Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

10 Tips for Shooting Great Digital Photos
Want to know THE biggest secret to taking good digital photos? Well here it is: It's the photographer that takes great photos, not the camera. Think about that for a minute. It's true isn't it? I've seen some people take great photos with a simple...

6 Things You Must Do If You Want To Have The Secret To Catching More Trout
It has always been my private conviction that any man who pits his intelligence against a fish and loses has it coming. ~John Steinbeck 1. How Fish Think When you hunt for deer, and any other animal for that matter, there are some set...

How Much Draw Weight Do I Need For Crossbow Hunting?
How much draw weight do I need for crossbow hunting? You'd be surprised how many people aren't aware of the fact that crossbows have varying draw weights to accommodate the wide range of hunting available. In fact, the gulf varies from the 50...

Log Work Bench Plan
This log workbench is great for an outdoor work space and can easily be built over the weekend. You will need logs that have been peeled and are roughly: * 2 @ 68" x 3"ø - Upper Rails * 2 @ 63" x 3"ø - Lower Rails * 4@ 32" x 4-1/2"ø - Legs *...

Whitewater Rafting Forges Bonds Stronger than the Rapids
Colorado River Rafting is a Trip Visualize the boat's brow cutting through the swirling, surging water; the sun sparkling on the frothy waves, making tiny rainbows; the abrupt lurch of the craft, as the surging waves suddenly shift...

 
What To Know When Buying A GPS

Why are GPS units showing up everywhere? You might find one in your rental car, on your wristwatch or even built into your wireless phone. Anti-theft systems use one, heavy construction equipment might use one and having one on your boat now seems to be a requirement. Anytime we want to know our exact location on the face of the Earth, the GPS becomes indispensable. Like many other technologies, feature rich GPS units are now affordable for the average person. So how do you know which one to purchase? Let’s look at few things to consider prior to buying your next GPS unit, but first, what is a GPS unit?

A GPS (Global Positioning System) unit has the primary function of calculating its own location on land or water by using satellite signals. Once the GPS unit knows its own location, it can help the user determine direction and distance to other known locations. For instance, a GPS on a boat can tell the captain how far it is to the shoreline or how far it is to a favorite fishing spot. For the outdoor sportsman a GPS can help with finding your campsite, your vehicle or your next geocache. Popular outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, trail running, backpacking, rock climbing, canyoneering and canoeing are all made more enjoyable and safer when you take along your GPS.

When buying a GPS system the first thing to consider is how you intend to use it. If you plan on using it while on foot, you’ll want a GPS that is lightweight, compact, weather resistant and that is equipped with features important to foot travel. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) is one such feature. WAAS greatly increases the accuracy of your GPS, in most cases to within 10 feet. Accuracy within a few meters is important for the outdoor enthusiast but not nearly as important for navigating through town in your rental car. Next, be sure your GPS has at least 12 channels of reception too. Since your GPS will only work when it receives signals from satellites orbiting the Earth, less than 12 receiving channels will not get the job done in wooded areas or in steep terrain. If you plan on using your GPS to navigate while driving


in your car, its weight is not nearly as important as its ability to display street maps. The GPS mounted to the dash of your truck probably doesn’t need to be weatherproof, but the one on your boat better be.

Here are the features and products I recommend. For the outdoor athlete or sportsman, be sure your GPS has these features: topographical mapping, back tracking, a computer interface, weatherproofing, 12 receiver channels and WAAS. I recommend portable GPS units in the Garmin eTrex Series and the Magellan Meridian Series. For driving applications, be sure your GPS has these features: street mapping, large display, a computer interface and external antenna compatibility. I recommend automotive GPS units in the Garmin StreetPilot Series and the Magellan RoadMate Series. For boating and other marine applications, be sure your GPS has these features: marine mapping, color screen, active sonar, back tracking, a computer interface and weatherproofing. I recommend marine GPS Units in the Garmin GPSMAP Series.

Prices for GPS units vary a great deal and in general, you get what you pay for. While some units cost around $100 and offer relatively few features, others may cost as much as $1000 or even more and are loaded with dozens of features. Here is a good rule of thumb for determining how much money to spend on your next GPS. You should expect to pay between $200 and $300 to get a decent GPS Unit. I own a Garmin eTrex Vista. I believe it is the best GPS available for under $300.

