This app was mentioned in 46 comments, with an average of 4.54 upvotes
Uh, or you could spend a few bucks and pick up an actual navigation suite that allows you to cache offline 1:24k topographical maps, as well as giving you a compass, altimeter, and other standard GPS features....
For iPhone users I'd recommend Gaia GPS
For Android users I'd recommend Backcountry Navigator Pro which I find to be a bit more advanced than Gaia though perhaps with a slightly less polished UI.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license
My go to app. Download the off line topo map of the area you'll be in and you're good to go. I used it just recently on a 40 mile hike on the AT through the GSMNP and had zero issues. Was able to get my position lock in to about 3m in less than 10 seconds but my phone is quite new. Google Nexus 5X.
I use backcountry navigator (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license). It has pretty much all the features you could ask for. The real limiting aspect of phones is the rather junk nature of the GPS when not in cell range. It can take a long time for gps lock (like several minutes), during which a lot of power is consumed.
For occasional use I think it's fine, but if you're going to be checking on your position constantly because of backcountry off-trail travel, I'd stick with something like an etrex 10 and printed charts from caltopo.
REI has the etrex for sale really cheap right now; I think it would come out to about $50. The battery life, durability, and lock on speed are much better.
I use a combination of BackCountry Navigator for topo & Maps.me has a handy distance & elevation change tool.
I did when I first started getting more serious into foraging. Then I realized I never used the app because I always remembered where I found things.
Here are a couple popular options:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.navigation.offlinemaps.gps&hl=en_US
Yah, it takes a lot of extra work. If I can't find them on freecampsites.net, I look at NFS and BLM maps.
If you're on android, you can download all the BLM maps with this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license&hl=en
Look at what's private and what's public with that app. Then look at the topo map to see if there's any flat spots. It worked out for us when we were road tripping to Utah from Seattle last year.
If you spend much time in the wilderness or whatnot, BackCountry Navigator is one of the best GPS apps available. It completely replaced my handheld unit and has quite a few more features.
The best part is the map packs and the ability to easily download them for offline use. I routinely take 5 or so different maps into an area and it's insanely convenient. Topo, Imagery, Markup and ownership maps all at the tip of your fingers is amazing. The overlays are also very useful and you have a few sources to choose from.
It does some driving functions but I haven't messed with those that much.
I have hundreds of waypoints set in this app and it's pretty easy to back it all up in Google Drive. This is convenient for switching devices or sharing data for an area with a coworker or friend or local officials.
The GPS accuracy is only as good as your hardware so be aware of that. This app will suck up battery and it will keep your GPS on(it does work in Airplane mode).
I carry a DeLorme inReach (DeLorme was very recently bought by Garmin so I wouldn't be surprised if the name changes soon). I never really use it for the GPS functionality, but it's available if I need it. Actually I never really send messages with it either, but it's a nice option to have.
For navigation on day trips, I use Backcountry Navigator on my android phone.
I use BackCountry Navigator on an Android tablet for hiking and camping. I got the pro version, and compared to the price of a standalone gps unit, $12 is totally worth it IMO. You download the area you want while you are connected to the internet, then you are ready for off-line use. You have several excellent topo map sources to choose from. I live in California and recently used it for a 7 day hike in Scotland! The app took me a while to get used to, but gives you hints and tips as you're using it that can be turned off once you know the steps.
BackCountry Navigator TOPO GPS.
I'm using Backcountry Navigator for track logs, among other things.
I think GPS Status can do what you're asking (simply keep GPS active).
If you're not ready to spend $300-$600 on a dedicated GPS device, BackCountry Navigator gives your phone all of those features. It has a steep learning curve, but it's well worth learning.
You can download topo maps and trail .gpx data (this puts a line on the topo map where the trail is as well as camping/sightseeing/drinking water spots if the creator has included those) before you go on your trip. Then, you can use GPS (i.e. no data) on your phone to show you where you are on the trail, how much father until camp/water/etc., and the best route out in case of an emergency. You can edit and save the .gpx data as you go to add campsites or water sources you find and want to remember or share. It can do a whole lot more like route tracking, but I tend to keep these features off to not drain the battery.
edit: I realized after typing this up that we're in /r/AppalachianTrail and not something like /r/hiking or /r/CampingandHiking where this would be a bit more useful. The AT is so well maintained and so well traveled that the features you'd get out of this app are less necessary, but might still be useful.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license&hl=en
I have not used, but have seen it suggested in the past. There should be a free demo somewhere from what I remember.
I like this app: Backcountry Navigator. It's treated me well mapping my hikes through the woods, and around my neighborhood. Pretty accurate in my experience, but as others said, it's really the precision of the receiver in your phone.
I use alltrails, trailrun project, and a major hiking website/app here in Washington (Washington trails association) to do research and get ideas and read find trip reports (also the local FB hiking groups have a ton of trail news)
But I primarily use caltopo on my laptop to make maps/routes and download gpx files and obsess over course details
And then when I'm out there, I bought backcountry navigator pro years ago, and it's my go to for offline maps
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license
Backcountry navigator, in play store
You can download maps to go off GPS only = no cell signal needed. Set it to track your trail, drop a pin where you stand, take pictures and notes to attach to pin. All on free version.
App I've used for years for fishing, hunting, and dirt bikes.
Thought it might be useful for what you're doing.
I don't use it a lot, but I got BackCountry Navigator on sale a while ago and have been using it whenever I need it going camping on BLM land with no cell coverage.
Don't really know how it compares to the others, but it's pretty full-featured.
Check out BackCountry Navigator.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license
I did eventually get this sorted. The promo required a single purchase of $10 or more.
Not $9.99.
Not multiple <$10 purchases.
I ended up buying BackCountry Navigator TOPO GPS ($11.99). $1.99 for a 4.5 star $11.99 app shareable to my Family Library!
For android, BackCountry Navigator, hands down. I've used it on my tablet and multiple phones; even a pretty low end prepaid device.
You can access just about every map source that I know of, many are free, some require a yearly subscription.
I do long trail runs in the Oregon/Montana wilderness and this app has absolutely saved me.
You can download whatever areas you want for offline use with a pretty simple drag feature.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license&hl=en Price is $12 I think. I bought it using Google Rewards credit so it was basically free for me.
http://backcountrynavigator.com/
One cool thing that I use it to do is Google Earth Pro paths. I just email them to myself, save em on my phone and then import to Backcountry. It's super easy and simple.
The app is pretty regularly updated as well.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license
This is commonly one of the highest ranked apps for navigating outdoors by magazines like backpacker and outdoors. I used it very briefly and it seemed to function alright and do everything it said it would.
Best $12 I've spent was on Back Country Navigator. Absolutely amazing app. Replaced my handheld right away. Works offline and in airplane mode.
Hands down beats all these other alternatives. It isn't really for driving directions though. It does it, but it isn't as full featured in that area.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license
While not exactly what you're looking for this app allows you to download various map sections locally to the phone. I've used it for camping with no cell signal and it seemed to work well for me.
Hi!
I don't have the G3 anymore, but it stands the same with my OnePlus One.
I don't use GPS on the phone anymore, as I find it too battery taxing. I instead use a Garmin. When I did run it on the phone, I used the BackCountry Navigator TOPO GPS. It worked well for me, but as with all GPS systems, your mileage may vary.
I do not keep it in airplane mode typically, but I do have internet turned off. This allows me to call easily, and others to reach me. (Granted that there is signal available)
I want to extend my good thoughts to you and your family, and hope that your friend is successfully found safely.
As a general PSA:
This is for everyone, but especially for solo hikers, PLEASE equip yourself with a Personal Locator Beacon or satellite messenger of some sort. When you go out on the trail, plan ahead and tell others not only when you expect to return, but what trails you'll likely be taking and what trailhead you be departing from. If possible, it is also a good idea to leave this information on a sheet of paper on your vehicle's dash.
Even for day hikes, carry essential survival gear for firestarting, water purification and storage, shelter, navigation, communication and light. Most importantly, know how to use it properly. For about $400 and under 2lbs of weight, you can drastically improve your chances of survival if you get lost or injured in the backcountry using a simple list like the following:
SOL Emergency Bivvy - 3.8oz, $16.95
Sawyer Mini Water Filter - 2.0oz, $24.95
Fire Tinder - 2oz, $4.75 (store in film canister or similar)
Waterproof Matches and Generic BIC lighter - 2oz, $6.95
Kleen Kanteen 27oz Widemouth Single-Walled Canteen - 7.25oz, $20.95
GPS mapping software with 1:24k offline cached map support from Backcountry Navigator Pro or Gaia GPS for iOS or Android - $10.99-19.99. Consider augmenting with a 5000+ mAH battery pack for your phone. Not a substitute for understanding map and compass fundamentals, but suitable in an emergency situation.
Pemmican Concentrated Food Bar, 400 cal/bar - 3.75oz/ea, $2.00
Fenix LD02 Flashlight, 1xAAA @ 100 lumens - 2.0oz with spare battery, $34.95
ACR ResQLink PLB with GPS - 5.8oz, $289.00 with no subscription fee needed.
I have lost an acquaintance this year on Mt. Hood, who left behind his wife and young daughter, because he was not prepared with proper essential survival gear when day hiking (remnants of a road flare and some wet wood was found), got lost, didn't stay put when he got lost, and didn't tell anyone where exactly he was going or when he would return. It was a senseless death that very likely could have been prevented by taking simple, basic steps that everyone should exercise every time they go into nature.
I use BackCountry Navigator - which does allow you to use downloaded maps from other sources (e.g. OpenStreetMaps) - both through the app for supported sources, or you can just stick the map files on your phone yourself and point the app at them. It supports pretty much every common map format out there, and its easy enough to flip between various maps when you're on the trail. It supports import/export of waypoints as well. Check out the user guide for more info on what it can do.
Using MAPC2MAPC, Also, I've taken PNG/JPEG images, calibrated them, and then loaded the resulting map into BackCountry Navigator. I've done this with various Jeff's Maps, and I've also done it with cell coverage maps ('cause I wasn't going to miss Game of Thrones last summer, even if I was on a trail with spotty coverage).
Not a plug, just a fan talking about one of his favourite apps/devs: BackCountry Navigator was one of the first Android apps I ever bought - back in August of 2011. Its seen steady development and added functionality (include for WearOS) since then. But, its interface (while still functional) is looking a bit dated at this point.
There was a KickStarter last fall for a completely redesigned version, including a website for planning, which is due for release over the next couple of months. The website is in beta now (for supporters) and the new app (in beta for supporters) is expected in the next month or so.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license
Back country navigator.
$12 and it completely replaced my handheld GPS. Works amazingly well
BackCountry Navigator Pro is amazing and simple. I've been using it for years.
Backcountry Navigator:
Offline topo maps and upload gpx files.
You should check out BackCountry Navigator if you haven't yet. It gives incredible detail and overlays over tons of different maps including lake depth maps.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-23ycK2Bz3-w6w8njp_ma20jvwAbRTZm/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-6vWSmK9w2VcuukuhakENrRKB10RftZd/view?usp=sharing
Backcountry navigator has been a nice addition to my backpacking and 4wheeling trips.
My phone is my primary map. I use BackCountry Navigator, which has access to a slew of offline topo maps. I'll supplement this with OpenAndroMaps (although these are primarily urban maps, they have a surprising number of major backpacking trails on them) or I'll even convert Jeff's Map (which is awesome) to BackCountry's format depending on the destination. Phone is in a holster on my shoulder strap for easy access.
Backup is a printed copy of a topo map in a ziplock baggie along with a compass, stuffed in the overhead pocket in my pack.
Keeping my phone charged is always a challenge 'cause I use it for GPS, music, books, videos, and games - oh, and for taking pictures too. So, its in airplane mode (no cell signal 90% of the time anyway) and battery-saving mode (GPS only comes on when the screen is on) and I carry a largish juice-pack.
I've got a couple of 7-8 day trips planned this summer which will be pushing battery usage, so I resurrected my old Galaxy S II phone - smaller screen and 3G uses a lot less power than my Nexus 6P daily driver.
This might be what you are looking for. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license&hl=en
Missed a comma there. Gaia: https://www.gaiagps.com/ BackCountry Navigator TOPO GPS: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license&hl=en_US
BackCountry Navigator is awesome.
Back country navigator on Android is really good
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license
Definitely not a throughhike, but: I've done the Wilderness section starting at Devils Lake Rd (Minden / QEII Wilderness Provincial Park) about a half-dozen times. I can unequivocally confirm that, after the first 10km, its a fantastically overgrown mess with only occasional trail markers. In places, the trail fades to nothing and there is some bushwhacking involved; and yes, there are swampy bits and water crossings and tough climbs... and its an incredible place to spend a week; I absolutely love it. Bugs can be brutal up until mid-July. To be honest, when I go, I tend to take a more relaxed approach of around 15km/day - partially because of the terrain, but mostly 'cause the section isn't that big and I'm pacing myself.
Maps are incredibly important on this section of trail. Electronic map-wise, I use three sources: - The most accurate: This jpeg that I found online at explorethebackcountry.com. I calibrated it for my Nav app of choice, BackCountry Navigator. I suspect the map is just a scan of one of those 2013 maps you found online. - OpenStreetMap actually has a reasonable trace of the trail; props to whoever added it. My Nav app lets me download the tiles for offline use. - CBMT Topo maps - from Natural Resources Canada. They're pretty detailed Topo maps, but don't have much in the way of trail markings. Most Nav apps (e,g, Avenza) provide these for free.
And, of course, I also carry a paper map and a compass just in case my phone dies. Its not a particularly hard trail to bushwhack as it basically skirts the edges of lakes and there aren't that many impassable barriers along the way, but its very easy to get turned around and lost.
Maybe http://backcountrynavigator.com/ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license&hl=en
Takes extra work to see trails though.
AllTrails may work for you.. Ihave not tried the topo overlay in the newest version. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alltrails.alltrails&hl=en
I'm not sure if there is much of a trail between the two. I hiked up to the top of the mountain between them, and its pretty much a straight cliff down to Iron. I have wanted to try and go to Iron lakes though, they looked awesome from above.
Grizzly was very pretty, though
Also, check out Backcountry Navigator if you have an Android device. One of my favorite app purchases.
I use my LG G3 for navigation, in airplane mode it will go 4-5 days on a single charge (3000mah battery) taking photo's with geotaggs and occationally checking a map/location or taking a waypoint. If I record a track it will get a day and a half to two days.
For extra power I use a Jackery Bar 6000mah charger. Gives me a full two charges on the g3.
The navigation app I use is BackCountry Navigator, I've had good results with it. No complaints, I always just make the topo's for the area I'm going to available offline. Here's a screenshot. Your phone isn't going to get sub meter accuracy but neither are most dedicated gps units.