GPS suggestions

I've used GPSs units in many different realms: hiking, driving, hunting, fishing, flying (general aviation and Air Force Electronic Flight Bag) and combat land survival training. For any network-connected environments, Google Maps all the way. Even for lightly connected environments with their convenient easy maps download option for your route. For offline I use OfflineMaps+ free version either on my Android phone or 7" tablet and it has killer capability without much in the easy to use department. If I'm worried about battery life I bring a small power pack. I personally don't see the need for separate hardware. I figure I'm going to carry my cell phone no matter where I go anyway, so I prefer to integrate multiple capabilities into one hardware set.

 

Those guys using Gaia, can I pick your brain? I’m coming from Backcountry Navigator (which I loved) but had to switch to an iPhone (long story). BN isn’t available for iOS.

It looks like Gaia Premium is the best option on iOS? Do you guys find the maps available to Premium subscribers good enough for real off-road use? How about helping you find trails in areas? Good to go with track recording, importing and exporting? What else should I know before dropping the coin? Thanks in advance!

 

Just ordered a Garmin Drive 52. Toyota Scout GPS Link sucks.

 

Question for the group: what advantages do you see in buying dedicated GPS hardware vs using a mounted smartphone or a small tablet with free or paid apps?

 

Gaia with the premium membership

 

Thats what I went with! Thanks sir!

 

Depending on what your objective is.

Personally I keep my hardware as separate as possible in case of failure. For pure back country navigation on foot or bike, globally, I use the Garmin Montana, hardwired via cradle or battery hand held. I've actually had the Montana come off my bike at speed once in 3" crushed granite, took a bit to find, but it only had a couple nicks in it. The thing is a Tonka.

Software:
GPSFiledepot
Garmin BaseCamp
Garmin MapSource
Google My Maps
https://kurviger.de/
https://trips.furkot.com/

I also carry an InReach with Bluetooth connection to my phone loaded with Offline Maps and Earthmate for backup. I also keep a copy of all GPX files on my SD card in my phone. Yes, I've actually had to use this as a back up when things went south once.

 

stupid question, but are you able to follow yourself ont he maps when you download them? I'm looking for a solution to use when off roading. Was looking at possibly doing a Magelan unit.

 

Yes, you can follow yourself.

 

gaia is awesome. highly recommend. they now have mvum overlays which are super handy.

 

What are mvum overlays?

 

motor vehicle use maps
https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/maps/mvum-faq

they show allowable usage by vehicle class. not a topo, just routes. as an overlay, you can put it on top of other maps in gaia. super handy especially if you're exploring new areas and aren't sure if the roads are open to your truck.

https://blog.gaiagps.com/build-usfs-maps-gaia-gps-map-overlays/