Do Portable GPS Units Help Hikers Stay Safe? | The Communication Blog

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Do Portable GPS Units Help Hikers Stay Safe?

By Jashua Moses


When it comes to getting exercise hiking is a firm favorite among many people. Over the years the sport has grown and now more people get to enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature as they hike. The experience can be a whole lot more enjoyable if hikers take the proper and necessary precautions to ensure their safety before they begin their hike. Nobody likes to think of something going wrong but it is wise to make the right decisions when it comes to safety. Many a hiker has gotten lost in unfamiliar areas and it can happen to anyone.

Most of the time the trails for people to hike are clearly marked but there are times when hikers will leave the trail. Usually this is when they want to explore further but that is not a wise course to take. Of course it can also be that weather plays a part causing the hikers to find it difficult to follow the course.

Whereas hikers used to make use of the experienced trekkers available to them to lead them on the hike, technology is taking the place of a trekker. Although trekkers were invaluable the latest technology makes their assistance not nearly as necessary as before. Global Positioning Systems, GPS, has become very popular among hikers because they go a long way in preventing a hiker from losing their way. These units, like the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 Hiking GPS are portable, lightweight and small. The hiker is able to chart their course before they have even begun the hike and the system will then track their movement constantly as they make their way toward their destination. Should it become necessary and the hiker needs to double-back, the system makes it easy as it shows where they are in relation to where they are going and from where they started out. Some models enable the hiker to download images like maps to the unit which makes it even easier for them to get their bearings.

As any hiker knows this is one activity that is rather rough and his equipment needs to be able to rise to the occasion without malfunctioning. The GPS device has to be waterproof so that it will not be damaged if wet, and it needs to be well made and rubberized in order to protect it if it is knocked around a bit. The device you choose needs to be practical and easy to use, providing you with maps and images of the area. One such device is the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 Hiking GPS which is capable of high speed downloading of the maps and images you might need. As with this model the unit should be small and lightweight to avoid being an extra burden for the hiker. A very important feature that you should look for in a device like this is good battery life since it is not always possible to predict how long a hike will last. Although some newer models have a reputation for being heavy on the battery but there are units that offer up to twenty hours of use. While this is suitable for a short hike it is not for a longer hike and so it would be necessary to have extra batteries on hand.

Responsible hikers will take into consideration the proper gear needed for their hike to be as safe as possible. Along with that they will make sure that they have sufficient food and water as well. These days a portable GPS device is an essential part of any hiker's gear and no hiker should set off without one. Before setting out on your next hike you should consider equipping yourself with a GPS device like the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 Hiking GPS. By doing so you will be going a long way in protecting yourself while enjoying time in nature.




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