(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best handeld gps units

Ebay and craigslist are both good points to start.

Scuba gear is pretty rugged. So if people just look out a little bit for it, it will last for years without failing.

Honestly the wetsuit I'd buy new in a shop. Those things really need to fit and even with a size chart nothing beats just trying them on preferably with someone more knowledgeable looking over your shoulder.

SPGs are usually sold with the regulator. Tanks and weights are the very last thing you'll need. Computers are probably the easiest things to buy. I'll paste an old comment of mine below.

BCD is a different risk since you don't really know what you'll like so the chances are not bad you'll buy at least twice. If you ask on this subreddit here everyone and their dog will tell you to go "bp/w". Which is honestly a good recommendation but it can be a bit overwhelming to get into that topic.

Here's how I would (and did ) aproach this: Just check ebay every now and then. If you see something that might look like something do your homework. Google that shit. Read reviews. Look at the images of the listing and compare to the images that you'll find when googling it. Youtube is actually a pretty good source of gear reviews. So is scubaboard.

Happy hunting!

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Regarding computers:

The good, first dive computers that are generally thrown around for little money are

• Cressi Leonardo or Giotto
  
• Mares Puck Pro+
  
• AquaLung i300
  
• Suunto Zoop Novo
  
  The differences are VERY small. You can't really go wrong with any of those. Just look for a good offer or buy one used.

If you don't mind breaking it into components, I have a garmin epix that I was able to get for half price because I guess they phased them out. It is a big clunky watch, but I can load topo maps on it. That was what I wanted. It has 8 gigs of memory so I put whole state topo maps on it, and it just picks up where I am. FWIW, it seems like the altimeter, barometer, and compass work fine but the thermometer is total crap. Anyway, the charge chord is a little clip thing and it goes to a micro usb cable, like a phone. So I got a shorter cable somewhere and put the clip on that. Then if you wanted solar power you could get an external battery pack with a solar charger. They don't do a great job solar charging
but if the charger is on your back pack all day it is more than enough to keep up with the watch, I would think forever.

So, like something like this and a battery like that

I would like your dream tool with an e-ink screen and topo maps like the watch.

OP- I have both a series 3 and a dedicated cycle computer (Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt) and I love both. The only times I’ve tried to use my watch while riding I’ve been frustrated or it felt dangerous at anything but a slow/relaxed speed.

Glancing down at a dedicated cycle computer on your handlebars vs looking at your elevated wrist (you have to lift your wrist for the screen to turn on) are VERY different.

If you have little interest in using an Apple Watch OFF the bike- you should just look for a similarly priced cycle computer. It really will work better as a cycle computer than an Apple Watch.

On Amazon:

Garmin Edge 520 Plus - $229
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C1TDBZC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nfIFDbRQZTT7V

Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt - $249
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XT3YX7T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qgIFDbC6STS0D

Lezyne also has multiple in that price range- I don’t know their product line enough to make a recommendation, but I’ve only heard good things about them:
https://ride.lezyne.com/collections/gps-devices-computers

Coding can be done in python. Rasperry pi has by default a RPi.GPIO package that gives you very very easy interfacing with the GPIO pins on the board. You will need some resistors, and some leds, and a breadboard (board that lets you put wires into it so you don't need solder). Assuming you have a pi and that is working I would get these:

breadboard

jumpers

resistors and leds starter kit

DMM, not necessary but nice to have.

Here is a nice guide to the pinout on the pi and the numbering system

This is a nice guide to using rasperry pi GPIO python package

This is the generic python tutorial assuming you do not know python.

edit:

while we are at it here are some other fun things you can do with a pi:

Make it move with these ICs and DC motors. Not pi can not hook up dc motors directly, thus the chips. There are also rover kits with dc motors and wheels already.

There are sonic range sensors.

GPS receivers

temperature sensors

uv light sensors

There are a lot of projects you can do with relatively cheap sensors with the pi.

Street map and topographic map of where? If you're fleeing you will quickly leave the area covered by a large scale map and small scale map of general area wouldn't have the resolution to help you navigate through cities or understand the terrain.

I think you'd be better off with a pocket atlas of your region and a hand held GPS receiver which you can load with free USGS topographic maps from any GIS clearinghouse (if you live in the US...I've never looked to see where you can find free downloadable maps outside of the US).

I've just bought a Garmin 800 performance bundle (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Touchscreen-Computer-Performance-Bundle/dp/B00424LN5G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406030600&sr=8-1&keywords=garmin+800+performance+bundle) for the exact reasons you list. Used it last week on a mini tour of Britain and it was invaluable. If you don't need the mapping, get a 500, but honestly, just seeing my heart rate and cadence, rather than guessing what they were makes an enormous difference to my performance. I usually go for rides around 50-60km, and simply knowing how my body was actually doing, allowed me to average 112km a day for 5 days.
I was umming and arring for ages about getting one, and I'm so so so happy I did.

