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Post by zipposdad on Feb 17, 2021 15:59:24 GMT -8
Well, I'm not a big Tech type. I usually leave my phone in the vehicle, no cell service anyway. Map&Compass... I do have the Gaia GPS app, that is good for 5-6 miles on airplane mode, then dead battery. What I would like is some THING to verify where I am and when I will get to where I am going. Oh and no cell service... Communication would be nice. Most trips are places I have been or with someone that knows the area. Looking to broaden my travels in 21. Oh $$$ 400-600 is out of the budget for now...
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Post by Coolkat on Feb 18, 2021 5:07:59 GMT -8
Best thing I can think of is maybe a gently used gps (looking out for your budget) or a phone with a better battery. I only take out my phone and turn it on (in airplane mode) when I want/need to verify where I'm at on the map. Phones these days make a wonderful gps with a decent app. I was on a 10 day trip in CO last summer and I never had to worry about my battery. I probably turned it on two or three times a day.
As for apps, I've never used gaia and I won't now that it requires a subscription. I use Backcountry Navigator (paid vesion) and/or Avenza for map apps. Both do a good job.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Feb 20, 2021 17:05:46 GMT -8
Avenza app on cell phone (free). YMMV. My Motorola phone lasts a long time in airplane mode with battery saver on.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 20, 2021 18:40:17 GMT -8
One huge battery drainer, aside from a screen always on which is a total battery killer, is having a gps app in tracking mode and determining location at short time intervals so it’s always powering up the gps radio receiver.
For simple location and “go to” time to a waypoint tracking is unnecessary. Only run the app when you want a location fix and the time to the destination.
Communication means a satellite communicator and they’re expensive , plus you’ll pay a service provider a connection subscription. SPOT or Garmin InReach are two.
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ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 9,842
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Post by ErnieW on Feb 26, 2021 20:53:51 GMT -8
If the ongoing subscription isn't an issue maybe take a look at a Garmin InReach Mini. Location, sat messaging and SOS.
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Post by okrunner on Nov 28, 2021 12:52:00 GMT -8
Bought a used gen 1 SPOT for $16 including shipping off ebay. Enrolled in a plan and appears to work great on my testing so far. Will have it in the backcountry in a few weeks for the first time. Service plan is $12 a month plus a small activation fee. Considering how little I paid for it, the service plan is not bad.
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zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,876
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Post by zeke on Nov 28, 2021 14:48:14 GMT -8
well, okrunner, SPOT isn't what this person was asking for. They want something that will tell them where they are, and when they reach their destination, like a GPS will. SPOT is best for letting your loved ones know you are OK, and where you are. It does nothing to help the person carrying it.
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Post by okrunner on Nov 28, 2021 18:28:34 GMT -8
Zeke, Seems you didn't read that he mentioned communication. I replied as I did for the same reason the prior two people posting had. In fact, one of those two mentioned the SPOT as well. Why don't you just respond to him?
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gabby
Trail Wise!
Posts: 4,536
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Post by gabby on Nov 28, 2021 19:45:29 GMT -8
Uh oh
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Nov 28, 2021 20:23:30 GMT -8
I wanted everything in one package and got a Garmin Inreach 66i (the form factor of their 60 series gps handhelds with communicator functions added, I’d had a 60 forever so it seemed a familiar fit) . For communications and locator functionality it requires a service subscription. The vary, maybe $12 and up per month, iircc theres also an annual plan option. There’s also a touch screen version, the Montana, but it’s way heavier, though a large display. REI shows them as well as other choices.
Though, as I mentioned above, that battery only lasting 5 or 6 miles sounds wrong. I walk all day and don’t see that sort of drain in my iPhone 13 pro max or before in any of the others. But I never track, occasional location fixes should not, would not, cause that sort of drain off a healthy battery. As backup I carry a smaller Anker pack or more recently an Apple MagSafe battery as it’s small and doesn’t need a cable, my phone looks low I just slap the thing on the back of the iPhone and keep going. A day wandering NYC into the night and I’m good: and I’ve got to have that power as my train ticket lives in my iPhone. Lol. That’s a full day plus of maybe 15 or so miles walking and using the phone both for mapping and the occasional photo to provide a geotagged framework for my dslr photos .
I’d suggest before you gave up on Gaia you poke about a bit at your settings. If it’s an iPhone you can see everything drawing power and by how much under the battery menu, someone else would have to chime in for Android.
If you can sort out your mapping needs with your phone the cost of your communication wishes drops considerably.
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