Comparisons for Hiking & Hunting GPS Devices
In addition to using global positioning, or GPS, devices for navigating on the road while driving, people use portable GPS devices for navigating off-road on foot. Manufacturers produce GPS devices specifically for hikers and hunters, as these outdoors enthusiasts can benefit greatly from keeping track of the terrain they are covering and the direction they are traveling. If you are in the market for a hiking and hunting GPS device, comparing the varieties on the market can be helpful.
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High End or Low End
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For the hiker or hunter with a serious passion for measuring and monitoring the environment, a high-end hiking and hunting GPS device will be the best option. High-end devices offer accessories that standard hiking and hunting devices do not, including barometer and electronic compass. Other features can include a flashlight, voice recorder, audio speakers, digital camera and memory card slots for storing digital images. In addition, a high-end hiking and hunting GPS device will typically have a sealed, water and submersion-resistant design, while a standard hiking and hunting GPS device will not.
Large or Small
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While you can find high-end hiking and hunting GPS devices that are loaded with accessories and features, these multifunctional devices are also typically larger and more cumbersome than simpler, stripped-down GPS models. For a hunter who is trying to optimize stealth, a bulky GPS device can be a burden that could give away a hunter's location. In addition, larger GPS devices are typically heavier than their smaller counterparts and add unwelcome weight to the packs -- or pockets -- of hikers and hunters.
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Screen Considerations
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While some models of hiking and hunting GPS devices have black-and-white or monochromatic screens, others utilize full-color screens. Black-and-white screens tend to be easier on the eyes of the user, but in comparison, color screens can provide a higher degree of detail and allow for imagery that is more visually exciting. Apart from having screen color options, hiking and hunting GPS devices can also have screen options: standard or touch screen. While touch screens can allow for convenient interface control, they also tend to be less sturdy than standard screens -- an important consideration for users who do not treat hiking and hunting GPS devices gently.
Layering or Scrolling
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GPS devices that offer layering functions allow users to view multiple types of information, such as maps, waypoints and compass directions, all on the same display page. In contrast, GPS devices that are not capable of layering provide different bits of information on different display pages. For example, to view a map and compass directions, you would have to scroll to different displays.
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References
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
