When people look for marine equipment, a cooler is often at the top of their list. They want coolers that are reliable, durable, and large enough to keep them supplied with a cold one for days. Therefore, it should not surprise anyone that having a high-end cooler is at the top of the list when it comes to accessories for their next fishing trip. However, the people who are not buying for the sake of a “name” may ask the biggest question of all, “New coolers, are they worth the price?” If this is something that you have pondered, we suggest that you read on.

The Desire for a Name Brand Cooler

There are a lot of coolers available. You can purchase soft sided coolers and a variety of sizes from some of the most high-end brand names that you can find. This includes brands such as Yeti, Pelican, Engel, and more. Some coolers can cost you anywhere from a couple hundred to nearly $1000 by the time it is all said and done. People trust in these coolers because they have proven themselves in many ways. Many sites like Cooler Critic state that they are able to hold ice for many days and are better than all others. They have features that are desirable, such as the ability to keep a bear out, but you do have to wonder what they can do that others cannot.

Facts About Cooler Brands

Most all coolers that are considered “High-End” are dependable coolers, but this is not to say that other cooler brands are not as good. The truth is, many of the cheaper coolers around are able to hold ice for several days and they also have features that make them as good, within reason. Most all have the same amount of insulation between the walls and most all have the ability to be bear proof, since bear proof means simply that it has a way for you to lock it with a padlock. Cheaper coolers have rust-free hinges and can be used by anyone who wants to sit or stand on them. Therefore, if you do not have a lot of money to spare; you should be able to get by without spending a small fortune on your cooler. This will enable you to put your money where it may be more useful.

Put Your Money Where It Matters

Which do you think would be more beneficial to you on a fishing trip? A high-end cooler that can keep beverages cold for a week or a marine GPS that can actually help you get back to shore when it matters the most? Both may serve a purpose, but you cannot get the same quality GPS by going cheap that you would by spending more the way that you can with a cooler. There are other marine accessories that are just as important as a GPS including the batteries that you may use to power you boat, but the GPS system is vital if you are going out. One common issue for boaters is going out and then suddenly a fog or rain rolls in and you are steering blind as you try to make your way back to the coast. In this situation, a cooler will not be helpful, but a GPS can save you from a lot of potential issues and the whole point of being prepared for the marine environment is to be sure you can handle any situation you have to. Which do you think matters more?

There are a lot of devices nowadays that claim to be waterproof. You can purchase cell phones and watches that are waterproof, waterproof cameras, and even waterproof GPS. The big question though is whether they are really as waterproof as manufacturers want for you to believe? If they are, are they more expensive than you are willing to pay? We have the results of our research and will answer the question of waterproof GPS-are they worth it?

Does Waterproof Mean Water Proof?

The truth is, the fact that an item says it is waterproof does not mean that you should immediately dunk it into the nearest water supply. There are different levels of waterproofness with all electronics that claim to be waterproof. Some are able to handle a good rain shower, or a trip into a rain shower like on this site, and others may be able to travel to the deepest parts of the ocean with you. The good news is, most all handheld GPS systems will tell you if they are waterproof and to what extent they are waterproof.

The Best Waterproof GPS

There are GPS systems that you can purchase that enable you to get them wet. There are marine GPS systems and they are safe to take out in a kayak or even wear on your wrist. There are handheld GPS systems that are safe to use in the marine environment and there are others that can go scuba diving with you. Before you rush out and purchase one, though, you should read reviews to make sure it is going to be as waterproof as you want for it to be. Otherwise, you could end up being very disappointed. Some of the best and most popular choices will not stop working because you hold it in the water for several minutes. Garmin is the most popular type because they are more waterproof than some of the other GPS systems.

What If It Is Not Waterproof?

If you have a GPS that does not clearly tell you that you can take it into the water for up to so many meters, you could end up with a GPS that no longer works after you accidently carry it into the shower with you. If you choose a handheld that is rated for motorcycle use or marine use, you should be safe to get it wet in the shower or when out in the rain for an extended period of time. Though in some cases, you may need to dry it when you come out of the water. In a situation where you want to go diving with it, you will want to make sure that it is safe for the amount of time and depth that you plan to be diving into. Each handheld GPS will have its own abilities. You need to look carefully to see what your GPS system is able to handle because we know you do not want to take it out into open water, only to have it leave you still having to search for your way back home.