Compass, maps GPS and children Xmas present

[Sytes]

Okay,
I am going to buy my two nephews 14 and 15 - a GPS unit each. Though first they will receive a quality compass each. Once they establish their understanding of map navigating and location skills, they will receive their X-mas present, the GPS's.

My question - understanding the age, anyone have a quality map / compass book that fits for a 14 and 15 year old?

On the lines of GPS units - they are sure as hell not getting Rhino $$$ types... I was thinking something along this line though anyone with thoughts on a GPS fitting a VERY SIMPLE function use?

Tell ya, we almost experienced a lost 15 year old this year. His ability to stay focused on his prior travels of the area got him out... Long story - no real fault on parent or young man - just an experience that brought reality to the heart.

This is one of the units I am thinking of for purchase.
http://www.consumersearch.com/gps/garmin-etrex-venture-hc

Only $130 each... and seems pretty basic... decent review for the price.

This is the compass I am thinking of buying for them...
http://www.backcountry.com/brunton-8010g-compass

Simple and the one I personally carry whether I have my GPS or not.

Thoughts?

 

[Corax]

I have been using the Etrex H (the base model without the maps) which is on sale for under $70 right now) or the very small Foretrex 301. I also use USGS topos (which I always rule with the UTM grids), and a compass. I tend to use the Silva compasses, but the Brunton is also good. The Kjellstrom book "be expert with map and compass" has been around a long time and is still good. I like to at least start out with simple gear. Any of the GPS units will give an accurate position. Relating their position to a grid (I use UTM) and the map is excellent practice and will help give them a feel for navigation.

Above all, enjoy your time in the field with them. Good luck.

 

[the nikster]

I have both the E-trex and the Brunton compass(that you showed) and I continue to use both in field some 6 years later. I like them both. I did have 1 bad experience with the E-trex. In Alaska I could see my camp about 3/4 of a mile down river on a bend. I hunted back towards camp until I felt I was near camp (near the only large log in the area)and turned on the GPS for fine navigation. said I was .17 miles to camp and pointed me the opposite direction I felt comfortable with. Many twists and turns and over 2 miles later I found myself at the same fallen log with the GPS pointing .18 miles in the same direction as before. I ignored the GPS and followed my gut. I was at camp within 3 minutes! Many trips since then it has worked fine-perhaps just not AK?
I also suggest people look at a map before they go into the wild. General info like high spots and creeks can raise your comfort level if you see them in real life.

 

[12 guage]

Where can you buy them for $70.00. I was doing some looking online and the cheapest I could find was $100.

 

[Corax]

I did not get too scientific about this - just googled "etrex". About a page and a half down was a listing of stores - amazon.com had them for $69.99 or so. I get a lot of stuff from amazon - not just books. Cabelas also had them for that price earlier this weekend but seems to have discontinued that price.

Good luck.

I was looking at a GPSMAP 62s for $249 at Gander Mountain, but waited too long and the price went up. I am going to wait a while and see what I can find at the lower price.