If you don’t have a GPS or yours is more than five years old, now’s the time to get one. Adding a new GPS to your inventory of backcountry toys will take your outdoor adventures to a new level of enjoyment. Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

About the Author

Chuck Fitzgerald is the owner of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online specialty store with the “Best Gear Out There” and dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts to “Get It Right The First Time” with timely educational information. Please visit http://www.BackCountryToys.com to find great gear and to receive the Fact

 

Appalachian Mountain Club – Outdoor Recreation, Education ...
Members from Maine to Virginia participate in hiking, paddling, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Includes links to lodging destinations, local chapters ...
www.outdoors.org
 
Outdoors in the Yahoo! Directory
Explore sites dedicated to the great outdoors. Find information on boating, fishing, camping, hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities.
dir.yahoo.com
 
Adventure Travel and Outdoor Recreation - GORP.com
Resource for outdoor sports, adventure, and travel. Includes destination, activity, and gear directories plus news, articles, and forums.
gorp.away.com
 
Outdoors - UK Camping Equipment Supplier
Shops operated by the Scout Association. Site includes catalogue, locations of stores and online shopping.
www.outdoors.ltd.uk
 
ESPN Outdoors - Outdoors Home
The latest in Outdoors news and information, all at ESPN.com.
espn.go.com
 
Outdoors Network - Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hunting, Lefty Kreh, BASS
Fishing , Fly Fishing, Hunting , Lefty Kreh, BASS and more, from Outdoors Network - Bringing the Outdoors Indoors.
www.outdoors.net
 
Great Outdoors
Experience the outdoors online -- hiking, skiing, camping, and mountain biking with gear reviews and adventure profiles.
www.greatoutdoors.com
 
Open Directory - Recreation: Outdoors
Recreation: Travel: Specialty Travel: Adventure and Sports (237); Science: Environment (6754); Shopping: Recreation: Outdoors (2491); Society: Gay, Lesbian, ...
dmoz.org
 
MaineToday.com | Outdoors
OUTDOOR NEWS. Trail backers back to work raising money The 55-mile Eastern Trail pedestrian and bicycle ... Seen Outdoors Were you seen in Maine, today? ...
outdoors.mainetoday.com
 
Outdoors
Los Angeles Times Travel Guide - Tips, discounts and world destinations from the Los Angeles Times travel section.
www.latimes.com
 
SFGate: Sports: Outdoors
Once mighty wool makes comeback in outdoor gear (11/23). MAIN EVENTS: Discover fabulous fungus, learn to hunt and hear stories of the great outdoors (11/30) ...
www.sfgate.com
 
Detroit News Online | Outdoors
Outdoors. Deer numbers are up. 17-point buck and numerous 200-pounders mark ... Outdoors. Deer hunt unites families. Old and young, as well as male and ...
www.detnews.com
 
Google Directory - Recreation > Outdoors
Science > Environment (7762) Shopping > Recreation > Outdoors (2778) Society > Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual > Recreation > Outdoors (50) ...
www.google.com
 
St. Petersburg Times Online: Outdoors
The weather is forecast to become more favorable for fishing and being outdoors in general. Go to article · Root for cleaner water to find kings ...
www.sptimes.com
 
Sports : Outdoors -- Philadelphia Inquirer
OUTDOORS LINKS. Outdoors Calendar Listing of clubs and activities in the area Resources How to get listed; whom to contact. RECENT STORIES ...
www.philly.com
 
Welcome to Cotswold Outdoor Ltd - outdoor & travel clothing ...
Find travel and active wear, camping and climbing equipment, rucksacks, accessories, and sleeping bags.
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
 
Outdoors: South Florida Sun-Sentinel
South Florida's breaking news site, with news, sports and information updated constantly throughout the day.
www.sun-sentinel.com
 
Outdoor Clothing - Rock Climbing Equipment - Camping Gear - Hiking ...
UK based outdoor clothing retailer. Stock includes rock climbing equipment, camping gear, stoves, tents hiking boots, waterproofs, fleeces, ht and gloves.
www.ultimateoutdoors.co.uk
 
