GPS-Where you've been & where you're going

GPS - global positioning systems have revolutionized hiking and backpacking navigation.  Once only available to an elite group of people that could afford such devices, the price of handheld GPS units has become attainable to everyone. 

Today's GPS is simple to use.  The tracking features and built-in maps make navigation in any area a snap which is why GPS units have become a standard part of the outdoor equipment for any hiker or backpacker that is venturing into the wilderness.  They are rugged and reliable with battery life now in the 10-20 hour  range.  

Major manufacturers of handheld GPS offer many different features.  The latest idea from Garmin is the incorporation of voice communication.  Their RINO 120 has eight megabytes of internal memory for downloadable cartography from GARMIN’s exclusive line of MapSource CD-ROMs which provides topographic, bathymetric, and street-level map information. It also incorporates a voice scrambler for secure communications and a vibration mode for "silent" calls from other Rino users. 

The ergonomic design makes one-hand operation easy with Call, Press-To-Talk (PTT) and Mode buttons on the side, Power/Backlighting button on top, and dedicated map zoom buttons in front.  The centrally located "click stick" allows for channel selection and volume adjustment in FRS mode and quick map panning, enter and selection functions in GPS mode.

The RINO 120 (GARMFRSRINO120OLIVE)  is equipped with a Quad-helix GPS antenna and 12-channel parallel receiver for accuracy of 20 feet or less in normal mode and 10 feet or less when WAAS-enabled.  The Rino series also incorporates a waterproof construction to IPX-7 standards (immersible in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes).

You can store up to 500 waypoints graphically and plot up to 20 reversible routes with more than 10 position formats and over 100 map datums.  The trip computer has speed tracking, sunrise/sunset, trip timer and trip distance capability.  Also within the high resolution 160x160 pixel display is a clock, stopwatch and alarm.  The typical usage battery life on this unit is 15 hours via 3 AA batteries.  For low light, the display is conveniently backlit. 

The Garmin Rino Series GPS are rugged and dependable and they weigh in at a measly 8 to 8.5 oz.