No matter how well a person is guided by the terrain, the fear of getting lost in the forest does not go anywhere. You can walk in circles along the same route and think that the direction is correct. Most of the experienced mushroom pickers understand this and buy special equipment that suggests the right route.
Some modern manufacturers produce products that are not capable of working for a long period, or may even fail during a sortie. To prevent this from happening to you, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best navigator-returners for 2020.
Content
Navigator selection
Experience is important for a mushroom picker, since a safe trip to the forest depends on it. A person should know the basics of geography, navigate between pines and birches, notice the features of the relief, etc. This is the only way to confidently return home without a special tool. The brain must work 100% and remember hundreds of the smallest details. Unfortunately, not a large percentage of the population has such abilities; the other part can only hope for a chance or trust modern technologies.
The principle of operation of return navigators is practically the same as for car or telephone versions. The main difference is compactness and long-term autonomy. The device does not consume a lot of power, unlike the phone, which starts to drain quickly when the GPS option is turned on.
A proven tool in a deep forest is the return navigator without the Internet, mobile network and special functions. The device is able to indicate a direction to a person and will work throughout the entire journey, but even if it is discharged, it can be charged or replaced without any problems. It takes up a minimum of space, in addition, there are models that are fixed on the keys. This solution allows you not to forget the equipment at home, which will make the trip safe and productive, since a person will not be limited to one mushroom spot and will find another Klondike.
What to look for when choosing?
This question torments novice mushroom pickers, but it will also help experienced people who are just discovering the possibilities of modern goods. Regardless of the model, brand, price and appearance, it is recommended to choose a product according to 7 criteria.
- The first thing you pay attention to is the number of points. The parameter determines the duration of the recorded path. The deeper into the forest, the more points the navigator should fix. This is the only way to remember long routes. The cheap segment disappears almost instantly. You should not trust little-known firms that sell goods for a penny. Because the result will be directly proportional to the price. Mid-range and high-end models will allow you to record more information, which increases the chances of a successful return. Thanks to the marks, a person will discover a new area that is unknown to other mushroom pickers, which will increase the chances of prey. This function is useless only if the person walks the same path all the time.
- New maps are needed to hike into uncharted territory, and every megabyte is important to download them. Therefore, the second criterion is the amount of built-in memory.Everything is simple here, it should be enough for a person to download several areas. Buying in excess is allowed, but not recommended, since mushroom pickers do not travel all over Russia, and, therefore, most of the maps are no longer relevant. If a person cannot yet buy an expensive navigator with a large amount of built-in memory, then he can look for a device with support for flash drives.
- Autonomous work is an important characteristic. The equipment can have hundreds of maps, memorize the terrain exactly up to a meter, but what good will the gadget be if it works for a couple of hours. Therefore, when buying, this parameter is in the first place. Some mushroom pickers prefer to buy simple models without unnecessary additional functions so that consumption is minimal, and a 7 or 9 hour trip does not turn against a person. It is important to understand that mushroom picking is a fascinating business, and a person can completely lose track of time, landmarks and stop monitoring the state of the battery. Therefore, you need to buy a navigator with maximum autonomy and not save on this.
- The processor is responsible for processing information, it is desirable that the product is equipped with a good CPU from a trusted manufacturer. The speed of scrolling the map and zooming in depends on this. If a person does not understand manufacturing firms, then a good guideline is the clock frequency, the higher it is, the faster the work.
- Dimensions play a role when it is necessary to overcome tens of kilometers and climb mountains. In this case, it is recommended to buy small devices that do not take up space in your pocket and hand. For other cases, medium-sized gadgets are suitable.
- A beautiful appearance is good, but much better if along with it there are good strength indicators. No one will like a device that cannot withstand a simple fall on rocks, which is common. The navigator must withstand the loads and not break. Before buying, it is important to clarify this nuance with a consultant or read reviews on the Internet.
- The last item is screen sizes. Most low-end manufacturers equip the device with a small display. Of course, you will be able to see the place on the map, but if a person does not want to experience discomfort with this, it is preferable to buy navigators of a larger diagonal.
Looking for the perfect fit
There are three types of devices for mushroom pickers in stores, each differing in design, price and functional features.
- GPS tracker is a popular product for novice users. The main purpose of the device is to determine the coordinates, and it copes with this 100%.
- GPS tracker - this device is capable of not only fixing coordinates, but also plotting a route to the starting point, which helps with sorties at medium distances.
- A full-fledged navigator is an expensive but useful invention that will pave the way from the location to the end of the forest with high accuracy, while a person only needs to press a couple of buttons and just follow.
Most modern navigators run either on a built-in battery or on easily replaceable batteries. When comparing models with automobiles, the latter lose, since they have unnecessary functions (for a pedestrian) and little autonomy. The maximum duration of the return navigators is 24 hours, but there are also variants that can adhere to this period. Such products are specially equipped with a powerful antenna so that tree branches do not become an obstacle when catching a satellite or mobile signal (depending on the area).
If a person cannot find a special device for mushroom pickers, then a navigator for travelers is bought. The principle of operation has not gone far and functions according to the same criteria as the standard models. The main thing is to carefully study the indicators of autonomy, the possibility of memorizing coordinates, the presence of a display backlight, a moisture-proof and shock-resistant case.It is not recommended to pay attention to parameters such as stopwatch, timer, weather condition, pedometer, if there is no urgent need for it, but more often it does not happen. It is pleasant to have a device that will calculate not only the mileage, but also the number of steps to the goal, but there is no practical use in such a device.
On a tight budget, a GPS tracker with a built-in compass will do. Most of the experienced mushroom pickers use it, as they are easy to use and have low energy consumption. Even on special Internet forums, beginners are advised to purchase a similar product.
