Mounted search and rescue

[Ian Vowles <Ian@modric.net>]

For what its worth our experiences :

 

Garmin 12 XL - still have many in use , take a lot of abuse have all the
features we need battery life pretty good.

 

E-TREX - we have been unlucky with these and do not recommend them

 

Garmin 72 - great low cost unit we like the fact that as an entry level unit
( about $130 ) we can use UTM or Lat/Long with one click - solves the
worries of teams needing both at a moments notice. Battery consumption - we
plan for changes every 8 hours for safety ( 2 X AA ).

 

We use ours for 2 main purposes;

 

a)       We train the teams to use GPS as a check AFTER they plot where they
are on their maps

b)       Tracking teams for "where did they really go"  - normally the GPS
is on all day then we download each when they come back to see the bread
crumb trails.

 

Garmin 111 Plus - all ours have been excellent heavy duty, long lasting and
a good full day + on batteries ( 4 x AA )  I always carry one as a "back up"
and leave it on all day in my pommel bag - has come in handy when a "new"
toy didn't work ! Believe still on sale .

 

Hope this helps,

Ian Vowles

Mounted Rescue