Best Hunting GPS – Which Garmin Hunting GPS Is Right for You?

GPS units are becoming very popular with hunters these days, but it may be confusing choosing the right unit for your hunting needs. Many people may be looking at the newest designs thinking they are the best GPS they can buy but it may not be right for them.

Let’s compare two of the newest Garmin GPS models the Dakota 10 and the Oregon 400T to three of the best Garmin Hunting GPS units; the eTrex Vista HCx, the GPSMap 60 CSx, and the Rino 530 HCx.

New Touch Screen Models

· Garmin Dakota 10 GPS – This is the newest model from Garmin. It is more compact than the Oregon 400T. It is waterproof and impact-resistant which are two features many hunters look for in a GPS unit. It also is equipped with Hotfix technology which calculates the user’s position faster.

· Garmin Oregon 400T – This is also a fairly recent model from Garmin. It is a little bigger than the Dakota 10 but it is also a touch screen model. It allows users to share information with other GPS users, wirelessly, which is a nice feature to track other hunters in your party. It comes pre-loaded with topographical maps and has both a barometric altimeter and electronic compass. Hunters really appreciate these three features.

The new technology of these two GPS units is appealing at first many people are reporting that the screens are difficult to read in the sunlight and they are more difficult to use because of all their features. This is why the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx, the GPSMap 60 CSx, and the Rino 530 HCx are still the best hunting GPS units available.

Best Hunting GPS Units

· Garmin eTrex Vista HCx – This one is great if you are looking for a compact unit. It fits in your shirt pocket, has a clear color screen, and is waterproof. It has a barometric altimeter and an electronic compass which allows hunters to position themselves even when standing or sitting still.

· Garmin GPSMap 60 CSx – This GPS is a little bigger but is the most popular among hunters. They like the larger, color screen makes it easier to view topo maps in the field. It also gets great satellite reception in heavy cover and deep canyons.

· Garmin Rino 530 HCx – The Rino has a radio build in to it so you can contact fellow hunters who also have a Rino or have a FRS/GMRS radio. It also has a color screen making it easy to view maps and has the ability to pinpoint your location while sitting or standing still because of its electronic compass and barometric altimeter.

So, as you can see, many people may think that the new technology of the touch screen models would make the best hunting GPS units but after you consider the poor screen visibility and the difficulty in use you may want to consider either the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx, the GPSMap 60 CSx, and the Rino 530 HCx for your hunting GPS needs.

Hunting GPS - Q&A - Which Accessories Should I Have For My Garmin Oregon 400t Hunting GPS?

Q. Which Accessories Should I Have for My Garmin Oregon 400t Hunting GPS?

A. The accessories that you want to have for the Garmin Oregon 400t hunting GPS are a carrying case, 12-volt adapter, and specific Topo maps on MicroSD cards for areas that you hunt.

The most important accessory to have for any hunting GPS is a good carrying case. Even though the Oregon 400t is extremely durable and waterproof, you will want to protect the large touch screen from getting scratched. Garmin has two carrying case options for the Oregon series GPS units. You can choose the slip cover case, which slides over and around the GPS unit and features a clear vinyl area to protect the screen. Or you can choose the hard carrying case which is great for protecting your GPS while traveling.

The second accessory you will want to get for your Oregon GPS is a 12-volt adapter. This will allow you to keep your GPS fully charged while in route to your hunting area. You may even want to opt for the auto navigation kit that is available for the Garmin Oregon series so you can easily use your hunting GPS while driving.

Pre-loaded Topographical MicroSD cards are the final accessory you will want to buy. Even though the Garmin Oregon 400t comes with topo maps pre-loaded, you will probably want to get one of the more detailed pre-loaded topographical MicroSD cards that are compatible with this Garmin GPS for each of your hunting areas.

Hunting GPS - 5 Reasons to Use a Garmin Oregon 400t GPS For Hunting

The Oregon 400t is the top of the line of the Garmin GPS units. It new technology makes it a great hunting GPS unit. The 5 reasons it makes a great hunting GPS are:

1. Lightweight - The new Garmin Oregon 400T is extremely lightweight because it doe not have any external buttons. It has a fully operational touch-screen set up. It is very easy to use because all the options are on the screen. You do not have to remember which button does what function.

2. Pre-loaded Topographical Maps - Getting very detailed topographical maps is essential when using a GPS for hunting. The Garmin Oregon 400t comes pre-loaded with the topographical maps you will need. Garmin has used new user friendly programming so you do not need to be a topo map expert to get the most out of the GPS and its' maps.

3. Electronic Compass - Garmin has also included an electronic compass in the Oregon 400t. This is a very important feature which allows hunters to get a bearing while sitting in a tree stand or standing still.

4. Micro SD Memory Card Slot - The Garmin Oregon 400t also has a Micro SD card slot for additional memory. You can use it for holding specialized hunting maps for certain hunting areas or even carry a MicroSD card with pictures of your previous hunts to show your trophies off to other hunters in camp, right on your Oregon 400t touch screen.

5. Wireless Exchange Between Users - The Oregon 400t allows you to exchange information, wirelessly, between users. This will allow you to alert other hunters in your hunting party of your position as well as the location of animals in the area.

So, as you can see the Oregon 400t has many features that are of great benefit to hunters. This is why the Garmin Oregon 400T is rated as a best hunting GPS unit.