78s is a 62s, they even share the same exact firmware update. Only difference is cosmetic. But I agree, the GPSMAP series have a great rep.

Tetracove: Yea, in USD. Etrex 20x is discontinued, replaced by the Etrex 22x. You could have gotten the 30x even in your currency for just a fraction more.

Current amazon prices.. But you can get cheaper on other sites.

Etrex 20x

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-010-01508-00-eTrex-20x/dp/B00XQE6ZFG/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=etrex+30x&qid=1571795353&sr=8-4

Etrex 30x

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-eTrex-010-01508-10-Handheld-Navigator/dp/B00XQE6Z92/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=etrex+30x&qid=1571795436&sr=8-2

The price is good but 430 Grams and 2/3 star reviews from multiple sources...not sure about this unit?This one seems to be better constructed,performs better and only weighs 56 Grams but is twice the price.it would be nice not to need a carrier plan with these devices though.I am definitly going to get a gps tracker and not procrastinate as I will be kicking myself in the ass if I do happen to have a flyaway.

http://www.amazon.com/Amber-Alert-GPS-Locator-Tracking/dp/B008523JOO

Seiko makes some very non-delicate ungentlemanly watches indeed. Some of their dive watches are as big and ugly as the Marathons.

I’m going to share an unpopular opinion: mechanical watches in the field are the equivalent of sticking a hipster in a flannel shirt, handing him an axe, and calling him a lumberjack. I love mechanical watches, but they’re second-rate timepieces once you step out of the Starbucks and into the woods. There are any number of better solutions for outdoorsmen. Casio ProTreks and G-Shocks and Suunto all make multifunctional digital watches that are much more rugged, durable, and accurate than mechanicals and every bit as water resistant. Compass, altimeter, barometer and thermometer functions are common. They’re getting GPSes into them too. Some synch automatically by radio with atomic clocks. Some are even solar powered. And they cost what an entry level automatic costs.

I’ve got a beat-up old ProTrek that I’ve had for fourteen years and it’s still going strong. Worn it hunting, fishing, camping, to shooting matches, snowshoeing, camping in every season, kayaking, Tim Horton’s, the office on Friday, name it. This one looks decent: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003MOIVI4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xESKAbCXF8VCS

Suunto are a little farther upmarket and a little cleaner in design: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B071NRWVLC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xISKAbDG5PNWD

I took a trip to Trinidad a year ago and wanted GPS data for both of my MFT cameras and my GoPro footage.

The two options I narrowed it down to were: GPX logging app on my phone; stand alone GPS logger.

I bought this logger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F7USMJY

The suggestion of an external battery for your phone is a great one, but it depends on how much GPS data you want or need. If you'll be out all day without a charger, it may be more important to keep your phone for communication and use something else for logging (the same goes for if you want lighter pockets). If your shooting sessions will be a few 1 hour long hikes, then your phone may be all you need (as long as you can top it up after).

I used the GPS logger for 10 hour periods with no issues. If I stopped and started it between shooting sessions it would easily outlast me and go for longer than I physically could; there were a couple times when I almost forgot to restart it however. It charges while in use, and only takes about 30 or 40 minutes to replenish itself when plugged in.

I used Lightroom to associate the GPS data with the photos, and aside for an unintuitive workflow, it works really well. The logger I got does not produce GPX files, but FIT files; I have to convert these with a small utility when I use it with Lightroom. When using the GPX logger on my phone this step is not necessary.

Well, the simplest/cheapest solution might just be to get an external battery for your existing device.

If you really want a separate device, a GPS data logger would be a simple device that does one thing only: track your route and create a .gpx file. You'd then connect it to your laptop via bluetooth.

For example;

https://www.amazon.com/Canmore-GT-730FL-Rechargeable-Waypoints-Compatible/dp/B00I4Z1SQS/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1524438927&sr=8-7&keywords=gps+logger

https://www.amazon.com/G-PORTER-GP-102-Multifunction-Device-Logger/dp/B00EAB2Y8Q/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1524438927&sr=8-8&keywords=gps+logger

The model I have is the Wintec WBT-201. I pretty much don't use it anymore, I use a spare android phone with external battery.

https://www.amazon.com/WBT-201-Wintec-Bluetooth-Receiver-Integration/dp/B00133DDEI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Thanks for your response.

