Multi-mode GPS

While I cannot vouch for all the models of the Nuvi's my 780 can do both walking and biking modes.

I just loaded a bunch of topographical maps into mine with a trail overlay. With a topo set selected, the trail overlay selected and the city navigator maps turned off, ped mode should make this much like a handheld GPS...with farily short operating time however.

For full on trail use (walking) I will be still using my Garmin Legend (handheld) rather than the nuvi though. It is better suited for that task in my view. However, the nuvi with a bike mount could be quite useful I think.

I am actually thinking of getting the 765t. Hopefully, it would have the same functions as the 780.

I think the 765t is highly likely to have the same modes as the 780, but I am sure someone will be along to let you know for sure.

I have only used my 780 once for walking...I put the unit in my shirt pocket and it tracked my whole walk nicely.

I cannot do this with my old Legend. If it does not have a very clear view of the sky...say mounted on my shoulder strap facing up, it loses the satelites right away.

I was quite impressed that the nuvi could "see" the satelites well in my pocket.

Generally I don't use my GPS turned on when I walk, but stop and get a fix, set a waypoint if needed and then turn it off again.

The nuvis short battery life (compared to my Legend) used like this should work well.

I find the user interface of the handhelds more tuned to walkers than the nuvi (of course right). And therefore will likely rarely use the nuvi as a walking instrument. However for short unexpected walks it will likely go along.

I have 24MB memory only in my Legend so I have to specifically load maps that I know I will need before I head out....having 5 states worth of topographical maps on my SD card in the nuvi allows me to just grab and go....that is very nice.

I bought the 780 over the 765 due to Garmin's change in displayed detail....otherwise I would have bought the 765 also.

How long does the battery in a typical car unit go between charges? With the hand held units you can throw an extra set of batteries or two in the pack just in case.

My advice is to always supplement the GPS with a good compass and a real topo map. Also take the time to really learn how to use them before you venture out. When you are lost, cold and a little scared you want survival techniques to be second nature. When I go into the woods hunting I always carry a compass, magnesium fire starter, space blanket and a multi tool in addition to my hunting knife. We have had snowstorms come in and people lost well into the night. A warm fire would be comforting. Sorry if I was a bit preachy but I grew up in the Pacific Northwest where people were lost in the mountains every year because they were not properly prepared. At least once a year my father would take me on a couple day survival trip with minimal supplies. Practice is well worth the time spent if you ever need the skills.

Yeah I would not rely on any nuvi for much more than a day walk. The rechargable battery pretty much limits these units to short duration uses outside of the car.

In my view there are way too many people walking around with cell phones and GPS units without any foundation in the basics of navigation or even taking care of themselves outdoors.

Here is a pretty good paper by Garmin on navigation. They cover the use of maps, compass and hand held GPS to navigate off the road. It would be well worth the time to go to a state park and practice on a nice Fall day. Show the ranger where your way points are in case you get turned around. Also be conservative on how far you can walk in a day especially if you leave the trails.

http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/UsingaGarminGPSwithPaperLandM...

Keep in mind also that a dedicated handheld GPS receiver is more likely to survive being dropped on the trail or caught in a sudden downpour than the Nuvis would be.

If you go Nuvi make sure you keep ziplock bags handy to put it in for waterproofing.

You can always purchase a portable usb charger (~$20) and keep that in your pack in case you need to charge your Nuvi.

The only problem with keeping it in your shirt pocket is it falling out, should you have a reason to bend over. I learned the hard way when my PDA fell out of my shirt pocket and hit a cement floor when I bent over to pick up a dropped sheet of paper. Cost me $$$ to get the broken touch screen replaced.

I use my Edge 205, on an arm strap, while walking just to see how fast I walked. Believe he is hoping 1 unit will suffice for all things GPS.

Dropping one of these units is indeed not a great idea.

Overall I think for walking a traditional handheld GPS is superior in all ways to a nuvi...but for certain short-term, low commitment uses I bet I will grab my nuvi....and button it in my pocket

And maybe a solar panel and inverter to plug it into. Not many trees with outlets around here. LOL.

then you don't have to worry about poking around in the trees for a outlet.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13287-knee-device-make...

What? Here's a link to a portable charger. Take a look at it and you will understand......
http://tiny.cc/jBIts