How are GPS units for Hiking in NJ? (Watchung: rental car, sale)

[tripod]

Do they work for hiking through mountains and are there any very simple inexpensive units that would do the trick?

I was hiking a bit through Watchung reservation and got lost for awhile which got me thinking that if I wanted to walk from the southeast corner to the northwest corner of the Reservation for example I would need a GPS unit to help guide me and it wouldn't need be a very detailed map but something that can show the overall outline of the place as it relates to the surrounding towns, ie big green blank area with streets at or near the perimeter of the area. Again would be interested in the cheapest possible unit that could provide basic direction that's better than a compass. Thanks

[Kracer]

You need to play around with a gps and is is a wonderful tool but don't short change a simple compass and map.

Get a basic map of the place from the website for the reservation or go to one of the many on-line mapping sites and print out a 'hybrid' map.
If you go to the EPA website there is a mapping program you can use but most any mapping site will provide enough of a view for your purpose.

Study the map for prominent landmarks, streams, roads, buildings, direction of the main ridge and so on.

Find a baseline on the map in terms of the roads that surround it and specifically the road where you park your car.

Say the road where you park runs north-south..... take note of this. Wander anywhere you want in the reservation and when you want to return, simply take a compass reading and head east or west back to the baseline road.

You won't return to the exact spot but you will return to the road/ baseline somewhere.

Make sure you recognize some landmarks on the road so when you return to the road you know which way to head to reach your car. This works especially in smaller areas like the parks in NJ or even in large tracts of woods if you have knowledge of additional landmarks/ baselines.

Only requirement is you look at the map and determine the direction of your baseline. Pull out the compass again when you want to return. The more you learn about the landscape the closer you will come to your car when you head back out.

Also look at the general topography/ lay of the land, stream flow direction and you will get a feel for the relationship to negate the impression of randomness you feel when you first approach new territory.

Which way do the streams flow?
Which way do the ridges run from the main ridge?
Distant sounds?
View of distant landmarks.
Which way is the wind blowing?
Where is the sun? Rises in the east travels through the south on its way to setting in the west. The sun will be directly south at the halfway point bewtween sunrise and sunset.... approximately noon.

[Gerania]

It seems that people get lost at Watchung.

Garden State Hiking: Watchung Reservation

If you don't already have a park map, pick one up.

http://www.ucnj.org/parks/wrmap804.pdf

Maybe you need a map with more detail.

New Jersey Atlas & Gazetteer - DeLorme

I can't help with a GPS recommendation. I have one and pretty much just use it mark the location of my car.

A GPS Primer

And yes, check the Groundspeak forums.

Geocaching - The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site

[icibiu]

Personal units for running/hiking/biking/geocaching often go on sale at Amazon, sign up for thier deal of the day I see them on there all the time.

Also if you have a detachable one in your car it might work in a pinch, it won't lead you to anything small but if you're really lost it might help you find your way.

[tripod]

Was mainly wondering if they work in the mountains and guide you in case you get lost and for knowing in general how far you've gone from your starting point and such. Don't have any experience with gps other then using them with rental cars.

[joe moving]

i think you will loose the signal a lot,depending on where you go.

[Gerania]

"Was mainly wondering if they work in the mountains and guide you in case you get lost and for knowing in general how far you've gone from your starting point and such."

Yes, it'll do all of that...if you don't break it, lose it, if your spare batteries aren't dead and you can get a signal. I'm serious. Every one of those things has happened to someone I know.

It will work in the mountains. I've never hiked Watchung so I have no experience to relate. That's why I gave the link for Groundspeak. They not only have GPS related forums but there a lot of geocachers in NJ; you might run into one of them over there.

"If the "view" to the horizon or overhead is obstructed, that reception can be effectively blocked or diminished, making the GPS unit unreliable."

How to Use Your New GPS Receiver: Expert Advice from REI

[tripod]

Ok thanks guys

[EB2]

Originally Posted by Kracer

You need to play around with a gps and is is a wonderful tool but don't short change a simple compass and map.

Get a basic map of the place from the website for the reservation or go to one of the many on-line mapping sites and print out a 'hybrid' map.
If you go to the EPA website there is a mapping program you can use but most any mapping site will provide enough of a view for your purpose.

Study the map for prominent landmarks, streams, roads, buildings, direction of the main ridge and so on.

Find a baseline on the map in terms of the roads that surround it and specifically the road where you park your car.

Say the road where you park runs north-south..... take note of this. Wander anywhere you want in the reservation and when you want to return, simply take a compass reading and head east or west back to the baseline road.

You won't return to the exact spot but you will return to the road/ baseline somewhere.

Make sure you recognize some landmarks on the road so when you return to the road you know which way to head to reach your car. This works especially in smaller areas like the parks in NJ or even in large tracts of woods if you have knowledge of additional landmarks/ baselines.

Only requirement is you look at the map and determine the direction of your baseline. Pull out the compass again when you want to return. The more you learn about the landscape the closer you will come to your car when you head back out.

Also look at the general topography/ lay of the land, stream flow direction and you will get a feel for the relationship to negate the impression of randomness you feel when you first approach new territory.

Which way do the streams flow?
Which way do the ridges run from the main ridge?
Distant sounds?
View of distant landmarks.
Which way is the wind blowing?
Where is the sun? Rises in the east travels through the south on its way to setting in the west. The sun will be directly south at the halfway point bewtween sunrise and sunset.... approximately noon.

Great tips that I would have given, myself.

Don't forget the old moss rule (to the north [meaning the moss should be growing on the north-facing side of the tree [or rock, or whatever])), in many cases (provided the forest gets enough sun [as not enough will cause moss to grow all over]).

Reps for you, Kracer.