Should I buy a Satmap or Similar Device?

[TheMidnightRambler]

My wife and I have become keen walkers and also join friends for group walks. We use guide books and associated OS maps, (though none of us would claim to be expert map readers) but we often get lost, usually because we’ve taken the wrong footpath along the way. The problem then is determining exactly where you are on the map to get yourself back on track.
For this reason, I’m wondering if it would be worthwhile investing in some sort of hand-held GPS unit that actually shows your position on a map?
Looking at what’s available it seem the Satmap meets the criteria perfectly; but I have to admit I was a bit shocked at the price and even more-so if you wish to add maps - £80 for an OS map of Kent.
Nevertheless if I it will add value and enjoyment to our walks then I’m happy to make the investment.
With this in mind, I’d be grateful for any advice, recommendations’ and perhaps any alternatives to the Satmap so I can make an informed decission

Many thanks

[Rogerfrit]

I have no hesitation in saying - Go ahead.
I have had my SatMap for over 3 years, and I love it. It has never let me down (at least, not since the early freezeing problem got fixed)
The confidence of always knowing exactly where you are is priceless.
The maps may seem expensive, but if you get the new Regional maps with huge areas at 1:25k they are pretty good.
http://www.satmap.co.uk/ukstore/product_info.php?cPath=123_160_232&products_id=4021
For robustness, ease of use and functionality I don't think there are any competitors.

Good luck

[sussamb]

I use an Etrex 20, they can be bought for around £160 and there are free OS style maps available through www.talkytoaster.info

Garmin also provide a free program called Basecamp, that allows you to download routes etc to your Etrex

[Gibbo10]

[WalkerDan]

Can only echo Gibbo10' comments. Have had a Satmap now for 2 years without any problems. Have had a couple of Garmin units previously but switched to Satmap when they incorporated OS maps. Good detail and a decent size screen are plus points and there are some good deals these days where the UK 1:50,000 map is included in the price so make sure you shop around to get this.

[sussamb]

[stevesimler]

I too am new to Satmap and would recommend to but - the maps are a bit expensive but they are very comprehensive (0S 25 and Europe maps) and the SD cards are very easy to swap in and out. My previous GPS took a micro SD that needed tweezers to take out. So go for it!

[LostMike]

I am a long-term user of Satmap and think it will be ideal for you.

I note that the maps referred to by sussamb (the talkytoaster ones) appear to be based on openstreetmap, as such, they will not look quite like the ones you are used to (i.e. OS GB). The great thing I find is being able to look at the device and be shown exactly where I am on the background of a familiar OS map.

Yes the OS maps are quite expensive but then so are the paper ones and these are waterproof!

If you use the new Xpedition software that comes with the A10 you can plot your route in advance and easily load it on to the A10. Then during your walk the device will tell you, at a glance, how close or how far you are from your planned route.

If you do take the plunge do let us know what you think of it.
_________________
LostMike
Satmap A10. Platform 21
Software version 1.5.9193
Satsync 1.525

[mikealder]

Satmap without a doubt, when you have tried a number of different units the active10 stands out by miles from the crowd, easy to use, great display and decent maps.
Depending upon how large an area you tend to walk either the single County map or a "self centered" map where you choose the actual coverage required and pay just for what you need at the scale you want - Mike

[sussamb]

I guess given that this is the satmap forum there are bound to be strong advocates for it ...

@ Themidnightrambler

There are of course many more GPS handhelds out there

[satmapian]

Firstly if you're walking in places where getting lost could put you in danger (I'm thinking mountains) then you really need to know how to use a map and compass. Although very reliable your Satmap can fail or you could drop and break it. Also the military can and do occasionally block the GPS signal in local areas , so GPSs don't work.

I use my Satmap as my main navigation tool, but always have a map and compass for when things go wrong, or I want to look at a map that's more than 3" or so long.

I would recommend a Satmap, but if you have a smartphone take a look at Viewranger too. I'm not sure about pricing these days, but if you have the phone you already have the hardware. I haven't used it myself, but I'm pretty sure there was a good deal for around £40 ish for all the national parks at 1:50,000 which is all the detail you need really. Of course your phone won't be as robust as the satmap.

I like my satmap because it allows me to concentrateon the walk, rather than the navigation.

[TheMidnightRambler]

MidnightRambler here: Many thanks to all of you have responded, all with good advice. and it seems without doubt you all rate the Satmap.
In particular, Satmapian you raise a very valid point about not relying on technology totally and emphasised the importance of being able to read a map and compass; but realistically we are ramblers, not trekkers and much as I like to think we would be walking in mountains, in reality its unlikely.

And thats one of the key reasons why I’m considering a Satmap; its so we can spend more time enjoying the walk and less time consulting the map. Most of our walks are between 5 to 10 miles long in the countryside and by the coast. With this in mind do you think this is an unrealistic expectation? By that I mean for this type of walking if I bought a Satmap would I only need to use a printed map for backup?

I was also interested to note that some of you mention the application where you can plan routes. We use Walking World http://www.walkingworld.com/ quite a bit to plan our walks along with the Pathfinder Guides which includes GPS data: Would I be able to load this information into a Satmap unit?

I’m also aware you can use your smartphone and I have tried using the View Ranger App, but find it’s fiddly and quite often you have to either wait for/or can’t get a signal, or all the journey information has to reload once you’ve moved to a new location.

[sussamb]

Nothing wrong with a satmap but for the use you're intending there are cheaper options out there (ducks in anticipation ), as you've already alluded to satmap is an expensive option.

Having said that most GPS, including satmap, allow you to download GPX files (like the route files from walking world) although with satmap it's a two-step process, you download the GPX file for the walk and use the transfer software provided by SatMap to export it to the device.

[TheMidnightRambler]

Thanks Sussamb. Would you be prepared to name any of the cheaper alternatives to Satmap? Thanks

[sussamb]

See my post above (Post 3 in the thread)

(ducks again )

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