Handheld GPS Advice?

[MHildebrand]

Guys, I'm looking to buy my first GPS and must admit I am pretty ignorant as to all the features avalible. My primary use would be for horse back riding in places like National Forests and such. I have heard that some offroad maps can be downloaded but I have no idea on where to find them. But once I figure it out this is a feature I'm very interested in. So I'm looking at the Garmin 60-CS mainly because it has expandable memory for said maps and even says it can be used on the street as well.



Am I on the right track here?



Thanks in advance for your help,



Mark

 

[klenger]

I have the Gaarmin 60CS (before they had the expandable memory) and have the Topo USA and the City Navigator maps for it. I'd buy the 60CSx (with the expanded memory slot) if I was buying again. I think you'll like it.

 

[scootergmc]

I have been a Garmin fan for a long time. I have a very basic unit (Etrex Legend) which has served me well. A friend has the 60 as mentioned and I've used it a few times. It's very user friendly and gets the job done with no problems. The screen is VERY easy to read- a big factor if you spend a lot of time in the sun.

 

[sarj]

I use a 60CSx in my truck, Jeep, and on long mountain bike runs. Even take it as a backup GPS when we're out on the water in the boat. It works like gold. Lightweight,rugged and water resistant, runs on AA's, and has a nice color screen.

 

[MHildebrand]

Thanks guys, that's what I needed to know. I feel even better knowing I can use it on the road as well and get a little dual usage out of it. I did go to Garmin's site and checked the maps but it really didn't tell me what sort of detail I could expect in North Louisiana. Particularly Kisatchie National Forest. But judging by the reviews I think I'll be pleased.



I'm assuming I can only use Garmin maps?



Thanks again guys!

 

[sarj]

yep. you need to buy maps. I picked up 2, one for southwest state parks that's good for serious offroad topogaphy, and Topo U. S. 2008, which also has accurate street maps of cities and towns as well as good topo maps.

 

[BarryG]

I have a Garmin 76cs its a few years old and is great. It can only load garmin maps. However you can use any map software you want on your pc and down load the waypoints, routes etc to the garmin or vice versa.

 

[Jaysyl]

I love my Garmin 60CSx, of course now they have a new model called the Colorado. It works great for the trail, no way I could drive a car and look for city roads. It will not give you voice commands, it just beeps when you should turn. I bought mine on line from GPSCITY. COM. There web site had lots of info on how different units work. Good luck, like I said I love mine.

 

[MHildebrand]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I've made up my mind. I'm going with the 60CSx but I am going to give Jaysyl's Colorado a look before I do. I'm estatic t know I can use it on the streets as well as the trails.



Thanks

 

[Jaysyl]

I have the 60CSx, not the Colorado. I just read my first post and yes it looks as if I am talking about the Colorado. My house is full of kids Sleep over for my 11year old daughter and my 5 year old son WIFE IS NOT HOME YET!!!!!! HELP:-laf 5 kids in all. So far