| Getting the best GPS for geocaching families | | | | of following the directions. |
| really depends on the individual family member's | | | | If your family hasn't tried geocaching yet, you |
| specific athletic abilities and geocaching skill levels. | | | | can't imagine how this popular treasure hunting |
| Some families will have technically savvy | | | | game brings families together. Your family can |
| members that can readily begin to use the most | | | | even compete with other families to see who |
| advanced high tech geo-equipped GPS units | | | | finds the cache first. |
| available today. | | | | Since you'll be having children of all ages using the |
| But, generally speaking, for most families, a basic | | | | GPS device, you'll want to look for one that is: |
| uncomplicated handheld GPS unit will work just as | | | | 1. Rugged enough to be banged around a lot. |
| well or better than a $1,000 model with every | | | | 2. You'll also want it to be waterproof, or, at the |
| add-on known to man. In consideration for the | | | | very least water-resistant, and it should float. |
| younger and less techy members of your family, | | | | Without a doubt, count on it, you'll at some point |
| you may even prefer a simple entry-level unit. | | | | run in to foul weather, or the GPS will get |
| One with just a few buttons to push will do just | | | | dropped in a puddle or lake. Actually, this will |
| fine. Get one that isn't too difficult, confusing or | | | | probably happen numerous times. |
| fancy, and you'll have a happy geocaching family, | | | | 3. It needs to be lightweight. Everyone in the |
| in fact, the more basic, the better. | | | | family will want to take his or her turn using the |
| If your family falls in love with geocaching, and | | | | GPS unit, and a few ounces can make a big |
| wants to spend vacations participating in this | | | | difference when you're carrying the unit for a long |
| exciting popular sport, you can always upgrade | | | | ways. |
| later. By the way, geocaching is a wonderful | | | | 4. It should be relatively inexpensive. If your |
| inexpensive way to enjoy a terrific vacation with | | | | family is anything like my family, with people of all |
| your family. | | | | ages using the GPS, there is a good chance that it |
| You can get a good, rugged, handheld GPS unit | | | | will be either lost, misplaced or damaged. It's a lot |
| for under $200 and that's on the high side. If you | | | | easier to replace a $100 GPS unit than it is to |
| scout around online for last year's models, you'll | | | | replace a $1,000 system. |
| probably be able to get one for under $150. | | | | 5. The screen should be easy to see. Get one |
| Magellan and Garmin, the industry leaders, both | | | | with good contrast, so you can easily read the |
| have perfectly good out-of-date models that are | | | | display. |
| very will suited for your family geocaching | | | | The best GPS for geocaching families should have |
| expeditions. | | | | these five attributes. Just think for around $150 |
| For tracking down a cache, a handheld unit will | | | | or so for the GPS unit and an Internet connection, |
| probably be the best GPS for geocaching families, | | | | you and your family can experience the fantastic |
| that way the kids can hold the device, punch in | | | | treasure hunting game of geocaching for many |
| the coordinates, and actually experience the thrill | | | | years to come. |