Garmin Rino 110: You Cannot Get Lost With this GPS Radio

My fiance and I and another couple recently spent a day hiking through the "Niagara Falls" of Pennsylvania and decided that we should sign up and utilize the GPS device that the trip facilitators suggested we use. One of us was a veteran hiker, but the rest were all beginners and we figured it was best to make sure we all got home without spending two days hiking through the wilderness.

This was a good decision on our part. Though you will infrequently get really separated (I consider this to be far enough away that you cannot see the others in the group.) there are still times when it can and does happen. Plus, I think we all know of and hear the horror stories of when this does happen. Regardless, we decided that we would utilize the Garmin Rino 110 that was provided for us.

THE SPECIFICATIONS:

* Size 4.5" x 2.3" x 1.6" with antenna and 7.6 ounces
* 22 channels
* Range of up to two miles on FRS channels and five miles
on GMRS channels
* 10 call and ring tones with four roger tones
* One button call function
* Memorizes up to 50 contacts
* Retraces path of as many 20 contacts
* Provides 20 retraceable tracks
* Provides weather statistics
* Accuracy of within 15 meters
* Battery life of 28 hours with GPS, 20 with FRS, and 15
with FRS and GPS (three AA batteries)
* Waterproof to IEC 529 IPX7 standards

WHAT I LIKE:

1. The thing we liked the most and found to be most interesting was the ability to "see" where we were without physically being able to see each other. The Rino 110 allowed us to see where we were on a plotted map. In other words, if my fiance wondered off and got out of sight I could still see where she was on the screen and know how far away she was. This is important to keep from getting separated from a group and a good safety tool.

It works like this: Everytime you push talk, the Rino will automatically locate any other Rino within a two mile radius and then map the people on your screen. A pretty cool feature.

2. The built in walkie talkie allows you to talk to the person who you cannot see. If you can see the person on your screen, you can then talk the person back to the group while leading them on either their or your Rino 110. Another plus is the ability to warn of big creepy animals, like bears, that may be hungry.

3. The size is not restricting. The size is about the same as a cell phone so will hardly know you have the Rino 110 with you. A big plus as you will also likely have a bunch of other stuff with you already and the weight can begin to wear on you- especially in the hot and humid summer months.

4. This thing can take a beating. The Rino is a tough customer. The casing is a strong plastic- with the option of a protective cover- that can obviously take a beating. Drop it on a rock and nothing will happen. Drop it in a river and nothing will happen. Yeah, the Rino is waterproof to a decent depth. The antenna is also thick and sturdy enough to withstand a decent amount of abuse without falling off. Finally, the Rino 110 is going to keep working anywhere in a range of five degrees up to 158. I would say that if it is 158 degrees outside, you should probably consider staying home.

5. Memory, memory, memory. As small as it is, the Rino can hold a full megabyte of data. For our uses, this was worthless, but for those who camp or hike frequently, this is useful. You can store your own maps in addition to the maps that are provided (Any city in the world with more than 200,000 people) and have the ability to retrace your steps. Again, this is a neat safety feature that will keep you from getting lost in the wilderness or separated from a group. The memory also permits the user to store up to 50 contacts and to trace the paths of up to 20 contacts.

6. Safety features. Ok, how is this for cool. Say you own a big parcel of land that you utilize for hiking and camping and rent out to people. You can offer them Rino 110's or program into their systems the parameters of the land. If they wander outside of these perimeters, an alarm will sound making them aware that they are not where they are supposed to be. A big plus in making sure that everyone returns safely.

7. Functions. Weather is important when hiking. We have all heard the stories of people who are suddenly swept away in a flash flood or stranded in a blizzard. While the Rino will not get you the Weather Channel, it will provide info on sunsets and sunrises, best fishing times, and similar useful information. You can also track the speed of your trip.

8. Accuracy. The Rino 110 is very accurate. We were able to get into a range that was close enough that we could not possibly not see each other. The accuracy will vary depending on what frequency and GPS method you use (As will the battery usage), but any of the three will get you close enough that you will find who you are looking for.

WHAT I DO NOT LIKE:

1. Help, my battery has died. Well, it did not happen to us, but it certainly could and then you are in trouble. If we were out there for two days and a battery died the Rino 110 would be useless. The moral of the story is that you do not want to wander after 24 hours of usage. The battery is decent enough, but check what GPS function is running as they have different effects on the battery.

2. If you are out there and need help and need to locate others, the Rino is only compatible with other Rino's. This is a problem as not everyone has a Rino. In our situation this was perfect as we all had Rino's issued by the destination. However, if you are out on your own in the great west you have to hope you find someone within two miles in order for this to be useful. Good luck.

3. The stalker possibilities. Ok, think of it like this. There is some nutcase out there who can stalk you by knowing where you are if you both have Rino 110's. Kind of scary when you are out in the middle of who knows where. I am sure this will happen at some point in time and I am sure the victim will sue Garmin.

4. The traditionalist will not like the Rino. Of course, the traditionalist does not want any kind of mapping device. They want to be one with nature and go along away from the whims of the modern world. My suggestion is to take some mapping device as a safety precaution; better to be slightly non-traditional than become a light meal for a hungry bear.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

The Garmin Rino 110 is a great safety and plotting tool if you are in a small group and all using the same equipment. If you are in a group of two or on your own, I would say it is fair at best. The chances of finding someone to help if you are hoping to find someone in a two mile radius is minimal and the battery will die in a matter of a day or so. However, I would recommend the Rino because of the fact that something is better than nothing and the Rino is easy to use and learn.