Review? OS GPS devices (TwoNav)

[winerwalker]

I’m in need of a new GPS device for hill walking, ski touring and MTBing. Has anyone had experience of the Ordnance Survey range of GPSs made by TwoNav?

I’ve used various Garmins, Satmap’s Active 10, and even an old Magellan years ago, and am looking for something that:
- can take plenty of mapping (most of UK OS 50k/25k usually on SD cards),
- works at moderately low temperatures (skiing weather, Scottish winters, not serious Artic stuff),
- has a robust bike mount,
- large screen,
- waterproof (enough for UK weather).
Not fussed about touch screen.

tks

[Marty_JG]

Sorry, no.

But if you want to chat, any particular reason you're not interested in a Garmin Oregon or Montana? Though it's a couple of years out of date, you can get Garmin 100% GB at 1:25, 1:50 and 1:250 on one card for about £45 (or you can PM me). In addition to that, not instead of but also, you can put the TalkyToaster maps on. The clarity on them (compared to OS) is night-and-day. Sure the OS will have more detail, use that to search for water sources and neolithic ruins. But in terms of on-the-bike-at-speed you'll likely find TT much superior. As for cold weather and these temps that'll be the battery that's key, get either Energizer Ultimate Lithium if you're wanting disposables or Panasonic Eneloop Pro if you're wanting to use rechargeables.

Another suggested might be a smartphone? At least a rugged, waterproof, one you can switch the (high capacity) battery out? Could be worth looking at the Galaxy XCover Pro which actually does all that. I'll link a review by the only people I know who do side-by-side tests of rugged smartphones along with a Garmin unit, summary: it's fast & accurate.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsung-Galaxy-XCover-Pro-Smartphone-Review-Outdoor-phone-with-user-replaceable-battery.455238.0.html#toc-communication-and-gps-xcover-pro-with-speedy-wi-fi

Just an idea.

[winerwalker]

Thanks, Marty_JG. Yes, I’ve used TT maps for trips to Norway and the Alps as well as UK - they’re impressive.

I’ll check out your other suggestions.

rgds

[jolly47roger]

If you are going the smartphone route, the Locus app works well and, uniquely (I believe), has a map based on OS OpenData that includes Core Paths for much of the Highlands.

btw, when I asked the OS they told me that their GPS devices could not be loaded with other maps. If true, then they are no help abroad.

[winerwalker]

Cheers. I’ll look up Locus.

The OS devices are from Spanish company TwoNav and have hundreds of maps all over the world. I doubt if OS have managed to lock them somehow, but it’s possible. I just haven’t found anyone who’s used the device - maybe that’s my answer!

[Scottk]

I have memory maps on my phone but seriously tempted by locus. Walked with someone last year who used it and it looks great and the maps are loaded on the phone. If I had a android phone I would have definitely been using it.

[Marty_JG]

If you are going the smartphone route, the Locus app works well and, uniquely (I believe), has a map based on OS OpenData that includes Core Paths for much of the Highlands.

Holy Moly that Locus App looks amazing.

[DavidS247]

Have you checked out ViewRanger? I have used it successfully in the highlands during winter and with a premium subscription it supports 1:25k and 1:50k OS maps.

I use an iphone7 with an external battery to recharge at the end of the day.

[winerwalker]

Thanks, DavidS247, yes I’ve used ViewRanger. There are loads of great apps (Komoot another newish none) but few great devices and I try not to use my phone for navigation.

[Gareth Harper]

25% discounts on many Satmap products just now.
I’m tempted but my ten year old Satmap10 still works fine.

[maremalin]

I was tempted for a long time to get one of Garmin devices. But i think those are bit dated now and resolution and usability is somehow bit backwards.
I'm using OS Maps app on iphone with premium subscription for anything in UK and ViewRanger for those rare trips abroad. That is on top of paper map for backup if required.

Main disadvantage of using phone is battery life. So far i've never had a problem and i always carry small battery pack in case of emergency. For multi-days trips or longer day trips i use my phone in flight mode and that extends battery life significantly.
Second problem with phone is operating temperature. Carrying it in winter on a cold day its a hit and miss. I've had situations when phone switched off after carrying it in phone case / pouch for ease of access.

[winerwalker]

Thanks. Yes, my iPhone can die for no reason with plenty of charge, hence my question about new devices.