Operating a GPS for backcountry or geocaching use is quite simple after a few minutes of experimenting with a device and following some simple GPS instructions like those included in this article. This is one of a series of articles we have on our site about GPS usage; see below for a complete listing of our GPS how-to articles.

This article discusses how to mark a waypoint with a GPS device and why and when you might want to do so. We often use a basic Garmin eTrex unit as our go-to example, but all GPS units function in very similar ways and have similar features. Before you start with these instructions, learn which keys, buttons or menu selections activate the following basic functions on the GPS you're using:

 • Move between pages or menu screen - Usually a button labeled "Page". Like choosing between open programs or tabs on your computer screen.

 • Scroll within choices on a page - this may be a "rocker" button or two "up-and-down" buttons, similar to the function a mouse or cursor movers does on a computer.

 • Select a choice - usually a button that says "Enter". Serves the same function as the enter key on a computer or "OK" on a smartphone.

HOW TO MARK A WAYPOINT:

A waypoint is simply a unique address for any point in the world, but instead of the traditional street/city/state/zip format we're used to for road travel, GPS units utilize waypoints expressed in mapping formats such as latitude/longitude or the UTM Grid.

The GPS determines your location by receiving signals from orbiting satellites which determine distances from each satellite, triangulating a location on earth that is expressed in a mapping format. For example, Lowergear Outdoors is located at 2155 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85288, which is on the SW corner of University and the 101. But to a GPS, our location would be more commonly expressed in one of these formats, which all point to the same location:

12S 415638E 3698162N
33° 25' 16" N 111° 54' 27" W
33° 25.274N 111° 54.443' W

You can change the format your GPS expresses waypoint addresses through its "˜setup' menu. See our article on how to change measurement units and map format setting on a gps.

Marking a waypoint of your current location is handy for future reference, most commonly to make it easier to find your way back to that exact location - your car, camp site, buried treasure, etc. It's very simple - on your GPS, find the menu page or the button that says "Mark". Select that option or press the button to be taken to a confirmation screen. Choose "OK" and now your waypoint is saved in the GPS memory. The points are often named in numeric sequence by default, but you rename it to be more meaningful to you - CAR; CAMP; TRAILHEAD, etc. That's it! You may want to clear out waypoints after a trip so the GPS is clear for your next adventure. Also see our article on how to navigate to a waypoint with a gps.

We have a nice library of additional GPS how-to articles on this site. If you rent a GPS from LowerGear, we will also include a print or online user guide with full details on how to use it. We are also available to assist you over the phone. Links to our other articles in this series follow:

Our GPS Overview page
How to Manually Enter a Waypoint Coordinate into a GPS
How to Navigate to a Waypoint with a GPS
How and Why to Change Map Orientation on a GPS
How to Change Measurement Units and Map Format Setting on a GPS
How to Record a Track of Waypoints on a GPS
How to Use a GPS to Find Your Location on a Map
What does WAAS Mean for a GPS
Using a GPS for Geocaching

See all of the GPS navigation and geocaching rental gear we can deliver to you for your next back-country, geocaching or driving adventure!

We'll ship your rented GPS unit direct to your home before your trip, or to any other convenient location. Or, you can pick up the GPS at our backpacking and camping retail store in the Phoenix area if your travels are nearby. After your trip, just package up the rented GPS back into the same box we shipped to you, use the prepaid return label, and drop off the rental gear at the most convenient shipping point used by our carrier - there will be many options in every city in the US.

If we're shipping rental gear to you, order far enough in advance to allow for a few days of transit time. Note that you are not charged rent during these transit days. We can get GPS rentals to you in anywhere in the US in 5 business days or less via UPS Ground, and expedited shipping methods for quicker deliveries are available. For more information, call us at (480) 348-8917 or stop by our outdoor retail store in Tempe, Arizona.