Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#105618 - 10/30/08 06:52 PM Garmin Foretrex GPS
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
Hi all
This isn't a product review and I have no relationship to Garmin. I have had a few Garmins over ten plus years. I lost my ETREX Summit a few weeks ago and replaced it with a Garmin Foretrex 101. If you exam the name, you will see that the Forearm version is called a "for - etrex" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> but its a lot like an etrex with more bells. This is truly a geeks machine. There is one information screen where the entire screen is split into 4 subpanels that will display any one of about 15 different items. I have mine set to trip odometer, elevation, heading and time. If I push the down arrow it moves the screen up half a step so that it now reads heading and time, and GPS location under that. One more down push and you get GPS location and elevation. One last push and you get speed, so when you drive home your wrist is a GPS speedometer.

There is another page with a true north based compass heading on the left - for you compass guys, and mine is optionally set to display dist to waypoint and time. The thing is, all of these screens are programmable so you can get exactly what you want. Mine is set to never turn off the light automatically for night skiing. In the the night, you will want to have the buttons memorised. Even 4wdriving with the dog with the GPS on my wrist was good practice AND it worked in my truck on my wrist, which is an improvement in RF noise figure in a new chip-set.

The 101 uses AAA batteries so as long as you carry a few spare sets, you will know which way is north and your true heading, and where your vehicle is parked.

This is the first GPS I've used that was this handy - I hate carrying them in my hand.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I wrote this to encourage people to buy and familiarise themselves with satellite based navigation. Practise at home. DO NOT try your GPS for the first time when you have become lost. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> and I highly recommend the wrist GPS design. Familiarize yourself with your maps and plan before leaving home.
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

Top
#105619 - 10/31/08 11:01 AM Re: Garmin Foretrex GPS [Re: Jimshaw]
scottyb Offline
member

Registered: 05/28/08
Posts: 278
Loc: Texas Hill Country
I have had very limited experience using a GPS. This kind of goes along with your idea of learning to use it before you need it.

REI in Austin, is offering a FREE 2 part course called GPS 101. I assume they do the same in other locations.

GPS 101 (Part I) - REI Downtown
11/11/2008 6:30 PM
GPS 101 covers enough material that users who range from no experience to those with a good working knowledge of GPS use can all benefit and enjoy the course. The course is broken down into two sessions. The topics covered will include:

Essential Functions
Satellite System and Accuracy
Physical Characteristics of GPS Units
Pages or Screens of a GPS Unit
GPS Models and Features
Field Exercise
Mapping and Coordinate Systems


Edited by scottyb (10/31/08 11:02 AM)
_________________________
Just because you don't take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.... Pericles (430 B.C)

Top
#105620 - 11/03/08 10:40 AM Re: Garmin Foretrex GPS [Re: Jimshaw]
Berserker Offline
member

Registered: 05/10/04
Posts: 493
Loc: Lynchburg, VA
I have a Foretrex 101, and love the little bugger. I strap it on to my wrist, and there it is throughout the trip. I like to use paper maps, and then re-check my location with the GPS. So it's normally just there as a backup, and a watch. It was a necessity once when I got lost in fog though (fog rolled in while I was at a spring pumping water). It got my back to camp, well at least to within 50' of camp where my buddy's voice guided me the rest of the way.

Top
#105621 - 11/03/08 10:43 AM Re: Garmin Foretrex GPS [Re: Jimshaw]
BarryP Offline
member

Registered: 03/04/04
Posts: 1574
Loc: Eastern Idaho
“The 101 uses AAA batteries…”

Jim,
Thanks for the review. Do you by chance know how long AAA lithium’s will last? How well does it work in thick forest?
Thanx,
-Barry

Top
#105622 - 11/03/08 03:40 PM Re: Garmin Foretrex GPS [Re: BarryP]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
Barry

I am still on my first set of AAAs so it gets at least a fair amount of time; lithium's are better especially for cold weather. I have not looked at any specs. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

As for forest - I have had it work well on my wrist driving the truck on 4wd roads under ponderosas. Thick maple leaves may be better or worse? It seems to be more sensitive than older Garmins though. And they seem to have worked out some of the antenna problems. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

And this was meant to be a "concept review" not a gear review, it simply required a piece of hardware for the demonstration. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

Top
#105623 - 11/04/08 01:03 PM Re: Garmin Foretrex GPS [Re: Jimshaw]
Chad_Hahn Offline
newbie

Registered: 01/06/05
Posts: 11
I have the 201, which is the same unit as yours (I believe) but has a rechargeable battery. The battery life in mine is about 14 hours. The only problem with mine is that if it goes dead, it's dead unless you recharge it. However, for day hikes or even overnighters it works fine.

