Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2015 15:26:41 GMT -8
I am getting ready for my first backpacking trip and I am looking for a GPS app for my Android phone. There are alot of options. I am looking for some advice on good apps to check out. thanks.
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zeke
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Peekaboo slot 2023
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Post by zeke on Aug 24, 2015 16:12:42 GMT -8
Do you know for certain that where you will be hiking gets cell coverage? Many places don't. GPS apps can run down your battery quickly if left on.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Aug 24, 2015 18:17:40 GMT -8
Whichever app you choose make sure you can preselect and store maps on your phone so they will be available when cell service gets weak or nonexistent as it is in much of the backcountry.
Gps uses satellites, the map data comes down over cell service. No cell service, no new map data.
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daveg
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Michigan
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Post by daveg on Aug 24, 2015 19:14:12 GMT -8
I use PDF Maps. It's pretty basic but simple to use and it does what I need. You can use the app to download USGS topo maps for free.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Aug 25, 2015 6:38:33 GMT -8
Gaia GPS works using offline maps (downloaded ahead of time). Put your phone in Airplane mode and then just turn on the GPS. It will last quite long on a charged phone (model dependant obviously). I have been using my phone GPS (with Gaia) as my primary GPS for quite a few years now and all I do is off-trail hike.
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Post by cahiker on Aug 25, 2015 13:59:00 GMT -8
+1 on Gaia GPS and offline maps. It was worth the ~$20 price to me. I have an iPhone, not Android, but it has worked great for me on several trips. I recently spent about 3 days of an 8 day trip off-trail, and by using airplane mode I used very little battery. My phone is lighter, brighter and bigger than my dedicated GPS, and can take picture too. The only caveat is that phones generally don't acquire satellites as well as dedicated GPS units in areas with tree cover.
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Post by cycle003 on Aug 28, 2015 11:45:13 GMT -8
Backcountry Navigator is what I use. You can download the maps beforehand. The app costs about $10, but you can try it for free.
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Post by jhaveman on Sept 11, 2015 4:56:08 GMT -8
Another vote for Gaia.
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Sept 11, 2015 15:32:54 GMT -8
I have the Gaia app, and used it once so far. The web site works very well for downloading the exact topo map coverage you need. My Samsung S2 was inadequate (the app needs a 4 or better operating system) so I used a Samsung tab 4, which is a bit large but welcome for my 58 year old eyes. My overnight hike was in Missouri's Hercules Glades Wilderness, which is mostly forested. A couple times I lost the satellites and upon reaquisition my track jumped straight across the terrain to my position. This was likely due to a shortcoming in my device, not the app (a dedicated backpacking GPS is no doubt better at satellite capture).
My next trip in a couple of weeks is to Grand Gulch Utah, a long canyon hike. I'm a little concerned about satellite signal there.
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BigLoad
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Pancakes!
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Post by BigLoad on Sept 11, 2015 20:04:19 GMT -8
My next trip in a couple of weeks is to Grand Gulch Utah, a long canyon hike. I'm a little concerned about satellite signal there. GPS coverage is pretty good there with a modern receiver. I haven't tried my phone there, but my Garmin 60csx almost always gets a fix, except for a couple places where I had to move a few steps. Have fun! Back on topic, I've had good experience with HAZ Tracks, written by folks at HikeArizona.com. It is being replaced with Route Scout, which is less mature, so I haven't tried that one yet. One thing I like about HAZ Tracks is that it can download routes from HAZ, and it can also easily upload tracks into trip reports there.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Sept 13, 2015 9:28:55 GMT -8
The advancement that made the Garmin 60csx so great was its handling of reflected satellite time signals. So in tight canyons, wilderness or urban, under heavy tree or right alongside a cliff wall, the confusion of getting somewhat scrambled time signals can be reliably sorted out.
I don't know how cellphone gps chips are in relation to that so it might be worth trying in town. You'll need to shut off your cell service and wifi (smartphones cheat using both those to fine tune location, my iPad that doesn't Have a gps chip can do a decent job of mapping my location anyway...) but then get into a narrow street with tall buildings etc. and see. Better to know the limitations before heading out. Though in any case stash that compass alongside your paper map per the usual backup.
Good luck! Fun out there.
Oh and another vote for Gaia.
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ecocentric
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Post by ecocentric on Sept 13, 2015 22:49:05 GMT -8
I use Gaia on my iPhone. It locks on way faster than my old Garmin etrex Summit. Take a map and compass, it will do a lot for your confidence.
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Sept 14, 2015 3:38:18 GMT -8
Thanks, I will definitely take a map & compass. I've also printed the topo maps from this this web site, which has points of interest that will help identify my position. The plan is 3 days 2 nights, starting at the Kane Ranger Station and exiting up Bullet Canyon (if we can get a car shuttle). Otherwise, we'll probably enter & exit at Bullet.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Sept 15, 2015 9:00:10 GMT -8
I use Gaia on my iPhone. It locks on way faster than my old Garmin etrex Summit. Take a map and compass, it will do a lot for your confidence. The one aspect of that is the iPhone "cheats" when it's got a cell or WiFi signal by using "enhanced gps" strategies to only search for those satellites it can predict will be above the horizon on the basis of the rougher cell tower triangulation and WiFi info. Neither of those may be available farther into the backcountry and then the gps chip is going to be on its own.
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Post by k9education on Sept 19, 2015 21:41:00 GMT -8
When I really need a GPS, I use my Garmin 60csx. I can get ~12 hours out of a set of AAs and it's easy to bring along a spare. When the GPS is more of a luxury, I use Gaia. The best thing about Gaia is that, in addition to actively maintained trails, it shows old trails and woods roads that are no longer maintained, which often makes for shortcuts or simply a more interesting hike.
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