Using gps with poles

redscotti

02/11/2011 at 22:38

Just started using a Garmin eTrex gps but find it difficult to use as I use poles for walking. Any tips? Thx.

NickNick

02/11/2011 at 22:55

What exactly is the difficulty? Holding the etrex at the same time as you hold the pole?

If so, hang the pole from your wrist by the strap or clamp it under your arm or put the pole down? All will leave you a free hand.

Hugh Westacott

03/11/2011 at 06:09

Redscotti

I had the same problem with an eTrex and now use a Garmin Foretrex 401 wrist receiver which leaves my hands free. It would not be suit everyone because it's not capable of displaying maps, but it does everything I want from a GPS receiver.

Hugh

Fleegle

03/11/2011 at 06:52

I'm not sure which Garmin eTrex you are using, but with the eTrex H, you can get a case to put the GPS in.

On the back of the case, there is a clip, to clip the GPS to a belt, rucksack strap or something just as ideal.

Mine I clip to the chest strap of my rucksack, mainly for convenience, but I can then twist the unit sufficiently to view the screen.

I also loop the cord on the back of the Etrex H around a strap, so if I do drop the GPS, its can be pulled up easily.

ALoveSupreme

03/11/2011 at 08:23

I use the Garmin Etrex Belt clip - it's not a case, so there's no faffing around opening it, just a clip that you attach to your belt/rucksack strap into which your GPS slots. Oftentimes you can just swivel the GPS and glance down at it. You can remove the GPS if you want to with one hand without taking gloves off. Youtube video here. Excellent wee thing.

benp1

03/11/2011 at 09:23

I used to use a case for my etrex that attached to my rucksack strap, i only checked it every now and then

i now use an oregon 550t which comes with a carabiner i clip to my strap

redscotti

03/11/2011 at 11:20

Thx for all the replies. Garmin Etrex Belt clip - that's just the very dab. Off to buy one now!

Man on stilts

03/11/2011 at 12:21

Tie the etrex to the shoulder straps of your pack using shock cord. It should still be easy to remove so that you can view it. Simple and cheaper than buying a Garmin accessory.

For additional security (necessary), use the lanyard/wrist strap and a larks-foot knot to attach the etrex to the D-ring of your shoulder strap (if you have one) or the chest strap or any other convenient strap (if you don't).

Parky Again

03/11/2011 at 13:19

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/members/images/8988/Gallery/DSC_9562.jpg

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/members/images/8988/Gallery/DSC_9561_0.jpg

redscotti

09/11/2011 at 10:53

@Parky Again. One picture is worth a thousand words. Very clear - thx. Already bought a belt clip but combined it with your system, so if I drop it (easy with poles!), I still have it.