Choosing the Right GPS device

GPS Requirements:

• GPS should accept microSD card for loading high volume of map and course information
• For Finisher Certification, the GPS must support track recording (tracklog of where you went) and auto archive is recommended
• GPS must have a USB Interface, for downloading your recorded track logs
• GPS should accept 100 or more way points
• GPS should accept up to 10,000 track points and 50 tracks if you are not using Garmin transparent track map
• Garmin brand GPS is recommended so you can take advantage of the more robust Garmin transparent track maps.
• It is highly recommended that you use a GPS that allows connection to your bike’s 12VDC power with rugged power connection.  You should have both internal batteries AND a connection to your bike battery. And it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a set of batteries in your pocket just in case.
• A backup GPS solution is recommended. It can be a partner’s GPS, phone with mount setup for off-line GPS, or a second GPS setup with route.
• Paper maps and a compass will be more time consuming for course navigation and are not provided. But paper maps are useful for re-routing since digital topo maps generally include too many closed roads/trails for re-routing. We recommend USFS and MVUM maps for paper. Most MVUM maps can be downloaded in PDF and loaded on your smart phone.

• Garmin Montana($500+/-) and GPSMAP 78 ($200+/-) –  all models have color display, large track capacity, extended memory (microSD card) and rugged power jack so they are the most recommended.
• Garmin GPSMAP 60cx, 60csx, 76cx, 76csx, 62s, 62sc, 64, 64s, 64st, are acceptable but only the older 60 series is known to have a rugged power jack.
• Garmin Etrex series, all models that have color display and extended memory (microSD card slot), but weakler USB power jack.
• The GPSMAP 276c, 376c, 378, and 478 do not have a microSD card slot, so are not recommended.
• Other Garmin models – Up to you to verify requirements, at your own risk