Outdoors T-Shirts and Gifts : CafePress.com : Shop Over 35 Million ...
CafePress has over 9660 unique , outdoors designs on more than 98600 T-Shirts and Gifts. Narrow your search with topics like funny outdoors, or nature, ...
www.cafepress.com
 
Great outdoors: Hunting, fishing, biking and running news ...
Top Outdoors Stories. Strong mast crop affects hunters now, next year ... Bill Cochran's Outdoors. You are never more alive than when a predator ...
www.roanoke.com
 
 

 

Content Menu
  • 10 benefits you get from using trekking poles for hiking

  • 10 reasons to buy silk flowers and plants over real ones

  • 10 things to consider before getting a dog

  • 10 tips for great flower photography

  • 10 tips for shooting great digital photos

  • 11 hints to pick your next camping tent

  • 3 easy steps to becoming a backcountry hero

  • 4 steps to an enjoyable hike

  • 5 easy steps to giving the perfect backcountry gift

  • 5 tips for successful bird watching

  • 5 tips to get out there and smell the roses

  • 5 ways to get the most out of your backcountry gear

  • 6 things you must do if you want to havethe secret to catching more trout

  • 6 things you must do if you want to have the secret to catching more trout

  • 7 magic trick tips using invisible thread

  • 7 things you must do if you want to make that perfect camera shot

  • 7 tips for shooting great digital photos

  • 9 tips for taking great digital photos

  • alabaster antique lamps

  • all about golf

  • art career success with local businesses

  • attract birds to your yard with bird feeders

  • avoiding snowmobile crashes safety tips and avoiding injuries

  • awesome ways to get outdoors

  • a beginners guide to marketing images with mats

  • a great day of cat skiing

  • a kayaking community at your fingertips

  • a look at the intriguing history of snowboarding

  • a look at wet suits for kids

  • a new outdoor craft idea artificial rock boulders

  • a sport the world loves

  • backcountry skiing for intermediate skiers

  • bean bag chairs guide

  • best tips for enjoying the backcountry in the rain

  • black bear chasing kid style

  • blind skiers see the light

  • boarding your dog

  • bungee trampolines discover new heights

  • camping equipment essentials

  • camping in lead king basin

  • camping makes the weekend perfect

  • camping tents what the tent ratings mean

  • camping tent making sure you get the right size tent

  • camping with mans best friend

  • caribbean national parks explore the outdoors

  • carnival and madi gras masks

  • caught in the camera eye

  • check out the teva mountain games

  • choose the perfect fishing trip destination

  • choosing a wrought iron sword

  • choosing project wood

  • climbing and fear

  • cloudy day photography taking advantage of natures diffused lighting

  • code of conduct for outdoor enthusiasts

  • container gardening indoors and outdoors

  • creative scrapbooking albums for your pet

  • cymbidiums orchid plants what you need to grow successfully

  • did you ever try selling your images

  • dirt hole set ticket to canine success

  • dog training tips

  • do it yourself landscape design where to begin

  • do you have a healthy brain the secret to mental agility

  • dreaming winter photography

  • dried flowers for decorating

  • dutch oven cooking basics

  • easy navigation in the woods or on the water with the garmin etrex gps handheld

  • enjoy the view use a binocular

  • experience the adventure of a lifetime with river rafting trips

  • explore a whole new world on the water

  • exploring new trails

  • favorite hobbies camping

  • favorite hobbies yard games

  • feeding cattle

  • finding and catching fish has never been easier with the garmin 250 fish finder

