GPS for walkers

[minestrone]

I went out running in the south of France recently using an android phone (not mine) and google maps, by the time I had got 10 miles away from my start it had dropped the map of the route I had worked out on the hotel wifi and consequently got lost, fookin useless.

[xoggoth]

Ta for Garmin Oregon tips, will have a look at that model.

On smartphones I know they can work well as #2 son uses his all the time, it's just that mine (cheap, wotta surprise!) doesn't. I believe you only need a phone signal to download the maps, if you have downloaded what you want to the memory card you only need the GPS.

[expat]

Google maps on a smartphone would be good enough, if you get an external battery so you can keep the phone charged whilst you're out and about (As GPS eats batteries)

Not for the places I walk where I'd think of getting one (e.g. Knoydart). I will admit that my smartphone navigated pretty well through the souks of Marrakech last week, except for occasionally bumping into other people doing the same.

Edit: I'm presuming that it needs a phone signal with data, as well as the GPS. Or am I wrong?

[DirtyDog]

I've got a Garmin Oregon. Dropped it in a river and it survived. Has also survived a couple of bicycle crashes, so if you're accident prone, check them out. (Also good for geocaching)

That's what my dad uses and recommends.

[xoggoth]

Cheers, I know it can work well but it's complete crap on my Android. Got GPS turned on and my location shows as middle of a motorway about 12 miles away!

[mudskipper]

I've got a Garmin Oregon. Dropped it in a river and it survived. Has also survived a couple of bicycle crashes, so if you're accident prone, check them out. (Also good for geocaching)

[MicrosoftBob]

Google maps on a smartphone would be good enough, if you get an external battery so you can keep the phone charged whilst you're out and about (As GPS eats batteries)

[xoggoth]

Sure I asked this before but can't find GPS in search.

Anyway, any recommendations for one of those handheld Satnav thingies for country wanderings? Clear screen for ancient eyeballs an advantage. Cheers.

PS one other question. As far as I can see you buy one and the have to spend another £100+ to get the necessary maps or am I wrong?