Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>]

Scott Bombard wrote:
>We are in the market for two simple GPS's without radio, but with
>backtrack feature. Is there a easy to use unit out there that's
>affordable?

I have used a lot of GPS units.  The one I finally bought myself
is a Garmin 12;  I got a used one on Ebay.  For GPS use while on
horseback (often moving), key features are a large display and
large buttons.  For backcountry and general off-road use, a huge
memory full of pre-installed map (and commercial marketing) data
is useless.  For SAR use, down-loadable maps are mostly useless;
who has time to download the relevant USGS quads?  I keep a paper
map collection in my vehicle.  (I also have all but 1 topo quad
for New Mexico in raw image files on my computer.)

Another benefit of the Garmin 12 is its relatively large antenna;
it tends to get a much more accurate fix, faster, than many newer
GPS units.

        Una Smith
        New Mexico