Disclaimer: Technology evolves quickly. The information on this page is likely already outdated. It was last updated January 2025.
Cycling Electronics are a must for the Outing Leaders. These keep you on track and adds a level of safety for the group.
A strong argument can be made that everyone on an outing should have adequate GPS mapping at their fingertips. The only good argument against this is that the individual cost to each Scout is can be cost prohibitive. Luckily, there are free app options that any Scout with a cellphone can use.
Adult Trip Leader
Edge Explore 2 or Garmin Edge 1040
Edge Explore 2
Large screen (not as large as 1040) is easy to read, even for old Scoutmasters
No frills GPS that just does navigation
Explore 2 screen has better color saturation than 1040
MUCH less expensive than 1040
Garmin Edge 1040
Large screen is easy to read, even for old Scoutmasters
Excellent functionality
1040 has a lot of great and potentially unnecessary functions for the trip leader
This is a pretty expensive piece of gear
Youth Trip Leader
Elemnt Bolt or Garmin Edge Explore 2 or Cellphone with Cycle specific App
Elemnt Bolt
Small screen
Great Value
Compatible with Trailforks and other apps
Get this if
You want the most bang for your buck
Many more functions than Explore 2
Lots of Cycling data and ability to connect to Strava
Brighter Screen than Explore 2
Easier to see in direct sun
Garmin Edge Explore 2
Large Screen
Just for Navigation
Map
Turn by turn
Speed
Basically everything you need and not much extra
Get this if
You ONLY need GPS Navigation
You want a larger screen than the Bolt
Cellphone
Bike Mount for Phone
Cycle specific App
Komoot
Bikemap
TrailForks - Mountain Bike Trails
Powerbank and cable
Way to attached this to your handlebar
Youth Participants
Cellphone with Google Maps
Download offline maps for all of Western Washington
Download any areas we may visit outside of Western Washington
Download and save Google Maps Trip Link
On Outing Signup Page
Phone needs to be fully charged
You may need a powerbank for longer rides