We have researched this list of useful websites for those who want information about the latest gadgets and devices for outdoor uses. It is in process of upgrading today.
garmin.com Garmin is the top manufacturer of GPS for recreation and for automotive, aviation and marine applications. Their products include GPSmap, Dakota, Oregon and Monterra. Other products include activity sensors, GPS with 2-way radio, and a GPS for dog tracking and training.
delorme.com Delorme produces the InReach Explorer and the InReach SE satellite text message communicators, as well as the PN-60 and 60w, and Topo North America mapping software for the WindowsR platform. They market software for Geographical Information Systems, street mapping software, and paper maps and atlases.
magellangps.com Magellan is one of the most consumer-friendly GPS makers. They have a product line from a basic geocaching GPS to highly functional touch-screen models with comprehensive built-in maps and integrated cameras. Their units work well with downloadable maps from National Geographic and integrate with Geocaching.com.
bushnell.com/gps Bushnell is a long-established manufacturer of outdoor equipment for hunting, fishing, backpacking and camping. Their GPS line consists of inexpensive BackTrack series units that track several points and indicate the direction to find them. They also make high-quality optical products like binoculars and laser rangefinders.
lowrance.com Lowrance makes the Endura series of handheld GPS devices. They are friendly to geocachers and are rugged and durable. Lowrance is a major manufacturer of marine GPS products.
findmespot.com Spot LLC makes the Spot Satellite Messenger and SpotConnect for Android and iPhone.
brunton.com Brunton is the maker of a slew of neat electronic gadgets, like solar chargers, power banks, digital compasses, weather stations and backtracking GPS. They also make precision compasses, and a hydrogen fuel cell USB charger.
goalzero.com Goal Zero makes a variety of power products for backpacking, camping, and emergency preparedness. Their products range from power banks to large batteries, and solar panels of all sizes. They also make LED lighting products for campers and backpackers.
Steripen.com Hydro-Photon makes the Steripen products, which use ultraviolet light to disinfect water of questionable drinkability.
natgeomaps.com National Geographic makes topographical paper maps of most US National Parks, and digital versions of maps of nearly every part of the United States. Their digital products are available through AllTrails and Magellan.
alltrails.com AllTrails is an internet service that provides access to trail maps, GPS tracks, waypoints and hiking recommendations of their user base througgh web browsers and SmartPhone apps for iPhone and Android. They also make exclusive online access to National Geographic digital maps to their paid subscribers.
digitalglobe.com Digital Globe sells satellite imagery by subscrition for download to DeLorme and Magellan GPS units.
mobile.accuterra.com Intermap Technologies Accuterra GPS App for Apple iPhone.
geocaching.com is the most popular geocaching web site by Groundspeak.
terracaching.com Terracachintg LLC is a popular geocaching site with a long history. New membership must be sponsored by an existing member.
opencaching.com is a free geocaching site sponsored and hosted by Garmin as an alternative to other geocaching sites. It gives the users more control and is less of a profit-centered service.
navicache.com is one of the first and among the oldest eocaching sites, going back to the first years of geocaching.
REI is one of the most popular retailers of outdoor gear for hikers, backpackers, snowshoers, campers and kayakers. It is a good place to go to see the kinds of outdoor devices that are available, and to ask questions of a person in real time. Prices are usually not discounted but membership dividends are accrued along with the occasional 20% off coupon. They also have an online store.
Amazon is the biggest online retailer, and hosts the Nerds in the Wood Store. You can get almost anything through Amazon, although the prices are not always the lowest that you can find. Amazon is very convenient. Delivery is usually within a couple of days, and sometimes the very next day. Returns are usually pretty easy, except that repacking and shipping can be somewhat of a hassle.
eBay is a great place to shop for used and like-new items. There are some really great deals on eBay, if you know what you are looking for and have a feel for the prices that you want to pay. Bidding can be very exciting, and it may take several weeks and a lot of patience to get what you want at the price you want to pay.