Looks like this would be our best bet: https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Astro-430-Tracking-Bundle/dp/B01H43ZLJK

You'd have to purchase maps for either the US or the UK, depending on where you buy - most GPS units won't come with both. Something to consider in GPS purchases then is storage space for maps. I recommend something with a few gigs for storage and easy map purchases, like a Garmin.

Low-end ($175 or less)

• Magellan eXplorist GC (Amazon - $130)
  
• Magellan eXplorist 110 (Amazon - $130)
  
• Garmin eTrex Venture HC (Amazon - $130)
  
• Garmin eTrex 20 Worldwide (Amazon - $160)
  
• Magellan eXplorist 310 (Amazon - $170)
  
  Mid Range ($175-$300)
  
  
• Magellan eXplorist 510 (Amazon - $250)
  
• DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 (Amazon - $250)
  
• Garmin Oregon 450 (Amazon - $280)
  
• Garmin GPSMAP 62 (Amazon - $300)
  
  High-end ($300+) Sky's the limit here!
  
  
• Magellan eXplorist 610 (Amazon - $350)
  
• Magellan eXplorist 710 (Amazon - $460)
  
• Garmin GPSMAP 62S (Amazon - $380)
  
• Garmin Oregon 550T (Amazon - $420)
  
• Garmin GPSMAP 62stc (Amazon - $485)
  

I'd love night vision, thermal cameras and this baby.

Thanks for the serious answer.

• Two RAM Balls mounted to the upper triple tree clamps
  
• Two RAM Arms (5") pointing out left & right
  
• iPhone XS Affixed to a MotoPowerPuck (wireless Qi Charger) held by aHondo Garage Perfect Squeeze mount
  
• InReach SE mounted toGarmin's USB Charger
  
• Sargent Seat Heated controller
  
• GoPro Remote mount(behind iPhone)
  
• Sena Remote control (far left affixed with rubber grippy material to the spacer left of grips)
  
• BurnsMoto Dual USB Hella DIN Port
  
• Grip Puppies
  
• Machineart Moto ADVance Handguards
  
• SW-Motech Mirror Extenders(I have wide shoulders)
  
• Touratech Collapsible Adventure Mirrors

Contour roam3: http://contour.com/cameras/roam3
Good quality can be found for around $100. I like cameras that are flush with my helmet.

I have been eyeing the new Garmin Virb Ultra 30

Pricey though, and it's more of a box like the GoPro. Not sure yet...

Garmin Rino 750. Is it weird I put it on my wedding registry? Was hoping my dad and uncles who I hunt with would see it, chuckle, and then go in on it together and but it. :)

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Rugged-Handheld-2-Way-Navigator/dp/B07HM9WMQZ/ref=gp_aw_ybh_a_30?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=T47HNPT972MPQWZV0R9E

Cerberus CerberLink GPS Satellite Messenger (Orange color)

• $220, or trade for good flashlight(s), a multi-day backpack from a top brand (that has lifetime warranty), or ____??
  
  
• Condition: Brand new, never used in the original packaging
  
  
• Activation / monthly plan not included.
  
  
• photo: http://i.imgur.com/ul8yvPl.jpg
  
  
• bonus! I'll include a Nite Ize case which fits this device perfectly. Nite Ize Cargo (wide).
  
  Links:
  Product page,
  REI,
  Amazon
  
  Reviews:
  http://www.itstactical.com/digicom/it/stay-connected-anywhere-in-the-world-with-cerberlink/
  
  http://expeditionportal.com/personal-locator-beacons-and-satellite-messengers/
  

Mobilinkd is a great option. GPS should be simple. Any gps outputting NMEA sentences will work fine.

http://www.amazon.com/GlobalSat-BR-355S4-GPS-Receiver-Black/dp/B00AMAJFUO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463993862&sr=8-1&keywords=Gps+serial

Or are you looking for a gps display? Such as the avmap?

I LOVE my Gamin Monterra. I use it on my Motorbike and in my wannabe-overlanding car. I have powered mounts in both locations and the GPS moves easily.

My bike helmet has bluetooth and so does the car so the instructions come out loud and clear.

The GPS is Dust/Water proof.

It has a camera, which can be handy.

LOTS of maps are available

Runs android so you can add apps to do other things.

No monthly fee

Has a lithium ion battery but can also take AA batteries

Use it to control you VIRB/GoPro camera

Only real point is misses is the price. It's going to be more like $650

Amazon Linkage

Actually $249 on Amazon

I don't know what kind of budget you have but I dropped some coin on this and never been happier. You can update online down load a whole shit load of maps on a card, and so much more.