I'm thinking of getting the topo cd to download on to my gps v, and was wondering if anyone has used this and what they thought of it. Will be archery hunting elk in snowy range, Wy. come Sept. I have some doubts as to the need for the topo download. Your input please.
Thanks
David/Mo

I have not used the topo downloads. Have used the downloaded maps/cities. Too much trouble. Pricey. I would rather have a map printed out so you can see a better prespective of the area.

I do like the basic features of a GPS to be able to find my way back to camp/truck or back to a waterhole. I would also like to have the electronic compass (which I don't have now) but I get along fine without it. I would like the altimeter, but I get along fine without it.

If everyone in yourhunting group had RINOs, that would be nice. Then you could keep track of everyone. But I have heard some bad reports about the radios. Maybe that was on the originals and they could have that fixed by now.

I have the Garmin Vista and it is loaded with all the state topo maps I hunt. Nothing like it. I am an old time hunter and still use my compass and pay attention to where I am. The GPS is a great backup and safety valve. Because it is a tool I don't rely 100% on it in case of a failure. I always carry spare batteries in my survival pack. I hunt the vast woods of northern Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. There is no room for error especially at the end of the day. This year I will be in the ranges of Colorado for the first time. My Garmin will be loaded with all the necessary topo's to give me the edge. I can look at the topo and pan to a sag in the mountain and the unit tells me what heading and distance even if I can't see the sag. If I get turned around and come to a large river or road the unit tells me the name. If I drop the big one and need help to get it out I dress it out cover it with spruce bows, leave a smelly undershirt to keep the yotes away, lock it in and then go get help. I can walk right up to it even if it is miles from the truck. My group carries radios and if someone needs help with a drag we radio the coordinates and help soon arrives. Once you get used to it there is nothing like it.

I have a Garmin eTrex Legend and did buy the Garmin Topo CDs to download selected maps for areas I plan to hunt or travel in. It does provide a amazing detail of the topography to give you details that doesn't come with the base map.
The CDs were just under $100.
I do have to download over other maps when I go to other areas, just because there's a limit of how much memory can hold. But I've put maps for maybe 1/2 of the state of MN on my GPS on at once. You still have roads and large features in other areas of the country that you haven't downloaded detail maps for. I think it's a wise investment. If it can help you find your way safely and not have to spend cold night in the woods alone how much is that worth to you? It's worth much more than the extra $100 bucks to me I guarantee. Of course, as said earlier bring a backup compass and topo paper map in case something happens to break the electronics. We all know nothing electronic is unbreakable.
Be safe.

I looked at map software before I bought my gps and decided to try Terrain Navigator from www.maptech.com/. They make high end software for surveyors also and their product per state was about $87 thru Amazon. I picked up the state of Montana which gives you every topo map for the state since I was planning a trip there at the time. Bought a Garmin Etrex and a data cable for uploading/downloading waypoints to and from the software. I marked alot of waypoints for the trip, downloading them from the map software to my GPS, and off I went. I also printed out maps, taped together sections, and then ran contact paper over both sides so I had a waterproof map. It shows all the waypoints I marked. I tested the software's accuracy when I got out there by going to a waypoint I'd marked at an intersection in a little town in Eastern Montana. When I hit the intersection, it said 29 feet to destination. Thus far, I really like the software and have purchased two more states. It's nice having the printed map in front of you where you can look at a waypoint you've marked, bring it up on GPS, and say "I'm going here this morning". There are others out there such as Delorme, etc. but I've been very pleased with Maptech thus far...

www.maptech.com

I have it and use it. The main problem with it is that mine is a 1:100,000 scale. This will get you in the ball park. If you use it, don't rely on it. If you rely on it, you will get lost. This is just one piece, but youmust have a compas and a map to get you around safely.

I also use the Garmin E-Trex Legend and love it. The topo maps are usually detailed enough for me but I always carry a map. Bought my topo cd's used on e-bay for $50 bucks plus a little shipping. I'd say go for it.