I agree that it is pretty handy to have the unit strapped to your wrist and be able to see your progress at a glance. I have one screen with pace, distance and elapsed time and the other screen with clock and elevation. It even seems to pick up under a shirt sleeve although I haven't really had to worry about that in AZ yet.

Chad

Top
#105624 - 11/04/08 02:11 PM Re: Garmin Foretrex GPS [Re: Chad_Hahn]
rootball Offline
member

Registered: 06/16/08
Posts: 112
I have a simple GPS. Etrex Legend. It is my second. My first was Magellan 4000 that I got in 1998 - advanced for the day, but simple at todays standard. My Legend is simple -- get lost, turn it on, get found. Marks specific spots. Track a route if you want to. Now, I like your enthusiasm, but convince me that I need a GPS strapped around my wrist. Not to mention the extra batteries I would need to keep it going if I did have it on most of the day.

Top
#109044 - 01/09/09 10:52 AM Re: Garmin Foretrex GPS [Re: Chad_Hahn]
sarbar Offline
member

Registered: 07/15/05
Posts: 1453
Loc: WA
Like Chad I have a 201 and get about the same time for the battery.

Now having said that, this is not the GPS to buy for use in tree cover. In subalpine/alpine/desert/tundra it is great. But in trees it skips.

As well, take the time to get all the satellites and "3-D GPS" before heading out. If you have that before you get going it seems to drop less often.

For dayhiking/overnights I use mine often (2 years now). It has what I need - to tell me where I am, when the sun goes up and down and how fast I am going, miles, etc. and nothing more smile
_________________________
Freezer Bag Cooking, Trail Cooking, Recipes, Gear and Beyond:
www.trailcooking.com

Top
#109055 - 01/09/09 01:07 PM Re: Garmin Foretrex GPS [Re: Jimshaw]
tpdwr Offline
member

Registered: 01/04/02
Posts: 45
Loc: So. California - Murrieta
I also use a Garmin Foretrex 101. I've been using it for 2 years and think it's great! I typically only turn it on to mark a waypoint or find one that I've previuosly loaded. Fresh batteries will last all day if I leave it on for tracking. The weight is good and I like the Velcro strap. I usually strap mine to my camera strap.

Don

Top
#109073 - 01/09/09 05:57 PM Re: Garmin Foretrex GPS [Re: sarbar]
sarbar Offline
member

Registered: 07/15/05
Posts: 1453
Loc: WA
Yeah, I forgot - I often strap mine onto my sternum strap - so I can read it when I look down. Works well that way. And it is always pointing up as well - better for reception.
_________________________
Freezer Bag Cooking, Trail Cooking, Recipes, Gear and Beyond:
www.trailcooking.com

Top
#109080 - 01/09/09 08:22 PM Re: Garmin Foretrex GPS [Re: sarbar]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
Sarbar

I actually like it on my wrist because I hate to hold it in my hand and often I am skiing with poles or hiking with poles and holding any other GPS is a drag. If I swing it right in front of me then the perspective it shows is the actual "layout" ahead of me. I can program the back light to stay on and the combination of wrist mount and back light makes it good for night skiing cross country.
Jim crazy
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

Top
#109110 - 01/10/09 04:08 PM Re: Garmin Foretrex GPS [Re: Jimshaw]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
Jim, I've always been a map & compass guy, but just got a garmin etrexhc and have spent the last few days learning to use it. So far I love it. I like the wrist idea. I think that garmin must have really improved the reception of their product. I can pick up satelites lying in my bed next to a window with the blinds closed. And so far I've never lost the signal unless I put it in my pocket.
_________________________
Enjoy your next trip...

Top
#109448 - 01/16/09 04:34 AM Re: Garmin Foretrex GPS [Re: chaz]
danneskjold Offline
newbie

Registered: 01/16/09
Posts: 2
Loc: Seattle, WA
I got one for christmas and I really like it, however there are a couple things that absolutely bug me about it.

The wrist strap is horrible. The adjustment is either too tight, or too loose (with the addon) - and the way its secured to the GPS is poor. It uses the spring bars like on watches..if I give it a good tug the GPS will come off the strap - not good.

That wouldnt be as big of a deal if they had included a lanyard loop...which they didnt.

I hate the non-USB cable as well.

That being said, great GPS. Cheap, good battery life, small.

Top

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
0 registered (), 160 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum