Contributor III
Hello everyone I was curious as to what GPS devices y'all use on the road?
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A good gps for overlanding
- Thread starter Wanderer_35
- Start date
I'm using my iPhone 6Plus. Apple maps/google maps for road and Gaia app for off road. One device keeps it simple for me.
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Enthusiast III
I am using inReach with iPad and or iPhone 6s+ running Earthmate. Awesome!
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Member II
I'm with Rattlesnake44 on this one, I like to keep it simple. I am not into technology and the Gaia is pretty easy to use, even for someone like me. [emoji38]
How does the gaia app work when you have no cell service? Looking for something to use also when I'm completely off grid.
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Member II
You download maps for a region and set it up to use it completely offline.
As already stated by @finlayforprez, you can download and cache maps on the phone when you have service. The phone's gps function is still operational even without cellular connection so the app uses that to plot and track your route and guide you to waypoints if you have those set up. There are a ton of map type options through the Gaia app as well, topos, USFS Raster, etc. if you have an iPad or other tablet that has a cellular chip it will work as well. I used my iPad for a while but found that the size of the iPhone 6Plus was just right for dashboard mounting.
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Influencer II
I currently use google maps and my Android phone, but I am finding that it's lacking in all the functionality. So for Christmas, I got a Dual bluetooth USB puck, a Ram mount 7" tablet mount, and I'm about to buy myself an Android tablet dedicated to GPS in the truck. I will use Google Maps onroad, and probably Gaia offroad.
Scott
Scott
With the Gaia app, can you import .gpx files that have pre-set waypoints in it?
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How do you like that little puck? I saw it and was tempted, but I put the Garmin one on the list instead.
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Influencer II
I haven't used it yet as I am waiting on my 7" tablet to arrive. I know a few people with these GPS pucks and everyone I know that has one says they work awesome, which is why I put it on my Christmas list.
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Pathfinder I
How stable is that ram mount? Does the tablet wobble around enough to where you can't read it too well while driving. I am considering this mounting system or a hard mount on my dash.I currently use google maps and my Android phone, but I am finding that it's lacking in all the functionality. So for Christmas, I got a Dual bluetooth USB puck, a Ram mount 7" tablet mount, and I'm about to buy myself an Android tablet dedicated to GPS in the truck. I will use Google Maps onroad, and probably Gaia offroad.
Scott
Shaun.
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Influencer II
I am not sure how stable it will be. I don't have a tablet in there yet. But I bought it based on reviews and from people I know that own them. Everyone I have ever talked to loves this particular mount.
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Enthusiast III
As long as you don't leave your vehicle more than a short distance away all of these solutions are fine. If you are hiking away and there is a chance you will need gps functionality for whatever reason, I would not want to rely on the battery of a phone to get me back to the car. For me the inReach's long battery life, SOS function and the convenience of pairing to the iPhone make it perfect for me.
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Enthusiast III
Enthusiast III
You can download GPX with waypoints into Gaia GPS. I used i ton a recent trip and loved it. Even if you're out of cell service you can get a GPS fix with your phone. I'm considering getting a GPS puck so I can use it with my WiFi only iPad to get a little more screen space. With that said, the screen on my iPhone 7+ is more than adequate for normal backwoods navigation. Here's a shot of Gaia in action on a recent trip.
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Agreed... sort of. If you're going that far away from your vehicle you shouldn't be relying on the battery of anything to navigate by. A map and compass and good land nav skills don't need recharging :)
edit: Alternatively, sometimes I do use my Goal Zero solar panel and battery pack. On longer hikes I strap it to the outside of my pack, it charges the battery pack which in turn I can use to charge my iPhone with.
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I just purchased the Samsung Tab E, Gaia App. and the RAM Mount. Haven't had a chance to test it out yet. Will post an update at the end of the month when I go to Big Sur.
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