Fed up with Garmin. Alternatives?

[whitestone]

I should say I've the Oregon 600, my wife has the Oregon 700. The only "problem" I have with the 600 is that even though it has Bluetooth it isn't supported in the iOS Garmin Connect app so I have to wait until I can transfer the recorded files via USB to see them in Strava and the like. No big deal unless you want the kudos from your followers within 20 femtoseconds of you finishing your ride

[Itchynuts]

Have you looked at the Satmap Systems offerings?

I'm new to bikepacking but have been using a Satmap Active 10 for hillwalking for 10 years now.

There is an add on silicone rubber case which makes it waterproof and almost bullet proof.
The rechargable battery will last 2 days but it accepts normal AA cells too.
OS 1:25k maps are available for all of the UK and also 1:10k which are good for roads.

When I bought it I don't think any other devices could offer the OS mapping.

The Active 10 has been superceded by the Active 12 and there is the Active 20 if you're rich.

[Mart]

I've got an active 12, and do kind of like it in terms of robustness, but I think they do have limits
Love the larger screen and the OS map details, find it slow to zoom in and out of map resolutions.

Hate the waterproof rubber outer - Mine always seemed a faff and never fitted properly. The plastic window over the screen was just another barrier to seeing the screen properly. Now I just put a poly bag over it and tie the bottom with an elastic band

Battery life was OK, but screen brightness was your enemy, needed it turned down and only use when needed.
Screen always seemed to reflect light, particularly when bright making you use the bright button more!
Used AA's for the Highland Trail (instead of the rechargeable) the unit takes 3 .... which leaves you an odd one in a 4pk that always finds its way to the bottom of a rucsac pocket somewhere you can never find it again when you need it

Not sure on the active 20, would need to see one in real life.
Advantages seem to be no waterproof cover as unit it more waterproof, gorilla glass for screen make it more readable. Better clamping to bars (think its quadlock from memory)
Ability to combine existing maps (though you do have to pay for this service)

Feel like I am a picky bugger. Considering all options at the minute for a replacement

[Itchynuts]

Satmap Active 10/12
Yes the rubber cover is a bit of a pain but once on it is solid.
I'm a bit puzzled though by your mention of an extra layer to see through.
The normal screen cover should be unclipped and removed before the rubber cover is put in place so there is no extra layer to see through.

[Mart]

Itchynuts - ha ha ha ha ha ..... I didn't know you had to remove the cover before putting in the Proshield case
Ive been doing it wrong all this time. How stupid do I feel now! Just had a look at the Satmap video to make sure
Thank you so much for the pointer, without it I would still be clueless

Probably explains why Its never fitted properly all this time

[Itchynuts]

Mart - Glad to be able to help

[redefined_cycles]

Itchynuts - ha ha ha ha ha ..... I didn't know you had to remove the cover before putting in the Proshield case
Ive been doing it wrong all this time. How stupid do I feel now! Just had a look at the Satmap video to make sure
Thank you so much for the pointer, without it I would still be clueless

Probably explains why Its never fitted properly all this time

Mart... you need an, 'even my grandma can use this' unit matey

[Mart]

Mart... you need an, 'even my grandma can use this' unit matey

Even that might be too complicated

They load these units with so much tech and connectivity but how much is really required
I only need some maps, uploading route GPX's, and the ability to follow

[middleagedmadness]

Mart... you need an, 'even my grandma can use this' unit matey

Even that might be too complicated

They load these units with so much tech and connectivity but how much is really required
I only need some maps, uploading route GPX's, and the ability to follow

It's the ability to follow what f@cks me up every time mate

[MarkW]

I've had a bit of success playing around with my etrex touch being a techie.

Turns out a file was corrupt and that file is created on startup. I deleted the corrupt GaminDevice.xml file and all is good again. Even got Garmin to re-instate my expired "birds eye" (OS maps) credits, and they gave my full purchase again, not just the remaining credits. - minor win!
I would feel much better having something else to fall back on (for tracking, I have paper maps), but can't justify the expense now.

[Cheeky Monkey]

...
I would feel much better having something else to fall back on (for tracking, I have paper maps), but can't justify the expense now.

Have you considered a fitness watch / band with GPS? Huawei do one with GPS (rather than relying on your phone). I imagine there's alternatives but I got this one for my littlest and she seems to like it and it works well enough.

On amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Huawei-Activit ... 6991&psc=1