An altimeter is a handy device that provides a reading of your altitude. It is a valuable tool for navigation as well as tracking vertical feet climbed or descended. You can use either a stand-alone altimeter or one built into a watch or other device. read more
While very handy, altimeters rely solely upon the changes in air pressure to provide altitude (lower air pressure = gain in altitude). Essentially, they are barometers that translate pressure changes into altitude gain or loss. This means that other changes in air pressure, namely storms and changing weather patterns, can directly negate the altimeter's accu… read more
You probably purchased your altimeter so that it could tell you exactly how high you are at any given moment, a useful feature when hiking, climbing and navigating. In reality, however, using an altimeter is a process of your telling the altimeter the altitude as much as it is your reading the altitude on the altimeter. This is because the altimeter is a sim… read more
Garmin is a leading name in outdoor GPS systems. Series like eTrex and Oregon are standards in outdoor GPS navigation. Though it may seem less useful than GPS navigation, a built-in barometric altimeter allows you to monitor your ascent and descent and find your specific location on a topographic map. Since there are numerous outdoor GPS units that include b… read more
Garmin developed a new line of GPS units made for your car and on foot. The Nuvi 370 comes preloaded with detailed maps of North America and Europe. At 3.87 inches wide by 2.91 inches in height and 5.1 oz., and a rechargeable lithium battery lasting up to eight hours, the Nuvi 370 makes it easy to navigate anywhere. Garmin also integrated voice-prompt direct… read more
You'll find countless guides on what items are necessary for backpacking and surviving in the wilderness, but there are many items that will add enjoyment to your trip that may not make these lists. Though you could live without many o… read more
Ascending too quickly above 8,000 feet can lead to serious illness. You can help prevent the most serious degrees of altitude illness by taking a few precautions. read more
Though you may have been using a GPS in your car for years, shopping for a GPS for hiking and outdoor use can offer some new challenges. You're now looking for some slightly different features and should compare accordingly. read more
A compact and portable global positioning system (GPS) device can be invaluable to determine your location when simple observation is not effective and assistance is not available. Garmin is one of the leading manufacturers of GPS unit… read more
Standard barometric pressure as reported by weather stations has been converted to an equivalent sea level reading. Knowing how to convert a local barometer reading to this equivalent is essential in determining the actual barometric p… read more
Handheld GPS units have come a long way in the past few years, from black-and-white displays with limited graphics, to color touchscreen displays that provide an amazing level of topographic map detail. Here is a list of the most popul… read more
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Both Magellan and Garmin are leading handheld GPS manufacturers. Essentially, the two are very similar in terms of waypoints, accuracy and battery life. They differ in that some features are more standard in Garmin than in Magellan and… read more
Knowing where you're at, and where you're going, on a trail is essential for safety and peace of mind. Garmin, a leader in the GPS industry, has a full line of hiking GPS units, including mapping and radio units with GPS. The Garmin Or… read more
There are a number of excellent handheld GPS devices perfect for taking out in the woods. These GPS units typically have tough cases so you don't have to worry about dropping them, and they are often waterproof. Many of today's GPS uni… read more
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a device that utilizes signals from satellites to pinpoint your location almost anywhere on earth. While GPS units are very useful and popular with hikers and backpackers, they do not replace the… read more
Garmin and Magellan are two leading hand-held GPS manufacturers. While their basic functions are very similar, they differ in the kinds of features they offer. Which GPS unit you decide to go with will depend on how you intend to use i… read more
A good hiking watch is more than just a timepiece; it's an important tool that can be used for navigation and safety in the wilderness. Good hiking watches combine a number of outdoor-related features with standard watch features to pr… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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