Kit Focus — SatMap Active 20 GPS Mapping Navigation Device

-
I have always had a love of maps. I can sit for hours looking at the contours, colours, and trail lines; imagining the landscape that they represent. For me, maps are adventure art; but they are also an essential tool for exploration. The SatMap Active 20 GPS is my latest investment into mapping, and as a portable highly-accurate and versatile handheld mapping device, it is a superb companion.

For cycling, maps exist on many of the leading brands' computer units, but for the most part if you take them into really back-and-beyond destinations and they will fail to show you the true lay of the land—unable to show you the topography, geology, or small but potentially critical features like stream or bogs.

These smaller but critical details about the composition of the landscape are what can make or break hiking, running, and biking adventures. The best way to identify with them, before it gets too late, is to consult an Ordnance Survey map or similar international variant.

The problem with traditional paper maps, as much as I love them, is that they can slow you down—both in terms of plotting routes, and because a pannier full of (potentially wet) maps is a physical burden. For that reason, it is logical to embrace technology, and deploy a digital mapping device that can both show your location on a waterproof screen, and help you plan, follow, and track routes.

The SatMap Active 20 Platinum GPS is a leading light in terms of portable GPS map navigation. In addition to multiple scales of OS maps it will also display more than 50 foreign country outdoor maps, as well as some marine charts.

First of all, the Active 20 stands out because of its design. It is rugged, shockproof, waterproof, and it has the ability to use the unit either through touchscreen interaction or through physical buttons (ideal if you are wearing gloves). In addition, it has a whopping 16 hour battery life, with easily replaceable batteries that can be charged from any car, wall, or power pack that has a USB outlet.

The SatMap Active 20 is certainly capable of dealing with the rigours of the great outdoors, but it also works in harmony to show you the profile of the land. Pinpoint accuracy is provided thanks to the use of all the major GPS networks (GPS / GLONASS / GALILEO) and a barometric altimeter. You can track across the map with speed to survey the surrounding area, because the high processing power of the unit and the use of independent mapping cards means there is no lag time in buffering map data.

As well as providing the highest level of accuracy and map surveillance, the SatMap Active 20 is also a planning and tracking device. You can upload routes to the memory card by simply dragging them across from your computer using a USB connection, or by subscribing to the Xpedition mapping service and synchronising over Wi-Fi (I must admit I have not tried this feature yet). You can also plan routes on the device itself, by laying a series of waypoints.

When it comes to tracking and following a route, the SatMap Active 20 provides a huge amount of data: from bearings and COG (course over the ground), to integration with Bluetooth heart rate data and cadence metrics. The files are stored safely on the device and can be downloaded by USB cable on ending your activity.

The SatMap Active 20 handheld has become my go-to mapping solution for hiking, biking, and even kayaking adventures. It provides you with peace of mind that you know exactly where you are at any given moment, and useful information on tracking your routes and waypoints for future reference.

The Active 20 is intuitive to use, and reliable in performance. Much as a chart plotter on a yacht has in many ways replaced the need for paper charts (you should still have them as a back-up), the SatMap Active 20 is a superb alternative to traditional Ordnance Survey mapping for over-ground navigation.

Find out more at Satmap.com







The SatMap Active 20 GPS unit was provided to The Expedition Journals for testing and review

Comments

  1. Ash Green22 October 2019 at 16:00

    Thanks for such a nice content. Apppreciate it :)
    Cheers
    If anyone interested similar one's have a look here . thanks

    ReplyDelete
  2. Elizabeth5 April 2021 at 08:39

    WOW

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kit Focus – Merrell MQM 3 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots

-
Image
Fresh from the mountains of Sri Lanka, this is my review of the versatile and sure-footed Merrell MQM 3 Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots.  Merrell shoes have been a trustworthy walking partner of mine for several years now; with previous models reviewed here on The Expedition Journals including the MQM Flex 2.0 and ChopRock Aqua Shoes . The brand's footwear is comfortable, durable, and provides a reassuring foothold on a multitude of terrains. The Merrell MQM 3 Mid GORE-TEX boots were my choice of hiking shoes for a three week adventure to the island of Sri Lanka. With jungle treks, mountain hikes, and days spent wandering through markets and nature reserves, I wanted a pair of lightweight waterproof hiking boots that would be comfortable and reliable – the MQM 3 Mid boots delivered flawlessly. Waterproof hiking boots are the best option when choosing walking shoes for all conditions, in my opinion. Waterproof boots offer all-weather protection, and although slightly warmer than non...
Read more

Kit Focus – Rab Expedition 50L Kit Bag

-
Image
Rab Equipment is one of my favourite outdoor brands on the market – they produce the legendary Microlight down jacket (see my recent review of the Rab Infinity Microlight Down Jacket ), as well as sleeping bags that I have used on some of my longest expeditions.  A new piece of Rab Equipment that has landed in my kit store though, is the Rab Expedition 50 Kit Bag – a rugged and hardwearing 50 litre duffel bag that is superbly made and ready for any adventure. The Rab Kitbag 50 is made using a tough and durable 600D fabric and is coated with a TPU water-resistant film. Triple-stitched seams and a double thickness base add further to the ruggedness of the kit bag.  The contents of the duffel bag are easily accessible through a large, double zippered (lockable) main opening. On the underside of the lid there are two internal zippered mesh pockets, as well as two pockets at either end of the bag's internal main compartment. For transporting the Rab Expedition Kit Bag, there are tw...
Read more

Kit Focus – Review 361º Strata 5 Running Shoes

-
Image
I have been using 361 trainers for several years now, and they continue to impress me in their support, cushioning, speed, and longevity. My previous pair of 361 Strata 3 trainers lasted over 800 kilometres before being retired, and during that time they delivered a number of PBs. So, when the time came to replace them, the obvious choice was the new 361 Strata 5. Here is my review… The Strata 3 is a long-distance road running shoe. The soft upper mesh offers maximum breathability, while the new anatomically shaped tongue adapts to your foot to avoid pressure points. The lacing system has always been a highlight of 361 trainers for me; the Morphit system provides a secure and adaptable lacing system; which combined with the Ortholite insole offers impressive support against pronation. For long distance endurance running comfort, the 361 Strata 5 trainers use a Qu!kfoam midsole and a weight-optimised footbed made from Qu!kspring+ EVA foam – this combination creates a responsive r...
Read more