Top Compact Navigator Returns
Photo-Hunter Backtrack GPS
Backlight, long-term autonomy, durable body - all this unites the device of the Photo-Hunter company. The product is a compact product that can be attached to keys or a backpack. Unknown terrain will no longer be a problem and will help the mushroom picker focus on prey, and a safe and fast return takes over the device.
Accuracy - up to 5 meters and the ability to record 16 coordinate points. Power is supplied from the built-in battery, one charge is enough for 10 hours of continuous operation, but no one bothers to take with you a simple Power Bank even with 1500 or 3000 mAh and charge the battery again. The coordinates will be preserved and will not disappear, which is a big plus. The case is protected from moisture and dust penetration, and also withstands falling onto stones.
The average cost is 3,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- 10 hours of work;
- Durable body;
- Dimensions;
- Accuracy up to 5 meters;
- The ability to record 16 points of coordinates.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Yasmart NG1
A versatile device capable of recording over 15 points. The accuracy of determining the coordinates is 10 meters, of course, this is not the same value as in the previous version, but for pocket equipment it is a good indicator.
Hot start - 2 seconds. There is a blue backlight, screen diagonal - 1.4 inches. Battery life is 9 hours, the main battery is its own Li-Ion battery. You will need mini-USB cables for charging. The display shows coordinates, distance, elapsed time, altitude and hours.
The average cost is 2,960 rubles.
Advantages:
- Helps to navigate in a new area;
- Exact determination of coordinates;
- Opening hours are as stated;
- Good lighting.
Disadvantages:
- The charge indicator is not very informative, since it can display 100% for several hours and then drop sharply.
TK STAR LK109 / TK1000
A unique novelty of 2019 that will help not only mushroom pickers, but also each user. The product is a GPS tracker with water resistance and the ability to work up to 150 hours in standby mode and 30 hours in active use.
Determination accuracy up to 10 meters. To operate, you will need to download the official application using the QR code, which is present in the instructions, or find it yourself. After a minute of registration and confirmation of the mail, the person can operate the device.
The tracker is useful for mushroom pickers because it has a "Geo-fence" function, that is, a person sets the maximum range of the device and can safely move through the forest, as soon as he crosses the tracking zone, the product will immediately report this and the person can easily return to the safe area.
The average cost is 3,800 rubles.
Advantages:
- Ease of use;
- Accuracy;
- Long-term autonomy;
- Universal use;
- Waterproof housing.
Disadvantages:
- Price.
Globalsat BT-821
The navigator is an auxiliary tool, the connection is made to the phone. Powered by a MediaTek chipset, the number of receiver channels is 66. Power is supplied from a built-in battery, the capacity of which will last for 24 hours of active operation. The Bluetooth interface is used to connect to the phone.
Sold at a price of 5,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Finds satellites quickly;
- Duration of work;
- Reliability;
- Good build;
- High accuracy when traveling by car or on foot.
Disadvantages:
- Price.
Garmin Oregon 600
A versatile device designed for novice mushroom pickers or travelers. A color screen is used to display information. The capacity of the travel log is 10,000 points, which is an excellent indicator and makes it possible to travel safely.
The device can memorize up to 200 routes, which will make it easier to navigate the already studied area. A nice bonus is the built-in map and the ability to calculate the route from point A to point B.
Screen type - LCD-color, touch control, maximum resolution - 240x400 px. An additional function is the presence of a barometer and a magnetic compass. Power is supplied from 2 AA batteries, battery life is 16 hours.
The average price is 1,050 rubles.
Advantages:
- Support for 2 positioning systems;
- Price;
- Good readability;
- Sensitive screen;
- Supports multiple cards.
Disadvantages:
- The screen is scratched;
- Small memory.
Bushnell BackTrack FishTrack
An expensive navigator that will not only allow you to easily navigate the terrain, but also warn the user about the approach of a thunderstorm. The product is designed for use by people with an active lifestyle. The product can memorize up to 25 waypoints and has a return function. Screen type - LCD-one color. Powered by three AAA batteries. The case is made of high quality plastic and is able to withstand immersion to a shallow depth.
Sold at a price of 10,990 rubles.
Advantages:
- Good accuracy;
- Duration of work over 14 hours;
- Detects lightning at a distance of up to 24 km;
- Built-in thermometer.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Garmin GPSMAP 64
The latter option is only suitable for professional use. In addition to the easy-to-read display, the device is equipped with a powerful antenna that can work under any conditions. The software from the manufacturer and the ability to record 5,000 waypoints will allow travelers and mushroom pickers to effectively use the product.
The built-in map will help you better navigate unfamiliar terrain, and to make it even easier, the manufacturer has equipped the display with an anti-reflective coating, so even in bright sunlight it will not be difficult to find the right route. The control is carried out using mechanical buttons. The built-in memory capacity is 4 GB, which is enough for loading several maps and storing 10,000 points in the route.
The battery has a working time of 16 hours and the product holds a charge perfectly during this time. If a person does not have enough built-in memory, he can install his own USB flash drive with pre-downloaded maps.
Sold at a price of 21,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Battery capacity;
- Anti-reflective coating;
- The manufacturer pre-installed all maps of Russia;
- Strength;
- Reliability;
- No extra features;
- Work speed.
Disadvantages:
- No built-in compass
- Inconvenient controls;
- High price.
Finally
Everyone can get lost in the forest; experience does not play an important role here. Landmarks based on a pole star or mss won't always help you find your way home. According to information from the website "Lisa Alert", thousands of citizens are lost in the forest every year, someone went to pick mushrooms, and someone wanted to experience the thrill. In order not to replenish statistics, it is better to purchase a compass or a return navigator. If you have experience using the models described in the rating, or more interesting suggestions, tell us about it in the comments.