and I used to have iPhone), and I almost exclusively use the Montana for my GPS activities (except running, it's a bit bulky for that). It uploads to Google Earth awesomely (way better than my phones), is easy to geotag photo's later, works really well with all my mapping software, etc.

As for the camera...I don't have the photo Montana, but can't imagine it's anywhere close to my point & shoot...or my phone for that matter. It takes a little more work to geotag on the computer, the quality of photos is just so much better with a dedicated unit.

Of course, I look like Batman when I'm hiking/backpacking/camping (phone, GPS, camera, SPOT, etc)... Sometimes I think my phone could replace them all, then my battery dies and ends that discussion real quick

 

[Corey]

I may look at the Montana one and compare it to the 62.
Yeah, I would rather have a dedicated GPS unit that use my phone which is a lot more delicate.

I still may check out Back Country Navigator though for the Droid.

 

[evldave]

I may look at the Montana one and compare it to the 62.
Yeah, I would rather have a dedicated GPS unit that use my phone which is a lot more delicate.

I still may check out Back Country Navigator though for the Droid.

I use BCN a LOT when I'm using my phone in the car (and plugged in), and I also use it on a hacked Nook for a nice 7" display (this is a great offroad setup). I also use it when I'm on day hikes out of cell service and I want to use Google Terrain - you can find (semi-hacked) ways to d/l the Terrain maps and then use them offline in BCN. Well worth the $10 to get it and Nathan (the developer) is very quick to fix issues and is constantly working on updates.

 

[dblosch]

Corey,

I too started with an etrex, and upgraded to a 62s. I use it as my main GPS, hiking, MTBiking, and in the truck. I have it powered through my rear view mirror, and suction-cupped to the windshield up high. Despite what the Garmin "experts" told me, it automatically powers on and off with the truck, and when you add a Garmin 28k TOPO maps microSD card, it offers turn by turn directions. There is no voice, but a simple series of beeps and arrows to guide you through city streets.

As a mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding tool, it works really well. You can use the Garmin software to upload your own .PDF maps to the unit, which means you can utilize maps of ski resorts, or campgrounds, etc. Building .KMZ files from scratch, and downloading other people's files, have both been pretty intuitive too.

Initially I thought i'd add the external antenna, but i haven't had any issues with acquiring satellites yet, so i will probably skip it. In fact the only issue I have found with it has been in city driving. Trying to use the unit to find a "starbucks" or "chevron" requires you to manually search through a list. Using the turn by turn feature is much less cumbersome if you have an address to enter. Small complaint, but it's there.

Hope that helps!
Dan

 

[gahi]

Mine works fine without an external antenna also. I think the main draw for me over the smart phone, was the battery life, and toughness. When I go on hikes, I stick in an external pocket and leave it on all day tracking, and its super easy to mark POI. I dont have to worry about it when the sand kicks up, it starts raining, or get bumped on rocks. It is a pain to put detailed names, but that can be done later. I do carry my smart phone also, each has its place, but the phone definitely wont track very long on the battery. The phone will geo-tag pics too.

 

[Corey]

Thanks Dan and Gary.
I am looking at the Montana again too, I remember I was subscribed this this thread.
It has a nice huge screen, which is a plus for my mid 50s eyes
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/61925-Garmin-Montana

I will look at the pros/cons of each unit, then decide later, and maybe look at some other units too.

 

[esh]

I went another direction. The new eTrex 10/20/30s have nearly identical features to the 62s for about 50-70% the price, depending on which models you look at. They also include reception of the russian based satellites. I bought a 30 for the e-compass. Great unit, excellent screen quality.

Downside is the screen is small, as are all eTrex and 60/62 series size units.