  • finding snowmobile rentals in idaho fun and adventure awaits

  • find and catch those pesky fish with a garmin 240 fish finder

  • find the sunglasses that are right for you

  • fishing as family activity

  • fishing by moon phase increase your catch

  • fishing through the cracks

  • fishing vacation 101

  • five key factors that affect your pot plants in winter

  • five life skills for backcountry enjoyment

  • flower pictures a mild obsession 2

  • foot gear for a winter enthusiast

  • for fast paced fun nothing beats a pocketbike

  • funky fun garden plants

  • gearing up for an outdoor winter activity

  • geocaching a great way to get outdoors

  • getting ready for your backcountry adventure

  • get another hobby

  • get a hobby

  • get the most out of your hike

  • guitar performance make the most of it

  • hiking from your own home

  • history of kokeshi japanese wooden dolls

  • history of the adirondack chair

  • hobby ideas

  • hobby psychology

  • how much draw weight do i need for crossbow hunting

  • how to build a campfire

  • how to build a simple potting bench

  • how to buy the right binoculars for you

  • how to choose a right backpack

  • how to choose the right motor scooter for you

  • how to choose your dome tent

  • how to get the most out of your trekking poles

  • how to get your kids along on your next hike

  • how to pick your next camping tent

  • how to select the ideal home weather station

  • hunting by moon phase your best season ever

  • index

  • indoor trampolines and mini trampolines

  • introducing new horses to your herd

  • introducing the fascinating hobby of birdwatching

  • is backcountry snowmobiling for you

  • is first aid different in the backcountry

  • it was a christmas miracle

  • i hope it rains in heaven

  • keys to responsible recreation in the backcountry

  • kids croquet

  • landscape painting tips for beginners

  • landscape painting tips for oil painters

  • let there be light part 1 the camping lantern

  • log work bench plan

  • make it tonight glowing glass jar party lights

  • mike kelsey steward of the trail

  • mini bike madness

  • mission impossible construction of a backcountry ski lodge

  • mississippi outdoor adventures

  • my perfect campsite

  • natural stress relief without a doctor

  • navigating on the mountain in water or in woods there is an etrex unit for you

  • new years resolutions for the backcountry

  • night vision devices the ultimate in backcountry toys

  • north face tents

  • oil painting supplies guide for beginners

  • oil painting tips for beginners

  • outdoor design with old ladders

  • outdoor getting out of ones shell

  • outdoor navigation tips

  • paintball explained

  • photography poses the missing ingredient

  • popular play tents

  • quick guide to taking better photos

  • rainbow trout and trout flies

  • raising the bar for anglers who want quality equipment at a reasonable price the garmin 160 fish finder

  • real beauty comes from within

  • responsible recreation in the backcountry

  • rock climbing preserve your experiences

  • rock speakers and planters

  • rotator

  • sailing with wind orientation in mind

  • scrapbooking think about your theme

  • scrapbooking your christmas memories

  • setting up portraiture

  • set out a feast for your feathered friends

  • sewing with polar fleece

  • shih tzu history and legends cross breeding with pekingese and lhasa terrier shih tzu management

  • ski vacations how to end up in the right place at the right time

  • so you want to climb a colorado fourteener

  • stitching memories

  • summer fun with baby great scrapbooking ideas

  • teddy bears arent all cute cuddly toys

  • teddy bears aren t all cute cuddly toys

  • the best parts of camping gear

  • the great wide wonderland of snow and skiing

  • the journal of a gardener in tuscany june 2004

  • the many uses of the functional wetland

  • things you must do if you want to make that perfect camera shot

  • things you should know about tents

  • thinking about buying redwing boots

  • thoughts about digital snap shot

  • tips on buying your first gps unit

  • tip better outdoor portraits

  • top 10 ultracompact digital cameras

  • top tips for successful backcountry navigation

  • understanding white balance

  • unique tin can candle holders

  • using film speed effectively

  • utilizing the tools we are given

  • weather vanes brief history and different types

  • wedding craft ideas that save you money

  • welding processes explained

  • whats in your hiking pack

  • what to know when buying a gps

  • what to know when buying binoculars

  • where to find 10 fly fishing tips in a single paragraph

  • whitewater rafting forges bonds stronger than the rapids

  • why go gold panning

  • why orienteering is hot

  • why rangefinders are perfect for the backcountry

  • why range finders are perfect for the backcountry

  • winter safety in the mountains

  • winter snowmobiling vacations getting the best deal

  • women and fishing not just a mans sport

  • your craft show booth how it can make you more money

  • you too can ski down mount everest

  • you to can ski down mount everest