

- #BACKCOUNTRY GPS TRACKS HOW TO#
- #BACKCOUNTRY GPS TRACKS ANDROID#
- #BACKCOUNTRY GPS TRACKS PLUS#
- #BACKCOUNTRY GPS TRACKS DOWNLOAD#
Honestly, the default maps are sufficient for most hikers however, a side-by-side of offered maps make Gaia the winner hands-down. Similar to GaiaGPS, Alltrails offers map layers and a number of map types for premium members. While not as robust or configurable as GaiaGPS, this app shines by combining photos reviews of trails and conditions from millions of users with mapping and route recording technology, making it one of the most popular smartphone GPS apps for hikers. Looking for a place to hike? Alltrails uses crowdsource technology to catalog, rate, and map hike throughout the world so a new adventure is always available to avid hikers.

Some more advanced features and map layers require a membership, which is most highly recommended for backcountry hiking.
#BACKCOUNTRY GPS TRACKS DOWNLOAD#
GaiaGPS is free to download for iPhone and Android. You can access your maps and tracks on multiple devices, including the internet, device app, and even smartwatches. GaiaGPS allows you to record and share the track with others and layering photos by location on recorded paths. GaiaGPS allows you to search for hikes/trails in any map area, leveraging public trail data and user-uploaded routes to help the hiking community. Hiking without cell service? Simply save the map to your phone memory and your maps will be visible wherever you go.

Need to overlay snowfall forecasts on a trail? No problem.
#BACKCOUNTRY GPS TRACKS PLUS#
Gaia has exceptional accuracy, detailed route planning, plus a multitude of map and map layers that allow you to use the GPS to your specific needs. I’ve used Gaia on the Camino de Santiago, Florida Trail, Appalachian Trail, across the USA, Europe, and China… and never found it lacking. GaiaGPS is – far and away – the gold standard in smartphone GPS apps. You can read my review of the Garmin Inreach Explorer 2-Way Satellite Communicator online. As a solo hiker, rescue and redundancy are key and this GPS gives me both with great battery life. Not only is it one of the top-performing handheld GPS units but it also a two-way satellite communication device – meaning that you can contact friends or signal emergency services anywhere in the world, even when no cellular service is available. That said, of all the gear I own the only item I will NEVER leave home without is the Garmin Inreach Explorer 2-Way Satellite Communicator. And – perhaps best of all – many of the best smartphone GPS apps cost less than $20. Another advantage for your smartphone is the ability to load multiple GPS apps onto your device which allows you to better match your needs on the trail. With a GPS app, you can carry just one device for navigation, photography, and communication.
#BACKCOUNTRY GPS TRACKS ANDROID#
One key advantage of your smartphone GPS app is the versatility of your iPhone or Android itself. While smartphone apps and handheld GPS units use the same technology, there can be some substantial differences in their functionality. Since your phone contains a GPS chip that does not require cellular or wifi to operate, using a GPS mapping app on your iPhone or Android device is a great way to be more prepared when you’re hiking or exploring. Smartphone Apps: There are several apps available on most major smartphone platforms that are easy to use and are extremely useful, even where theres no cell service.Īvenza Maps: Avenza is an incredible tool with almost 1 million maps for your phone.Looking for the best GPS apps for your iPhone or Android smartphone for your next hike? As a solo hiker and pilgrim, I never leave home without a GPS map and guidebook.
#BACKCOUNTRY GPS TRACKS HOW TO#
I cant tell you how many times Ive had to help people who had a GPS but didnt know how to use it. These tools are useless unless you know how to use them. If you start tracking right at the trailhead, you create a GPS breadcrumb trail for you to follow back to the car. If weather moves in, or it gets dark, even the most straightforward routes can become challenging with low visibility. Start GPS tracking right from the trailhead.

Having multiple people navigating creates redundancy and minimizes the potential for mistakes. This way, if one of your navigation tools fails, you have back-up. Below, I will outline the sled navigation tools and the tricks that my riding partners and I use to safely navigate in the backcountry.įour tips that lead to successful sled navigation Electronic sled navigation tools like GPS and smartphone apps are extremely useful. With the right tools, you can save time, prevent getting lost and have an easier time getting to the zones that you want to explore. Ive come to learn that when traveling deep into the backcountry, having proper navigation tools is essential. But with the access that riding a sled provides, it also comes with a higher chance of getting lost. One of the best parts about riding sleds is the amount of ground that you can cover in such a relatively short amount of time.
