Handheld GPS for Geocaching?

Raksha

Can anyone give me some ideas for a small, robust handheld GPS thingy suitable for geocaching?

My youngest (aged 9) is dead keen, and for a kid who hates excercise, that's got to be a good thing. We've muddled through using a PDA and bt gps, but that's a but vulnerable out in the field.

Thanks

superscaper

Sounds fun, what do you geocache for? I'd imagine simply the cheapest GPS would be all that's needed as you only really need coordinates rather than maps built in.

Raksha

We enjoy it - a geocache is a small box (sometimes as small as a match box, sometimes as large as an ammo box) which is hidden in a location you are given on http://http://www.geocaching.com/about/ It depends on the type of cache what you do with it, some just contain a 'log' (diary) for you to record your details on, some contain a 'cache' of small inexpensive objects for you to add too and remove (it's not good form to take with out adding to). The secret is to look out for 'muggles' (non geocachers) It's fairly cheap, and keeps kids (and grown ups) amused for ages......

superscaper

I already know about geocaching (my current client does it, Isis puzzle balls) just wondered what you geocached for. But good explanation for those that might not have heard of it before. I remember trying to explain it to my nan and best way for her to understand it was a modern day treasure hunt.

Raksha

Are puzzle balls the things that were on Dragon's Den? Thought they were great, but a little pricey !

superscaper

Raksha wrote: »

Are puzzle balls the things that were on Dragon's Den? Thought they were great, but a little pricey !

Yes they're the ones (had one on Jonathan Ross in September as well). They are a little pricey (but high precision engineered aluminium) which is why they're working on some cheaper puzzles.

Lakeuk

I'm a regular geocacher (http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=98551b02-0db1-41ff-a9ec-b9e4c557006c)

Good excuse for getting out and about exploring at no cost (exc transport).

Any GPS designed for outdoor use will do the job, majority of cachers use a garmin branded gps, a good starter is the Garmin Etrax £100 argos or £66 Amazon UK. GPS units are alot cheaper when bought from the US, but when pricing it's best to factor in extra goverment charges incase the package gets picked up.

Currently in the UK there are 17154 (and counting) caches hidden all over the place

(note: Isis puzzle balls have nothing to do with geocaching)

Useful links
http://www.geocaching.com/
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=90101 GPS Advice
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=91205 Newbie Help
http://www.geocacheuk.com/

superscaper

Lakeuk wrote: »

(note: Isis puzzle balls have nothing to do with geocaching)

I'm sure you're right. It was the hidden caches of puzzle balls that are found using coordinates and clues that's posted on the geocaching page of the site that confused me. :rolleyes:

udonis60

Raksha wrote: »

Can anyone give me some ideas for a small, robust handheld GPS thingy suitable for geocaching?

My youngest (aged 9) is dead keen, and for a kid who hates excercise, that's got to be a good thing. We've muddled through using a PDA and bt gps, but that's a but vulnerable out in the field.

Thanks

I found a site, (http://www.smartratings.com/electronics/gps), where I can see some of the handheld units that you're inquiring about. It contains reviews from the experts as well as from the users themselves. I think it may helps.

Katgoddess

I use the Garmin eTrex for Geocaching and it's fab. Haven't done any for a while. Must find some more now it's warmer.

Check out the shops on Quidco as you might be able to get cashback as well.

BillScarab

I don't do geocacheing, although I keep meaning to try it, but for Hill Walking I use a Garmin Geko 301. That may be overkill for your needs as it has a built in barometric altimeter. Aldi recently had the Geko 201 (without the altimeter) for £80, I think Amazon also sell it for £80. The Gekos are excellent as they are one of the smallest, lightest GPS units and are pretty accurate.

The Geko 101 is even cheaper but I wouldn't recommend it as you cannot connect it to a PC. It is much easier to enter co-ordinates and routes using a PC and it is nice to download your tracks to a PC if you have mapping software.

Personally I think Garmin are the best handheld units for this sort of use. The etrex series are also very popular. I would recommend getting one that can be connected to a PC though as even though you may not use that functionality straight away at least it is there if you ever need it in the future.

This site have a good selection and I believe they have a decent reputation.

http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk/?PHPSESSID=b284c2a561764bd3277358410da24d80

It may be worth having a look on ebay as well, there's usually lots of second hand ones on there and occassionally good deals on new ones.