GPS Handheld VS Cellphone GPS

[Schleppy]

I used the Phil Endecott topos on my Iphone6 in Colorado and it worked very well with no cell service. I brought my phone to take pictures with thinking that the GPS feature wouldnt work without service. Tried the Topo app and it was spot on. I used it exclusively and never even took my Oregon 550 out of my pack.

 

[Rob Register]

I've used Tremble Outdoors apps on my iphone on several hunts with great success. Works so well that I stopped taking my Garmin and I bring a small solar charger for phone.

 

[id450]

Gaia is great. Make sure if u plan on taking a I pad or mini it's one that has the cell phone capability. The non cell ones don't have a gps. So I carry my phone , a garmin and keep the mini nearby with the same downloaded maps for easier searching when at the truck, in camp etc...

 

[bivouaclarry]

What ever you decide, get paper quadrangles as a backup. It's cheap insurance against a technical malfunction.

 

[Brado16]

For those using Back Country Navigator on Android, can you download arial and topo maps on the Free Version and access these while cell service is off- GPS only function? It sounds like the only difference between the Free version and Paid version is Adds? Is this true? If so, the adds should not be a problem since cell service will be turned off- Plan on using on a Samsung Note 3 if it makes a difference. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[PredatorX]

If I am not mistaken, you cannot download maps with the demo version. I could be wrong and of course I cannot check now because I have the pro version installed. I love the app though. I also use it on a note 3. Pair it with some extra batteries and you will be good. I can get a solid couple, maybe 3 days of use with GPS and airplane mode. There is a learning curve to it though. I dont miss my GPS unit at all.

 

[G5Archer]

If I am not mistaken, you cannot download maps with the demo version. I could be wrong and of course I cannot check now because I have the pro version installed. I love the app though. I also use it on a note 3. Pair it with some extra batteries and you will be good. I can get a solid couple, maybe 3 days of use with GPS and airplane mode. There is a learning curve to it though. I dont miss my GPS unit at all.

Correct... Cannot download maps on the demo version.

 

[G5Archer]

I actually use US Topo and OnX Hunt. I have backcountry navigator as well but I find US to be a bit more user friendly. It's also nice to be able to access the apps on my tablet as well.

 

[Brado16]

If I am not mistaken, you cannot download maps with the demo version. I could be wrong and of course I cannot check now because I have the pro version installed. I love the app though. I also use it on a note 3. Pair it with some extra batteries and you will be good. I can get a solid couple, maybe 3 days of use with GPS and airplane mode. There is a learning curve to it though. I dont miss my GPS unit at all.

It looks like I am able to download topos and arial maps and save them even on the trial...

 

[Blinginpse]

I used the Phil Endecott topos on my Iphone6 in Colorado and it worked very well with no cell service. I brought my phone to take pictures with thinking that the GPS feature wouldnt work without service. Tried the Topo app and it was spot on. I used it exclusively and never even took my Oregon 550 out of my pack.

I actually just loaded that app. How did you get it to work wth no service? I got the new iPhone 6s

 

[5MilesBack]

How long do your phone batteries work in the backcountry? The two AA batteries in my Garmin 60Csx will last the entire season if I don't leave the GPS on the entire time. But it's also real easy to just replace them when they're low too. My phone stays off most of the season.

 

[Eagle]

How long do your phone batteries work in the backcountry? The two AA batteries in my Garmin 60Csx will last the entire season if I don't leave the GPS on the entire time. But it's also real easy to just replace them when they're low too. My phone stays off most of the season.

With GAIA on a iPhone 6, you can expect your phone to last 5 days if you just use the app occasionally, this includes using the phone for pictures and anything else you want to that doesn't require a signal. With an external battery that weighs 8 oz and gives you 4 full phone charges, it can last you awhile.

 

[COlineman78]

It looks like I am able to download topos and arial maps and save them even on the trial...

I think the only difference is ads and premium downloads like GMU and land boundary overlays. I have owned it for so long I don't remember though and honestly it's dirt cheap compared to the others.

 

[sandhillhunter]

Question about Onx maps Hunt- when you cache base maps for offline use, do you have to save a separate base map for aerial view, then another one for topo view, and the. A 3rd for aerial + topo? It looks like it will only let you select one at a time.